Wastewater Plant Operator

Overview

The Wastewater Operator I performs technical work in operating and maintaining small to medium wastewater facilities.

Must possess a Florida Department of Environmental Protection Class "C" operating license in wastewater treatment.

• Operates and maintains and makes minor repairs to a variety of types of wastewater facilities and appurtenances.
• Prepares monthly and quarterly operating reports for timely submission to regulatory agencies.
• Collects various wastewater samples for laboratory testing and analyses, reviews and interprets results, and makes modifications to treatment and other processes to comply with codes, rules and regulations.
• Immediately reports unusual increases or decreases in bacteria, chemicals or physical properties to the Chief Operator or Supervisor.
• Uses a variety of field test kits to conduct tests on wastewater (chlorine residual, pH, and process control).
• Maintains and updates safety and fire prevention equipment to ensure it is functional and operational.
• Maintains facilities, structures, buildings, and grounds to ensure they are in a proper state of repair, safe and well kept.
• Checks pumps, changes oil and greases pumps as required and necessary.
• Maintains records and charts for recording wastewater and process control data and to document the operations of equipment and systems.
• Performs preventive maintenance on pumps, auxiliary engines, motors, buildings, and structures.
• Repairs minor breaks and damage to wastewater systems in order to minimize interruption of service; coordinates repair of large or time‑consuming breaks with other internal departments.
• Investigates and resolves complaints and problems with customers, the public and other staff members.
• Maintains, cleans, starts up, shuts down and runs the dewatering equipment in a clean and orderly condition, makes equipment adjustments, lubrications and minor repairs, and participates in major repairs to equipment.
• Maintains the correct application of chlorine for proper disinfection of wastewater in accordance with established guidelines.
• Has the ability and willingness to be on call after hours, shift work, holidays and weekends for work as necessary and scheduled.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Maintains regular attendance.

County employees are required to report for work during a state of emergency and are subject to recall around the clock for emergency response operations which may include duties other than those specified in this job description. Employees may request an exemption from this requirement by submitting the appropriate exemption form, subject to review and approval.

• Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of an acceptable equivalency diploma (GED).
• One (1) year of increasing responsible experience in the operation of and maintenance of wastewater treatment and collection systems.

• Must possess a Florida Department of Environmental Protection Class "C" operating license in wastewater treatment.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Florida Driver's License with a good driving record as defined by current insurance carrier.

• Knowledge of state and federal codes, rules and regulations pertaining to the safe and continuous operation and maintenance of wastewater systems and facilities; laboratory procedures; field tests and sample collection techniques for wastewater.
• Skilled in the use of hand and power tools, vehicles, and mowing equipment; troubleshooting and correcting minor electrical and mechanical problems at wastewater facilities; operating and maintaining wastewater facilities in accordance with all codes, rules and regulations, and accepted standards; collecting wastewater samples and interpreting results.
• Ability to prepare various operating and maintenance reports for regulatory agencies; plan and coordinate corrections, repairs and maintenance to wastewater facilities; find and correct or coordinate the correction of safety deficiencies; work independently, without direct supervision, and make good judgmental decisions; interact with the public, consultants, and other staff members in a professional and courteous manner; troubleshoot equipment and process control problems and take corrective action quickly and efficiently;
  
  be on call after hours, holidays and weekends and shift work as necessary and scheduled.

Mechanical hand tools, power tools, tractor mower, welding machine, laboratory equipment, and laptop or personal computer. Filter breathing masks used as safety equipment.

• Exposure to chlorine and other chemicals, noise of operating machinery, and exposure to hazards.
• Exposure to water and blood‑borne pathogens; works around open tanks and confined spaces; unpleasant odors in and around plant.
• Exposure to gas fumes and cleaning solvents.

• Climbing, crouching, use of hands, kneeling, lifting, mental acuity, pulling, pushing,…