What are the responsibilities and job description for the Power Plant Chemistry Technician position at City of Gainesville?
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Make a difference in the community you live in! As a Community Builder—an employee with the City of Gainesville— you will have a direct hand in building and improving your community and making a visible impact on the lives of your neighbors. Working for local government is more than a job, it’s a chance to contribute to community success and to help enhance the Gainesville way of life.
Department:
1113 GRU - Energy Supply Water Systems
Salary Range Minimum:
$18.00
Salary Range Maximum:
$38.83
Closing Date:
12/21/2025
Job Details:
Join our GRU team as a Chemistry Technician and contribute to the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of our power generation facilities. Safety is a core value at GRU, and this role plays an essential part in protecting plant equipment, the environment, and our workforce through precise chemistry control and strong hazard-recognition practices.
This position performs skilled technical work in water, steam, and environmental chemistry within an industrial power plant environment. You will collect and analyze samples, interpret data trends, troubleshoot chemistry and equipment issues, and make process adjustments to protect plant assets and ensure regulatory compliance.
The role involves hands-on laboratory work, operation and optimization of water treatment systems, and calibration and maintenance of analytical instruments. You will also support environmental monitoring, prepare accurate compliance documentation, and contribute to continuous improvement efforts across Energy Supply.
This position regularly collaborates with operators, maintenance teams, and supervisors to communicate system status and chemistry conditions. It also provides opportunities to train and mentor less experienced personnel as part of building a strong, informed team.
Positions allocated to this classification report to a designated supervisor and work under general supervision. Work in this class is distinguished from other classes by its advanced technical skills and requirement to train and instruct personnel.
Job Description:
Summary
Skilled technical work in an industrial environment performing sample collection, analysis, data evaluation, troubleshooting/problem solving, and treatment of power plant water, steam, and process water systems. Additionally, skilled technical work in environmental sample collection, analysis, and reporting. This is a power plant position with expectations of leading in continuous improvement process.
Positions allocated to this classification report to a designated supervisor and work under general supervision. Work in this class is distinguished from other classes by its advanced technical skills and requirement to train and instruct personnel.
EXAMPLES OF WORK*
Safety must be held as a core value. Employee must be able to recognize hazards and address through proper mitigation. Employee must be able to recognize when he/she needs additional training or is unfamiliar with a task. He/she must be willing and able to challenge others to working safely and to stop any observed unsafe work practice or condition to resolve the issue promptly.
Collects, analyzes, and interprets various power plant water and steam samples and takes corrective action as needed. Ensures conformance to accepted qualitative and quantitative laboratory procedures as well as power plant chemistry guidelines.
Independently makes necessary adjustments to power plant water and chemical systems based on analyses performed and on-line instrumentation by utilizing trending software such as PI Historian and Laboratory Information Management System historical data functions.
Collects, analyzes, and interprets various environmental samples to maintain compliance with environmental permits.
Assists in the preparation of data reports, adherence to and administration of a Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) program, and data entry into the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) computers.
Maintains records and logs in accordance with FDEP standards and prepares detailed records and reports in a timely manner.
Calibrates, adjusts, maintains and repairs as necessary all laboratory instrumentation and on-line continuous analyzers including pH, conductivity, spectrophotometers, sodium, silica, dissolved oxygen, phosphate, and others.
Performs chemical analyses using gravimetric, spectrophotometric, turbidimetric, and titrimetric methods in conformance to Standard Methods.
Assists in developing and evaluating new analytical methods. Prepares laboratory reagents, as needed, in conformance to Standard Methods, and general laboratory procedures.
Operates, controls, and troubleshoots water treatment systems such as demineralizers, reverse osmosis, and electro-deionization equipment.
Based on area of assignment, operates, controls and troubleshoots Zero-Liquid-Discharge System including Brine Concentrator, Crystallizer, and Belt Press.
Complies with information provided on Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for all products. Handles and stores items properly.
Observes and adheres to proper LockOut/Tag Out of plant equipment and systems in accordance with clearance procedures, policies, and practices.
Attends training courses and studies independently to learn operation and maintenance requirements of power plant laboratory facilities, equipment, and operation.
Assists in the maintenance, operator and monitoring of the Transformer Dissolved Gas Analyzers.
Completes established training objectives for craft area assigned to journey level.
Works with other power plant personnel to start up, troubleshoot, or shut down equipment for corrective or preventive maintenance.
Provides training and instruction to subordinate personnel and advises the Laboratory Supervisor of level of job knowledge, skills, and abilities of personnel in training.
Responds to emergency situations.
Ability to identify and correct unsafe states such as rushing, fatigue, frustration and complacency in own and other’s work habits.
Responsible for maintaining, ordering, coordinating, accepting and offloading of chemical deliveries of bulk chemicals.
Attends work on a continuous and regular basis.
Non-essential Job Functions
Will be required to transport, mix, handle or use hazardous materials or may be responsible for facilities or equipment carrying current, fluids or gas that could endanger the public or other employees.
May be required to train and perform duties in emergency egress, accidental spill incidents, and other safety-related emergencies.
Assists with training of Power Plant Trainees and other personnel as directed by the Laboratory Supervisor.
Assists with cleaning of plant facilities, equipment and general housekeeping.
May be required to supervise the Laboratory in absence of the Supervisor.
Participates in daily safety tailgate meetings.
Follows all City of Gainesville and Gainesville Regional Utilities policies, procedures and practice guidelines.
Performs other related duties as assigned.
Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job function satisfactorily. Below are the required education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the essential functions.
Education And Experience
Associate’s Degree from an accredited institution with major course work in chemical, physical, environmental or biological sciences or a related subject with a minimum of sixteen (16) semester hours of college level chemistry or a minimum of three years directly applicable experience.
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in one of the above disciplines is preferred.
A Master’s degree from an accredited institution in one of the above disciplines may be substituted for the required experience.
Or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience which provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities.
Must meet minimum Craft and Safety Training established for designated journey level program within the guidelines established in the Progression-Through-Training program. Power Plant Chemistry Technician is a “must-progress” job.
CERTIFICATIONS OR LICENSES
Licenses
Valid Florida Driver License required at time of appointment.
Certifications
Based on Plant Assignment, may be required to obtain Drinking Water Class “C” License within one (1) year of employment.
Knowledge, Skills And Abilities
Thorough knowledge of occupational hazards, safety rules and regulations, and safety precautions.
Working knowledge of principles and methods of qualitative and quantitative chemical analysis of water treatment and of chemical and physical treatment procedures used in treatment of water suitable for power plant boilers.
Working knowledge of principles and methods of qualitative and quantitative chemical and biological analysis used in environmental monitoring.
Working knowledge and familiarity with Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) standards and procedures.
Working knowledge and familiarity with Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) programs for process and environmental work.
Working knowledge of functions and servicing requirements for lab and power plant equipment.
Working knowledge of occupational hazards and accident prevention methods in assigned area of responsibility.
Working knowledge of principles and operation of demineralizer systems, cooling towers, cooling systems, and chemical feed systems along with principles of brine concentrators.
Working knowledge of potential hazards and procedures for fire and explosion prevention.
Skill in use of laboratory equipment and analytical instruments.
Skill in use of Microsoft Office packages (including Word, Excel and Outlook).
Proven communication skills of an exceptional standard (both written and oral).
Ability to organize, plan and prioritize tasks within a high volume, varied workload while maintaining a high level of accuracy in all work undertaken.
Ability to respond to urgent or emergency conditions by properly applying job skills and knowledge to take or initiate appropriate action.
Ability to support analysis of fuels (coal, oil) for correlating issues.
Ability to perform independent analysis of water and maintain and operate equipment used in treatment of water.
Ability to operate work-related equipment.
Ability to maintain and repair liquid analysis instrumentation.
Ability to read and comprehend technical bulletins, manufacturers’ operating instructions, and information dealing with power plant laboratory principles and practices.
Ability to keep and maintain work records and prepare reports.
Ability to read, understand, and comply with Safety Data Sheets (SDS).
Ability to perform intermediate level mathematical calculations.
Ability to guide and train subordinate personnel in performance of their duties.
Ability to work effectively with coworkers and the general public.
Ability to contribute to a culture of inclusion.
Physical And Environmental Requirements
To perform this job successfully, an individual must possess certain physical abilities and be able to withstand work related environmental conditions.
Physical Requirements
Work requires normal color vision to distinguish the color and severity of many control and safety devices.
Work requires the use of personal protection equipment including hearing protection, eye protection, foot protection, hand protection, head protection, chemical protective clothing and use of respiratory protection in compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations.
Work at heights of over 100 feet on open grating or from aerial devices required, including the ability to climb and descend stairs and ladders.
Work requires physical strength and agility sufficient to safely perform all essential job functions including the ability to lift, carry, push, or pull 50 pounds without assistance and to stand, kneel and stoop.
Must communicate orally, see physical surroundings, listen, hear others, respond to oral commands, and demonstrate good communication skills.
Ability to enter and perform duties in confined spaces.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Position is in an industrial setting working in and around power plant equipment and components, heavy equipment, vessels, high temperature and pressure drums/steam piping and pumps.
Following all safety precautions, will be required to enter confined space areas for cleaning and inspection of power plant components.
Some work is in an office environment for generating reports and ordering supplies.
Will also work in a laboratory setting performing multiple bench chemistry analysis.
Will be required to work a rotating weekend shift and night shifts during periods of unit startup, outages, and emergencies.
Will be required to work at any GRU facilities.
Work requires performance of tasks outdoors under varying climatic conditions for multiple continuous days.
Ability to wear personal protective equipment to abate exposure to hazardous conditions and noxious chemicals.
Ability to wear hearing protection to abate exposure to prolonged high noise levels.
Work may require performance of tasks in extreme heat; and by entering and maneuvering within confined spaces.
Note:
May Require Assessment(s).
May fill multiple positions.
May establish an eligibility list.
Come join our team! The City of Gainesville offers a competitive benefits package and opportunities to grow both professionally and personally.
All ‘regular’ employees are eligible for traditional benefits such as health insurance, life insurance, paid leave, 11 paid a holidays a year, a pension plan and a deferred compensation plan, but we also offer great things like on-site fitness centers, tuition reimbursement, on-site medical staff and a wellness program to keep you healthy and happy. Please note; benefits are not available for temporary employees.
Equal Opportunity
The City of Gainesville is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and does not discriminate in hiring. Minorities, women and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Individuals with a disability, who require special accommodations during the selection process, should notify the Human Resources Department at 352-334-5077 or TDD/TTY at 352-334-2292.
Veterans' Preference
Veterans are encouraged to apply. Veterans’ Preference ensures that veterans and eligible persons are given consideration at each step of the selection process. However, preference does not guarantee that a veteran or other eligible person will be the candidate selected to fill the position. Section 295.07, Florida Statutes (F.S.) specifies who is eligible for Veterans’ Preference. State of Florida residency is not required for Veterans’ Preference.
If you are unable to apply online due to a disability, contact recruiting at HR@cityofgainesville.org or by calling 352-334-5077.
Make a difference in the community you live in! As a Community Builder—an employee with the City of Gainesville— you will have a direct hand in building and improving your community and making a visible impact on the lives of your neighbors. Working for local government is more than a job, it’s a chance to contribute to community success and to help enhance the Gainesville way of life.
Department:
1113 GRU - Energy Supply Water Systems
Salary Range Minimum:
$18.00
Salary Range Maximum:
$38.83
Closing Date:
12/21/2025
Job Details:
Join our GRU team as a Chemistry Technician and contribute to the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of our power generation facilities. Safety is a core value at GRU, and this role plays an essential part in protecting plant equipment, the environment, and our workforce through precise chemistry control and strong hazard-recognition practices.
This position performs skilled technical work in water, steam, and environmental chemistry within an industrial power plant environment. You will collect and analyze samples, interpret data trends, troubleshoot chemistry and equipment issues, and make process adjustments to protect plant assets and ensure regulatory compliance.
The role involves hands-on laboratory work, operation and optimization of water treatment systems, and calibration and maintenance of analytical instruments. You will also support environmental monitoring, prepare accurate compliance documentation, and contribute to continuous improvement efforts across Energy Supply.
This position regularly collaborates with operators, maintenance teams, and supervisors to communicate system status and chemistry conditions. It also provides opportunities to train and mentor less experienced personnel as part of building a strong, informed team.
Positions allocated to this classification report to a designated supervisor and work under general supervision. Work in this class is distinguished from other classes by its advanced technical skills and requirement to train and instruct personnel.
Job Description:
Summary
Skilled technical work in an industrial environment performing sample collection, analysis, data evaluation, troubleshooting/problem solving, and treatment of power plant water, steam, and process water systems. Additionally, skilled technical work in environmental sample collection, analysis, and reporting. This is a power plant position with expectations of leading in continuous improvement process.
Positions allocated to this classification report to a designated supervisor and work under general supervision. Work in this class is distinguished from other classes by its advanced technical skills and requirement to train and instruct personnel.
EXAMPLES OF WORK*
- This section of the job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of duties and responsibilities of the position. The omission of a specific job function does not absolve an employee from being required to perform additional tasks incidental to or inherent in the job. Performance of lower level duties may be required.
Safety must be held as a core value. Employee must be able to recognize hazards and address through proper mitigation. Employee must be able to recognize when he/she needs additional training or is unfamiliar with a task. He/she must be willing and able to challenge others to working safely and to stop any observed unsafe work practice or condition to resolve the issue promptly.
Collects, analyzes, and interprets various power plant water and steam samples and takes corrective action as needed. Ensures conformance to accepted qualitative and quantitative laboratory procedures as well as power plant chemistry guidelines.
Independently makes necessary adjustments to power plant water and chemical systems based on analyses performed and on-line instrumentation by utilizing trending software such as PI Historian and Laboratory Information Management System historical data functions.
Collects, analyzes, and interprets various environmental samples to maintain compliance with environmental permits.
Assists in the preparation of data reports, adherence to and administration of a Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) program, and data entry into the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) computers.
Maintains records and logs in accordance with FDEP standards and prepares detailed records and reports in a timely manner.
Calibrates, adjusts, maintains and repairs as necessary all laboratory instrumentation and on-line continuous analyzers including pH, conductivity, spectrophotometers, sodium, silica, dissolved oxygen, phosphate, and others.
Performs chemical analyses using gravimetric, spectrophotometric, turbidimetric, and titrimetric methods in conformance to Standard Methods.
Assists in developing and evaluating new analytical methods. Prepares laboratory reagents, as needed, in conformance to Standard Methods, and general laboratory procedures.
Operates, controls, and troubleshoots water treatment systems such as demineralizers, reverse osmosis, and electro-deionization equipment.
Based on area of assignment, operates, controls and troubleshoots Zero-Liquid-Discharge System including Brine Concentrator, Crystallizer, and Belt Press.
Complies with information provided on Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for all products. Handles and stores items properly.
Observes and adheres to proper LockOut/Tag Out of plant equipment and systems in accordance with clearance procedures, policies, and practices.
Attends training courses and studies independently to learn operation and maintenance requirements of power plant laboratory facilities, equipment, and operation.
Assists in the maintenance, operator and monitoring of the Transformer Dissolved Gas Analyzers.
Completes established training objectives for craft area assigned to journey level.
Works with other power plant personnel to start up, troubleshoot, or shut down equipment for corrective or preventive maintenance.
Provides training and instruction to subordinate personnel and advises the Laboratory Supervisor of level of job knowledge, skills, and abilities of personnel in training.
Responds to emergency situations.
Ability to identify and correct unsafe states such as rushing, fatigue, frustration and complacency in own and other’s work habits.
Responsible for maintaining, ordering, coordinating, accepting and offloading of chemical deliveries of bulk chemicals.
Attends work on a continuous and regular basis.
Non-essential Job Functions
Will be required to transport, mix, handle or use hazardous materials or may be responsible for facilities or equipment carrying current, fluids or gas that could endanger the public or other employees.
May be required to train and perform duties in emergency egress, accidental spill incidents, and other safety-related emergencies.
Assists with training of Power Plant Trainees and other personnel as directed by the Laboratory Supervisor.
Assists with cleaning of plant facilities, equipment and general housekeeping.
May be required to supervise the Laboratory in absence of the Supervisor.
Participates in daily safety tailgate meetings.
Follows all City of Gainesville and Gainesville Regional Utilities policies, procedures and practice guidelines.
Performs other related duties as assigned.
Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job function satisfactorily. Below are the required education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the essential functions.
Education And Experience
Associate’s Degree from an accredited institution with major course work in chemical, physical, environmental or biological sciences or a related subject with a minimum of sixteen (16) semester hours of college level chemistry or a minimum of three years directly applicable experience.
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in one of the above disciplines is preferred.
A Master’s degree from an accredited institution in one of the above disciplines may be substituted for the required experience.
Or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience which provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities.
Must meet minimum Craft and Safety Training established for designated journey level program within the guidelines established in the Progression-Through-Training program. Power Plant Chemistry Technician is a “must-progress” job.
CERTIFICATIONS OR LICENSES
Licenses
Valid Florida Driver License required at time of appointment.
Certifications
Based on Plant Assignment, may be required to obtain Drinking Water Class “C” License within one (1) year of employment.
Knowledge, Skills And Abilities
Thorough knowledge of occupational hazards, safety rules and regulations, and safety precautions.
Working knowledge of principles and methods of qualitative and quantitative chemical analysis of water treatment and of chemical and physical treatment procedures used in treatment of water suitable for power plant boilers.
Working knowledge of principles and methods of qualitative and quantitative chemical and biological analysis used in environmental monitoring.
Working knowledge and familiarity with Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) standards and procedures.
Working knowledge and familiarity with Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) programs for process and environmental work.
Working knowledge of functions and servicing requirements for lab and power plant equipment.
Working knowledge of occupational hazards and accident prevention methods in assigned area of responsibility.
Working knowledge of principles and operation of demineralizer systems, cooling towers, cooling systems, and chemical feed systems along with principles of brine concentrators.
Working knowledge of potential hazards and procedures for fire and explosion prevention.
Skill in use of laboratory equipment and analytical instruments.
Skill in use of Microsoft Office packages (including Word, Excel and Outlook).
Proven communication skills of an exceptional standard (both written and oral).
Ability to organize, plan and prioritize tasks within a high volume, varied workload while maintaining a high level of accuracy in all work undertaken.
Ability to respond to urgent or emergency conditions by properly applying job skills and knowledge to take or initiate appropriate action.
Ability to support analysis of fuels (coal, oil) for correlating issues.
Ability to perform independent analysis of water and maintain and operate equipment used in treatment of water.
Ability to operate work-related equipment.
Ability to maintain and repair liquid analysis instrumentation.
Ability to read and comprehend technical bulletins, manufacturers’ operating instructions, and information dealing with power plant laboratory principles and practices.
Ability to keep and maintain work records and prepare reports.
Ability to read, understand, and comply with Safety Data Sheets (SDS).
Ability to perform intermediate level mathematical calculations.
Ability to guide and train subordinate personnel in performance of their duties.
Ability to work effectively with coworkers and the general public.
Ability to contribute to a culture of inclusion.
Physical And Environmental Requirements
To perform this job successfully, an individual must possess certain physical abilities and be able to withstand work related environmental conditions.
Physical Requirements
Work requires normal color vision to distinguish the color and severity of many control and safety devices.
Work requires the use of personal protection equipment including hearing protection, eye protection, foot protection, hand protection, head protection, chemical protective clothing and use of respiratory protection in compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations.
Work at heights of over 100 feet on open grating or from aerial devices required, including the ability to climb and descend stairs and ladders.
Work requires physical strength and agility sufficient to safely perform all essential job functions including the ability to lift, carry, push, or pull 50 pounds without assistance and to stand, kneel and stoop.
Must communicate orally, see physical surroundings, listen, hear others, respond to oral commands, and demonstrate good communication skills.
Ability to enter and perform duties in confined spaces.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Position is in an industrial setting working in and around power plant equipment and components, heavy equipment, vessels, high temperature and pressure drums/steam piping and pumps.
Following all safety precautions, will be required to enter confined space areas for cleaning and inspection of power plant components.
Some work is in an office environment for generating reports and ordering supplies.
Will also work in a laboratory setting performing multiple bench chemistry analysis.
Will be required to work a rotating weekend shift and night shifts during periods of unit startup, outages, and emergencies.
Will be required to work at any GRU facilities.
Work requires performance of tasks outdoors under varying climatic conditions for multiple continuous days.
Ability to wear personal protective equipment to abate exposure to hazardous conditions and noxious chemicals.
Ability to wear hearing protection to abate exposure to prolonged high noise levels.
Work may require performance of tasks in extreme heat; and by entering and maneuvering within confined spaces.
Note:
May Require Assessment(s).
May fill multiple positions.
May establish an eligibility list.
Come join our team! The City of Gainesville offers a competitive benefits package and opportunities to grow both professionally and personally.
All ‘regular’ employees are eligible for traditional benefits such as health insurance, life insurance, paid leave, 11 paid a holidays a year, a pension plan and a deferred compensation plan, but we also offer great things like on-site fitness centers, tuition reimbursement, on-site medical staff and a wellness program to keep you healthy and happy. Please note; benefits are not available for temporary employees.
Equal Opportunity
The City of Gainesville is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and does not discriminate in hiring. Minorities, women and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Individuals with a disability, who require special accommodations during the selection process, should notify the Human Resources Department at 352-334-5077 or TDD/TTY at 352-334-2292.
Veterans' Preference
Veterans are encouraged to apply. Veterans’ Preference ensures that veterans and eligible persons are given consideration at each step of the selection process. However, preference does not guarantee that a veteran or other eligible person will be the candidate selected to fill the position. Section 295.07, Florida Statutes (F.S.) specifies who is eligible for Veterans’ Preference. State of Florida residency is not required for Veterans’ Preference.
If you are unable to apply online due to a disability, contact recruiting at HR@cityofgainesville.org or by calling 352-334-5077.
Salary : $18 - $39