Job Title: Operator Trainee

Department/Location: Public Works & Utilities – Utilities Section – multiple divisions

Bargaining Unit: AFSCME

Classification: Essential: This position is an Essential classification and will require employee to report to duty after a hurricane or emergency.

Schedule: This position may work irregular shifts, day or night, weekday or weekend and requires scheduled/unscheduled overtime, including evenings, weekends and holidays and/or immediate response to emergency conditions. Differential shift pay is provided as applicable per the most current AFSCME contract.

Supervision Exercised: None

Supervision Received: Chief Operator and Superintendent 2

General Purpose of the Position: Performs apprentice level work in the operation of City of Bradenton Water and/or Wastewater (W/WW) Treatment Plants, equipment and facilities. An employee in this classification is responsible for learning the operation of water or wastewater unit processes and chemical feeders used in the treatment of water or wastewater. Duties include taking samples for laboratory analysis and reading and recording meter readings at regular intervals. Operator Trainee is as an entry-level position for the operator career path and is intended to be a transitional position to an Operator C.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Participates in an on-the-job training program involving practical, “hands-on” experience with plant operations under the close supervision of a shift supervisor or chief operator; reads and comprehends a variety of technical laboratory, operations and maintenance procedures; attends training courses and engages in independent study of water/wastewater plant operations.
• Regulates the proper flow of chemicals according to prescribed instruction.
• Takes and records readings of amounts of chemicals added to the water.
• Transfers chemicals from storage to feeder hopper.
• Changes chlorine tanks, records tank levels, and checks for residual chlorine.
• Operates water filters; maintains proper water levels; washes filters when necessary; maintains proper water in tank and covered storage reservoir by operating pumps and opening and closing valves (only as directed by immediate supervisor.)
• Takes water samples for lab analysis.
• Brings any mechanical defects to the attention of the plant supervisor; assists with maintenance and repair of machinery and equipment.
• Takes and records rain gauge readings.
• Performs general custodial work in keeping plant clean and orderly.
• Perform duties as assigned through work orders.
• Keep basic records; perform computer data entry.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills and Physical Abilities Required:

• Ability to learn the functions and servicing requirements of related mechanical equipment and machinery.
• Ability to secure a FDEP Class “C” Water and/or Wastewater Operator License within two (2) years from date of employment.
• Ability to learn processes involved in water and/or wastewater treatment and the purification of water including some chemical tests.
• Ability to inspect machinery and mechanical equipment in operation and detect flaws and defects.
• Ability to read simple meters and charts accurately and maintain simple records of shift operation.
• Ability to make independent judgments and decisions.
• Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with employees and the public.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
• Knowledge of job-related software as required by Department.
• Ability to work in close, confined spaces, walk, stand, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, talk, hear, reach above shoulders, work overhead on ladders and platforms, use fingers and hands with dexterity, and feel and reach with hands and arms.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift up to 80 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision and ability to adjust focus.

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; prior experience in servicing mechanical equipment and machinery desired. Valid Florida driver’s license. Must obtain a FDEP Class “C” Water or Wastewater Operator License within two (2) years of employment. 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.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: Up to $19.67 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Weekends as needed

Work Location: In person