Water Plant Operator/Trainee

JOB SUMMARY

Under the direction of the Water Plant Manager, The Water Plant Operator maintains and operates the assigned water treatment plant(s), ensuring the treatment of water in a cost-effective and safe manner, which meets all Federal, State, and local standards and regulations.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Performs daily operational procedures, laboratory and field analyses, and routine calibrations and maintenance in order to maintain optimal treatment process.

Ability to interpret lab analysis and make necessary adjustments to ensure a steady state of operations.

Monitor and maintain remote facilities operations and security oversight via SCADA, video camera systems, and intrusion alarm systems.

Knowledge of SCADA systems for plant operations, data analysis, and historical trending for reviewing plant performance.

Responsible for operating and maintaining all equipment in the treatment process, including the chemical process and refilling process chemicals as needed. Responsible for adherence to proper safety standards and procedures. Responsible for maintaining all safety equipment and work order related records.

Operates, maintains, and repairs all chemical systems, including hypochlorite and permanganate feeds, dosing pumps, and all associated piping and fittings.

Maintains, prepares, and submits all required Daily Plant Logs, Equipment Data Logs, Process Control records, and entering data into Monthly Operating Reports logs.

Coordinates with other Departments, vendors, and contractors to accomplish assigned tasks. Provides oversight and progress status reports on such assigned tasks and projects.

Maintain State-mandated professional qualifications by attending and completing approved C.E.U. courses.

Performs after-hours and on-call duties. Responds to emergencies and other call-outs as directed. Responds to customer complaints and concerns. Maintain all Water Quality Complaint documentation.

Maintain pressure in the water distribution system of both OCS and Orange County Country Village.

Operates Microsoft Office programs for preparation of routine paperwork and records. Be familiar with computer operations and data entry procedures as pertains to operational needs.

Collects bacteriological and chemical samples in the distribution system as needed.

Performs other duties as may be assigned.

• Note: The listed duties are illustrative only and are not intended to describe each and every function which may be performed in the job class. The omission of specific statements does not preclude management from assigning specific duties not listed herein if such duties are a logical assignment to the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

OTHER DUTIES

This position does not normally operate under direct supervision, and requires excellent decision-making abilities, personal initiative and responsibility. Personal attention to detail is required to maintain water quality to the distribution system.

Employees in this classification are scheduled on-call basis. When scheduled, on call is 24 hrs/day.

Schedule: This position may work irregular shifts, day or night, weekday or weekend and requires scheduled/unscheduled overtime, including evenings, weekends and holidays and/or immediate response to emergency conditions.

Operator represents the Department at meetings involving assigned activities.

All employees will have a role in the City's disaster preparation and/or disaster recovery efforts, as may be designated in the City Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan. This may involve being prepared to stay at a city facility during disaster events or to respond to damage assessment operations shortly after a storm/disaster.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

High School graduation or possession of an acceptable equivalency diploma

Possession of a Class "C" Water Plant Operator certification, or higher, issued by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection

A minimum of one (1) year related work experience

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

Preference will be given to operators with a minimum of a "C" license; however, OCU will consider operator trainees with preference given to applicants with**:

Some knowledge of the operating characteristics of a water/wastewater treatment plant.

Some knowledge of hydraulic, chemical, and mechanical principles applicable to water/wastewater treatment plant operations.

Some knowledge of the occupational hazards of the work and of necessary safety precautions.

Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.

Ability to read analyzers, meters, trends, and charts accurately and to maintain records of shift operations.

** Operator Trainee is as an entry-level position for the operator career path and is intended to be a transitional position to an Water Operator Class C. Trainees must progress with hands-on training, complete coursework, pass the licensing exam, and obtain and maintain a Class "C" Water Treatment Plant Operator License within eighteen (18) months from the official date of hire, as condition of continued employment. Appointment of a trainee position begins at 5% below the salary range minimum of the assigned classification for the duration of the training period.

PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE

Some hands-on knowledge of pump operations and maintenance, well field operations, chemical equipment operation and maintenance, and operation and calibration of laboratory and field analytical equipment.

Some knowledge of standard water treatment practices and the rules and regulations of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, St. John's River Water Management District, and the Department of Health.

ADDITONAL ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Valid Florida Driver's license

Employee shall obtain certifications for the National Incident Management System ICS-100 Introduction to the Incident Command System and IS-700 National Incident Management System, An Introduction within six (6) months of employment

The following courses are designed to provide a -baseline, as they introduce basic NIMS and ICS concepts and provide the foundation for higher-level Emergency Operations Center- (EOC), MACS-, and ICS-related training

COMPETENCIES

General knowledge of water treatment operations, policies, procedures, and methods

Working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications and other related computer skills

Ability to operate and supervise the operation of vehicles (non-CDL) and various equipment, including, pumps, motors, generators, various plant equipment, meters, two-way radio, computer, printer, analyzer, mechanic's tools, calculator, various hand and power tools, etc.

Ability to utilize good mechanical skills

Ability to organize, prioritize, and complete job demands

Ability to produce and maintain records and reports.

Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions

Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing

Ability to operate and maintain equipment and machinery

Ability to recognize safety hazards and to take precautionary measures to protect self and others

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with management personnel, co-workers, outside agencies and the general public

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Primarily, works outside of an office environment,

Works indoors and works outdoors in various weather conditions,

Work may require work at elevated levels and also inside storage tanks.

Exposure to noise, dust, debris, fumes, gases, chemicals, grease or oils, electrical energy, slippery surfaces, uneven surfaces, in or with moving objects, offensive odors

Appropriate training and safety equipment will be provided for all conditions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Tasks involve some walking, standing, bending, stooping; some lifting and carrying objects of moderate to heavy weight (20 - 50 pounds) and occasionally very heavy (100 pounds) items with use of equipment.

Must be physically able to operate a city vehicle (non-CDL), equipment, various hand and/or power tools, etc.

Tasks involve the regular and, at times, sustained performance of moderately physically demanding work, typically involving some combination of climbing and balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching and crawling

Sufficient manual dexterity to allow the use of power tools, a keyboard, and writing

Sufficient visual acuity to read and comprehend departmental reports and documents

Acceptable hearing (with or without hearing aid)

Applications must be submitted by 4/14/2025 for consideration.

Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/V/D

The City of Orange City is a Drug-Free Workplace.

Individuals selected for employment must first pass a background and driving history check before commencing work with the City of Orange City.