Operator Trainee - Shift Diff Compensation Available

General Purpose Of The Position

Performs apprentice level work in the operation of City of Bradenton Water and/or Wastewater (W/WW) Treatment Plants, equipment and facilities.

Duties

• Participates in an on-the-job training program involving practical, "hands-on" experience with plant operations under the close supervision of a shift supervisor or chief operator;
• Reads and comprehends a variety of technical laboratory, operations and maintenance procedures;
• Attends training courses and engages in independent study of water/wastewater plant operations;
• Regulates the proper flow of chemicals according to prescribed instruction;
• Takes and records readings of amounts of chemicals added to the water;
• Transfers chemicals from storage to feeder hopper;
• Changes chlorine tanks, records tank levels, and checks for residual chlorine;
• Operates water filters; maintains proper water levels; washes filters when necessary; maintains proper water in tank and covered storage reservoir by operating pumps and opening and closing valves (only as directed by immediate supervisor.);
• Takes water samples for lab analysis;
• Brings any mechanical defects to the attention of the plant supervisor; assists with maintenance and repair of machinery and equipment;
• Takes and records rain gauge readings;
• Performs general custodial work in keeping plant clean and orderly;
• Performs duties as assigned through work orders;
• Keeps basic records; performs computer data entry;
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills And Physical Abilities Required

• Ability to learn the functions and servicing requirements of related mechanical equipment and machinery;
• Ability to secure a FDEP Class “C” Water and/or Wastewater Operator License within two (2) years from date of employment;
• Ability to learn processes involved in water and/or wastewater treatment and the purification of water including some chemical tests;
• Ability to inspect machinery and mechanical equipment in operation and detect flaws and defects;
• Ability to read simple meters and charts accurately and maintain simple records of shift operation;
• Ability to make independent judgments and decisions;
• Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with employees and the public;
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions;
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals;
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals;
• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists;
• Knowledge of job-related software as required by Department;
• Ability to work in close, confined spaces, walk, stand, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, talk, hear, reach above shoulders, work overhead on ladders and platforms, use fingers and hands with dexterity, and feel and reach with hands and arms;
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift up to 80 pounds;
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision and ability to adjust focus.

Equipment Used

• City vehicles (non-CDL level vehicles), small motorboat, pumps, power valve turner, trencher, generators, radio, computers and miscellaneous hand tools including shovels, sledge hammers, wrenches, pipe cutters, ratchets, saws, etc..

Education And Experience Required

• High school diploma or GED equivalent;
• Prior experience in servicing mechanical equipment and machinery desired;
• Valid Florida driver’s license;
• Must obtain a FDEP Class “C” Water or Wastewater Operator License within two (2) years of employment.

Environmental Conditions

• Work is performed both inside and outside in varying and extreme weather conditions for extended periods of time where employees may be exposed to excessively loud noises from treatment equipment, exposure to raw and treated water or wastewater and treatment chemicals, live electrical currents up to 480 volts, working with complex mechanical equipment, working in and around trenches, hazardous gases, fumes, paint, chemicals and pesticides.
• Physical effort is required to perform heavy manual labor in confined and cramped spaces and uncomfortable conditions, climb ladders, bend, reach, and stand for long periods of time.
• Occasional exposure to slippery and/or uneven surfaces; heights above twenty (20) feet; below ground level, with feet, legs and/or hands in water.
• Occasional exposure to confined spaces.
• Subject to 24-hour call back for emergency conditions.

Safety Equipment

• Appropriate training and safety equipment will be provided for all conditions.

Commercial Driver License (CDL)

• A Commercial Driver License (CDL) is not required for this position.

Pay Grade

The employee will receive differential shift pay as applicable per the most current AFSCME contract.

City Departments

• Administrative Services
• Human Resources
• Employment Opportunities
• Housing & Community Development
• Division
• City Administrator
• City Clerk
• Community Redevelopment Agency
• Information Technology
• Finance Department
• Planning & Community Development
• Public Works & Utilities