Wastewater Plant Operator

Position: Wastewater Plant Operator I

Employer

Hernando County, Florida BOCC

Salary

$49,088.00 - $68,723.20 Annually

Location

Brooksville, FL

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

14458

Department

Utilities Department

Division

Wastewater Operations

Opening Date

05/13/2026

Closing Date

Continuous

FLSA

Non-Exempt

Bargaining Unit

N/A

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

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.

Examples of Duties The following statements describe the principal functions of this job and its scope of responsibility but shall not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including working in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods, or otherwise to balance the workload.

• 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; 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 an 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, start up, shut down and run the dewatering equipment in a clean and orderly condition. Makes equipment adjustments, lubrications and minor repairs. Participates in major repairs to equipment.
• Maintains the correct application of chlorine for the properly disinfection wastewater in accordance with established guidelines.
• Ability and willingness to be on call after hours, shiftwork, holidays and weekends for work as necessary and scheduled.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Regular attendance.

Emergency Response 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.

Typical Qualifications

Minimum Requirements

• 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.

Licenses, Certifications or Registrations

• 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.

Required Application Materials: Applicants must possess and attach a valid Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) Class "C" Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator License at the time of application. Applications submitted without proof of the required certification may be considered incomplete.

Special Requirements

• This position is subject to the Hepatitis B vaccine and other vaccines as necessary.

Required Competencies

• 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…