Utilities Plant Operator Trainee

Trainee works in learning the fundamentals of wastewater treatment plant operation. After instruction, orientation and certification the employee will be expected to carry out those routine duties as required of a licensed Plant Operator.

Note: The following duties are illustrative and not exhaustive. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. Depending on assigned area of responsibility, incumbents in the position may perform one or more of the activities described below:

• Responds to emergency situation such as, floods, hurricanes, tornadoes and other natural and/or unnatural crisis to provide for public health and safety.
• Prepares and maintains accurate, detailed operations reports and maintenance records.
• Collects, organizes and evaluates wastewater operational data, and develop logical conclusions for operational adjustments.
• Oversees and/or performs inspections of facility equipment and machinery to determine that all systems are operating properly.
• Works with licensed operational staff to performs routine and non-routine adjustments to controls in conformance with operating instructions, Florida Administration Code and prescribed standards.
• Notifies appropriate staff of needs for non-routine adjustments and/or malfunctioning equipment.
• Performs and assists with plant maintenance work as required.
• Assist in operations, calibration, and in maintaining all department equipment, vehicles and test equipment to ensure safe and efficient operations.
• Gain knowledge of Florida Administrative Code and regulatory requirements.
• Researches and responds to informative requests in conformance with department procedures.
• Implements OSHA lock-out/tag-out procedures to safely isolate equipment and remove it from service.
• Aids in response to customer inquiries and complaints to include determination of wastewater quality issues and resolution, provides requested information within established guidelines and capabilities or redirects call to appropriate person to ensure good customer relations.
• Accepts documentation from chemical delivery drivers, signs to verify amounts of delivered for payment, and submits the tickets to the facility supervisor or office assistant for payment.
• Uses appropriate personal protective equipment and follows material safety data sheets recommendations for handling toxic, corrosive and flammable materials.
• Ability to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and also push or pull heavy objects.
• Performs related work as directed.

• Knowledge of written and oral computer communication.
• Ability to perform assigned duties with considerable independence.
• Ability to work in a team environment.
• Ability to communicate effectively with others.
• Ability to prepare and maintain accurate, detailed operations and maintenance records and reports.
• Ability and willingness to respond to emergency situations, such as floods, hurricanes, tornadoes and other natural and/or unnatural crises to provide for public health and safety.
• Ability to use a computer and related software.

Core Competencies:
Customer Commitment - Proactively seeks to understand the needs of the customers and provide the highest standards of service.
Dedication to Professionalism and Integrity - Demonstrates and promotes fair, hones, professional and ethical behaviors that establishes trust throughout the organization and with the public we service.
Organizational Excellence - takes ownership for excellence through one's personal effectiveness and dedication to the continuous improvement of our operations.
Success through Teamwork - Collaborates and builds partnerships through trust and the open exchange of diverse ideas and perspectives to achieve organizational goals.

PHYSICAL SKILLS/WORKING CONDITIONS: Ability to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and also push or pull heavy objects. May use a handling device (dolly, cart, etc.) or work with another team member to lift and/or move excessively heavy objects. Ability to bend, climb, squat and walk frequently. Ability to communicate effectively using verbal, written and visual communication. Ability and willingness to work overtime, rotating shifts, including nights, weekends and holidays.

EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE: Graduation from high school or possession of an acceptable equivalency diploma.

CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES OR REGISTRATIONS: Must possess a valid Florida Driver's License. Must successfully pass examinations to receive a valid Florida Class "C" License in wastewater within eighteen (18) months from date of hire. Progress toward completion of certification courses and/or exam must be demonstrated within first six (6) months date of hire. Applicants who have passed the wastewater certification exam and/or completed/started required course work for certification will be given preference.

NOTE: Candidate hired as "Trainees" in Tier 1 will serve an 18 month probationary period. They are required to complete all educational requirements to acquire a valid State of Florida Wastewater Plant Operator "C" Certificate of Completion within one (1) year of position assignment and obtain the license within eighteen (18) months.

NOTE: Upon completion of training, to include obtaining a valid State of Florida Wastewater Plant "C" Certificate of License, incumbents will be promoted to Plant Operator Tier 2. The training period may be extended by the County to which the position is assigned.

ADA STATEMENT: A qualified employee or applicant with a disability may be afforded a reasonable accommodation to perform the essential job functions of a position in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE: Pasco County is a drug-free workplace in accordance with Federal and Florida Law.

EMERGENCY RESPONSE/RECOVERY ACTIVITIES: All employees will be required to work before, during, or after an emergency. During an emergency, employees may temporarily be assigned to work and perform duties outside the normal scope of their position, location and work schedule to fit the needs of the County and its citizens.

VETERANS' PREFERENCE: Under Section 295.07, F.S., Chapter SSA-7, Pasco County BCC provides to Veterans, that preference in appointment will be given to preference-eligible applicants.

Employment Type: Full Time