Water/Wastewater Plant Operator Technician, Apprentice or Operator I, II, III, IV

Santa Rosa County•Navarre, FL

About The Position

The Water/Wastewater Plant Operator Technician performs technician work in the operation of a water/wastewater plant and distribution system. The Water/Wastewater Plant Operator I, II, III and IV performs specialized work in plant and distribution-system operations as a licensed operator. This is a mandatory-testing position requiring drug testing. The role supports daily operation and maintenance of water and wastewater facilities, including wells, lift stations, treatment processes, chemical feed systems, and related equipment. It also involves collecting samples, performing routine tests and maintenance, reporting discrepancies to the lead operator, and attending safety training. The employee interacts courteously with the public and represents the County professionally. The position may be assigned a role in disaster preparation or recovery and may be required to work before, during, or after an emergency. The work is classified as medium physical work, with lifting and exertion up to the stated limits, extended standing and walking on uneven surfaces, climbing, bending, crouching, reaching, and repetitive hand and wrist motions. It requires close visual acuity, color differentiation, oral communication and hearing abilities, and operation of a motor vehicle for site visits. The environment may involve outdoor weather, noise, extreme temperatures, odors, dust, chemicals, irate customers, and other uncontrolled hazards for more than half of work time. A respirator is required. Candidates must meet the education, experience, licensing, and certification requirements for the selected classification. All classifications require a high school diploma or equivalent, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. Specific licenses, courses, and commercial driver license requirements vary by level. Starting hourly salaries range from $18.63 for Technician to $32.72 for Operator IV, depending on qualifications and experience (DOQ).

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience providing the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Knowledge of general mechanical repair and maintenance and operating procedures applicable to treatment processes and the functions and mechanics of pumps and other plant mechanical equipment.
Ability to operate a personal computer and related software applications.
Ability to learn modern water/wastewater plant methods and practices, read meters and charts accurately, maintain shift-operation records, and understand and follow oral and written instructions.
Valid driver license at hire and maintained during employment for Technician, Apprentice, and Operator I; a valid Class B commercial driver license with air brake endorsement at hire and maintained during employment for Operators II, III, and IV.
Technician: Complete a Florida Department of Environmental Protection-approved wastewater course within one year of employment.
Apprentice: One year of utility maintenance experience, supplemented by a high school diploma or equivalent, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
Apprentice: Completion and certification of an approved Florida Department of Environmental Protection wastewater course within the past five years; pass a Florida Department of Environmental Protection certification exam and obtain a license within one year of employment.
Operator I: Florida Water or Wastewater Class C or higher operator license, maintained during employment.
Operator II: Successful completion of a Florida Department of Environmental Protection-approved correspondence course certification in water or wastewater, and a Florida Water or Wastewater Class C or higher operator license, maintained during employment.
Operator III: Successful completion of a Department of Environmental Protection license exam and Florida Water Class C or higher and Wastewater Class C or higher operator licenses, maintained during employment.
Operator IV: Successful completion of a Department of Environmental Protection license exam and Florida Water Class C or higher and Wastewater Class B or higher operator licenses, maintained during employment.
Ability to meet the role’s physical, visual, communication, and environmental requirements, including wearing a respirator.
Applicants must provide the minimum educational documentation and/or certifications requested in the job description to be eligible for consideration.

Nice To Haves

A Class B commercial driver license is preferred for Operator I.
Lead or supervisory experience is preferred for Operator IV.

Responsibilities

Check all wells and lift stations daily.
Assist with collecting samples at wells and the wastewater treatment plant.
Assist with maintenance of chemical feed systems.
Perform routine tests required for efficient operation of water and wastewater treatment plants.
Check treatment processes to ensure the plant is operating at peak efficiency.
Perform routine maintenance and minor construction as assigned.
Report discrepancies to the lead operator.
Attend training sessions on safe operation of water/wastewater plants.
Interact with the public effectively and courteously.
Represent the County professionally and demonstrate commitment to its mission, vision, values, and goals.
Participate in disaster preparation or recovery as designated and work before, during, or after an emergency when required.
Meet minimum attendance standards.
Perform related duties as required.