Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator

Overview
The Wastewater Operator - Must be able to obtain a class C Wastewater Treatment License issued by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). The operator plays a critical role in maintaining the efficiency and safety of wastewater treatment processes. This position involves monitoring and controlling the operations of wastewater treatment facilities, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations, and performing routine maintenance on equipment. The ideal candidate will possess a strong mechanical aptitude and a commitment to environmental stewardship.

Responsibilities

· Collects and analyzes samples as required to operate a treatment facility.

· Observes the physical condition of the wastewater treatment facility for proper temperature, color, odors, dissolved oxygen and other necessary operational parameters to ensure that the facility operates under regulatory permit conditions.

· Operates energize pumps, agitators, valves, and miscellaneous equipment.

· Adjusts chlorinators or other metering devices in order to properly treat the raw sewage and to ensure that the effluent meets or exceeds all permitted conditions.

· Reads and understands flow meter charts, analyzers, and laboratory equipment.

· Records data from various meters, gauges, and dials; logs daily.

· Monitors and operates centrifuge dewatering machine.

· Dumps biosolids in hot houses for drying process; monitors temperature and humidity in hot houses for proper drying conditions; spreads and tills biosolids as required.

· Makes regular tours of the plant and checks bar screens, generators, pumps, settling tanks, filters, clarifiers, chlorination system, and other equipment for proper functioning.

· Cleans equipment, office buildings, tanks, and grounds as required.

· Calibrates laboratory equipment.

· Checks for, and repairs, any alarms at algae wheel plant.

· Performs general preventive and scheduled maintenance and major maintenance and repairs.

· Repairs pumps, blowers, trucks, and heavy equipment.

· Starts, stops, regulates, and adjusts motors, pumps, blowers, valves, and other apparatus to meet changing operating conditions and maintain required permitted standards.

· Uses a variety of electrical test equipment, power and hand tools, and other equipment as needed.

· Completes hurricane preparedness procedures as needed.

· Uses standard office software.

· Reads and writes legible entries in all logbooks and journals kept as a function of the operation.

· Reports any mechanical defects, equipment failures or permit violations that may occur while on shift to the Facility Supervisor.

· Assists with the maintenance, repair and the overhaul of machinery and equipment located within the facility.

· Completes continuing education requirements as scheduled.

· Adheres to all OUA policies and procedures

· Performs other related job duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

High School diploma or equivalent; and one (1) year of related experience preferred.

Special Qualifications:

· Valid Florida Driver’s License with a clean driving record.

· Must have high school diploma or equivalent and willing to obtain a “C” license for Wastewater Treatment as issued by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection within 2 years of hire date.

· Willing to work overtime, holidays, national disaster, and weekends as requested.

· Willing to work shift work.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

· Knowledge of the methods and practices of typical wastewater treatment and of standards and normal operating procedures applicable to the treatment of raw wastewater preferred.

· Knowledge of the functions and mechanics of pumps and other plant mechanical equipment.

· Ability to inspect machinery and other mechanical equipment in operation to detect flaws and defects, awareness of electrical circuitry and components and to have the ability to utilize generally accepted laboratory procedures.

· Ability to understand, give and execute oral and written instructions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

This position classifies the physical exertion requirements as medium work which requires exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 30 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Additionally, the following physical abilities are required:

· Able to reach above shoulders with both arms, able to use both hands and fingers on both hands.

· Good vision, hearing and sense of smell.

· Able to walk, stand, crawl, kneel, bend, balance, and stoop.

· Able to operate heavy equipment as required.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed inside and outside in all types of environmental conditions. Work is often accompanied by noise, poor lighting, toxic fumes, gases, raw sewage, grease, chemicals, electricity, and moving objects; and in confined spaces, above or below ground.

Okeechobee Utility Authority has the right to revise this job description at any time. This description does not represent in any way a contract of employment.

E.O.E. Okeechobee Utility Authority does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability or military service in employment or the provision of services.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $20.39 - $36.36 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Dependent health insurance coverage
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 10 hour shift

Work Location: In person