Summary:

Performs skilled tasks related to the monitoring and operation of a wastewater treatment plant. Works under the general supervision of the Chief or Lead Plant Operators. This position involves shift work.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Monitors plant operational status via walking tours, Programmable Logic Controllers, Variable Frequency Drives, and SCADA systems and adjusts flow rate settings as necessary to promote plant operational efficiency, effectiveness, and regulatory compliance.
• Knowledge of methods and practices of modern wastewater/reclamation treatment processes, operating procedures, and regulatory standards, including operation of SCADA instrumentation systems.
• Responsible for process control of an 8MGD advanced activated sludge wastewater treatment plant.
• Operates various mechanical and electrical equipment within the wastewater plant including, but not limited to motors, pumps, filters, mixers, centrifuges, gates, valves, blowers, gauges and meters.
• Ability to safely operate plant vehicles such as fork trucks, Utility Vehicles and Semi Trucks.
• Adjusts and calibrates various analyzers and chemical feed systems and equipment.
• Reads flow meter charts and accurately records data in logs, takes samples for laboratory analysis and makes necessary adjustments in the treatment process.
• Performs inspection of plant equipment and identifies maintenance or repair needs.
• Responsible for plant operation during assigned shift.
• Ensures all areas of facility are kept in a safe, clean, neat and orderly condition at all times by inspecting, hosing, sweeping and organizing areas as needed to eliminate slip, trip and other hazards.
• Maintains accurate daily log during assigned shifts and completes proper work sheets and computer data input.
• Performs duties and monitors plant in accordance with pertinent regulatory standards.
• Performs preventive maintenance and equipment repairs as needed.
• Prepares and maintains time, material, equipment, and labor reports.
• Operates equipment for de-watering wastewater sludge and performs preventive maintenance as needed.
• Trains other utility personnel in proper work procedures.
• Must be available for overtime and emergency call-outs when necessary.
• Assists in preparation for, response to, and recovery from, the impacts of a wide variety of disasters or emergency situations and may be temporarily assigned to other duties, locations, and shifts.
• Meets attendance requirements.
• Promotes positive customer service environment internally and externally.
• Performs other job-related functions as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

May assist in directing, instructing and training less experienced operators, equipment maintenance technicians, and contractors.

Education and/or Experience:

High school diploma, GED, or equivalent recognized certificate, supplemented by a minimum of one (1) year operational experience in wastewater treatment; additional experience is required based upon licensure level.

Qualification Requirements:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Possession of a valid Florida Driver’s License.
• Possession of Class C or higher Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator License issued by the State of Florida.
• Knowledge of methods and practices of modern wastewater and reclaim water treatment processes, operating procedures and regulatory standards.
• Knowledge of mechanical/ electrical component functions of plant equipment and the ability to understand related automation and control systems.
• Knowledge of trouble-shooting principles related to plant equipment operational standards and practices.
• Ability to perform plant monitoring and operational activities accurately and in accordance with verbal and written direction.
• Complete working knowledge of hazards and safety precautions associated with the performance of all duties and assignments in treatment plant environment.
• Working knowledge of computers and programs such as SCADA, Microsoft® Office.
• Skilled in the use of tools and equipment used in the performance of work.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and/or written instructions.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully meet the essential function of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Sufficient physical strength and agility to perform a variety of activities to include climbing of stairs, turning of large valves, occasional heavy manual labor, and plant monitoring activities for extended periods of time, often under adverse weather conditions.
• Work Environment:
• The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• The noise level in the work environment is moderate to high.
• The temperature level in the typical work environment is moderate to high, usually ranging between 60 to 90 degrees F seasonally dependent. During winter months the temperature in the morning and evening hours can occasionally be below freezing or 32 degrees F for short duration periods.
• Several wastewater system components are included in the work environment. Several chemical feed systems make up a portion of the system environment and Safety Data Sheets (SDS) are available for review to insure employee is familiar with appropriate safe handling procedures associated with each chemical of interest.
• Additional adverse conditions are present in work environment typical to those associated with sanitary sewer systems to include solid, liquid and gaseous forms of domestic and industrial waste streams having periodic septic characteristics.