Operator Jobs

About The Position

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent certificate of competency; equivalent combinations of education, training, and experience may be considered.
• Trainee: Secure an FDEP Class C Water and/or Wastewater Operator License within two years of employment.
• Tech I: Possess a current FDEP Class C Water and/or Wastewater Operator License before appointment.
• Tech II: Possess a current FDEP Class B Water and/or Wastewater Operator License before appointment.
• Tech III: Possess a current FDEP Class A Water and/or Wastewater Operator License before appointment.
• General work experience related to the operation of mechanical or electrical equipment, supplemented by courses in chemistry or related subjects.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers and supervisors and understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to distinguish colors and safely perform routine operational, maintenance, and emergency response duties.
• Ability to stand, walk, climb and descend stairs and ladders, bend, kneel, and perform other physical tasks associated with plant operations.
• Ability to lift and move up to 50 pounds independently and up to 100 pounds with assistance, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Trainee: Knowledge of the functions and servicing requirements of related mechanical equipment and machinery; ability to learn water and wastewater treatment processes and some chemical tests; inspect operating machinery and detect flaws; read simple meters and charts and maintain basic shift records.
• Tech I: Knowledge of mechanical and electrical equipment operation and maintenance; ability to read meters and charts, maintain basic shift records, and detect machinery flaws or defects.
• Tech II and Tech III: Knowledge of water or wastewater processing equipment and its operation and maintenance, including pumps and controls, motors, gears, diesel generators, chlorinators, and related equipment; knowledge of applicable treatment laws, basic chemistry, and laboratory procedures; ability to detect operational flaws, solve routine operating problems, perform preventive maintenance and minor repairs, maintain grounds, read meters, gauges, and flow charts, and accurately record operating time and test results.

Nice To Haves

• Prior experience servicing mechanical equipment and machinery is desired.
• Tech III: Prior supervisory experience is desired; time as Operator In Charge is applicable.

Responsibilities

• Participate in hands-on, on-the-job training under the supervision of a shift supervisor, lead operator, or chief operator, as applicable.
• Read and comprehend technical laboratory, operations, and maintenance procedures; attend training courses and independently study water and wastewater plant operations.
• Regulate treatment chemical flows, transfer chemicals from storage to feeder hoppers or day tanks, and participate in chemical deliveries, unloading, verification, and inventory maintenance.
• Operate water filters, pumps, valves, machinery, treatment units, pumping stations, and related facilities; monitor flows, levels, meters, gauges, and dials.
• Collect water, wastewater, sewage, effluent, and process samples; perform routine laboratory analyses and tests; record, interpret, and report results in accordance with procedures and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain laboratory equipment, instruments, testing supplies, meters, and testing equipment, including calibration as applicable; follow QA/QC procedures and safety protocols.
• Monitor and adjust treatment processes based on routine tests, meter and gauge readings, and prescribed standards; wash filters and make operating changes as appropriate to the level of the position.
• Inspect motors, bearings, gear boxes, machinery, equipment, and grounds; identify defects or operating problems and notify or contact supervisors or maintenance personnel as appropriate.
• Perform preventive maintenance, limited repairs, minor equipment repairs, and routine facility maintenance; assist with disassembling, repairing, and reassembling pumps and equipment as required.
• Maintain operating logs, charts, records, shift information, test results, and reports; take and record rain gauge readings.
• Perform custodial and housekeeping duties, including cleaning equipment and facilities and maintaining plant grounds as required.
• At Tech III level, direct and participate in shift assistants’ work, provide training and technical assistance, enforce safety regulations, give plant tours, and report serious operating deviations to the Chief Operator.
• Perform other related duties as assigned, including emergency or disaster response activities as required and consistent with qualifications and applicable law.