WATER TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR
Published by Trudi Schifter, CEO and Founder AquaSPE for Broward County
Job Summary:
The Water Treatment Plant Operator (WTPO) operates equipment related to water treatment plant processes including clarifiers, belt filter press and sludge thickener units under close supervision, makes checks on equipment to see that it is operating properly.
Other duties include performing minor repairs and adjustments to equipment and assisting Plant maintenance crew on maintenance projects; performing a variety of cleaning tasks in areas or structures, such as chemical rooms, chemical feed equipment, various water treatment units, pumping stations, electrical rooms, secondary containment areas, and general grounds keeping.
The WTPO should have working knowledge of the general operating principles and practices and the maintenance requirements of mechanical and electrical equipment similar to the types utilized in water treatment plants, and the following abilities:
- Understanding and following specified operating and recording procedures.
- Analyzing problems and identifying possible solutions.
- Performing basic mathematical calculations involving addition, subtraction, multiplication and/or division.
- Learning and performing a variety of work activities associated with the operation and maintenance of a variety of pumps, valves, filters, and related equipment associated with water treatment systems.
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements :
Requires six (6) months' experience in the operation or maintenance of mechanical, hydraulic, or electrical equipment similar to that utilized in treatment plant operations.
Special Certifications and Licenses:
**Must obtain the Class C Water Plant Operator License within two (2) years of hire.
**Must possess and maintain a valid Florida Driver's License class "E" or higher for duration of appointment.
Prefer one or more of the following :
- *Vocational/Technical School Certification, Associates Degree or higher, in Biology, Chemistry, Engineering, Environmental science, Water or Wastewater Treatment, or a closely related field.
- *Possession of "C" Florida State Operator license in Water
- *Possession of "C," "B," or "A" Florida State Operator license in Wastewater.
- *Possession of Water Distribution System Operator License - Level 3, Level 2, or Level 1.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The functions listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this class. Management may assign additional functions related to the type of work of the job as necessary.
Understands, implements, maintains and assists the processing of millions of gallons of wastewater entering the plant and following various biological, mechanical and chemical processes to return treated waters meeting state and federal safety standards back into the environment.
Performs routine to complex maintenance and repair duties of water equipment and facilities; collects water samples for testing; performs and records chemical adjustments and laboratory sampling and testing; ascertains treatment performance and quality; monitors and sets chlorine machinery to obtain proper chemical usage readings; operates and maintains pump stations; records daily pump readings, records flows, time of flows, pressures, and chemical usage.
Performs clerical duties, data entry, process control, calculations and runs quantitative and qualitative analysis and interprets data for performance evaluation.
Runs vacuum building system; collects samples from off sight station; receives chemical deliveries on and off sight; maintains and monitors backwash filter.
Checks plant equipment and troubleshoots plant problems; diagnoses, troubleshoots and writes work orders when a malfunction has been discovered; performs frequent rounds checking the status of water and wastewater treatment units, tanks and machines; performs a variety of routine cleaning activities in order to ensure the safety and cleanliness of facility/treatment plant; proper start up and shut down of different tanks and pumps according to conditions and supervisor directives; resets plant to proper operating conditions caused by storms and power outages.
Computes a variety of work orders to document treatment plant activity, request maintenance, repairs, and compile statistics for periodic reports.
Monitors treatment plant operations to ensure compliance with State and County regulations standards and verifies process is operating efficiently and effectively; checks on storage and inventory of chemicals.
Performs related work as assigned.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Physical Demands
Physical demands refer to the requirements for physical exertion and coordination of limb and body movement.
Performs light work that involves walking or standing most of the time and involves exerting up to 20 pounds of force on a regular and recurring basis, or skill, adeptness and speed in the use of fingers, hands or limbs on repetitive operation of mechanical or electronic office equipment or tools within moderate tolerances or limits of accuracy.
Unavoidable Hazards (Work Environment)
Unavoidable hazards refer to the job conditions that may lead to injury or health hazards even though precautions have been taken.
Involves routine and frequent exposure to toxic/caustic chemicals.
SPECIAL INFORMATION
Americans with Disabilities Act Compliance
Broward County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The ADA requires Broward County to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with the Professional Standards/Human Rights Section.
Emergency Management Responsibilities
During emergency conditions, all County employees are automatically considered emergency service workers. County employees are subject to being called to work in the event of a disaster, such as a hurricane, or other emergency situation and are expected to perform emergency service duties, as assigned.
County-wide Employee Responsibilities
All Broward County employees must serve the public and fellow employees with honesty and integrity in full accord with the letter and spirit of Broward County's Employee Code of Ethics, gift, and conflict of interest policies.
All Broward County employees must establish and maintain effective working relationships with the general public, co-workers, elected and appointed officials and members of diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, political affiliation, familial status, sexual orientation, pregnancy, or gender identity and expression.
Information
- Location: United States
Industry experience
Seniority: Expert, Engineer, Consultant
Taxonomy
- Waste water treatment plant operator
- water treatment operator