Chief Water Plant Operator

Under the direction of the Water Plant Director, this position is responsible for the administrative, supervisory and technical oversight of the City’s RO Water Treatment Plant operations. The Chief Operator plans, organizes, and directs the work of skilled and semi‑skilled staff in the operation and maintenance of R.O. water treatment equipment to ensure a safe and reliable public water supply. The role requires a high degree of independent judgement and decision‑making within established policies, rules, and regulatory guidelines.

Evening, weekend, holiday and occasional unscheduled overtime may be required to maintain continuous water service.

• Supervises, assigns, and directs water production activities related to the operation, maintenance, and repair of the City’s RO Water Plant; establishes and enforces policies, procedures, and standards; instructs and advises staff as needed.
• Reviews project plans to ensure compliance with procedures; communicates work plans and objectives; assigns appropriate staffing and resources; monitors progress and inspects completed work for compliance with specifications and established standards.
• Administers or makes recommendations on personnel matters including training, safety, work assignments, scheduling, leave requests, performance evaluations, and discipline; reviews and approves timesheets and activity logs.
• Assesses department needs; develops specifications for equipment and contractual services; monitors expenditures and assists with requisitioning of equipment, supplies, and materials.
• Maintains accurate records of Division activities; compiles data and prepares performance and compliance reports for submission to the Water Plant Director.
• Management, maintenance, testing and reporting related to production and monitoring wells.
• Collaborates with the Water Distribution Supervisor to ensure proper chemical residuals and distribution system pressures during flushing and routine checks.
• Provides technical guidance and conducts system inspections for builders and contractors on site development projects.
• Reviews laboratory reports, treatment parameters, and chemical dosages requirements with operations staff to ensure regulatory compliance and water achievement of water quality goals.
• Assists with investigations of water quality issues and implements corrective actions as needed.
• Communicates regularly with management regarding water quality status, operational issues, and corrective measures.
• Responds to water plant emergencies, SCADA alarms, and after‑hour incidents; carries and answers a City‑issued cell phone on nights, weekends, and holidays as required.
• Performs other related job duties as assigned.

High school diploma or equivalent; minimum of five (5) years of experience in the operation, repair, maintenance of an RO plant, of which three (3) years of experience at the supervisory level. A minimum Level “B” Water Treatment Plant Operators License as issued by FDEP is required.(License may be considered of an approved reciprocal State via the State of Florida Operation Certification Board and then issued by Florida).

• Valid State of Florida Class E Driver’s License. Applicants who possess a valid out of state driver’s license must obtain the Florida driver’s license by the start date.
• SEDA MOC certification or obtain within 6 months of employment
• May require evening and weekend hours. Required at times to work unscheduled hours in order to restore water service.

• Knowledge of all FDEP, EPA, FDOH and SJRWMD rules and regulations for water use, sampling and reporting.
• Knowledge of standard practices and procedures as well as regulatory requirements involved in the planning, operation, and maintenance of an RO water treatment plant.
• Skill in effective communication both verbally and in writing.
• Skill in the use of computers and applicable software programs.
• Ability to understand and interpret complex written and oral instructions.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, City Staff members, and the general public.
• Ability to plan, assign, and…