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…