05/20/2023 $17.44 hourly rate The Environmental Services Department is accepting applications for an "A" Certified Treatment Plant Operator. In the event we are not able to secure an "A" Certified Treatment Plant Operator, we are next able to extend offers to a "B" Certified Treatment Plant Operator. In the event we are not able to secure a "B" Certified Treatment Plant Operator, we are next able to extend offers to "C" Certified Treatment Plant Operator Candidates. If we are unable to make an offer to a "C" Certified Treatment Plant Operator Candidate, if available, we will then consider extending an offer for a Treatment Plant Operator Trainee.

This is skilled, specialized work in the operation of a wastewater treatment facility. An employee in this class is responsible for the continuous operation and maintenance of the facility on an assigned shift. The work is primarily routine in nature, but employees must be able to exercise initiative and independent judgment in correcting certain problem situations. The position requires a high level of skill obtained on the job.

Depending on your qualifications, you may be offered one of the following levels:

Treatment Plant Operator Trainee $17.44
Treatment Plant Operator C $21.21
Treatment Plant Operator B $23.37
Treatment Plant Operator A $24.54

Supervision is received from a Treatment Plant Shift Supervisor or Treatment Plant Manager.

As a condition of employment, this position requires shift work that may be modified by management as needed, to ensure sound business operations. The shifts cover a 24/7 operation which includes scheduled and non-scheduled overtime, nights, weekends, and holidays. This position is also a primary responder to emergency conditions as they arise.

This position currently is required to work as part of a team for four 10-hour shifts (Either Sunday through Wednesday or Wednesday through Saturday), including holidays, nights and weekends.

Additional Benefits:

• General benefits package with flexible spending accounts, leave time, etc.
• Defined Contribution Plan 401(a) with a generous 6% City match
• Benefits also include 12 paid holidays and 24-hour full access to City fitness center. Continuous learning is supported through tuition reimbursement and professional development opportunities
• May receive up to $1,000 in relocation assistance for candidates outside Pinellas, Pasco, Hillsborough, or Manatee counties

• Demonstrates an understanding and reflection of the City’s mission, vision, and values and a commitment to achieve organizational goals aligned with the City’s strategic plan
• Champions a high-performance work culture that encourages and embraces new ideas, develops individuals, and welcomes and encourages diverse perspectives
• Articulates strategic and innovative thinking and provides clarity to deliver superior services
• Approaches the job with enthusiasm and curiosity to promote a solutions-oriented work culture

• Effectively manages assignments and priorities to ensure the fulfillment of projects, tasks, and responsibilities
• Follows suggested procedures to assure the highest standards of risk management, employee safety and risk avoidance

• Embraces emerging technology and productivity tools with a willingness to learn new skills
• Responsible for regular inspections of the treatment plant and pumping stations on assigned shift
• Responsibilities within plant operation include process control adjusting valves, chemical feed rates, and changing out and handling dangerous and hazardous chemicals
• Changes valves, calibrates various equipment used to monitor the processes, and uses microscopes to identify microbes in the treatment process
• Performs various lab procedures and monitors all aspects of the treatment process
• Works with and instructs others in assuring safe and efficient operation and maintenance of a wide variety of equipment and apparatus including but not limited to screens, grit collectors and other tanks, pumps of various types, filters, chlorinators, clarifiers, and digestion equipment
• Collects samples, performs operational checks, and records results; maintains extensive operating records
• Ensures daily compliance requirements
• Reads and understands mechanical, electrical, and supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems
• Performs general housekeeping duties at the plant such as cleaning equipment, sweeping, mopping, washing windows, cleaning laboratory glassware, and painting equipment as necessary
• Installs/removes chlorine and sulfur dioxide containers in a safe manner

• Supports honest and transparent decision-making
• Collaborates with all team members in a way that builds upon ideas and takes personal accountability and ownership of projects, roles, and assignments
• Openly exhibits a positive attitude, in words and action, and encourages others to do the same

• High school diploma or General Education Diploma (GED) preferably supplemented by courses in math and chemistry and one (1) year experience in the operation of pumping machinery and/or mechanical repair or an equivalent combination of training and experience
• Associate's Degree in biology, chemistry, or environmental science is preferred
• Must obtain a State of Florida Class "C" Certified Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator's License and advance to Treatment Plant Operator within two (2) years from date of employment
• A valid Driver’s License

• Knowledge of
  • collection, stormwater, treatment, and sewer systems and functions
  • chemistry and mathematics sufficient for field laboratory calculations
  • standard laboratory procedures and terminology, hazards, and safety precautions in using chemicals and laboratory equipment
  • some knowledge of operating electrical and mechanical equipment pertinent to wastewater treatment and sludge processing operations
• Ability to
  • conduct inspections and investigations
  • perform basic lab and field sampling techniques
  • understand and follow oral and written instructions and to perform accurate measurements
  • communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing
  • follow scheduled work
  • follow technical instructions
  • monitor and control plant operations through a computerized supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system
  • perform tasks associated with a computerized maintenance management software (CMMS) related to work requests, work orders, and time keeping
  • perform preventive maintenance, make repairs and modifications as necessary to ensure against mechanical failures
  • work with, advise, and train other workers at the wastewater treatment facility
  • read meters and charts accurately and maintain records and make reports
  • perform shift work as assigned
• Classification commensurate with certification:
  • Treatment Plant Operator C ("C" license)
  • Treatment Plant Operator B ("B" license)
  • Treatment Plant Operator A ("A" license)