Have you started your journey towards a career in wastewater treatment? Are you looking to receive hands-on experience that counts towards a FDEP Wastewater License? The William E. Dunn Water Reclamation Facility is seeking to fill a Wastewater Plant Operator Trainee position which will provide hands-on wastewater experience that counts towards your license.
- ONLY PINELLAS COUNTY GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES IN THE PLANT OPERATIONS DIVISION OF THE UTILITIES DEPARTMENT MAY APPLY***
The selected candidate will work alongside licensed operators gaining experience and understanding of operation and maintenance activities associated with a large (9 MGD), Bardenpho Wastewater Treatment Facility with SCADA system, and Reclaimed Water (RCW) Distribution. Persons working on this site must be extremely attentive to trash, noise and odors.
This is the entry trainee level for the wastewater plant operator line of work. The temporary trainee receives training, education, and experience in wastewater treatment plant operations, monitoring, maintenance, treatment systems, generators, and related support systems. Types of equipment and systems experienced may include lift stations, switch gear, flow meters, chemical feed systems, overhead cranes and related activities. Position also performs collection, analysis, reporting, and processing of a variety of samples. The temporary trainee performs routine work and obtains on-the-job training and guidance from more experienced staff when completing non-routine tasks and functions. The temporary trainee is supervised by a manager, chief operator, or designee.
This Wastewater Operator Trainee position is located at:
William E. Dunn WRF, 4111 Dunn Drive, Palm Harbor, FL 37683. Work Schedule: Must be available for all shifts; 24-hour Plant operations
What Will You Do?
- Operate, monitor and adjust various wastewater equipment and processes under the supervision of a licensed operator.
- Perform process control sampling and laboratory analysis under the supervision of a licensed operator.
- Monitor SCADA system for alarms, and pump stations problems.
- Monitor telephone for after-hours call-in, dispatch appropriate call-out crews.
- Daily use of various software applications, Word, Excel, SharePoint.
- Complete daily, weekly; monthly Maximo work orders.
- Compile data for development of FDEP monthly/annual compliance reports for submittal to Regulatory Agencies.
- Maintain process optimization reports as assigned.
- Work various shifts as needed or assigned to meet organizational requirements to include weekends, holidays, day/evening/night shifts.
- Work OT as required to maintain required staffing and process operations.
- Provide process control feedback to Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator 3, or designee.
- Operation of rotating drum thickeners and Ashbrook belt filter sludge presses.
- Assist mechanical staff with planned maintenance of treatment facility equipment.
- Attend mandatory "all shifts" Operations staff meetings from 7pm-9pm as needed (usually Quarterly).
- Prepare data for entry into operations and regulatory reporting spread sheets.
- Participate in Emergency Response Plan Phase 1 (ride out the storm) or Phase 2 (respond after the storm) as designated.
- Additional duties may be assigned and not included in the above listing.
What Do You Need
- Must possess a high school diploma or equivalent GED.
- Must agree to complete a Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) approved training course to obtain a passing score on the Florida Wastewater Plant Operator Class "C" License as set forth in Florida Administrative Code Chapter 62-202, DEP describing Domestic Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator license requirements. The candidate must possess at least a "C" license by no later than 2 years of appointment; or
- An equivalent combination of education, training, and/or experience.
- Possession and maintenance of a valid State of Florida Driver's License upon hire with eligibility based upon evaluation of a Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) driving report.
- Participate in Emergency Response Plan Phase 1 (ride out the storm) or Phase 2 (respond after the storm) as designated.
- Assignment to work a variety of work schedules including compulsory work periods in special, emergency, and/or disaster situations.
- Candidates to terminate employment for failure to maintain and achieve necessary training, education, experience, and required Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator "C" license to perform in designated area of assignment.
Highly Desirable
- Completion of Sacramento California Wastewater course (or FDEP approved equivalent).
- A score of 70% or higher on the Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator "C" State Exam.
- Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math (STEM) coursework.
- Hands-on experience in a wastewater treatment facility
- Other highly desirable knowledge, skills, abilities, and credentials relevant to a position.
Why choose Pinellas County?
Benefits
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?
Review the full classification description with the Physical/Mental Demands and Working Conditions at the below link.
https://pinellas.gov/class-specification/water-wastewater-plant-operator-trainee/
