Water Plant Operator C in Land O' Lakes, Florida at Tampa Bay Water

Under general supervision, Water Plant Operators perform certified and skilled work in the 24-hour operation of an interlinked, tri-county network of water treatment plants, pipeline and pumping station infrastructure.

Employees exercise independent judgment in making adjustments to machinery, operating controls, equipment and related control apparatus in accordance with established procedural guidelines, recognized best practices and industry standards.

The position requires considerable knowledge of operating principles, process control technologies and treatment practices associated with water plants and pumping equipment. Knowledge of environmental health hazards and life-safety disciplines unique to both localized and distributed water treatment methods is required. Must have knowledge of and utilize onsite and remotely controlled water treatment plant operating techniques.

Position requires considerable written and oral communication skills combined with strong analytical and data analysis skills. Must be a cooperative and interactive team player with highly developed organizational and time management skills. Performance is monitored through periodic conferences, reports, training and administrative review process.

Water Production Roles:

• Serves as a support to staff in:
  1. Researching methods for improving the Agency in support of the mission, vision and values.
  2. Developing and reviewing Agency plans and improvements that support the Agency mission, vision and values.
  3. Technical, Engineering, and regional Operations & Maintenance teams.

**Please note that this position can be assigned to a location in Pinellas, Pasco or Hillsborough County. Also, it is a 12-hour shift - 7-7, either AM or PM** You must be able to work any location and any shift.

• Conducts daily/weekly/monthly plant checks and preventative maintenance (PM) checks to inspect and identify potential problems. Equipment includes high service pumps/motors; wellfield equipment and machinery; chemical skid pumps, appurtenances and injection assemblies; analyzers and instruments; databases; HMI panel displays; SCADA indications including Security Systems in order to verify that all machinery, systems, and mechanical components are operating properly and safely.
• Monitors recorders, meters, LCD/LED indicating and control equipment, electronic SCADA screens, VFD/pump status, plant machinery and operational facilities by direct visual observation or while using process control workstations, in-field automation, field service kits, tablet, smart phone, computer workstation or laptop.
• Makes routine adjustments to treatment plant equipment and takes corrective actions when necessary to ensure consistent water delivery in conformance with operating directives, OEM instructions, best management practices and contractual requirements under State of Florida Administrative Code and according to Federal Regulations.
• Maintains current knowledge of Florida Administrative Code and federal regulatory requirements regarding the provision of safe drinking water for a Public Water Supply System.
• Notifies Lead Operator of any need for non-routine adjustments or equipment malfunction and additionally notifies necessary alternate personnel in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures in emergency situations.
• Identifies, acknowledges and corrects infrastructure system excursions and alarms. Trains on water quality (WQ) analysis and trending and the required maintenance, troubleshooting and repair of analyzers and instruments.
• Routinely engages in technical knowledge sharing and cross-training amongst the regional operational zones and SCADA consoles.
• Corrects malfunctioning system mechanics via computerized SCADA system and takes responsibility for personal safety while actively contributing to team safety during work assignments.
• Prepares, compiles and maintains operational reports to include preserving daily statistical data on plant and wellfield operation, production efficiency and water quality for the Agency or Agency Customers.
• May take responsible charge in the operation of water treatment facilities according to Florida Administrative Code and direct personnel, as required, to operate those facilities according to all State and Federal guidelines in the absence of a Lead Operator.
• Maintains and utilizes department vehicles and equipment.
• Exercises clear and open communications with Agency personnel including, but not limited to upper management, maintenance, electrical, instrumentation and controls, laboratory, buildings and grounds, engineering, etc.
• Coordinates and may assist support personnel during system testing exercises, chemical spill clean-up/mitigation, failed equipment/circuit identification and resets, housekeeping/cleaning.
• Engages in corrective maintenance (CM) when required, as assigned or in an emergency. Achieves a troubleshooting competency for identifying malfunctioning equipment/analyzers.
• Utilizes Water Quality tables, trends and specific database tools.
• Works a flexible schedule including night, weekend and holiday hours to help complete assigned duties and shifts.
• Responds to after-hours, off-duty call outs, as necessary, to mitigate staffing shortages or other emergency events.
• Provides training to Operator Trainees.
• Observes safety policies and procedures in accordance with the Agency’s Safety Program.
• Performs related work as directed.

Disaster Service Worker: Employees of Tampa Bay Water are, by State and Federal law, Disaster Service Workers. In the event of a declaration of emergency, any employee may be assigned activities that promote the protection of public health and safety or the preservation of lives and property, either at the Agency or within the local or their own community.

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS

Knowledge of:

• Principles of bacteriology and chemistry.
• The use of common mechanical tools.
• Functions and mechanics of pumps and related equipment.
• Mechanics and mathematics.
• Equipment maintenance practices and methods.

Ability and Skills to:

• Distinguish colors easily.
• Read simple meters and charts.
• Learn, interpret and apply various regulations and codes.
• Apply mechanical and mathematical aptitude.
• See numbers and demarcations on gauges or dials.
• Operate industrial and personal computers with general proficiency.
• Understand and interpret complex policies, protocols and procedures.
• Ability to work effectively in a team-based organization focused on continuous improvement.
• Ability to establish and maintain a positive customer service attitude and effective working relationships with internal and external customers.
• Ability to demonstrate strong two-way communication skills, including the ability to listen explain, and facilitate.
• Ability to ask for input, offer help without being asked, accept suggestions and work with others to solve problems.

PREFERRED TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:

EDUCATION REQUIRED:

REQUIRED LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS:

• A current Florida Department of Environmental Protection Class C Water Treatment Plant Operator License. Please note that Class A and B licenses will be accepted and the starting pay will be commensurate with the license level.
• Valid driver’s license.

MINIMUM STANDARDS REQUIRED TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:

Physical Abilities: Tasks involve the ability to exert medium physical effort which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects, and materials of medium weight (30-50 pounds). Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or workstation. Walking for extended periods of time and travelling up and down stairs.

Sensory Abilities: Some tasks require visual perception and discrimination.

Environmental Requirements: Tasks are regularly performed without exposure to hazardous environmental conditions, equipment and work environments. Some tasks are completed in hazardous indoor work environments that will be posted or designated and employees are required to comply with all applicable safety requirements while working in those designated areas. Some tasks are completed outdoors where employees may be exposed to physical hazards characteristic of an outdoor work environment.