Water Treatment Operator

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Performs skilled technical work in the operation, monitoring, maintenance, and regulatory compliance of the City's water treatment facilities, wells, booster stations, storage facilities, and related production systems. Monitors treatment processes, operates SCADA systems, performs water quality testing, maintains operational records, and responds to equipment and system issues to ensure the safe, reliable production of potable water. Works independently during assigned shifts and participates in rotating schedules, on-call assignments, and emergency response activities. This position reports to the Lead Water Plant Operator.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Water Treatment Operations

• Operate, monitor, and maintain water treatment plants, wells, booster stations, storage facilities, and related production equipment.
• Monitor treatment processes and adjust operations to maintain water quality and regulatory compliance.
• Operate pumps, motors, chemical feed systems, filtration, disinfection, aeration, and related treatment equipment.
• Perform routine inspections of treatment facilities, equipment, wells, tanks, and associated infrastructure.
• Identify abnormal operating conditions, respond to alarms, troubleshoot routine operational issues, and report significant concerns to supervisory personnel.

SCADA & Process Control

• Monitor plant operations using SCADA systems, including production levels, pressures, flows, equipment status, and alarm conditions.
• Review operational data and document process adjustments and system changes.
• Assist with troubleshooting instrumentation, control systems, and automated equipment.

Water Quality & Regulatory Compliance

• Collect water samples and perform routine operational testing.
• Monitor chlorine residuals, turbidity, pH, flow rates, pressure, and other treatment parameters.
• Maintain operational logs, regulatory records, compliance documentation, and treatment reports.
• Ensure compliance with FDEP, EPA, and City operating standards.
• Report water quality concerns, equipment failures, and regulatory issues promptly.

Equipment Maintenance & Facility Support

• Perform routine preventive maintenance, inspections, lubrication, cleaning, adjustments, and minor repairs.
• Identify maintenance needs and coordinate repairs with maintenance personnel and contractors.
• Maintain plant facilities, equipment, and work areas in a clean and safe condition.
• Handle treatment chemicals in accordance with established safety procedures and maintain chemical storage areas.

Safety & Emergency Response

• Follow OSHA regulations, City safety policies, lockout/tagout procedures, confined space requirements, chemical handling protocols, and PPE requirements.
• Respond to equipment failures, power outages, severe weather, water quality incidents, and other operational emergencies.
• Perform emergency operational adjustments necessary to maintain continuous water production and protect public health.

On-Call & Documentation

• Participate in scheduled on-call rotations and respond to after-hours alarms, equipment failures, operational issues, and emergency conditions.
• Perform inspections, troubleshooting, operational adjustments, and emergency repairs as required.
• Complete daily operational logs, shift reports, maintenance requests, production records, chemical usage reports, and regulatory documentation.
• Communicate effectively with plant operators, distribution personnel, maintenance staff, contractors, supervisors, and regulatory agencies.

(These essential job functions are not to be construed as a complete statement of all duties performed. Employees will be required to perform other job related marginal duties as required.)

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

1. Knowledge of municipal water treatment operations, treatment processes, SCADA systems, water quality monitoring, chemical handling, mechanical equipment, instrumentation, safety procedures, and applicable FDEP, EPA, and OSHA regulations.
2. Ability to safely operate treatment facilities, recognize abnormal operating conditions, interpret gauges, alarms, and operational data, perform routine calculations, maintain accurate records, follow technical procedures, work independently, and respond effectively during emergencies.

EDUCATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

1. High school graduation or possession of an acceptable equivalency diploma.
2. Technical coursework in water treatment, environmental science, chemistry, mechanical or electrical systems, or a related field preferred.
3. Two (2) years of experience in water treatment, utilities, industrial operations, wastewater treatment, manufacturing, or a related field preferred.
4. Experience operating pumps, chemical feed systems, SCADA systems, or similar process equipment desirable.

(A comparable amount of training, education, or experience can be substituted for the minimum qualifications.)

LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS AND REGISTRATIONS:

1. Possession of a valid Florida Driver’s License.
2. Florida FDEP Class “C” Water Treatment Operator License

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL SKILLS:

• Operate treatment equipment, valves, controls, and tools while wearing required PPE.
• Acceptable eyesight and hearing (with or without correction)
• Ability to communicate both orally and in writing.
• Moderate (45 pounds) lifting and carrying.
• Climbing and Walking
• Depth perception
• Distinguish colors
• Smelling
• Driving

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

Work is performed primarily at water treatment plants, wells, booster stations, storage facilities, and related utility sites with exposure to treatment chemicals, mechanical and electrical equipment, wet surfaces, outdoor weather, elevated work areas, and confined spaces. Position requires rotating shifts, overtime, on-call assignments, and emergency response to ensure continuous water production. Must be available to work in the event of a disaster to assist with recovery response efforts.

(Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.)

Miscellaneous Information

The City Of Tavares is an Equal Employment Opportunity, Drug-Free Workplace and E-Verify Employer. Qualified individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply and will be reasonably accommodated. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. Veterans’ Preference offered on initial hire per Florida Statute 295. Selected applicants receiving a conditional offer of employment are subject to a criminal, driver, education and employment background check, drug screen, psychological assessment and medical examination. To apply, a City of Tavares employment application and resume with a minimum of ten (10) years complete work history must be submitted to City of Tavares Human Resources no later than 5:00 p.m. on the closing date (if mailed, it must be postmarked no later than the closing date). Internal candidates must submit a completed Internal Transfer Request (available in Human Resources, no later than 5:00 p.m. on the closing date. Minimum qualifications are subject to change pending approval of job description(s). Equivalent combination of related training and experience may be considered. The City of Tavares reserves the right to fill positions prior to the closing date. All positions are regular full-time unless otherwise noted.