Utilities Chief Plant Operator - Wastewater

Company: Charlotte County, FL
Location: Port Charlotte
Posted on: June 17, 2022

Job Description:

General Summary & Essential Responsibilities

Performs highly responsible technical and supervisory work planning, organizing, and directing the daily operations of a wastewater treatment facility. Supervises and trains plant operators, and unskilled and semi-skilled workers engaged in the efficient operation and minor maintenance of plant equipment. Work requires the exercise of considerable technical knowledge and the use of independent judgment in the safe and efficient management and operation of treatment plants and disposal systems. Work also requires the exercise of considerable independent discretion in plant operation procedures within established technical standards and departmental rules and regulations.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

* Supervises and manages the operation of treatment facilities, injection wells, percolation evaporation ponds, spray irrigation, reclaimed water operations, bio-solids processing and disposal systems.
* Supervises and trains operators in the inspection, adjustment, minor repair, and cleaning of treatment plant equipment such as chlorinators, blowers, sludge collectors, sludge handling equipment, chemical feeders, pumps, valves, screens, and related equipment.
* Organizes, prioritizes and assigns work: maintains technical and industry standards; coordinates activities and allocates personnel; monitors status of work in progress; inspects completed work; and provides direction, training and technical expertise to assigned staff.
* Monitors the status of plant operations and distribution systems: detects abnormalities in flows, pressures, chemical feeds, levels and water quality; adjusts feed, flow levels and chemicals as needed.
* Ensures all work activities and plant operations are in compliance with all applicable local, state and federal policies, procedures, safety rules, laws, regulations, and water quality standards.
* Participates in the planning of plant systems improvements and expansions: evaluates current and future needs; prioritizes improvements and expansions; and makes recommendations.
* Maintains and repairs plant equipment and systems: supervises the performance of and performs preventative and corrective maintenance; and creates work orders.
* Maintains records: conducts research; compiles data; and prepares and submits operational and regulatory reports.
* Maintains inventory of parts, equipment and supplies: orders parts and supplies for repairs; and recommends alterations to the plant machinery.
* Participates in the development and administration of budget for assigned plant: provides specific and pertinent information to assist in budget preparation; and monitors expenditures to ensure compliance with approved budget.
* May manage maintenance program software.
* Assists in the selection, placement, promotion, training, development, safety, and appraisal of assigned employees.
* Reviews permits to ensure that all sampling, testing and inspections are completed according to schedule.
* Provide exceptional customer assistance, problem-solving, and/or complaints by all forms of communication.

Min. Education, Licenses and Certifications

Minimum Education and Experience:

* High school diploma or GED required, supplemented by vocational or technical training in water and wastewater treatment and distribution.
* Five (5) years of experience in wastewater or water treatment facility operations, to include lead or supervisory experience.
* Or an equivalent combination of relevant training, education and experience.

Licenses and/or Certificates:

* Must possess and maintain a valid Florida driver's license.
* Must possess and maintain a valid Florida Wastewater Operator "A" or "B" License for Domestic Wastewater Treatment.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

* Considerable knowledge of the operating principles and theories of treatment plants and equipment.
* Knowledge of current regulations, standards, practices, and procedures used in the operation of treatment plants and equipment.
* Ability to interpret blueprints, charts, graphs, and computer computations of laboratory analysis.
* Knowledge of the occupational hazards and safety precautions concerning water and wastewater management.
* Ability to advise employees in diagnostics techniques utilized in job tasks.
* Ability to exercise judgment and discretion in applying and interpreting department rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
* Ability to plan, organize, delegate, and supervise the work of unskilled, skilled, and technical personnel as assigned.
* Ability to assess processes and operational performance and to make appropriate adjustments to maximize efficiencies, quality of output and operational performance.
* Ability to make decisions recognizing established precedents and practices and to use resourcefulness and tact in solving new problems.
* Time-management skills, project management skills and ability to meet deadlines.
* Skill in the use of standard office computer equipment and software applications.
* Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
* Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
* Ability to provide internal/external guidance and customer assistance via all forms of communication.

Supplemental Information

Working Conditions: Work is primarily performed indoors but is exposed to temperamental changes (e.g., warehouses, covered loading docks, garages, etc.) or irate customers, extreme noise, odors, heights and/or dust.

Risk/Safety Conditions: The position requires exposure to some risk related to physical and/or mental health and safety (e.g., exposure to environmentally hazardous material, heavy equipment, assault and battery, communicable disease, etc.).

Physical Activities: Walking, sitting, grasping, hearing, seeing up close, seeing far away, talking, standing, finger movement, repetitive motions, depth perception. Occasional lifting up to 10-25 pounds.

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