Utility Plant Operator Trainee

JOB SUMMARY

This position performs semiskilled work assisting in the operation of municipal water, wastewater, or stormwater treatment plants and related facilities; does related work as required. Work is performed under the supervision of a certified Utility Plant Operator. Work may be specialized according to the assigned division.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work is medium work requiring the exertion of 50 pounds of force occasionally, up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.  Additionally, the following physical abilities are required: 

• Balancing: Maintaining body equilibrium to prevent falling while walking, standing, or crouching on narrow, slippery, or erratically moving surfaces. The amount of balancing exceeds that needed for ordinary locomotion and maintenance of body equilibrium.
• Climbing: Ascending or descending terrain, ladders, stairs, ramps, poles, and the like, using feet and legs and/or hands and arms. Body agility is emphasized.
• Crouching: Bending the body downward and forward by bending leg and spine.
• Grasping: Applying pressure to an object with the fingers and palm.
• Hearing: Required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels.
• Kneeling: Bending legs at knee to come to a rest on knee or knees.
• Manual Dexterity: Picking, pinching, or otherwise working, primarily with fingers rather than with the whole hand as in handling.
• Pulling: Using upper extremities to exert force in order to draw, haul, or tug objects in a sustained motion.
• Pushing: Using upper extremities to press against something with steady force in order to thrust forward, downward, or outward.
• Reaching: Extending hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction.
• Standing: Particularly for sustained periods of time.
• Stooping: Bending body downward and forward by bending spine at the waist. Occurs to a considerable degree and requires full motion of the lower extremities and back muscles.
• Visual Acuity: Required for operation of machines and observing general surroundings and activities.
• Vocal Communication: Required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word.
• Walking: Moving about on foot to accomplish tasks, particularly for long distances or moving from one work site to another.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The worker is subject to inside and outside environmental conditions, noise, hazards, atmospheric conditions, oils, working in confined spaces, and wearing an appropriate respiratory protection device as necessary.  The worker may be exposed to blood borne and/or waterborne pathogens and may be required to wear specialized personal protective equipment.

Assists with and trains in the operation and maintenance of municipal water or wastewater treatment plant, and/or stormwater systems, performing all duties in accordance with all applicable local, state and federal policies, procedures, safety rules, laws, regulations, and quality standards. Representative tasks may include any or all of the following:

• Starts, stops, and operates machinery, equipment and systems necessary for the proper functioning of the treatment plant and facilities; inspects, adjusts, and performs minor repairs and cleaning of 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 rate; enters data into computerized system.
• Regulates and adjusts motors, pumps, blowers, valves, and other apparatus to meet changing operating conditions.
• Operates, cleans, and services pumps, hoses, and strainers; removes solids; lubricates and cleans machinery and equipment as required.
• Prepares reports and maintains records and daily logs.
• Performs routine building, lawn and landscape maintenance.
• Alternates with others on a rotating standby off-hours call schedule as assigned. 
• Performs related tasks as required.

OTHER INFORMATION

Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties just as though they were actually written out in this job description.

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the City of Jacksonville Beach and the employee and is subject to change by the City as the needs of the City and requirements of the job change.

Education and Experience:

A high school diploma or equivalent.

 Special Qualifications:

A driver’s license valid in the State of Florida. Must obtain a Water or Wastewater Class C License within two years. 

 Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 

• Knowledge of operating principles, processes, and theories applicable to water and wastewater treatment, equipment, and machinery.
• Knowledge of mechanical operations and maintenance of the equipment operated.
• Knowledge of the occupational hazard and safety precautions required of the work.
• 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 equipment, pumps, motors, valves, and structures.
• Ability to perform mathematical calculations.
• Ability to read meters and charts accurately.
• Ability to understand and carry out written and oral instructions. 
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing. 
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.  

• Empowerment – Enabling employees to achieve work-life balance & professional growth and success
• Pride – A small coastal city dedicated to displaying a big heart through our commitment to the community
• Integrity – We hold ourselves, individual and collectively, accountable to our community and our organization
• Communication – Open & honest dialogue with our community and throughout our organization
• Teamwork– Working together with our community to achieve common organizational goals

Salary : $36,504