Water Plant Operator Trainee

The Water Plant Operator Trainee performs technical work by assisting licensed operators in operating and maintaining water production, storage, treatment, distribution systems, and facilities in accordance with local, state, and federal codes, rules and regulations, and permit conditions.

• Assists Licensed Operators in the operation and maintenance of water treatment facilities and make minor repairs to a variety of types and sizes of water facilities and distribution systems.

• Assists in the preparation of monthly and quarterly operating reports for timely submission to regulatory agencies.

• Assists with the collection of various water samples for laboratory testing and analyses; reviews and interprets results; makes modifications to treatment and other processes to obtain compliance with codes, rules and regulations.

• Immediately reports unusual increases or decreases in bacteria, chemicals or physical properties to the Water Plant Operator III and/or Water Plants Supervisor.

• Uses a variety of field test kits to conduct tests on water (chlorine, residual, pH, turbidity, chlorides, copper, lead, and iron).

• Maintains facilities, structures, buildings, and grounds to ensure they are in a proper state of repair, safe and well kept.

• Records daily volume readings at water plants and wells.

• Checks pumps, changes oil and greases pumps as required and necessary.

• Assists in maintaining records and charts for water production data, process control and to document the operation of equipment and systems.

• Performs preventive maintenance to pumps, wells, auxiliary engines, motors, buildings, and structures.

• Assists in mixing chlorine solutions for properly disinfecting water systems in accordance with established guidelines.

• Assesses safety problems, makes minor repairs and modifications and coordinates time consuming or difficult repair or modifications with Water Operator III and/or Electrical/Mechanical Specialists.

• Repairs breaks and damages to water systems in order to minimize interruption of service; coordinates repair of large or time consuming breaks with the distribution maintenance personnel.

• Ensures fire extinguishers are operable and checked on an annual basis.

• Flushes fire hydrants and appropriate blow off points within the water systems to ensure high quality water.

• Investigates and resolves complaints and problems with customers, the public, and other staff members.

• Assesses and updates safety and fire prevention equipment to ensure it is operational.

• Performs other reasonably related duties as assigned by immediate supervisor or other management personnel.

• Regular attendance is required.

Emergency Response

County employees are required to report for work during a state of emergency and are subject to recall around the clock for emergency response operations which may include duties other than those specified in this job description. Minimum Qualifications

• High school graduate or equivalent (GED).

• One (1) year of experience in utilities field work or a related field.

Licenses, Certifications, or Registrations

• Must possess and maintain a valid Florida Driver's License with a good driving record as defined by current insurance carrier.

• Capable of obtaining a Florida Department of Environmental Protection Class "C" operating license in water treatment within eighteen (18) months.

Required Competencies

•  Ability to gain knowledge of laboratory procedures, field tests and sample collection techniques for water.

•  Skill in the use of hand and power tools, vehicles and mowing equipment.

•  Ability to learn to prepare various operating and maintenance reports for regulatory agencies.

•  Ability and willingness to be on call duty after hours and on weekends as necessary and as scheduled.

Physical Demands

• climbing, crawling, crouching, use of hands, hearing, kneeling, lifting, mental acuity, pulling, reaching, speaking, standing, stooping, visual acuity, and walking.

• The work is medium work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 30 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. 

Environmental Conditions

• Constant:  Working inside and outside, on uneven surfaces, in or with moving objects and vehicles.  Very Frequent:  Working in heat, cold, high humidity, dampness or chilliness, in dry conditions, in or with dusty, noisy conditions, with grease or oils, with vibration, with fumes, gases and chemicals, working closely with others, and working inside tanks.

• Works in a safe and secure work environment that may periodically have unpredicted requirements or demands.

Pay Grade:5

Hernando County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, gender, orientation, national origin, age, marital status, veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, disability, or any other protected characteristic as defined by law.

Hernando County is a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to drug testing in accordance with Federal and Florida State Law.

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must provide notification to the BOCC in advance to allow sufficient time to provide an accommodation.