Water/Wastewater Operator Trainee

Job Summary:

This is a technical trainee position responsible for learning and assisting in the operation, maintenance, repair, and regulatory compliance of the City’s drinking-water and wastewater treatment facilities. The role involves mechanical, chemical, and biological processes necessary for safe and efficient plant operations. Work includes performing preventive maintenance, conducting laboratory tests, handling chemicals, completing required reports, and ensuring compliance with Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) standards. The position requires the ability to work independently and as part of a team, maintain safe work practices, and respond to emergencies, including nights, weekends, and holidays. This position is designated as essential personnel and will be required to work during emergency operations, including severe weather events and natural disasters. Employees must participate in emergency preparedness and response activities, and complete required NIMS (National Incident Management System) training as directed.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

The list of essential functions, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification. It is not necessarily descriptive of any one position in the classification. The omission of an essential function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed herein if such functions are a logical assignment to the position.

• Operate, monitor, and maintain water and wastewater treatment plants and pumping facilities in compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Record instrument readings, collect laboratory samples, and schedule analyses as required.
• Inspect, lubricate, adjust, and repair pumps, mixers, aerators, chemical feed systems, and other electromechanical equipment.
• Perform and document preventive maintenance activities.
• Prepare, certify, and submit required regulatory reports.
• Safely distribute and replenish treatment process chemicals.
• Conduct routine laboratory tests under supervision
• Respond courteously to public inquiries and service requests.
• On-Call Duty: Employees designated as on-call must adhere to the established City On-Call Policy and their department’s Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) regarding on-call procedures, expectations, and response requirements.
• Follow established safety practices and maintain a clean and safe work environment.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of FDEP regulations and compliance requirements for water and wastewater facilities.
• Knowledge of hazardous chemical handling, storage, and transportation practices.
• Basic knowledge of mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic systems common to treatment plant operations.
• Knowledge of chemical and biological processes in water and wastewater treatment.
• Ability to perform any and all maintenance of the Town of Lake Hamilton and properly document maintenance performed.
• Ability to communicate in a courteous and comprehensible manner with coworkers and supervisors, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to work safely, in compliance with all safety regulations.
• Ability to operate power tools, heavy equipment, trucks, and hand tools.
• Ability to do limited computer work, such as checking email, Word, and Meter reading software.
• Ability to perform heavy manual tasks for extended periods of time in the heat, cold, and rain.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, supervisors, and the public.
• Ability to understand and carry out written and oral instructions.
• Ability to do basic math, addition, subtraction, division, and multiplication.
• Ability to work unsupervised throughout the day, while still accomplishing assigned tasks.
• Ability to properly maintain tools and equipment used during the workday, identify potential issues, and promptly notify Supervision.

Minimum Requirements/Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Must be willing to learn.
• Demonstrate a positive attitude.

Other requirements:

• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Must possess a valid State of Florida driver’s license.
• Must pass a physical examination and drug urinalysis test.
• Must not have been convicted of a felony.
• Must be able to work weekends and nights.
• Must be fluent in the English language; ability to communicate in Spanish is a plus.
• Must pass a background investigation in accordance with applicable laws and Town policies.

Physical Requirements:

This position typically requires the use of his/her hands to handle, feel, and/or operate objects, tools, and/or controls, and to reach with his/her hands and arms and legs. The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, smell, talk, and/or hear. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and/or move up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment:

Work is generally performed in outside weather conditions such as rain, cold, heat, wet, and/or humidity. The employee must be able to work in an environment that has vibration, high/precarious positions, and occasional fume/airborne particle exposure. The employee may have to work with toxic and/or caustic chemicals and the risk of electric shock. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.

Comments:

This position may be required to report for work when a declaration of emergency has been declared. Certain essential town services are required to be maintained in any civil emergency (i.e., hurricanes). Depending upon the type of emergency, any and all employees may be activated as essential employees in the event of an emergency. Depending on the nature of the emergency, employees may be called upon to perform tasks outside of their daily duties.

DISCLAIMER:

The intent of this class description is to provide a representative summary of the types of duties and responsibilities that would be performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties and responsibilities required and shall not be construed as a declaration of the specific duties and responsibilities required of employees assigned to this classification.

EEO/AA Compliance Statement:

The Town of Lake Hamilton is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in its workforce. The Town does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status. Women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Pay: $18.52 - $27.78 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• Must be able to work Monday – Friday, Weekend, On Call

Work Location: In person