The Water Plant Operator I performs technical work in the operation and maintenance of water plants, distribution systems, storage and treatment facilities in accordance with local, state and federal codes, rules and regulations, and permit conditions.
Hernando County provides a career path for advancement to Water Plant Operator II and Water Plant Operator III when license, certifications and experience requirements are met.

• Operates, maintains, and makes minor repairs to a variety of types and sizes of water plants. 
• Prepares monthly and quarterly operating reports for timely submission to regulatory agencies. 
• Collects various water samples for laboratory testing and analyses; reviews and interprets results; makes modifications to treatment and other processes to obtain compliance with codes, rules and regulations. 
• Immediately reports unusual increases or decreases in bacteria, chemicals or physical properties to the Water Plant Operator III and/or other management. 
• Uses a variety of field test kits to conduct tests on water (chlorine residual, pH, turbidity, chloride, copper, lead, iron, hardness). 
• Maintains plants, structures, buildings, and grounds to ensure they are in a proper state of repair, safe and well kept. 
• Records daily volume readings at water plants and wells. 
• Checks pumps, changes oil and greases pumps as required and necessary. 
• Maintains records and charts for water production data, process control and to document the operations of equipment and systems. 
• Performs preventive maintenance to pumps, wells, auxiliary engines, motors, buildings, and structures. 
• Mixes chlorine solution for properly disinfecting water in accordance with established guidelines. 
• Assesses safety problems, makes minor repairs and modifications and coordinates time consuming or difficult repair or modification with Water Operator III and/or Maintenance Technician. 
• Ensures fire extinguishers are operable and checked on a annual basis. 
• Flushes fire hydrants and appropriate blow off points within the water systems to ensure high quality water. 
• Investigates and resolves complaints and problems with customers, the public and other staff members. 
• Regular attendance. 

Minimum Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of an acceptable equivalency diploma (GED).
• One (1) year of increasing responsible experience in the operation of and maintenance of water treatment and distribution systems. 

Licenses, Certifications, or Registrations

• Must possess a current Florida Department of Environmental Protection Class "C" operating license in water treatment.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Florida Driver's License with a good driving record as defined by current insurance carrier.  

Special Requirements

• County employees are required to report for work during a state of emergency and are subject to recall around the clock for emergency response operations which may include duties other than those specified in this job description.
• This position requires the ability to be on call after hours and on weekends as necessary and scheduled.
• This position is subject to vaccines as necessary.

Required Competencies

• Knowledge of
  • state and federal codes, rules, and regulations pertaining to the safe and continuous operation and maintenance of water systems and facilities.
  • laboratory procedures, field test and sample collection techniques for water.
• Skilled in
  • the use of hand and power tools, vehicles, and equipment in a safe, efficient and effective manner.
  • troubleshooting and correcting mechanical problems at water plants.
  • operating and maintaining water facilities in accordance with all codes, rules and regulations, and accepted standards to ensure a continuous and safe supply of water.
  • collecting water samples and interpreting results.
• Ability to 
  • accurately and timely prepare various operating and maintenance reports for regulatory agencies.
  • plan and coordinate corrections, repairs, and maintenance to water facilities.
  • find and correct or coordinate the correction of safety deficiencies.
  • work independently, with minimum supervision, and to make sound judgment decisions.
  • interact professionally and tactfully with the public, consultants and other staff members.
  • troubleshoot equipment and process control problems and to take corrective action quickly and efficiently.
  • read and understand complex engineering drawings, plans and specifications pertaining to water systems and facilities.

Equipment Used

Basic hand tools, computer, turbidity meter, pH meter, mower, tractors, truck tailgate lift.

Environmental Conditions

Working frequently with others, work outside, with fumes and solvents, and work inside tanks and other confined spaces. Exposure to chlorine and other chemicals. Noise of operating pumps, motors, auxiliary engines, generators, and machinery.

Physical Demands

• Climbing, crouching, use of hands, kneeling, lifting, mental acuity, pulling, pushing, reaching, repetitive motion, speaking, standing, visual acuity, and walking.
• Heavy work 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.

Pay Grade: 7

Hernando County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, gender, orientation, national origin, age, marital status, veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, disability, or any other protected characteristic as defined by law.
Hernando County is a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to drug testing in accordance with Federal and Florida State Law.
Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must provide notification to the BOCC in advance to allow sufficient time to provide an accommodation.