Chief Water Plant Operator

About the role

This position is responsible for the administrative, supervisory and technical oversight of the City’s RO Water Treatment Plant operations. The Chief Operator plans, organizes, and directs the work of skilled and semi-skilled staff in the operation and maintenance of R.O. water treatment equipment to ensure a safe and reliable public water supply.

Responsibilities

• Supervises, assigns, and directs water production activities related to the operation, maintenance, and repair of the City's RO Water Plant
• Establishes and enforces policies, procedures, and standards
• Instructs and advises staff as needed
• Reviews project plans to ensure compliance with procedures
• Communicates work plans and objectives
• Schedules appropriate staffing and resources
• Makes recommendations on personnel matters including training, safety, work assignments, scheduling, leave requests, performance evaluations, and discipline
• Reviews and approves timesheets and activity logs
• Affairs with department needs
• Develops specifications for equipment and contractual services
• Maintains accurate records of Division activities
• Compiles data and prepares performance and compliance reports for submission to the Water Plant Director
• Manages, maintains, tests and reports related to production and monitoring wells
• Collaborates with the Water Distribution Supervisor to ensure proper chemical residuals and distribution system pressures during flushing and routine checks
• Provides technical guidance and conducts system inspections for builders and contractors on site development projects
• Reviews laboratory reports, treatment parameters, and chemical dosages requirements with operations staff to ensure regulatory compliance and water achievement of water quality goals
• Assists with investigations of water quality issues and implements corrective actions as needed
• Communicates regularly with management regarding water quality status, operational issues, and corrective measures
• Responds to water plant emergencies, SCADA alarms, and after-hour incidents
• Carries and answers a City-issued cell phone on nights, weekends, and holidays as required

Qualifications and KSAs

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in the operation, repair, and/or maintenance of a RO plant, of which three (3) years of experience at the supervisory level
• A minimum Level “B” Water Treatment Plant Operators License as issued by FDEP is required
• Valid State of Florida Class E Driver’s License
• SEDAM certification or obtain within 6 months of employment
• May require evening and weekend hours
• Knowledge of all FDEP, EPA, FDOH and SJRWMD rules and regulations for water use, sampling and reporting
• Knowledge of standard practices and procedures as well as regulatory requirements involved in the planning, operation, and maintenance of an RO water treatment plant
• Effective communication both verbally and in writing
• Proficiency in operation of SCADA systems
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office with strong ability in navigating Excel and modifying/creating spreadsheets
• Experience and efficiency in writing SOP’s
• Ability to effectively supervise subordinates
• Ability to instruct staff in the use of tools, equipment, and the occupational hazards of the work