Lead Water Plant Operator

TARGET ENTRY SALARY:  $65,189.58

Under limited direction, the Lead Water Plant Operator will be responsible for the water treatment process during a shift and ensure the smooth operation of all segments of the water treatment facility.

Current recruitment is for our Public Utilities Department. 

Essential Functions: -- Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Direct the work of other staff by scheduling, assigning, and reviewing work, providing training and counseling to include assisting with training of personnel in emergency response plans and safety programs in conformance with local, state, and federal regulations.
• Delegates daily the operation and compliance activities within the plant to shift operators.
• Verifies standard operating procedures are being followed at the plant level.
• Monitors and reports the activities of contractors.
• Orders, schedules, and directs subordinates to collect compliance samples; verifies proper sample collection and delivery.
• Monitor the levels of critical chemicals and the ordering process.
• Orders routine supplies through established vendor agreements (BPO’s).
• Assists and directs mechanics and instrument techs in the repairs and installation of equipment.
• Initiate work requests for other divisions and departments.
• Collects, organizes, trends, and evaluates water operational data and makes operational adjustments.
• Oversees and/or performs inspections of facility equipment and machinery to determine that all systems are operating properly; oversees and/or performs routine and non-routine adjustments to controls in conformance with operating instructions, Florida Administrative Code, and prescribed standards.
• Operates, calibrates, and maintains all department equipment, vehicles, and test equipment to ensure safe and efficient operations. 
• Maintains current knowledge of Florida Administrative Code and regulatory requirements.
• Researches and responds to information requests in conformance with department procedures.
• Performs laboratory analysis on collected samples, interprets test results, and makes routine process changes following established guidelines.
• Supervises the delivery of water treatment chemicals.
• Accepts documentation from chemical delivery drivers, signs to verify amounts of delivered for payment, and submits the tickets to the Chief Plant Operator or Accounting Technician for payment.
• Uses appropriate personal protective equipment and follows safety data sheets recommendations for handling toxic, corrosive, and flammable materials.
• May establish and implement operating protocols for one or more water treatment facilities which includes water distribution systems according to local, state, and federal regulations to ensure permit compliance.
• Assists and advises operators at all levels in the resolution of difficult process problems.
• Works closely with environmental laboratory personnel to develop and implement sampling and testing procedures in compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.
• Coordinates with maintenance and/or water distribution to ensure uninterrupted service to all water customers.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Licenses, Certifications, and Equipment:

• A valid State driver’s license is required.
• Florida Department of Environmental Protection Class "B" Water Treatment Operator license is required. 
• Obtain & maintain Florida Department of Environmental Protection Class “A” Water Operator license within two (2) years or when the next course is locally offered from the date of hire.

This position is required to operate the below equipment, machines, tools, and other work aides: Trucks, forklift, hand tools, computers, and other equipment as assigned.

 Education and Experience:

High School Diploma, High School Equivalency Diploma, G.E.D. Certificate supplemented by courses in water treatment technology, personnel supervision, bacteriology, microbiology, general science and chemistry and four (4) years of experience working in a water facility of the complexity and size of those operated by Public Utilities with one (1) year of experience supervising water plant operations personnel is preferred;
OR Associate’s Degree in Environmental Science supplemented by courses in water treatment technology, personnel supervision, bacteriology, microbiology, general science and chemistry and three (3) years of experience with one (1) year of experience supervising water plant operations personnel  is preferred; OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered. 

Knowledge of – 

• The principles and practices necessary in the operation of advanced water treatment facilities
• Computerize monitoring systems such as SCADA and overall computer literacy
• FDEP and EPA regulations to ensure operational compliance
• Applicable environmental regulations related to the operation of water treatment plants
• Occupational hazards and standard safety precautions including storage of chemicals, confined space entry, equipment lockout/tagging, Hazard Communication programs, and personal protective equipment
• Chemistry and biology related to the operation of water treatment facilities
• Water operating methods, procedures, and techniques and their practical application

 Skill in – 

• The ability to respond to emergency situations such as floods, hurricanes, tornadoes and other natural and/or unnatural crises to provide for public health and safety
• The ability to work overtime, rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays
• Understanding operating and maintenance manuals, and other technical specifications
• Communicating effectively with others
• Correcting operational deficiencies; tracing abnormal conditions; reporting major deviations or conditions that don’t respond to normal corrective actions; and determining from several choices the method to restore normal operating conditions
• Successfully completing and reviewing regulatory compliance documents
• Performing assigned duties with considerable independence
• Preparing and maintaining accurate, detailed operations, and maintenance records and reports
• Understanding, interpreting, utilizing, and adjusting automation/instrumentation devices and systems to meet facility operational requirements 

Salary : $65,190 - $104,303