Plant Operator Trainee

St. Johns County residents enjoy a healthy quality of life with many perks including one of the top rated public school systems in the State of Florida, miles of beach shoreline, peaceful estuary scenery of the St. Johns River, long established agriculture and equestrian scene, and the nation’s oldest city, historic St. Augustine. In 2019 St. Johns County was ranked the 10th fastest growing county in the United States showcasing that there is truly something for everyone in St. Johns County!

St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners is seeking a Plant Operator Trainee for our well-established Utility Department whose headquarters are located in beautiful St. Augustine, Florida.

Employees work in a team-oriented environment in a variety of divisions with two common goals in mind: to provide the best services to our citizens and to be the best public utility in North Florida.

This position is responsible for participating in the day-to-day operation of a wastewater treatment plant. St. Johns County maintains 24-hour staff operations and employees will be required to work shift work as assigned.

The work consists of related plant operation duties. Strict and frequently changing regulations contribute to the complexity of the position. The purpose of this position is to participate in the operations of a water treatment plant. Success in this position contributes to the provision of clean and safe wastewater. Contacts are typically with other county employees, vendors, state and federal regulatory agents, and members of the general public. Contacts are typically to provide services, to give or exchange information, or to resolve problems.

The ideal Plant Operator Trainee candidate must possess St. Johns County’s core values of Dedication, Openness, Adaptability, Visionary, Fiscal Responsibility, Integrity, Humility and must work well in a collaborative team environment.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Receives orientation and training regarding plant processes and operations.
• Assists more experienced operations personnel with varied work duties to acquire skills necessary to perform independently upon completion of training.
• Operates, cleans, and learns to maintain variety of treatment units relevant to the operating facility including but not limited to clarifiers, filters, degasification units, reverse osmosis vessels, contact chambers, UV basins, belt press, screens, grit chambers, aerators, water production wells, lift stations, water tanks and others.
• Operates and maintains lift stations within assigned facilities.
• Monitors Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems receives training on controls.
• Calibrates and adjusts flow meters.
• Collects and processes a variety of samples.
• Assists in preparation and submittal of Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) monthly operating reports.
• Assists in preparation of various in-house operating reports.
• Assists in performing data reporting, assembly, evaluation, and archiving.
• Performs facility housekeeping.
• Provides customer service and promotes positive public relations.
• This position will require shift work. Must be available to work flexible schedule including night, weekend and holiday hours.
• Responds to after-hour emergencies, as required to support utility operations.
• Maintains a full-time presence on the job.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
  
  

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

A candidate will be designated as a Plant Operator Trainee and placed at a pay grade 12 with the following qualifications:

• High School Diploma or equivalent recognized certification.
• Sufficient experience to understand the basic principles relevant to the major duties of the position.
• Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) Water or Wastewater Plant Operator Class “C” License as set forth in Florida Administrative Code Chapter 62-602, DEP describing Water or Domestic Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators license must be obtained within two (2) years from date of hire. Without special extension granted by Department Director, failure to maintain and achieve necessary training, education, experience, and required license(s) will result in termination of employment or position.
• Completion of County training course work required under the Plant Operator Trainee, Training Program or demonstration of equivalent training and proficiency. Employee must obtain a certification training score of seventy (70%) percent or higher on the Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSA) assessment evaluation at the end of the training program.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Florida Class E Driver’s License and any other endorsements necessary to legally operate vehicles used while assigned to this position.
• Must possess good interpersonal and communication skills in order to serve others.
• Must be able to comprehend, speak and write the English language.
• Must be able to operate a computer.
  
  

A Candidate Will Be Designated As a Plant Operator I And Placed At a pay Grade 14 with The Following Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent recognized certification.
• Sufficient experience to understand the basic principles relevant to the major duties of the position, usually associated with the completion of an apprenticeship/ internship or experience working in a similar position for a minimum of one (1) year.
• Must possess and maintain a Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) Water or Wastewater Plant Operator Class “C” License as set forth in Florida Administrative Code Chapter 62-602, DEP describing Water or Domestic Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators license requirements. Designated area of assignment determines certification requirements.
• Completion of County training course work required under the Plant Operator I Training Program or demonstration of equivalent training and proficiency. Employees must obtain a certification training score of seventy (70%) percent or higher on the Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSA) assessment evaluation at the end of the training program.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Florida Class E Driver’s License and any other endorsements necessary to legally operate vehicles used while assigned to this position.
• Possession of specific additional certifications/endorsements/licenses as outlined in the Progression Through Training Program Manual (PTTPM) may qualify for additional incentive pay.
• Must possess good interpersonal and communication skills in order to serve others.
• Must be able to comprehend, speak and write the English language.
• Must be able to operate a computer.
  
  

A Candidate Will Be Designated As a Plant Operator II And Placed At a pay Grade 16 with The Following Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or equivalent recognized certification.
• Experience sufficient to thoroughly understand the work of subordinate positions to be able to answer questions and resolve problems.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in Water or Wastewater Treatment Plant operation and maintenance.
• Must possess and maintain a Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) Water or Wastewater Plant Operator Class “B” License as set forth in Florida Administrative Code Chapter 62-602, DEP describing Water or Domestic Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators license requirements. Designated area of assignment determines certification requirements.
• Completion of County training course work required under the Plant Operator II Training Program or demonstration of equivalent training and proficiency. Employees must obtain a certification training score of seventy (70%) percent or higher on the Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSA) assessment evaluation at the end of the training program.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Florida Class E Driver’s License and any other endorsements necessary to legally operate vehicles used while assigned to this position.
• Possession of specific additional certifications/endorsements/licenses as outlined in the Progression Through Training Program Manual (PTTPM) may qualify for additional incentive pay.
• Must possess good interpersonal and communication skills in order to serve others.
• Must be able to comprehend, speak and write the English language.
• Must be able to operate a computer.
  
  

A Candidate Will Be Designated As a Plant Operator III And Placed At a pay Grade 18 With The Following Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or equivalent recognized certification.
• Experience sufficient to thoroughly understand the work of subordinate positions to be able to answer questions and resolve problems.
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in Water or Wastewater Treatment Plant operation and maintenance.
• Must possess and maintain a Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) Water or Wastewater Plant Operator Class “A” License as set forth in Florida Administrative Code Chapter 62-602, DEP describing Water or Domestic Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators license requirements. Designated area of assignment determines certification requirements.
• Completion of County training course work required under the Plant Operator III Training Program or demonstration of equivalent training and proficiency. Employees must obtain a certification training score of seventy (70%) percent or higher on the Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSA) assessment evaluation at the end of the training program.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Florida Class E Driver’s License and any other endorsements necessary to legally operate vehicles used while assigned to this position.
• Must possess good interpersonal and communication skills in order to serve others.
• Must be able to comprehend, speak and write the English language.
• Must be able to operate a computer.
  
  

ESSENTIAL SKILLS

• Basic knowledge of basic chemistry tests and related mathematics.
• Basic knowledge of wastewater spills standard operating procedures.
• Basic knowledge of the function and processes of computer control and interface systems.
• Basic knowledge of potable water production and wastewater treatment processes.
• Skill in the analysis of problems and the development and implementation of solutions.
• Skill in the preparation of clear and precise administrative reports.
• Ability to apply computer applications and software.
• Ability to perform basic laboratory tests.
• Ability to adjust and regulate a variety of automatic or manually controlled auxiliary equipment to ensure safe operations.
• Ability to anticipate and adjust systems due to changing factors, such as, water quality, weather, and other factors.
• Ability to operate water treatment plants to pump or treat water for domestic or industrial use.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and/or written instructions.
• Ability to communicate courteously and tactfully with members of the public.
• Ability to use or repair small, medium, and heavy equipment and machinery.
  
  

ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS

• Working Conditions may include some exposure to environmental changes (e.g., outdoor weather and/or field conditions, warehouses, garages, etc.), extreme noises, odors, heights and/or dust.
• Physical Activity may include sitting, walking, lifting heavy objects up to 25lbs, kneeling, crouching, reaching, or standing.
  
  

Salary Range:

$42,868.80 -$69,617.60

Compensation Grade:

BCC PG12 - BCC PG18

Department:

Sewage Treatment and Disposal

Location:

2104 Arc Drive St. Augustine, FL 32084

St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners is a drug free workplace and equal opportunity employer. All employment actions are taken without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, handicap, disability, marital status, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information.

VETERANS’ PREFERENCE. Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, candidates eligible for Veterans’ Preference will receive preference in employment for Career Service vacancies and are encouraged to apply. Certain service members may be eligible to receive waivers for postsecondary educational requirements. Candidates claiming Veterans’ Preference must attach supporting documentation with each submission that includes character of service (for example, DD Form 214 Member Copy #4) along with any other documentation as required by Rule 55A-7, Florida Administrative Code. Veterans’ Preference documentation requirements are available by clicking here. All documentation is due by the close of the vacancy announcement.

An applicant eligible for Veteran's Preference who believes he or she was not afforded employment preferences in accordance with Florida law may file a complaint requesting an investigation with the Florida department of veterans affairs. Veteran's Preference Coordinator, 11351 Ulmerton Road, Suite 311, Largo, FL 33778. A complaint must be filed within 60 calendar days from the date that the notice of hiring decision is received by the applicant or within three calendar months of the date of the application is filed within the employer if no notice is given. If no notice is given, it is the responsibility of the preferred applicant to contact the employer to determine if the position has been filled.