Position Summary

The City of Port St. Lucie is an equal opportunity employer.

This position requires the applicant to pass a drug screening successfully.

The starting salary range for this position is $70,571.28 - $81,156.98 depending on qualifications

Administrative, supervisory, and technical work in the operation and mechanical maintenance of Water Treatment Plant and their related systems. The Chief Plant Operator will be responsible for overseeing the safe handling of chemicals and management of water treatment processes, ensuring compliance with all safety and environmental regulations. Facilitates the development of public trust and confidence in the City’s Utility.

IMPORTANT: Per Department of Environmental Protection rules regarding Treatment Plant Classification and Staffing, Section 62-699.311, (1) An operator meeting the lead/chief operator class for the treatment plant shall be available during all periods of domestic wastewater or water treatment plant operation. “Available” means able to be contacted as needed to initiate the appropriate action in a timely manner.

This position is an Essential classification and will be required to report to duty before, during and after a civil emergency.

Essential Duties

The following duties are illustrative for this position. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Keeps the mission, vision and values of the City of Port St. Lucie and Utility Systems Department at the forefront of decision making and action; builds strategic and collaborative relationships and interacts with others in a way that builds confidence and trust; provides excellent customer service by taking action to accomplish objectives, maintaining high levels of work and productivity by generating innovative solutions to work situations.
The Chief Operator plans, organizes, directs and supervises the uninterrupted flow of operations in the water treatment plants, wells and their related repump stations.
Inspect plant installations and direct or take corrective action for operational, mechanical or electrical malfunctions.
Responsible for the cost and technical reports associated with plant operations; budget development and proposals; reviews requisitions for maintaining operations and systems.
Regular and punctual attendance.
Requisitions for supplies and equipment.
Supervises and schedules the work assignments of operators and staff assigned to the facilities.
Supervises the maintenance of records and preparation of reports.
Trains and instructs staff and serves as a mentor.
Monitors the plant to maintain compliance within regulatory requirements.
Prepare surveys and analytical reports on the treatment plants’ operations and processes and make recommendations for alterations to the existing procedures and methods.
Participate in budget development, preparation and monitoring.
Submit reports to regulatory agencies in accordance with requirements.
Determine effectiveness of operations and initiate changes as required.
Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the City’s policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.
Assist in handling long-term operational planning, including infrastructure expansion or upgrades.
Conducting or participating in pilot projects for new technology adoption.
Effective emergency response leadership involves establishing clear roles, maintaining public confidence through transparent communication, and coordinating with external agencies like the NRC,SFWMD, DOH and FDEP to ensure a unified and efficient response.
Effective management involves providing one-on-one mentoring to less experienced staff, advocating for their professional development through certifications and advanced training, and creating a supportive environment that encourages employee retention.
Engaging with the public during tours, complaints, or educational events.
Representing the plant operations in meetings or public forums.
Other duties may be assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the City’s policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

IMPORTANT: Per Department of Environmental Protection rules regarding Treatment Plant Classification and Staffing, Section 62-699.311, (1) An operator meeting the lead/chief operator class for the treatment plant shall be available during all periods of domestic wastewater or water treatment plant operation. “Available” means able to be contacted as needed to initiate the appropriate action in a timely manner.

THIS POSITION REQUIRES ROTATING SHIFT WORK, , INCLUDING EVENINGS, WEEKENDS AND HOLIDAYS AND/OR IMMEDIATE RESPONSE TO EMERGENCY CONDITIONS.

Minimum Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education And/Or Experience

Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of an acceptable equivalency diploma required. Graduation from an accredited college or university with an Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degree in a related field preferred. Four (4) years of progressive experience operating, maintaining, and monitoring water treatment activities, including two (2) years in a lead or supervisory role, are also required.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

Water Treatment Plant Operator’s Class “A” license issued by the Florida Statement Department of Environmental Protection required.
Possession of a valid Florida driver’s license and maintenance of a clean driving record.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Knowledge of methods and practices of advanced water treatment and operating procedures.
Knowledge of health and safety factors in water treatment and in operating plants’ equipment.
Knowledge of the chemical and physical processes involved in treatment of water.
Ability to inspect equipment in operation, detect changes in conditions and make necessary adjustments or general repairs.
Ability to perform laboratory tests under standard procedures and make treatment adjustments accordingly.
Ability to understand and execute written and oral work orders and maintain required records.
Ability to plan, organize, assign and supervise the work of others.
Ability to focus on the positive in every situation.
Ability to model respect for individuals, teams, and the organization.
Ability to stay centered when challenged.
Ability to establish and maintain the trust and confidence of the department and public.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and taste or smell. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10-25 pounds and must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision and ability to adjust focus. Steel-toe or composite shoes are mandatory.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is frequently exposed to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals and outside weather conditions. The employee is occasionally exposed to risk of electrical shock.

The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to loud.

12 paid holidays per year

Vacation Leave

1-3 years- 10 days

4-9 years- 15 days

10-19 years- 20 days

20+ years- 25 days

PT employees accrue depending on hours worked

Personal Days

2 days for non-exempt employees per year

3 days for exempt employees per year

Sick Time

FT employees accrue 8 hours per month

PT employees accrue 4 hours per month

Retirement Plan

The City contributes an amount equal to 11.4% of an eligible employee's biweekly earnings into a 401(a) Defined Contribution Plan. Employee contributes 1%.

457 Deferred Compensation Plan and Roth IRA

$50,000 Basic Term Life Insurance

$50,000 Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance

Short-Term and Long-Term Disability

Health, Vision and Dental Insurance

Optional Benefits

Tuition Reimbursement

Flexible Spending Account

Wellness Program

Health Reimbursement Account

Employee Assistance Plan

Supplemental Life

Legal insurance

The of City Port St. Lucie provides a wide array of benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. For additional details on benefits offer by the City of Port St. Lucie, see the link below.

Click Here to View Benefit Highlight Booklet

01

Do you have a high school diploma or equivalent GED? A high school diploma or GED must be presented at time of employment.

02

Do you have an Associates Degree in a related field?

03

Do you have a valid Florida driver's license?

04

Do you possess a current State of Florida Water Treatment Plant Class "A" License issued by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection?

05

Do you possess a minimum of four (4) years of progressively responsible experience operating, maintaining, and monitoring water treatment activities, including two (2) years in a lead or supervisory role?

06

List any certifications you hold that may be relative to this position.

07

Please describe your experience relative to this position.

Required Question

City of Port St. Lucie

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