Sr. Utility Operator (Southwest Plant)

ABOUT OUR CITY

The City of Sunrise is more than a workplace — it’s a community built on our Three Pillars: Customer Service, Collaboration, and Transparency. We’re committed to creating an environment where innovation thrives, teamwork is celebrated, and every employee has the opportunity to grow and make a lasting impact.

As a full-service municipality and one of South Florida’s premier cities, Sunrise offers competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, professional development opportunities, and a strong culture of recognition. Whether you’re helping residents, shaping policy, or improving city operations, you’ll be part of a team that’s passionate about service excellence and community pride.

We take pride in being home to the back-to-back NHL Stanley Cup Champion Florida Panthers, a vibrant arts and entertainment district, and a diverse community that truly embodies what it means to Live, Work, and Play in Sunrise.

Effective January 2026, the City is has launched an Alternative Work Schedule designed to further support employee work-life balance — providing eligible staff with two three-day weekends per month through an every-other-Friday-off model. This initiative reflects our continued focus on flexibility and employee well-being.

NATURE OF WORK

This classification involves oversight of the general operation of a water and/or wastewater facility during a given shift for the City.  An employee in this position supervises and trains assigned employees; oversees daily operations including pumping stations, treatment operations, laboratory testing, quality control, sludge treatment and removal, and preventative maintenance; conducts routine checks; interprets data; keeps chemical and parts inventory; tests water; and maintains records.  This position also assists in equipment repair, housekeeping, and cleaning of units. 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Controls the operation of a water and/or wastewater treatment plant on an assigned shift; monitors and anticipates demand for water; regulates flow of water into plant by starting or stopping well pumps; and maintains water levels of storage tanks, chemicals, etc.
• Reviews records of operations; gives instructions regarding modified operating procedures based on test reports of water quality; maintains desired water pressure in a distribution system; performs “Performance of Process Control” as defined in Florida code; and collects and analyzes samples in accordance with regulations.
• Conducts routine checks on a water or wastewater treatment plant; inspects each of the various treatment stages; and takes samples as required for operational process control and/or compliance.
• Interprets operating data and institutes minor modifications in operation procedures to assure continuous and efficient treatment; restores operating conditions.
• Supervises and trains employees in treatment processes; adjusts treatment process to achieve required regulatory standards and meet permit requirements; and prepares work orders for maintenance of plant equipment via the City’s maintenance management system and protocols
• Supervises and participates in the installation, repair, and maintenance of pumps, turbines, auxiliaries, valves, gauges, pipes, and fittings; supervises the upkeep and cleaning of buildings and process units.
• Responds to emergency situations in a timely manner, contacts Chief Operator if needed to resolve problems within allotted time frames. 
• Makes inspections of plant and equipment to determine operating condition, need for repairs, or for modifications in operating procedures.
• Operates solids dewatering equipment such as centrifuges, gravity belts, etc. depending on assignment.
• Operates membrane plant and changes of membrane filters, depending on assignment.
• Records plant conditions and changes. 
• Keeps records of repair parts, stores, and plant operation; requisitions new parts and supplies as needed; keeps inventories and prepares time sheets and work reports; and communicates operational, staff, maintenance, and safety issues to the Chief Operator.
• Works with contracts.
• Assists with plant reports.
• Operates heavy equipment.
• Maintains chemicals and parts inventory.
• Performs related work as required.

EDUCATION

EXPERIENCE

NECESSARY SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS

• Certifications required: Class “B” or higher operator’s certificate in the area of assignment as defined in FAC 62-602, “Water or Domestic Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators and Water Distribution System Operators”.
• Licenses desired:  Class A Drinking Water Plant Operator License; BWWTP Operator License.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.
• Must obtain a valid Florida driver’s license prior to hire.
• NOTE:   Required certifications and licenses must be kept current during employment in this position.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be able to lift, carry, push and/or pull weights of up to 50 pounds 
• Must be capable of climbing and descending stairways and ships ladders at unusual heights of up to 40 feet
• Must be physically fit and able to walk, stand, sit for prolonged periods of time on their shift 
• Must be capable of bending kneeling, squatting, crouching, climbing, reaching, twisting and making repetitive hand movements
• Must be able to see in the normal visual range with or without correction; and the ability to detect and differentiate colors
• Must be able to hear in the normal audio range with or without correction 
• Must be able to operate City assigned vehicles, golf carts and manual or power tools 
• Must be capable of exposure to the following conditions without stress: exposure to noise; exposure to unpleasant odors; exposure to chemicals / other environmental substances; exposure to working over, in and around water; ability to travel to different job sites within the City

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of the methods of installing and repairing pumps, turbines, gauges of various sorts, and pipes related equipment.
• Knowledge of the operating principles and theory of the plant to which assigned.
• Knowledge of the established routines and practices for operation of the equipment, related testing, and measuring devices in the plant to which assigned.
• Knowledge of the preventive maintenance practices applicable to equipment operated.
• Knowledge of desirable records maintenance practices applied to plant operation.
• Knowledge of the safety hazards and relevant precautions of the work.
• Skill in using department software.
• Ability to supervise the work of assigned personnel while participating in plant operations.
• Ability to maintain plant operations within narrowly established standards.
• Ability to recognize and remedy plant malfunctions.
• Ability to make minor repairs to electrical and mechanical equipment.
• Ability to maintain detailed operating records.
• Ability to prepare clear and concise reports.
• Ability to understand, follow, and transmit oral and written instructions.
• Ability to perform work requiring moderate physical exertion.
• Ability to operate a City-issued motorized vehicle.  
• Ability to manage multiple, high-priority assignments.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, officials, other government agencies, other City departments, and the general public.
• Ability to deal with competing priorities and varied responsibilities.
• Ability to work efficiently and effectively to develop win-win solutions.

Physical Requirements

Salary : $66,399 - $93,821