Wastewater Plant Operator

Job Title

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

• Operates and maintains and makes minor repairs to a variety of wastewater facilities and appurtenances.
• Prepares monthly and quarterly operating reports for timely submission to regulatory agencies.
• Collects wastewater samples for laboratory testing, reviews and interprets results, and modifies processes to comply with codes, rules and regulations.
• Immediately reports unusual changes in bacteria, chemicals or physical properties to the Chief Operator or Supervisor.
• Uses field test kits to conduct tests on wastewater (chlorine residual, pH, process control).
• Maintains and updates safety and fire prevention equipment to ensure it is functional and operational.
• Maintains facilities, structures, buildings and grounds in a safe and well‑kept condition.
• Checks pumps, changes oil and grease pumps as required.
• Maintains records and charts for wastewater and process control data to document operations.
• Performs preventive maintenance on pumps, auxiliary engines, motors, buildings and structures.
• Repairs minor damage to wastewater systems to minimize service interruption; coordinates larger repairs with internal departments.
• Investigates and resolves complaints and problems with customers, the public and other staff.
• Maintains, cleans, starts up, shuts down and runs dewatering equipment in a clean and orderly condition; makes equipment adjustments, lubrications and minor repairs; participates in major repairs.
• Applies chlorine correctly for proper disinfection of wastewater in accordance with guidelines.
• Willing to be on call after hours, shift work, holidays and weekends as necessary.
• 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 by submitting the appropriate exemption form, subject to review and approval.

• Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a GED.
• One year of increasing responsible experience in the operation of and maintenance of wastewater treatment and collection systems.

• Florida Department of Environmental Protection Class "C" operating license in wastewater treatment.
• Valid Florida driver’s license with a good driving record.

• Knowledge of state and federal codes, rules, and regulations for safe and continuous operation and maintenance of wastewater systems.
• Laboratory procedures, field tests and sample collection techniques for wastewater.
• 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, regulations and accepted standards.
• Collecting wastewater samples and interpreting results.
• Preparing operating and maintenance reports for regulatory agencies.
• Planning and coordinating corrections, repairs and maintenance of wastewater facilities.
• Identifying safety deficiencies and coordinating their correction.
• Working independently without direct supervision and making sound judgment.
• Interacting with the public, consultants and staff in a professional and courteous manner.
• Troubleshooting equipment and process control problems and taking corrective action quickly.
• Available for on‑call duty after hours, holidays and weekends and shift work as needed.

Equipment used: mechanical hand tools, power tools, tractor mower, welding machine, laboratory equipment, laptop or personal computer, filter breathing masks.

• Exposure to chlorine and other chemicals, noise, hazards, water and blood‑borne pathogens, open tanks, confined spaces, unpleasant odors.
• Exposure to gas fumes and cleaning solvents.

• Climbing, crouching, use of hands, kneeling, lifting, mental…