Utilities Plant Operator - East Port WRF

JOB SUMMARY

Performs technical skilled work in the safe and efficient operation at an assigned wastewater treatment plant according to local, state, and federal guidelines and laws. Work requires the exercise of technical knowledge and independent judgment in making treatment process adjustments and maintenance to plant equipment, machinery, and related control apparatus in accordance with established procedures and standards; and in the collection and analysis of effluent, sewage, and sludge samples. May act as lead worker, training plant operators, and unskilled and semiskilled workers, as assigned by the supervisor.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Operates and maintains wastewater treatment plant, performing all duties in accordance with all applicable locals, state, and federal policies, procedures, safety rules, laws, regulations, and water quality standards. 
• Starts, stops, and operates machinery, equipment, and systems necessary for the proper functioning of the plant; inspects, adjusts, and performs minor repairs and cleaning of treatment plant equipment; reports malfunctions of equipment to supervisor; assists mechanics in major repairs and installation of equipment. 
• Performs routine laboratory and bacteriological analysis to determine effectiveness of the treatment process and records results. 
• Inspects, monitors, reads, and interprets recording charts, dials, and meters to determine flow and feed rates, and electrical current flow; performs routine adjustments to controls in conformance with operating instructions to ensure that the purifying process is functioning properly. 
• Operates and cleans pumps, hoses, and strainers; removes solids from bar screens; oils, greases, rags, and cleans machinery and any other plant appurtenance as required. 
• Prepares routine reports and maintains records and daily logs. 
• Performs various grounds maintenance duties. 
• May act as a lead worker providing guidance, direction, and training to plant operator trainees and unskilled and semi-skilled workers as assigned by the supervisor. 
• Provides exceptional customer assistance, problem-solving, and/or complaint resolution by all forms of communication. 

Education and Experience:

An equivalent combination of relevant training, education and experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent:
  1. Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) Operator Certification Program only accepts General Educational Development (GED) issued by the American Council on Education through an approved GED Administrator.
• One (1) year of experience in operating a wastewater / water treatment plant. 

Licenses and/or Certificates:

• Must maintain a valid driver’s license.
• Must maintain a valid Florida Wastewater Operator "C" License for Domestic Wastewater or Water Treatment.

• Knowledge of departmental policies, plans, and procedures.
• Knowledge of modern office practices, plans, and procedures.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other job-related computer programs and software applications.
• Knowledge of operating principles, practices, theories applicable to water/wastewater treatment, equipment, and machinery. 
• Knowledge of mechanical maintenance and lubrication requirements of the equipment operated. 
• Knowledge of the occupational hazard and safety precautions required of the work. 
• Skill in effective communication, both orally and in writing.
• Skill in prioritizing and organizing work.
• Skill in the use of office equipment such as a computer, multi-line telephone system, scanner, fax machine, and copier.
• Ability to accurately follow routine operation and recording procedures. 
• Ability to detect faulty operating characteristics in equipment or processes and make minor mechanical repairs or adjustments. 
• Ability to operate and monitor heavy and light mowing equipment, pumps, motors, valves, and structures. 
• Ability to exercise judgment and discretion in applying and interpreting department rules, regulations, policies, and procedures. 
• Ability to make recommendations and to use resourcefulness and tact in solving new problems. 
• Ability to instruct subordinate operators in plant operations, and to act as lead worker with a team of subordinates and/or peers. 
• Ability to ascertain priorities and meet deadlines and objectives. 
• Ability to perform complex mathematical calculations. 
• Ability to maintain accurate records and reports. 
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle. 
• Ability to provide internal/external guidance and customer assistance via all forms of communication.
• Ability to use computers for data entry, word processing, and/or accounting purposes.
• Ability to author reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. 
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with managers, service providers, other employees, and the general public.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Stooping, crouching, walking, pulling, grasping, hearing, seeing up close, seeing far away, kneeling, reaching, pushing, talking, standing, finger movement, repetitive motions, depth perception.   Frequent lifting up to 25 pounds; occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work typically requires moderate exposure to one or more disagreeable conditions (i.e., irate customers, outdoors weather conditions, excessive noise, extreme heat, odors or dust).

RISK/SAFETY CONDITIONS

The position requires moderate exposure or risk to physical health and/or physical safety (e.g., exposure to environmentally hazardous material, heavy equipment, assault and battery, communicable disease, etc.).

Charlotte County is an Affirmative Action/ADA/Veterans’ Preference and Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, Minorities, and Persons with Disabilities are Encouraged to Apply.

Salary : $22