Lead Water Operator

City of Deerfield Beach
Environmental Services, FL

The purpose of this position is to lead, review, and train other operators. Performs skilled work involving the operation and maintenance of the water treatment plant. On call if needed and notified. Shift work may include weekends and all holidays, with limited supervision during 2nd and/or 3rd shifts.
This class works under general supervision, independently developing work methods and sequences.

The essential functions listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this class. Management may assign additional functions related to the type of work of the class as necessary.

  • Coordinates, assigns and reviews work that’s designated to a shift/plant; maintains standards; monitors status of work in progress; inspects completed work assignments; answers questions; gives advice and direction as needed.
  • Conducts plant evaluation upon arrival and during shift.
  • Retrieves water quality samples for lab analysis.
  • Operates the processes/equipment at the Water Treatment Plant to meet compliance requirements and produce high quality drinking water.
  • Operates pumps, filters, disinfection systems, lime slakers, membranes and other Water Treatment equipment and documents their use.
  • Responsible for ordering and maintaining needed levels of chemicals and supplies.
  • Observes, interprets and documents online data for process control and permit compliance.
  • Keeps log sheets and prepares operating reports via computer data entry and SCADA paperless MOR.
  • Must follow safety procedures and promote a safe work environment.
  • Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.
  • Assist Water Plant Superintendent in creating/revising plant procedures and policies.
  • Monitor and maintenance of raw water wells for the production of the City’s Water Treatment Plant.
  • Assist in training new employees on plant operations, procedures and safety practices.
  • Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
  • High School Graduation or GED equivalent.
  • Two and a half (2.5) years of public works experience or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
  • Must possess and maintain a valid state driver’s license with an acceptable driving history.
  • Must possess a minimum of a Florida Class “C” Water Operator License with 1.5 years of documented water plant experience.
  • Must obtain Florida Class “B” Water Operator License within 1.5 years of start date.

PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
  • Supervisory experience preferred.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
  • Ability and willingness to perform minor equipment maintenance, housekeeping and other job duties as assigned.
  • Ability to follow safety procedures and promote a safe work environment.
  • Ability to provide excellent customer service to internal and external customers.
  • Strong written and verbal communications skills.
  • Knowledge of the principles, practice, equipment and methods used in water treatment.
  • Knowledge of chemistry as applied to water treatment.
  • Knowledge of laboratory procedures.
  • Ability to check the operation of equipment and to detect defects in operations.
  • Ability to take accurate reading.
  • Ability to keep records and to perform mathematical computations.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Physical demands refer to the requirements for physical exertion and coordination of limb and body movement.
  • Performs light to medium work that involves walking or standing virtually all of the time and also involves exerting between 20 and 50 pounds of force on a regular and recurring basis or considerable skill, adeptness and speed in the use of the fingers, hands or limbs in tasks involving close tolerances or limits of accuracy.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Unavoidable hazards refer to the job conditions that may lead to injury or health hazards even though precautions have been taken.
  • Involves routine and frequent exposure to:
    • Bright/dim light; Dusts and pollen.
    • Extreme heat and/or cold; Wet or humid conditions.
    • Extreme noise levels, Animals/wildlife.
    • Vibration; Fumes and/or noxious odors.
    • Traffic; Moving machinery.
    • Electrical shock; Heights.
    • Radiation; Disease/pathogens.
WORK HOURS
  • Role requires shift work, shifts are typically 7am-3:00pm; 3:00pm - 11:00pm and 11:00pm - 7:00am (May be required to work nights, weekends and holidays to meet the business needs of the City.)

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT COMPLIANCE
The City of Deerfield Beach is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires the City to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management.

ESSENTIAL SAFETY FUNCTIONS
It is the responsibility of each employee to comply with established policies, procedures and safe work practices. Each employee must follow safety training and instructions provided by their supervisor. Each employee must also properly wear and maintain all personal protective equipment required for their job. Finally, each employee must immediately report any unsafe work practices or unsafe conditions as well as any on-the-job injury or illnesses.
Every manager/supervisor is responsible for enforcing all safety rules and regulations. In addition, they are responsible for ensuring that a safe work environment is maintained, safe work practices are followed, and employees are properly trained.

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES
Note: During emergency conditions, all City employees are automatically considered emergency service workers. City employees are subject to being called to work in the event of a disaster, such as hurricane, or other emergency situations and are expected to perform emergency service duties as assigned.

The City of Deerfield Beach values the service veterans and their family members have given to our country and supports the hiring of returning service members and military spouses.

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