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Make a difference in the community you live in! As a Community Builder—an employee with the City of Gainesville— you will have a direct hand in building and improving your community and making a visible impact on the lives of your neighbors. Working for local government is more than a job, it’s a chance to contribute to community success and to help enhance the Gainesville way of life.

Department:

3110 GRU - Wastewater Mainstreet

Salary Range Minimum:

$15.00

Salary Range Maximum:

$37.88

Closing Date:

03/21/2024

Job Details:

This is skilled technical work in the operation and maintenance of the Water Reclamation (Wastewater) plant equipment and facilities. Positions allocated to this classification report to a designated lead or supervisor and work under general supervision. Work in this class is distinguished from higher classes by its lack of supervisory responsibility and from lower classes by its advanced technical skills.

Job Description

Gainesville Regional Utilities' Water/Wastewater Systems is currently seeking to fill a Water Reclamation Operator/Mechanic to perform skilled work in the operation and maintenance of the Water Reclamation plant equipment and facilities. This is a professional position that requires examination and licensing from the State of Florida Dept. of Environmental Protection.

**If you currently hold an equivalent license from another state please complete the application to initiate further discussion.**

A typical work day may include, but not be limited to performing chemical receiving functions; learning and becoming proficient in performing basic plant operations by observation, laboratory work, on-the-job training, mechanical equipment work, consultations, and formal classroom training; performing compliance testing of auxiliary equipment; performing plant security procedures and attending various require training courses and orientations.

Water Reclamation Operator/Mechanic
$20.80 per hour to $33.29 per hour for Wastewater Plant Operator Mechanic

To qualify for the Wastewater Plant Operator/Mechanic you must have graduated from high school or possess an acceptable equivalency diploma, and 3 years experience in wastewater operations or maintenance. Note: Incumbents in this classification must meet the minimum requirements established in the Water Reclamation Operator/Mechanic Progression-Through-Training Program. This position requires an FDEP “C” Wastewater Plant Operators License or higher. If a candidate does not qualify for the Water Reclamation Operator Mechanic position, this may underfill as a Water/Wastewater Apprentice.

Water/Wastewater Apprentice
15.00 per hour to $20.72 per hour for W/WW Apprentice

To qualify for the Water/Wastewater Apprentice position you must possess a high school diploma or an acceptable equivalency diploma (GED), and Six (6) months of experience performing manual farm, construction, pipefitting, or utility-related work, or an equivalent combination of training and experience is preferred. Note: Incumbents in this classification must meet the minimum requirements established in the Water/Wastewater Apprentice Progression-Through-Training Program.

**May establish an eligibility pool.**
**May fill multiple positions.**
**May underfill as Water/Wastewater Apprentice**

Job Description:

SUMMARY

This is skilled technical work in operations and maintenance of wastewater treatment plant and lift station equipment and facilities.

The single position allocated to this classification reports to a designated supervisor and works under general supervision. Work in this class is distinguished from higher classes by its lack of supervisory responsibility and from lower classes by its advanced technical skills.

EXAMPLES OF WORK*

*This section of the job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of duties and responsibilities of the position.  The omission of a specific job function does not absolve an employee from being required to perform additional tasks incidental to or inherent in the job.  Performance of lower level duties may be required.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Attends work on continuous and regular basis.

Attends training to maintain required certifications and job proficiency.

Prepares daily reports used in monitoring the performance of various equipment.

Operates and maintains chemical feed systems.

Operates industrial equipment including sludge trucks, vacuum trucks, fork lifts, semi-trailer, backhoe, and tractors.

Transports biosolids to other plant as needed.

Provides training and instruction to assigned staff.

Enters and performs work in hazardous and confined spaces.

Wears appropriate PPE including but not limited to gloves, eye protection, hearing protection, ArcFlash rated clothing and SCBAs

Complies with information provided on Material Safety Data Sheets for all products; handling and storing items properly.

Will be required to respond under emergency conditions, including the possibility of being away from home for extended periods.

Will be required to transport, mix, handle or use hazardous materials (other than cans of gasoline, batteries, pumping fuel or normal janitorial cleaning materials).

May be responsible for facilities or equipment carrying current, fluids or gas under pressure that could endanger the public or other employees.

Plant and Lift Station Maintenance

Install and maintains equipment working from blueprints, sketches and manufacturer’s instructions.

Troubleshoots lift station and plant problems with VTS system.

Inspects and evaluates pumps, motors, piping and associated equipment used in operating water or wastewater plants and pump stations and makes recommendations for maintenance and repair.

Performs skilled plumbing and pipefitting duties involving the installation of new or reconditioned pumps and related equipment.  Disassembles and repairs compressors, pumps, and other equipment.

Operates power tools and all necessary equipment involved in carpentry, painting, welding, fabrication and masonry work, as assigned.

Performs preventive maintenance and inspection routines for lift stations or plant equipment.

Performs lock-out tag-out of complex unit processes and equipment.

Diagnoses electrical failures and performs limited electrical repairs on equipment including turning off breakers and wiring equipment.

Uses test equipment including, but not limited to: voltmeters, ohmmeters, ammeters, phase indicators, meggers, and oscilloscopes.

Operates vacuum and/or tanker trucks and medium construction equipment, as necessary. 

Maintains building, structures and equipment.

Plant Operations

Serves as operator-in-charge during shifts.

Sets process control parameters based on test results.

Keeps records of plant and control parameters for use in establishing trends in process control and maintaining plant compliance.

Performs preventive maintenance for plant operations with the assistance of and in cooperation with maintenance and instrumentation personnel.

Maintains and calibrates process control analyzers and probes

Pumps sludge at prescribed levels. 

Makes operational checks and troubleshoots equipment at wastewater plant. 

Checks, adjusts, and designates the repair of controllers, valves, gates, switches, pumps and motors.

Removes grease deposits, debris and sand from wet wells. 

Drains and cleans degritters and pumps.

Performs standard wastewater and industrial waste analysis, including solids determination, phosphorus, pH, nitrates, ammonia, and turbidity and creates analysis standards, when applicable.

Performs general cleaning to keep plant neat and orderly.

NON-ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

May be assigned to work at other locations or with other departments within the utility.

May act in absence of supervisor, including providing shift schedules and also preparing Discharge Monitor Reports (DMR) for Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) and for engineering.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job function satisfactorily. Below are the required education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Graduation from high school or possession of an acceptable equivalency diploma and three (3) years of experience in wastewater operations and maintenance. 

Must meet all requirements as established in the Wastewater Plant Operator Mechanic Progression-Through-Training Program (PTTP) through the Wastewater Plant Operator Apprentice level.

Notes:

A copy of the Progression-Through-Training-Program is available upon request.

Incumbents in this classification must meet the minimum requirements established in the Water Plant Operator / Mechanic Progression-Through-Training Program.  Failure to progress to the maximum level of the Water Plant Operator/Mechanic within the timeframes established in the program will be grounds for termination of employment.

CERTIFICATIONS OR LICENSES

A valid State of Florida Class "A" Commercial Driver License (CDL) instructional permit with tanker endorsement is required at the time of appointment, and a valid State of Florida Commercial Driver License Class “A” (CDL) License with tanker endorsement required within six months of appointment date.

A valid State of Florida Department of Environmental Protection Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators License (Class A, B or C) or Florida Water Pollution Control Operators' Association (FWPCOA) Wastewater Collections Class “A” Certificate is required upon appointment. 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Thorough knowledge of sewage treatment processes, wastewater chemistry, mechanical maintenance of pump stations, aeration equipment, clarifier, chlorinator filters, and sludge dewatering equipment.

Knowledge of the regulatory requirements for operating public access reuse systems.

Knowledge of electric motors and circuitry.

Sufficient knowledge of chemistry and biology needed to make plant operational decisions.

Ability to read, record, and interpret meter charts, graph drawings, plans, and laboratory reports.

Ability to conduct lectures, tours, and training programs for operations, public school groups, and other interested parties.

Ability to operate work related equipment and transportation vehicles.

Ability to keep records and prepare reports.

Ability to train and instruct personnel.

Ability to analyze plant and lift station problems and take corrective action.

Ability to work effectively with coworkers and the general public.

Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

Thorough knowledge of methods, practices, tools, and maintenance used in mechanical maintenance and repair work.

Thorough knowledge of occupational hazards and necessary safety precautions applicable to mechanical maintenance and repair work.

Thorough skills in use and care of tools and equipment needed for various mechanical repair tasks.

Advanced level skills with personal computer and relevant software.

Ability to inspect machinery and mechanical equipment and detect flaws and defects in operation.

Knowledge of basic electricity, hydraulic and pneumatic principles, drafting and blueprint reading.

PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must possess certain physical abilities and be able to withstand work related environmental conditions.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Work requires physical strength and agility sufficient to safely perform all essential job functions including the ability to lift, carry, push, or pull 50 pounds without assistance.

Ability to work at heights well above and below ground level from open grating, ladders or suspended on a boatswain’s chair.

Work requires use of personal protection equipment including hearing, eye, foot, and hand and head protection. 

Requires the ability to work in confined spaces for extended periods.

Must have the ability to speak, read and write in English.

Must have 20/20 or corrected vision and normal red/green color perception.

Must have a sense of smell and hearing within established normal ranges.

Must have normal or medicinally corrected blood pressure within established normal ranges.

Must be available to work rotating shifts on a regular basis.

Must meet minimum PTTP and Safety Training requirements established for job classifications by departmental standards, or pass departmental equivalency test. 

Work requires the use of respiratory protection including self-contained breathing units in compliance with Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) regulations. .  Must meet standards for wearing respiratory protection equipment, pass medical evaluation and fit test at time of appointment.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Employees in this classification are subject to call-in and may be required to serve standby.  Therefore, employees in this classification must live in and maintain a residence within the residential boundary and be able to drive from their residence to the intersection of NW 34th Street and NW 39th Avenue within 40 minutes.  

Work requires the ability to withstand exposure to hazardous conditions and noxious chemicals.

Work requires the ability to withstand exposure to prolonged high noise levels

Note: 

May Require Assessment(s).

May fill multiple positions.

May establish an eligibility list.

Come join our team! The City of Gainesville offers a competitive benefits package and opportunities to grow both professionally and personally.

All ‘regular’ employees are eligible for traditional benefits such as health insurance, life insurance, paid leave, 11 paid a holidays a year, a pension plan and a deferred compensation plan, but we also offer great things like on-site fitness centers, tuition reimbursement, interest free loans for purchase of fitness equipment, on-site medical staff and a wellness program to keep you healthy and happy. Please note; benefits are not available for temporary employees.

Equal Opportunity

The City of Gainesville is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and does not discriminate in hiring. Minorities, women and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Individuals with a disability, who require special accommodations during the selection process, should notify the Human Resources Department at 352-334-5077 or TDD/TTY at 352-334-2292.

Veterans' Preference

Veterans are encouraged to apply. Veterans’ Preference ensures that veterans and eligible persons are given consideration at each step of the selection process. However, preference does not guarantee that a veteran or other eligible person will be the candidate selected to fill the position. Section 295.07, Florida Statutes (F.S.) specifies who is eligible for Veterans’ Preference. State of Florida residency is not required for Veterans’ Preference.

If you are unable to apply online due to a disability, contact recruiting at HR@cityofgainesville.org or by calling 352-334-5077.