WATER PLANT OPERATOR- TRAINEE in Palatka, Florida at City of Palatka

Position Summary

This is trainee level work in the operation of water treatment plant equipment and facilities on an assigned shift. The purpose of this position is to prepare the employee for Class " C " level certification required for employment as a licensed Water Treatment Plant Operator. After instruction and orientation, the employee will be expected to carry out routine duties as performed by a licensed Water Treatment Plant Operator.

Under the supervision of a licensed Water Treatment Plant Operator or the supervisor, an employee will operate and care for a variety of water treatment plant equipment during an assigned shift. Work involves proper operation and regulation of plant equipment so that end products meet the quality standards of the federal, state and county regulatory agencies and of the Public Works Department.

Work includes operation of pumps, chlorine equipment, SCADA, and other related equipment, collecting water samples for laboratory analysis, taking, and recording of meter readings at regular intervals, and controlling the addition of water treatment chemicals to the raw water. The employee works in accordance with established plant operating procedures but receives specific instructions for temporary departures from standard operating procedures. Work is evaluated through direct visual observation and/or review of laboratory, and operating reports. Employee will be rotated between shifts depending upon operational schedules and demands.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Trains in the monitoring and maintenance of the proper surveillance of all potable water plant processes, equipment, and controls to ensure efficient operation of the plant and compliance with applicable federal, state and local laws, and ordinances and regulations.
• Performs skilled work in assisting in the operation of water treatment facilities both inside and outside.
• Trains in learning to adjust equipment to regulate flow rates or modify treatment process in accordance with need determined by observation and tests.
• Makes plant equipment repairs and calibrations; performs preventative maintenance on plant equipment with direction from operators.
• Inputs data accurately into prescribed formats for submittal to regulatory agencies.
• Checks all plant equipment for proper operation; operates automotive equipment and performs routine maintenance tasks.
• Cleans and services pumps, motors, and other equipment and lubricates to manufactures specifications.
• Maintains inspection, activity, and equipment records.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to understand oral and written instructions.
• Ability to stand for long periods of time to perform chemical analysis.
• Ability to bend to collect samples.
• Knowledge of the functions and servicing requirements of a water or wastewater treatment plant operation, as well as the general operation knowledge of utility specific machinery and equipment, such as filters, pumps, valves, generators, mixers, and filling machines utilized in water or wastewater treatment operations.
• Knowledge of basic chemistry tests and related mathematics.
• Knowledge of the function and processes of computer control and interface systems.
• Knowledge of potable water production and wastewater treatment processes.
• Skill in operating and servicing mechanical equipment utilized in operation of water and wastewater treatment plants.
• Ability to apply computer applications and software.
• Ability to perform basic laboratory tests.
• Ability to adjust and regulate a variety of automatic or manually controlled auxiliary equipment to ensure safe operations.
• Ability to anticipate and adjust systems due to changing factors, such as, water quality, weather, and other factors.
• Ability to operate water treatment plants to pump or treat water for domestic or industrial use.
• Ability to communicate courteously and tactfully with members of the public.
• Ability to use or repair small, medium, and heavy equipment and machinery.

Education and/or Experience:

• Must possess a high school diploma or equivalent and agree to complete a Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) approved training course to obtain a passing score on the Florida Water or Wastewater Plant Operator Class “C” License as set forth in Florida Administrative Code Chapter 62-602, DEP describing Water or Domestic Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators and Water Distribution System Operators license requirements. The candidate must possess at least a “C” license by no later than two (2) years of appointment; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and/or experience.

Environment &Physical Requirements

• The work is heavy work which requires exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
• 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.
• Ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles and the like, using feet and legs and/or hands and arms. Body agility is emphasized.
• Moving about on hands and knees or hands and feet.
• Bending the body downward and forward by bending leg and spine.
• Perceiving attributes of objects, such as size, shape, temperature or texture by touching with skin, particularly that of fingertips.
• Picking, pinching, typing, or otherwise working, primarily with fingers rather than with the whole hand as in handling.
• Applying pressure to an object with the fingers and palm.
• Picking, holding, or otherwise working, primarily with the whole hand.
• Bending legs at knee to come to a rest on knee or knees.
• Raising objects from a lower to a higher position or moving objects horizontally from position to position. Occurs to a considerable degree and requires substantial use of upper extremities and back muscles.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required of personnel in this position.

An individual must be able to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. To perform this job successfully, the incumbent(s) will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities.

This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will" relationship.