Water Plant Operator Trainee

Job Posting

The City of Clearwater is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future visa sponsorship. City of Clearwater will not sponsor employment visas.

Entry Salary: $42,045.64. Under direct supervision, the Water Plant Operator Trainee receives orientation and training for the Public Utilities plant processes and operations. Performs general operations as skills are acquired and assists more experienced operators throughout the training process.

Essential functions may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Participates in extensive training and education regarding the water plant and all equipment and general operations; works under direct supervision and acquires skills through on the job training.
• Makes daily operational checks on pumps, equipment, and mechanical and automatic controls; transfers hazardous chemicals, replaces sludge bags, and performs other various maintenance activities.
• Assists in operating and maintaining water treatment equipment to preserve proper water pressures and levels; works with more experienced plant operators in their daily tasks for training and to gain necessary skills.
• Reads and records daily meter readings and changes necessary charts; assists and supports other experienced workers and applies skills learned.
• Keeps equipment clean and lubricated; maintains and provides minor repairs.
• Takes, gathers, and compiles water samples for chemical analysis; supports and assists other operators in the analysis of samples and application of findings.
• Assists in the maintenance and repair of pumps, meters, and related equipment; checks water quality complaints.
• Performs and provides stand-by duty for after-hour responses; performs lab tests on multiple lab instruments to meet D.E.P. standards; monitors SCADA programs for correct plant operations.
• May be required to work a flexible schedule including night, weekend, and holiday hours to help complete work.
• Provides customer service to customers with various water quality concerns or questions; accompanies FDEP regulators on Sanitary Survey Inspections.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

A valid State driver's license is required. Ability to obtain a forklift license. Class "C" Water Treatment Plant Operator's Certificate issued by the Florida Department of Environmental Regulation within two-years of hire date. High School Diploma or G.E.D Certificate; OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered.

Knowledge of:

• Principles of bacteriology and chemistry
• Common tools
• Functions and mechanics of pumps and related equipment
• Mechanics and mathematics
• Equipment maintenance practices and methods

Skill in:

• Distinguishing colors easily
• Reading simple meters and charts
• Learning, interpreting and applying various regulations and codes
• Applying mechanical and mathematical aptitude
• Seeing numbers and demarcations on gauges or dials
• Operating industrial and personal computers with general proficiency
• Understanding and interpreting complex policies, protocols, and procedures