Wastewater Operator

Operational Technical Services (OTS) is one of the fastest growing private water and wastewater utility staffing providers in the country. We provide certified water treatment, distribution, wastewater treatment, collections, engineering, laboratory, water quality, maintenance, and training professionals to municipalities, special districts, and private utilities throughout the country. OTS offers temporary, temp to hire, direct hire and emergency on-call opportunities including great benefits.

TITLE : Wastewater Operator A

LOCATION : Manatee County, Florida

SALARY : $27-$31 / hr

Scope of Services :

Performs water or wastewater plant operation and shift operation and shift supervision work. Work involves responsibilities for the skilled operation of the Wastewater Treatment Plant and for directing the activities of Operator Trainee(s) on an assigned shift. Primary responsibility is for the effective operation of the plant on the shift according to operational guidelines established by the Chief Operator.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities :

• Directs and participates in the work of Operator Trainee involved in the operation and minor maintenance of the plant, trains and provides technical assistance to shift assistants.
• Temporarily serve as Chief Operator in their absence, as may be required.
• Performs all of the duties of an Operator B, makes changes in plant operations to conform with quality control standards, records plant operating data and reports serious deviations from normal operations to the Chief Operator, enforces safety regulations.
• Operates a water or wastewater treatment plant and related facilities; makes operating process changes based upon routine tests and gauge and meter readings; operates water or wastewater treatment units including sludge handling, dewatering and disposal.
• Makes log entries, changes charts and recording sheets, inspects motors, bearings, and gear boxes for overheating and proper lubrication, takes temperature of sludge and effluent at various stages, uses meter and gauge readings to determine performance of equipment, performs preventive maintenance and limited repairs.
• Collects samples at various stages of processing and runs routine tests.
• Operates and inspects water or wastewater treatment plants, pumping stations and related facilities, starts and stops pumps, regulates valves and observes flow dials. Reads gauges and records information shown.
• Diagnoses and corrects mechanical and electrical problems, performs preventive maintenance and minor repairs, contacts maintenance personnel for major repairs, may assist in disassembling, repairing and reassembling pumps, and equipment as required, maintains and calibrates meters and testing equipment.
• Draws samples of water for test and analysis, checks and adjusts chemical feeders in accordance with the prescribed standards, washes filters periodically.
• Conducts visual inspections of working apparatus and grounds, may perform housekeeping duties such as sweeping and mopping floors, washing windows, painting and light building maintenance.
• Perform duties as assigned through work orders.
• Keep basic records; perform computer data entry.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills and Physical Abilities Required :

Equipment Used :

City vehicles (non-CDL level vehicles), small motorboat, pumps, power valve turner, trencher, generators, radio, computers and miscellaneous hand tools including shovels, sledge hammers, wrenches, pipe cutters, ratchets, saws, etc.. Although not required, may operate CDL vehicles if properly licensed. Safety equipment is provided.

Education and Experience Required :

High school diploma or GED equivalent; supplemented by courses in chemistry or related subjects with general work experience related to the operation of mechanical / electrical equipment. Minimum of 5 years of plant operations experience and possession of a current FDEP “A” Water and / or Wastewater Operator License prior to appointment. Possession of a valid Florida driver’s license. Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Environmental Conditions :

Work is performed both inside and outside in varying and extreme weather conditions for extended periods of time where employees may be exposed to excessively loud noises from treatment equipment, exposure to raw and treated water or wastewater and treatment chemicals, live electrical currents up to 480 volts, working with complex mechanical equipment, working in and around trenches, hazardous gases, fumes, paint, chemicals and pesticides. Physical effort is required to perform heavy manual labor in confined and cramped spaces and uncomfortable conditions, climb ladders, bend, reach, and stand for long periods of time. Occasional exposure to slippery and / or uneven surfaces; heights above twenty (20) feet; below ground level, with feet, legs and / or hands in water. Occasional exposure to confined spaces. Subject to 24-hour call back for emergency conditions. Appropriate training and safety equipment will be provided for all conditions.

Commercial Driver License (CDL) :

A Commercial Driver License (CDL) is not required for this position.

MUST HAVES FOR ROLE :

Operational Technical Services, (OTS), is an Affirmative Action / Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colors, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

Salary : $27 - $31