Utilities Operator

CHIEF UTILITIES OPERATOR

DEPARTMENT: Public Works

Division: Utilities

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

This position provides supervisory, administrative, and creative direction and comprehensive oversight for management and operations of the city water/wastewater service area treatment plants, collection, distribution & transmission lines, and associated construction, operation and maintenance. This position is responsible for ensuring systems under charge function continuously and efficiently, and in compliance with safety and environmental regulatory standards concerning potable water treatment and distribution, and wastewater treatment/reuse/disposal processes. This position reports directly to and performs work under general supervision of the Public Works Director. Work assignments are received orally and in writing, and are performed with considerable latitude and independence in judgment and decision making within established policies, procedures, rules, regulations, laws and guidelines.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

1. Interprets, advices and implements efficient operations of the city’s water and wastewater treatment plants, distribution and transmission systems, and associated equipment and assures the public’s health and safety, to include compliance with regulatory requirements of the EPA, FDEP, OSHA, SWFWMD, and other agencies. Prepare and negotiate as necessary operating and use permits.

2. Reviews, manages, supervises and reports on activities of assigned staff and others as relates to city utility operations and maintenance. Plans, schedules and assigns the day-to-day work activities providing instructions, training, and performance evaluation to assigned staff: coordinate or perform, as necessary plant and field activities essential to the construction, maintenance and general repair of utility systems.

3. Maintains records needed to comply with State, Federal and local laws and regulations; completes local, State and federal regulatory forms, permits and reports.

4. Develops and prepares input for and monitors departmental budgets, policies and procedures and makes procedural and operational decisions or recommendations, as appropriate to the Director: Manages plant effluent, sludge, reuse, electric consumption, chemical usage, manpower requirements, maintenance requirements and equipment replacement; coordinates lab work; ensures adequate supplies of chemicals, spare parts, and equipment are available or readily obtainable to maintain facilities; obtains price quotations and requests purchases; tracks timecards and overtime usage.

5. Makes treatment adjustments and/or equipment changes to improve the quality of water or effluent and/or cost effectiveness of plant operations; directs facility operations to regulate flows and meet water demands in the distribution system.

6. Establish and/or maintain plant and system component preventive maintenance program and logs, Operation & Maintenance (O&M) manual, and as required compliance records and administration.

7. Operates and troubleshoots computer control systems; directs and controls operation.

8. Prepares or reviews reports for accuracy, completeness, and adherence to required reporting standards.

9. Assist in planning, organizing, developing and conducting city-wide programs, policies, procedures and services in the Utility Department.

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10. Develops program ideas, goals, policies and procedures, and effects coordinated action.

11. Prepares and/or reviews and approves technical bid specifications for operations and maintenance needs.

12. Attends and participates in conferences, training, and meetings of department heads, City Manager, Board of City Commissioners, etc., as requested or approved by the Public Works Director or City Manager.

13. Responds to concerns, inquiries, and complaints from the general public in both oral and written contexts; provides information, assistance, and/or resolution to problems, facilitate development activity and projects and for other planning or operational needs.

14. Works during and after weather emergencies and other natural or manmade disasters and accidents, as needed to restore drinking water and/or waste system operation.

15. Performs periodic routine inspections and monitoring of work/project sites during and upon completion for adherence to established regulatory practices, work orders and assigned objectives.

16. Maintains current knowledge of trends and developments in regulatory standards pertaining to water and wastewater activities for application to functions under charge.

17. Provides and acquires technical advisement, instruction and training as needed.

(These essential job functions are not to be construed as a complete statement of all duties performed. Employees will be required to perform other job related marginal duties as required.)

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of modern management techniques.

Knowledge of the laws, codes, ordinances and policies applicable to the utility operations function.

Knowledge of occupational safety hazards and necessary precautionary measures.

Knowledge of the organization, functions, policies, laws and administrative procedures of City government or ability to quickly learn.

Knowledge of budget preparation, analysis and administration.

Knowledge of computer operations, mathematics, chemistry and biology as applied in water and/or wastewater treatment processes and testing.

Knowledge of operation, and ability to operate, test, repair and maintain utility associated equipment as relates to mechanical, electrical, chemical and fluid system dynamics.

Ability to read and understand plans of distribution system and treatment plant plans and schematics.

Ability to prepare reports and maintain records related to plant and other operations.

Ability to effectively supervise/manage assigned staff; plan, assign, direct and evaluate the work of subordinates.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and the public.

Ability to evaluate equipment, chemicals and processes used in water and/or wastewater treatment.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Ability to organize and effectively present oral and written reports, findings and recommendations.

Ability to exercise judgment, decisiveness and creativity required in stressful and other situations involving the direction, control, return of lost services, and planning of program(s), policies and procedures.

Ability to work during emergency situations as required.

Skill in operation of the facilities in a cost effective manner, while adhering to regulatory agency requirements.

Skill and ability to effectively use system controls, computer and software applications.

Skill in organization, preparation, and presentation of written reports, findings and recommendations.

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EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

High school diploma, equivalent certificate of competency, or higher education; bachelor’s degree from an accredited four year college or university preferred.

Minimum of five years water and/or wastewater utilities related progressively responsible practical experience.

Minimum of two years supervisory experience preferred.

Prior experience in servicing mechanical and control equipment and machinery preferred.

(A comparable amount of training, education or experience can be substituted for the minimum qualifications.)

LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS OR REGISTRATIONS:

Valid Florida driver’s license.

Current water and wastewater Class "C" Licenses, or ability to obtain within one year.

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL SKILLS:

Acceptable eyesight (with or without correction).

Ability to distinguish colors.

Acceptable hearing (with or without hearing aid).

Ability to communicate both orally and in writing.

Ability to climb or descend at least fifty vertical feet of both stairs and/or ladder.

Ability to operate, maneuver and/or control the actions of equipment, machinery, tools, and/or materials used in work.

Ability to exert physical effort in work which may involve lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling objects and materials of moderate weight (up to 50 lbs). Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard, work station, in a vehicle or exposed to the elements on site.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

Works inside in an office environment and outside or in confined spaces at site areas.

Tasks may risk periodic exposure to adverse environmental conditions, such as noise extremes, machinery, electric currents, and/or toxic/poisonous agents, when performing on-site inspection or operation & maintenance duties.

(Reasonable accommodations will be made in accordance with existing ADA requirements for otherwise qualified individuals with a disability.)

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Tuition reimbursement

Typical end time:

• 4PM

Typical start time:

• 7AM

This Job Is:

• A job for which military experienced candidates are encouraged to apply
• Open to applicants who do not have a college diploma

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $19.00 - $26.00 per hour

Work Location: In person

Salary : $19 - $26