Wastewater Plant Operator I or II

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF CLASS

This is skilled work in operating Wastewater Treatment Plant equipment and processes. This position requires shift work, including nights, weekends, and holidays, as the treatment processes are operated continuously. Work involves responsibility for the care and efficient operation of the wastewater treatment plant during an assigned shift. Work includes covering a working area containing several wastewater treatment system operating units. Employees in this class normally work independently. Work is reviewed by a supervisor who checks records and charts and makes daily inspections throughout the plant to check the condition and upkeep of equipment.

This position is for a Wastewater Plant Operator II; however, it may be filled at the level of a Wastewater Plant Operator I.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Prepares log sheets; changes charts and recording sheets for flow recorders.

Inspects motors, bearings, and gearboxes for overheating and proper lubrication.

Collects wastewater samples at various processing stages, performs lab tests on same, and records data collected.

Maintains equipment, process tanks, buildings, and grounds clean and orderly.

Performs mathematical calculations on collected data; calibrates process control equipment; enters collected data into a computer database.

Manually operates valves to set up various flow schemes to perform pumping and equipment functions.

Monitors and/or inspects numerous process control parameters for proper operation.

Works in confined spaces or hazardous areas.

Lifts medium - heavy objects and climbs, ladders, and stairs.

May be required to participate and/or facilitate training to support departmental or City initiatives and requirements.

May be required to work overtime or alternate hours as necessary for the efficient operation of the department.

Position is designated as Mission Critical by Department Director.

ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS

Assists in monitoring plant SCADA system and lift station telemetry alarm system to dispatch emergency crews as necessary.

May assist in making minor repairs to equipment.

Performs related work as required.

This posting reflects the essential functions and knowledge, skills, and abilities for Wastewater Plant Operator II; however, applicants may view the complete job description for Wastewater Plant Operator I on the City of Lakeland's employment page.

QUALIFICATIONS (EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE)

Qualifications for the Wastewater Plant Operator I:

A high school diploma from an accredited school or its equivalent.

Qualifications for the Wastewater Plant Operator II:

A high school diploma from an accredited school or a GED.

Must possess and maintain a state of Florida Class "C" Wastewater Plant Operator certification or higher.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.

Must maintain a valid telephone number.

State of Florida Class “B” Wastewater Plant Operator certification is required to attain the last pay step within this classification.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES

Knowledge of normal operating principles of wastewater treatment processes.

Knowledge of the principles and practices applied to the operation and light maintenance of pumps and similar machinery.

Knowledge of safety regulations, occupational hazards, precautions, and safety promotion.

Skill in using and caring for tools and equipment used in a wastewater plant.

Ability to efficiently and safely operate all equipment and machinery used in wastewater plant operations

Ability to troubleshoot problems of various wastewater treatment processes and equipment.

Ability to learn basic computer skills necessary to operate various computer-controlled systems.

Ability to make call-out decisions and dispatch trouble crews.

Ability to prepare written and oral reports.

Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working, harmonious relationships with co-workers, other city employees, and the general public.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Requires work that involves walking or standing sometimes, exerting up to 60 pounds of force regularly, and routine keyboard operations.

The job risks exposure to chemical, biological, electrical, and mechanical hazards. The employee must work in bright/dim light and adverse weather conditions. Frequent exposure to the general hazards of the industrial working environment and construction sites is also possible.

The job requires normal visual acuity, field of vision, hearing, speaking, color perception, sense of taste, sense of smell, depth perception, and texture perception.

All City of Lakeland positions are subject to testing (e.g. written, oral, performance, computerized, interview, and/or any combination). Candidates selected for testing will be notified via email or telephone. Please check your e-mail and telephone messages regularly, including "junk" folders. Test times and locations to be announced.

The City of Lakeland is a drug free workplace. This position is considered a mandatory testing position, which is subject to pre-employment and random drug testing. All City of Lakeland positions are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing. As a condition of employment you will be required to pass the pre-employment drug test in accordance with Florida Statute 440.102.

THE CITY OF LAKELAND IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/EQUAL ACCESS EMPLOYER AND A DRUG FREE WORKPLACE.