Lead Wastewater Plant Operator

Performs advanced level work in the operation and maintenance of a wastewater treatment plant and related equipment.  An employee in this class assists the Wastewater Operations Supervisor in the proper and efficient operation of a state-of-the-art wastewater treatment plant.  Work is performed in accordance with established procedures and standards.  The employee exercises some independent judgment in the adjustment of treatment plant equipment in order to maintain required quality and production standards.  Instructions are received orally or in writing from the Wastewater Operations Supervisor, and the employee works with relative independence in carrying out the instructions.  This classification is differentiated from the Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator, in the level of technical knowledge, the ability to independently oversee shift operation and maintenance, and the nature of problems that the incumbent is expected to troubleshoot in the absence of the Wastewater Operations Supervisor.  Work is subject to inspection by the Wastewater Operations Supervisor from the results obtained.

In accordance with Article 24 of the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the City of Fort Lauderdale and Teamsters Local Union 769, for posting purposes this open-competitive job posting shall be considered as a simultaneous internal and external posting (it is open to both internal City employees and external applicants).

This position will remain open until a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received.

• Monitors and evaluates the operations of a large, complex wastewater treatment facility and its auxiliary systems; maintains plant log
• Operates onsite oxygen generation plant, troubleshoots problems, and takes corrective action.  Performs acetylene testing to ensure safe cryogenic operation
• Operates and troubleshoots sludge dewatering facilities
• Leads and trains subordinate operational and maintenance staff assigned; advises and instructs on methods and techniques for improving efficiency of duties and operations
• Reviews trends, records, and reports to maintain proper procedure and standards; collects and tabulates operational log data for regulatory agencies
• Recognize deviations or irregularities in the plant operation and maintenance; adjusts the treatment plant process and equipment in order to maintain the required quality standards of the federal, state, and county regulatory agencies
• Samples, measures, and tests plant values such as pH, chlorine residuals, temperature, solids concentration, levels, and others; makes corrections and adjustments; collects required samples for on and offsite analysis
• Collaborates with maintenance staff on specific projects; adjusts or bypasses job specific areas, processes, or equipment to ensure consistent wastewater treatment, plant integrity, and safety
• Tests, monitors, records, evaluates, troubleshoots, and adjusts the operation of plant emergency generator and auxiliary equipment
• Assists contractors and consultants with specific tasks
• Assists in preparing standard operating procedures
• Oversees Plant operations to remain in compliance of all Federal, State, County and City regulations and standards when an Operations Supervisor is not onsite
• Ensures compliance with safety regulations and standard operating procedures
• Works around high voltage, rotating equipment and various hazardous chemicals
• May assist Federal, State and local regulators during plant compliance inspections
• Performs related work as required

1. High School Diploma, G.E.D. equivalency, or acceptable foreign education equivalent?
2. Three (3) or more years of progressively responsible experience in Wastewater Plant operations
3. Possess or obtain a valid State of Florida driver's license within 30 days of hire.
4. Valid State of Florida Class B Certified Operator’s License in wastewater
5. Knowledge of SCADA
6. If claiming Veteran's Preference, candidates must attach a DD214 Member 4 form, and the City of Fort Lauderdale's veteran's preference claim form (J-204) to the online application.