Water Treatment Operator

Overview

This position is responsible for performing skilled technical work at the Operator “A” level inspecting, operating, and maintaining one or more water treatment facilities in a 24-hour operation on a rotating shift. Employees in this class perform water plant operation duties of average difficulty requiring reasonable initiative and independent judgment under minimal supervision.

This position is classified as essential in the event of a declaration of emergency and may be assigned activities that promote the protection of public health and safety or the preservation of lives and property.

• Collects and preserves water samples and performs laboratory analysis.
• Reports abnormal operating conditions to appropriate supervisory personnel.
• Modifies processes to maintain proper operation of the facility.
• Maintains and calibrates laboratory test equipment, analyzers, and samplers.
• Monitors instrumentation and control systems and responds to alarm conditions.
• Plans and directs the work of new or lesser-licensed operators as directed.
• Inspects equipment to identify problems.
• Performs minor maintenance of equipment and prepares work order requests.
• Performs general housekeeping, janitorial, and facility cleaning as assigned.
• Maintains accurate facility records in conformance with established rules.
• Compiles and enters data into an electronic database and generates reports as directed.
• Performs other testing on various stages of plant process to ensure proper operation.
• Participates in the department cross-training initiatives to acquire knowledge and skill sets to support the Authority.
• Performs other related job duties as assigned.

Education and Experience:

High school diploma, vocational or GED; supplemented by a minimum of five (5) years of experience in operation/maintenance of water treatment facilities, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Special

Qualifications:

• A valid State of Florida driver’s license to operate the motor vehicle operated. The requirement exists at the time of hire and as a condition of continued employment.
• A current Florida FDEP Class "A" water plant operator’s certification.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of operating principles and practices for water treatment processes.
• Knowledge of chemistry related to the operation of water treatment facilities.
• Knowledge of regulations governing water treatment and operator responsibility.
• Knowledge of PRMRWSA policies and procedures and applicable safety procedures.
• Knowledge of preventative maintenance activities.
• Skill in the use of laboratory and process testing equipment.
• Ability to understand, follow, and convey complex written and oral instructions.
• Ability to understand and make basic program changes to process control devices.
• Ability to perform mathematical calculations, use computers and related software.
• Ability to respond to work under emergency situations.
• Ability to work effectively with others.
• Ability to work effectively with all levels of management and other staff members and demonstrate initiative, mature judgement, customer orientation, and ability to anticipate the organization’s needs.
• Ability to properly and safely operate a motor vehicle.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work is medium work which requires exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 30 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Tasks involve the regular, and at times sustained, performance of physically demanding work, typically involving some combination of climbing and balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and crawling, and that may involve the lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling of moderately heavy objects and materials.

In addition, you must have the ability to stand for extended periods as well as bend, twist, squat, kneel, push, pull and exhibit a full range of movement. This position also requires the ability to climb stairs and ladders and perform physical tasks at heights of up to 35 feet, safely perform gas cylinder change-out procedures while wearing SCBA equipment, and work in confined…