Water/Wastewater Plant Operator 1 or Trainee

Apply to be a proud member of Pinellas County Utilities where our mission is to be the standard for public service in America. We protect community and environmental health by providing reliable water reclamation services to approximately 220,000 residents by using advanced tertiary treatment and disinfection wastewater processes.

We are currently looking to fill a position at our Advanced South Cross Bayou Plant. As a Wastewater Plant Operator Trainee, you can grow your career within Utilities, receiving on the job training and mentoring.  Or, if you already have some wastewater operations experience, you may qualify to build your Utilities career as a Plant Operator 1.

This position is located at:  South Cross Bayou Advanced Water Reclamation, 7401 54th Avenue North St. Petersburg FL  33709.  Schedule: This facility operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with three shifts: 0600 to 1600, 1300 to 2300, and 2100 to 0700.

Operator Trainee Hiring Range: $19.50 - $21.45 

The Wastewater Plant Operator Trainee performs entry trainee level for wastewater plant operator line of work; receives training, education, and experience in wastewater treatment plant operations, monitoring, maintenance, and/or repair of pumps, motors, treatment systems, generators, and related support systems; performs collection, analysis, reporting, and processing of a variety of samples; performs routine work and obtains on the job training and guidance from more experienced staff when completing non-routine tasks and functions.

What Would You Do?

• Operates and maintains lift stations.
• Monitors and controls Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems.
• Monitors emergency bypass pumping.
• Cleans, calibrates, adjusts, and maintains chemical feed systems.
• Calibrates and adjusts flow meters.
• Operates and maintains overhead cranes.
• Cleans bar screens.
• Collects and processes a variety of samples.
• Prepares and submits data to be reported in the Florida Department of Environmental
• Protection (DEP) monthly operating reports.
• Prepares various in-house operating reports.
• Performs data reporting, assembly, evaluation, and archiving.
•  Performs facility housekeeping.
• Provides customer service and promotes positive public relations.
• Performs other related job duties as assigned.
•  Skill in operating and servicing mechanical equipment utilized in operation of wastewater plants. 
• Ability to apply computer applications and software.
• Ability to perform basic laboratory tests.
• Ability to adjust and regulate a variety of automatic or manually controlled auxiliary equipment to ensure safe operations.
• Ability to anticipate and adjust systems due to changing factors, such as, water quality, weather, and other factors.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and/or written instructions.
• Ability to communicate courteously and tactfully with members of the public.
• Ability to use or repair small, medium, and heavy equipment and machinery.
• Additional duties may be assigned and not included in the above listing.

What Do You Need To Have?

• Must possess a high school diploma or equivalent and agree to complete a Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) approved training course to obtain a passing score on the Florida Water or Wastewater Plant Operator Class “C” License as set forth in Florida Administrative Code Chapter 62-602, DEP describing Water or Domestic Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators and Water Distribution System Operators license requirements.  The candidate must possess at least a “C” license by no later than two (2) years of appointment.
• An equivalent combination of education, training, and/or experience.

Operator 1 Hiring Range: $22.01 - $24.21

The Wastewater Plant Operator 1 performs full performance level for the wastewater plant operator line of work; completes tasks in wastewater treatment plant operations, monitoring, maintenance, and/or repair of pumps, motors, treatment systems, generators, and related support systems; performs collection, analysis, reporting, and processing of a variety of samples; performs work independently and takes initiative to ensure sound plant operations; seeks guidance and direction on unusual or difficult assignments or problems; assists in training, education, and providing guidance to less experienced workers.  Operation and Maintenance activities associated with operation and minor maintenance of a 33 MGD Wastewater treatment plant and remotely Lift stations and transmission system for Reclaim.

What Would You Do?

• Operates and maintains a variety of pumps, motors, treatment systems, generators, and related support systems.
• Operates and maintains lift stations.
• Monitors and controls Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems.
• Monitors emergency bypass pumping.
• Cleans, calibrates, adjusts, and maintains chemical feed systems.
• Calibrates and adjusts flow meters.
• Operates and maintains overhead cranes.
• Cleans bar screens.
• Collects and processes a variety of samples.
• Prepares and submits Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) monthly operating reports.
• Prepares various in-house operating reports.
• Performs data reporting, assembly, evaluation, and archiving.
• Assists to provide guidance as well as orientation and on-the-job training of newly assigned personnel.
• Performs facility housekeeping.
• Orders necessary chemicals to perform water quality tests.
• Provides customer service and promotes positive public relations.
• Responds to phone calls and emails.
• Repairs, modifies, and troubleshoots equipment and coordinates repair with technicians.
• Performs other related job duties as assigned.
• Knowledge of the functions and servicing requirements of a wastewater treatment plant operation, as well as the general operation knowledge of utility specific machinery and equipment, such as filters, pumps, valves, generators, mixers, and filling machines utilized in water or wastewater treatment operations.
• Knowledge of basic chemistry tests and related mathematics.
• Knowledge of the function and processes of computer control and interface systems.
• Knowledge of potable water production and wastewater treatment processes.
• Skill in operating and servicing mechanical equipment utilized in operation wastewater treatment plants.
• Ability to apply computer applications and software.
• Ability to perform basic laboratory tests.
• Ability to adjust and regulate a variety of automatic or manually controlled auxiliary equipment to ensure safe operations.
• Ability to anticipate and adjust systems due to changing factors, such as, water quality, weather, and other factors.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and/or written instructions.
• Ability to communicate courteously and tactfully with members of the public.
• Ability to use or repair small, medium, and heavy equipment and machinery.
• Additional duties may be assigned and not included in the above listing.

What Do You Need To Have?

• Must possess a high school diploma or its equivalent and at least one (1) year of experience in the performance of process control including the performance of operational control tests and evaluation and interpretation of the test results, preparation of plant process control reports, logs, or records, analysis and disposal or distribution of the plant product and the residuals from the treatment process, and control of the hydraulic system and necessary chemical adjustments, water distribution system operation and maintenance, sample collection and analysis, electronic surveillance system monitoring, and plant maintenance; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and/or experience.  
• Possession and maintenance of a valid Florida Driver's License.
• Assignment to work a variety of work schedules including compulsory work periods in special, emergency, and/or disaster situations.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (Both Positions)

• Knowledge of the functions and servicing requirements of a water or wastewater treatment plant operation, as well as the general operation knowledge of utility specific machinery and equipment, such as filters, pumps, valves, generators, mixers, and filling machines utilized in water or wastewater treatment operations.
• Knowledge of basic chemistry tests and related mathematics.
•  Knowledge of the function and processes of computer control and interface systems.
• Knowledge of potable water production and wastewater treatment processes.
• Skill in operating and servicing mechanical equipment utilized in operation of water and wastewater treatment plants.
• Ability to apply computer applications and software.
• Ability to perform basic laboratory tests.
• Ability to adjust and regulate a variety of automatic or manually controlled auxiliary equipment to ensure safe operations.
• Ability to anticipate and adjust systems due to changing factors, such as, water quality, weather, and other factors.
• Ability to operate water treatment plants to pump or treat water for domestic or industrial use.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and/or written instructions.
• Ability to communicate courteously and tactfully with members of the public.
• Ability to use or repair small, medium, and heavy equipment and machinery.

Why Choose Pinellas County?

When you join Pinellas County, you’re not just taking on a job—you’re investing in your future. We believe in supporting our employees with exceptional benefits that help you thrive both professionally and personally. Here's why our benefits stand out as some of the best in the area:

• Comprehensive Benefits Package: Enjoy affordable medical, dental, vision, life insurance, flexible spending accounts, and more that meet the needs of you and your family.
• Florida Retirement System (FRS): Secure your financial future with a robust retirement plan that gives you peace of mind as you plan for tomorrow.
• Generous leave time: Take advantage of time off to recharge and enjoy life outside of work.
• Wellness Program: Access to county gyms 24/7 and wellness programs as part of our commitment to employee wellness.
• Deferred compensation: Build your savings and plan for the future with flexible deferred compensation options tailored to your financial goals.
• To learn more, see What We Offer

Want To Learn More?

Please review the full classification description with the Physical/Mental Demands and Working Conditions s at the below link.

https://pinellas.gov/class-specification/water-wastewater-plant-operator-trainee/

https://pinellas.gov/class-specification/water-wastewater-plant-operator-1/