Utilities Plant Operator

General Description

JOIN OUR TEAM AS A PLANT OPERATOR

This position involves advanced, specialized work in the operation of reclaimed water treatment plants and reservoirs during an assigned shift. The Utilities Plant Operator (Reclaimed) performs or oversees certified, skilled operational work in the distribution and storage of reclaimed water using Advanced Water Reclamation systems. The operator ensures high-quality reclaimed water output in full compliance with all applicable local regulations, operational standards, and safety requirements.

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 reclamation 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 established 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 to include determination of reclaim water quality issues and resolution, provides requested information within established guidelines and capabilities or redirects call to appropriate person to ensure good customer relations.
• Accepts documentation from chemical delivery drivers, signs to verify amounts of delivered for payment and submits the tickets to the facility supervisor or office assistant for payment.
• Uses 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 reclaim storage 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.
• Ability to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and also push or pull heavy objects.
• Performs related work as directed.
  
  

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Knowledge of methods and practices of typical reclaimed treatment/reservoir and of standards and normal operating procedures applicable to treatment.
• Knowledge of the functions and mechanics of pumps and other plant mechanic equipment.
• Knowledge of written, oral, computer communication and analytical skills are required.
• Knowledge of department procedure and guidelines.
• Knowledge of chemistry and biology related to the operation of reclamation distribution facilities.
• Knowledge of all regulations governing reclaim 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 situation, such as floods, hurricanes, tornadoes and other natural and/or unnatural crises to provide for public health and safety.
• Ability and willingness to work overtime, rotating shifts, including nights, weekends and holidays.
• 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: 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.

EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE: Graduation from high school or possession of a GED Certificate.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS OR REGISTRATIONS: Must possess a valid Florida driver's license. Must possess a valid State of Florida Operator License in Water and/or Wastewater:

• "C" Certificate of License
• "B" Certificate of License
• "A" Certificate of License
  
  

NOTE: Experience earned in this role counts only as secondary experience toward a Wastewater Operator License.

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.

EMERGENCY RESPONSE/RECOVERY ACTIVITIES: All employees will be required to work before, during, and after an emergency. During an emergency, employees may temporarily be assigned to work and perform duties outside the normal scope of their position, location and work schedule to fit the needs of the County and its citizens.

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.

PASCO COUNTY WAS VOTED ONE OF THE NATION'S TOP WORKPLACES FOR 2021