Utility Systems Operator Trainee

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Under supervision, the purpose of the position is to perform diagnostic and equipment control operations to regulate collection, treatment, dispersal and disposal of water/wastewater in the City's Utilities Department according to the area of assignment. Employees in this classification function at entry level, and are responsible for performing routine inspection and maintenance duties, ensuring efficient and effective operation of water facilities and equipment. Objective is to provide safe potable drinking water to the City.

The list of essential functions, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification. It is not necessarily descriptive of any one position in the class. The omission of an essential function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed herein if such functions are a logical assignment to the position.

• Performs routine operational and regulatory work in the testing and treatment of City water in compliance with all applicable City, State and Federal regulations and guidelines.
• Regulates water flow and water pressure equipment in the City's Utilities Department.
• Monitors various flow and composition levels of water processing, e.g., effluent flow; pH, oxygen, and chemical levels; modifies flow and chemical feed rates to ensure appropriate levels.
• Monitors various operational aspects of water processing, e.g., chemical use, power consumption, generator use, volume processing.
• Collects and performs laboratory sample analysis to ensure adherence to safety and regulatory chemical parameters; monitors chemical inventory to ensure appropriate supply/stock levels at all times.
• Performs and records chemical and pressure sampling and laboratory testing; calculates results/readings; ascertains performance and quality; performs appropriate equipment adjustments and calibrations.
• Performs various maintenance and purging duties; monitors and sets chlorine machinery to obtain proper chemical usage readings.
• Coordinates with utility crews on leaks, main breaks, or related critical events; responds to emergency call-in in disasters or other critical events.
• Performs routine maintenance and repair duties of water equipment and facilities, e.g., pumps, storage tanks, aerators, precipitators, filters, motors, pulleys, drive belts, solids and chemicals handling.
• Records daily pump readings, e.g., pressure, flow, time, chemical usage, pump function/operation; perform corrective measures to pump operations and settings as necessary.
• Performs clerical duties, e.g., data entry; generates spreadsheets for process control; prepares various reports; performs calculations, runs quantitative/qualitative analysis and interprets data for performance evaluation.
• Performs related duties as directed.

MINIMUM TRAINING, EXPERIENCE, LICENSES, OR CERTIFICATIONS

High School Diploma or GED required. Must possess and maintain a valid Florida Driver's License.

Employees in this classification will recieve on the job training in water operations with the understanding that they will be required to pass the Water Treatment, Level C Operator Certification issued by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection within 15 months of hire.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Ability to understand and follow verbal and written instructions.
• Knowledge of the collection, treatment, dispersal and disposal of water/wastewater in compliance with all applicable City, State and Federal rules and regulatory requirements applicable to the work.
• Knowledge of the safe and proper use and care of manual and power hand tools and equipment utilized in water utilities operations and preventative maintenance field.
• Ability to inspect utilities machinery and mechanical equipment and to detect and identify apparatus malfunctions.
• Knowledge of intermediate level mathematical computations, including addition, subtraction, division, multiplication, decimals, ratios and percentages.
• Ability to read and interpret readings, measurements and flow rates obtained through application of diagnostics, laboratory sampling and testing equipment.
• Ability to read and interpret various documents such as safety rules, operation and maintenance instructions, procedure manuals, and related documentation.
• Ability to operate various office equipment, e.g., computer terminals, telephone systems, calculator.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and communications with other employees, vendors, and the public.
• Ability to meet established deadlines, and follow up on assignments with a minimum of direction.
• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• While performing the essential functions of this job, the incumbent is occasionally required to lift, move or carry objects up to 50 pounds; ascend or descend ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles; utilize feet and legs or hands and arms; maintain body equilibrium to prevent falling when walking, standing, crouching, or navigating narrow, slippery, or erratically moving surfaces; bend body downward and forward by bending spine and legs; move about on hands and knees or hands and feet; use hands to finger, handle or feel objects; and to reach with hands and arms.
• While performing the essential functions of this position the employee is frequently exposed to fumes, gases, odors or airborne particles; toxic or caustic substances; excessive noise; extreme temperatures; and dampness, wetness and humidity. While performing the essential functions of this job, the incumbent is occasionally exposed to possible bodily injury from electrical shock; falling from high, exposed places; and moving mechanical parts of equipment, tools, and machinery.