Utilities Plant Operator (Wastewater) - Zephyrhills

Advanced specialized work in the operation of a wastewater treatment plant on an assigned shift. Utilities Plant Operator is a 4-Tiered Broadband classification. An incumbent in this classification is placed in the appropriate tier based on the Wastewater Plant Operator License he/she possesses. The incumbent in this classification performs certified and skilled work or directs and oversees the performance of certified and skilled work in the operation of wastewater treatment facilities to provide high quality treatment of sanitary sewer in compliance with local rules regulations.

Essential Job Functions

Note: The following duties are illustrative and not exhaustive. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. Depending on assigned area of responsibility, incumbents in the position may perform one or more of the activities described below:

• Responds to emergency situations, such as floods, hurricanes, tornadoes and other natural and/or unnatural crisis to provide for public health and safety.
• Prepares and maintains accurate, detailed operations reports and maintenance records.
• Collects, organizes and evaluates wastewater operational data and develop logical conclusions for operational adjustments.
• Oversees and/or performs inspections of facility equipment and machinery to determine that all systems are operating properly.
• Oversees and/or performs routine and non-routine adjustments to controls in conformance with operating instructions, Florida Administrative Code and prescribed standards.
• Notifies appropriate staff of needs for non-routine adjustments and/or malfunctioning of equipment.
• Performs and assists with plant maintenance work as required.
• Operates, calibrates and maintains all department equipment, vehicles and test equipment to ensure safe and efficient operations.
• Maintains current knowledge of Florida Administrative Code and regulatory requirements.
• Researches and responds to information requests in conformance with department procedures.
• Performs laboratory analysis on collected samples, interprets test results and makes routine process changes following establishes guidelines.
• May function as a lead worker when working with new operators or trainees.
• Implements OSHA lock-out/tag-out procedures to safely isolate equipment and remove it from service.
• Responds to customer inquiries and complaints.
• Accepts documentation from chemical deliver drivers, signs to verify amounts of delivered for payment and submits the tickets to the facility supervisor or office assistant for payment.
• Users appropriate personal protective equipment and follows material safety data sheets recommendations for handling toxic, corrosive and flammable materials.
• May direct the work of other staff by scheduling, assigning and reviewing work, providing training and counseling to include assisting with the training of the personnel in emergency response plans and safety programs in conformance with local, state and federal regulations.
• May establish and implement operating protocols for one or more wastewater treatment facilities according to local, state and federal regulations to ensure permit compliance.
• Assists and advises operators at all levels in the resolution of difficult process problems. Works closely with environmental laboratory personnel to develop and implement sampling and testing procedures in compliance with local, state and federal regulations.
• Performs related work as directed.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of operating principles and practices applicable to advanced treatment facilities and collection systems.
• Knowledge of written, oral, computer communication and analytical skills.
• Knowledge of department procedure and guidelines.
• Knowledge of chemistry and biology related to the operation of wastewater treatment facilities.
• Knowledge of all regulations governing wastewater treatment and operator responsibility.
• Ability to perform assigned duties with considerable independence.
• Ability to work in a team environment.
• Ability to communicate effectively with others.
• Ability to prepare and maintain accurate, detailed operations and maintenance records and reports.
• Ability to understand and interpret, utilize and adjust automation/instrumentation devices and systems to meet facility operational requirements.
• Ability and willingness to respond to emergency situations, such as floods, hurricanes, tornadoes and other natural and/or unnatural crises to provide for public health and safety.
• Ability to use a computer and related software.
• Ability to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and also push or pull heavy objects.

Minimum Requirements

PHYSICAL SKILLS/WORKING CONDITIONS: Ability to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and also push or pull heavy objects. May use a handling device (dolly, cart, etc.) or work with another team member to lift and/or move excessively heavy objects. Ability to climb, stoop, squat, bend and walk frequently. Ability to communicate effectively using verbal, written and visual communication. Ability and willingness to work overtime, rotating shifts, including nights, weekends and holidays.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: Graduation from high school or must possess a GED Certification.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS OR REGISTRATIONS: Must possess a valid Florida driver's License. Must possess a valid State of Florida Wastewater Plant Operator:

• "C" Certificate of License (Tier II)
• "B" Certificate of License (Tier III)
• "A" Certificate of License (Tier IV)

ADA STATEMENT: A qualified employee or applicant with a disability may be afforded a reasonable accommodation to perform the essential job functions of a position in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE: Pasco County BOCC is a drug-free workplace in accordance with Federal and Florida Law.

VETERANS' PREFERENCE: Under Section 295.07, F.S., Chapter SSA-7, Pasco County BCC provides to veterans, that preference in appointment will be given to preference-eligible applicants.

• Florida Retirement System (FRS) retirement plan
• PTO (Paid Time Off)
• Paid holidays
• Group insurance
• Tuition reimbursement
• Deferred compensation
• Medical leave pool
• Annual medical leave buy-back
• Mid-management/Professional grade, and management personnel may receive 40 hours of admin leave per calendar year.