Water Plant Operator II

Water Treatment Plant Operator

Under limited supervision, operates the water treatment facilities as prescribed by regulations, requirements, standards and guidelines. Performs a variety of operations necessary to produce the proper amount of clear, safe potable water for consumer use, including testing water coming from the wells, putting the water through a series of purifications processes, testing the final product before it is distributed and disposing of waste/by-products products from the process.

This position is non-exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act and reports to Chief Water Plant Operator.

Examples of duties include:

• Works with a daily sequence of tasks to be performed, performs assigned tasks, and responds to changing needs and priorities during the shift to ensure that all appropriate activities are completed in a timely and efficient manner.
• Mentors WPO I's and assists in their development as operators.
• Conducts hourly checks and analyses of water for pH, turbidity, and chlorine residual; makes corrections as needed.
• Regulates the flow of water in order to maintain proper levels in tanks; takes and analyzes readings of raw water and water pressure hourly to determine rate of rise in storage tanks; adjusts pumps as needed.
• Inspects plant equipment as necessary verifying proper operation; reports any maintenance needs to appropriate personnel and, when necessary, conducts emergency maintenance repairs to ensure consistent operation of critical equipment; performs preventative maintenance checks and procedures on certain plant equipment.
• Collects water samples from raw water, treatment processes, distribution system, and waste treatment processes; analyzes water samples for certain chemical, physical and microbiological parameters in order to ensure proper water treatment processes are being followed.
• Performs various housekeeping duties to include cleaning slakers, emptying grit wheel barrows, etc.
• Operates, utilizes and maintains various water plant pumps and motors in the performance of daily activities; utilizes small hand tools in making adjustments to equipment as required.
• Maintains information from various sources, including the daily logs and check list and compile information for required reports for state and local entities, as assigned.
• Receives emergency calls and relays the information to personnel on duty when main office is closed.
• Monitors department radio communications and provides information or other assistance as required.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Minimum qualifications include:

• A high school diploma or GED with three years of experience in water treatment procedures; or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.
• State of Florida Water Treatment Plant Operator Class B certification.
• A valid Florida driver's license.
• Successfully complete required continuing education courses to meet requirements.
• Basic computer skills with general knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, including Word and Excel.
• Good communication skills required, including fluency in English (oral and written). Bilingual preferred (Spanish-English; French/Creole-English).