Water Plant Operator Trainee

The Water Plant Operator Trainee position is an entry level position. Individuals in this position are expected to make progress toward becoming a Certified Water Plant Operator, with advancement to the Water Plant Operator C classification within a reasonable time.

Under general supervision of a Lead Operator and/or other certified Water Plant Operator, Water Plant Operator Trainees perform skilled work in the 24-hour operation of an interlinked, tri-county network of water treatment plant, pipeline and pumping station infrastructure.  After an instruction and orientation period, the quality and speed of work on routine duties should steadily become comparable to that of a certified operator. Work may include making adjustments to machinery, equipment and related control apparatus in accordance with established procedural guidelines, recognized best practices and industry standards.

The position requires substantial written, oral, computer and analytical skills.  Performance is monitored through periodic conferences, reports, training and administrative review process. 

Water Production Roles:

• Serves as a support to staff in: 
  1. Implementing methods for improving the Agency in support of the mission, vision and values.
  2. Technical, Engineering, and regional Operations & Maintenance Teams.

• Participates in training on the fundamentals of proper water treatment by participating in a wide variety of on-the-job tasks as well as through classes, correspondence courses and general reading.
• Assists in the inspection of water plant and well field, equipment and machinery to determine that all machinery is operating properly.
• Assists in the monitoring of meters, LED screens, pumps, plant machinery and facilities.
• Assists in making routine adjustments to treatment processes or controls in conformance with all rules, regulations, facility standard operating procedures and work instructions.
• Assists in the collection of water quality samples at various points in the system.
• Assists in conducting limited laboratory analysis to determine effectiveness of treatment and records results.
• Assists in the preparation of routine reports and maintains records according to established standards and procedures.
• Assists in performing routine maintenance on vehicles, buildings and grounds. Maintains responsibility for personal work safety. 
• Assists in the maintenance and repair of pumps, meters, on-line water quality analyzers and related equipment.
• Focus on learning to make system treatment performance observations and operational changes through the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) console infrastructure.
• Informs the Lead Operator or certified operator of any needs for non-routine adjustments and/or malfunctioning equipment.
• Participates in the on-the-job cross-training program.
• Completes work in support of meeting department key performance indicators and measures.
• Observes safety policies and procedures in accordance with the Agency’s Safety Program.
• May be required to work a flexible schedule including night, weekend and holiday hours to help complete assigned duties and shifts.
• May be required to respond to after-hour, off-duty call outs, working in conjunction with a certified operator, to mitigate staffing shortages or other emergency events.
• Performs related work as directed.

Disaster Service Worker:  Employees of Tampa Bay Water are, by State and Federal law, Disaster Service Workers. In the event of a declaration of emergency, any employee may be assigned activities that promote the protection of public health and safety or the preservation of lives and property, either at the Agency or within the local or their own community.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS:

Knowledge of:

• Principles of bacteriology and chemistry.
• The use of common mechanical tools.
• Functions and mechanics of pumps and related equipment.
• Mechanics and mathematics.
• Equipment maintenance practices and methods.

Ability and Skills to:

• Distinguish colors easily.
• Read simple meters and charts.
• Learn, interpret and apply various regulations and codes.
• Apply mechanical and mathematical aptitude.
• See numbers and demarcations on gauges or dials.
• Operate industrial and personal computers with general proficiency.
• Understand and interpret complex policies, protocols and procedures.
• Ability to work effectively in a team-based organization focused on continuous improvement.
• Ability to establish and maintain a positive customer service attitude and effective working relationships with internal and external customers.
• Ability to demonstrate strong two-way communication skills, including the ability to listen explain, and facilitate.
• Ability to ask for input, offer help without being asked, accept suggestions and work with others to solve problems.

Preferred Training and Experience:

EDUCATION REQUIRED:

REQUIRED LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS:

• Must enroll in Operation of Water Treatment Plant Volume I and Volume II correspondence course from California State University Sacramento, or equivalent within the first (1) month of employment.
• Must complete Operation of Water Treatment Plant Volume I and Volume II Certification from California State University Sacramento, or equivalent within the first six (6) months of employment.
• Continued employment contingent upon acquiring a Florida Department of Environmental Protection Water Treatment Plant Operator Class C level license within the first eighteen (18) months of employment.
• Valid driver’s license.

Preferred Licenses and Certifications:

• Operation of Water Treatment Plant Volume I and Volume II Certification from California State University Sacramento, or equivalent.
• A passing score on the Florida Department of Environmental Protection Water C level exam.

Physical Abilities: Tasks involve the ability to exert medium physical effort which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects, and materials of medium weight (30-50 pounds). Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or workstation. Walking for extended periods of time and travelling up and down stairs.

Sensory Abilities: Some tasks require visual perception and discrimination.

Environmental Requirements: Tasks are regularly performed without exposure to hazardous environmental conditions, equipment and work environments. Some tasks are completed in hazardous indoor work environments that will be posted or designated and employees are required to comply with all applicable safety requirements while working in those designated areas. Some tasks are completed outdoors where employees may be exposed to physical hazards characteristic of an outdoor work environment.  

Employees in this role must show proficiency and will be rated on the following performance indicators/competencies:

• Job Knowledge
• Work Planning & Initiative
• Communication Skills
• Problem-Solving & Decision Making
• Productivity (Quantity & Quality of Work)
• Interpersonal
• Teamwork

Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.