Plant Operator - Trainee

Under direct supervision, the Plant Operator - Trainee performs manual and mechanical work of ordinary difficulty and responsibility in the operation and maintenance of a water or wastewater treatment plant. This position is part of a structured training program designed to develop the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for licensure as a Florida Class “C” Water or Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator while supporting safe, compliant, and efficient utility operations in service to the public.

Treatment Plant Operations:

• Assist in the operation and monitoring of advanced water or wastewater treatment facilities utilizing manual and automated control systems.
• Read, interpret, and monitor plant instrumentation, meters, charts, and SCADA systems to ensure proper treatment processes.
• Take biological, bacterial, and chemical samples and assist with chlorine residual and process control testing.

Maintenance and Equipment Support:

• Assist with the operation, exercising, and routine maintenance of pumps, motors, controls, meters, and related equipment.
• Perform planned preventative maintenance and scheduled operational duties.
• Support general plant housekeeping and maintain a clean and safe work area.

Documentation and Compliance:

• Record daily operational data, meter readings, and shift information accurately.
• Perform data entry and assist in compiling daily and monthly operational reports for regulatory agency submittals.
• Follow all safety, health, and environmental regulations and standard operating procedures.

Teamwork and Public Service:

• Work collaboratively with other employees and maintain positive working relationships.
• Communicate clearly and professionally with supervisors, coworkers, and the public.
• Maintain regular and punctual attendance and respond to emergency situations as required.

Additional Duties:

• Participate in rotating shift work, scheduled and unscheduled overtime, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support utility operations.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:This position requires good eyesight and hearing, with or without correction, and frequent use of both hands and fingers with dexterity. Work involves constant walking, standing, stooping, kneeling, bending, crouching, and crawling; frequent lifting and carrying of 50 pounds or more; and occasional lifting of up to 100 pounds. Duties include climbing ladders, working on platforms, reaching overhead, and performing light manual labor. The employee must be able to communicate clearly and travel to various County locations.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS AND WORK HAZARDS:Work is performed both indoors and outdoors at water or wastewater treatment facilities and related sites. The employee is regularly exposed to adverse and extreme weather conditions, uneven surfaces, excessive noise, dust, fumes, airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, and wastewater. There is potential exposure to moving mechanical equipment and electrical hazards. Required safety equipment includes uniforms, eye and ear protection, safety glasses, safety vests, steel-toe footwear, rain gear, and other personal protective equipment as assigned.

SAFETY EQUIPMENT & PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE):Employees are required to adhere to all safety protocols and utilize appropriate safety equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE) provided to ensure a safe working environment. Specific requirements include:

• Mandatory PPE: Employees must wear designated PPE, which may include safety goggles, gloves, hard hats, hearing protection, and respiratory masks, depending on the tasks performed.
• Safety Training: All employees will receive training on the proper use and maintenance of safety equipment and PPE to minimize risks and ensure compliance with safety regulations.
• Inspection and Maintenance: Employees are responsible for regularly inspecting their PPE for wear and tear, and reporting any damaged equipment to their supervisor for replacement.
• Emergency Equipment: Familiarity with the location and use of emergency equipment, such as fire extinguishers, first aid kits, and eyewash stations, is required.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:

This job description is not intended to be and should not be construed as an all-inclusive list of all the responsibilities, skills or working conditions associated with the position. While it is intended to accurately reflect the position activities and requirements, Management reserves the right to modify, add or remove duties and assign other duties as necessary that are a logical assignment to the position.

EMERGENCY RESPONSE/RECOVERY ACTIVITIES:

County employees are considered essential personnel in providing and continuing services to our community during and following a disaster, such as a hurricane, or in other emergency situations. As a requirement of County employment,County employees are subject to being required to remain at work during an event, respond to a recall immediately following an event and/or immediately reporting to work when an all clear is declared by theCounty Administrator. During these types of events, County employeesmay 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.

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.

EEO STATEMENT:

St. Lucie County BOCC is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected characteristic. We encourage all qualified candidates to apply.

Candidates should possess a solid foundational background that demonstrates their ability to engage with the responsibilities of the role effectively.

• High School Diploma or equivalent (GED) required.
• Prior utility systems or mechanical experience preferred; an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered.
• Proof of current enrollment or completion of a Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP)–recognized water or wastewater treatment course; completion of Sacramento State Wastewater Operations Volumes 1 and 2 is preferred.
• Ability to obtain a Florida Class “C” Water or Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator License within 18 months (2,080 hours) of hire.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions and read technical manuals.
• Ability to accurately read meters, charts, and instrumentation and maintain detailed operational records.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Demonstrated professionalism, sound judgment, and commitment to safety, respect, and public trust.
• Availability for shift work, overtime, and emergency response.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Florida Driver’s License with a good driving record.

Pay Grade T10

Driving Position – Operating County vehicles and/or equipment is a primary function of this position.

PRE-EMPLOYMENT SCREENING: This position requires a physical, drug testing, driver's license verification and level 1 background screening.