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Wastewater Plant Operator I or II

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Wastewater Plant Operator I or II

Salary

$20.88 - $31.59 Hourly

Location

Employment Services, FL

Job Type

Full Time Regular UWUA

Job Number

3091-30

Department

Water Utilities

Division

Northside Operations 1502222000

Opening Date

05/08/2025

Closing Date

Continuous

FLSA

Non-Exempt

Bargaining Unit

WU

+ Description

+ Benefits

+ Questions

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF CLASS

This is skilled work in operating Wastewater Treatment Plant equipment and processes. This position requires shift work, including nights, weekends, and holidays, as the treatment processes are operated continuously. Work involves responsibility for the care and efficient operation of the wastewater treatment plant during an assigned shift. Work includes covering a working area containing several wastewater treatment system operating units. Employees in this class normally work independently. Work is reviewed by a supervisor who checks records and charts and makes daily inspections throughout the plant to check the condition and upkeep of equipment.

This position is for a Wastewater Plant Operator II; however, it may be filled at the level of a Wastewater Plant Operator I.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

+ Prepares log sheets; changes charts and recording sheets for flow recorders.

+ Inspects motors, bearings, and gearboxes for overheating and proper lubrication.

+ Collects wastewater samples at various processing stages, performs lab tests on same, and records data collected.

+ Maintains equipment, process tanks, buildings, and grounds clean and orderly.

+ Performs mathematical calculations on collected data; calibrates process control equipment; enters collected data into a computer database.

+ Manually operates valves to set up various flow schemes to perform pumping and equipment functions.

+ Monitors and/or inspects numerous process control parameters for proper operation.

+ Works in confined spaces or hazardous areas.

+ Lifts medium - heavy objects and climbs, ladders, and stairs.

+ May be required to participate and/or facilitate training to support departmental or City initiatives and requirements.

+ May be required to work overtime or alternate hours as necessary for the efficient operation of the department.

+ Position is designated as Mission Critical by Department Director.

ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS

+ Assists in monitoring plant SCADA system and lift station telemetry alarm system to dispatch emergency crews as necessary.

+ May assist in making minor repairs to equipment.

+ Performs related work as required.

This posting reflects the essential functions and knowledge, skills, and abilities for Wastewater Plant Operator II; however, applicants may view the complete job description for Wastewater Plant Operator I on the City of Lakeland's employment page.

QUALIFICATIONS (EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE)

Qualifications for the Wastewater Plant Operator I:

+ A high school diploma from an accredited school or its equivalent.

Qualifications for the Wastewater Plant Operator II:

+ A high school diploma from an accredited school or a GED.

+ Must possess and maintain a state of Florida Class "C" Wastewater Plant Operator certification or higher.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

+ Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.

+ Must maintain a valid telephone number.

+ State of Florida Class “B” Wastewater Plant Operator certification is required to attain the last pay step within this classification.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES

+ Knowledge of normal operating principles of wastewater treatment processes.

+ Knowledge of the principles and practices applied to the operation and light maintenance of pumps and similar machinery.

+ Knowledge of safety regulations, occupational hazards, precautions, and safety promotion.

+ Skill in using and caring for tools and equipment used in a wastewater plant.

+ Ability to efficiently and safely operate all equipment and machinery used in wastewater plant operations

+ Ability to troubleshoot problems of various wastewater treatment processes and equipment.

+ Ability to learn basic computer skills necessary to operate various computer-controlled systems.

+ Ability to make call-out decisions and dispatch trouble crews.

+ Ability to prepare written and oral reports.

+ Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.

+ Ability to establish and maintain effective working, harmonious relationships with co-workers, other city employees, and the general public.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

+ Requires work that involves walking or standing sometimes, exerting up to 60 pounds of force regularly, and routine keyboard operations.

+ The job risks exposure to chemical, biological, electrical, and mechanical hazards. The employee must work in bright/dim light and adverse weather conditions. Frequent exposure to the general hazards of the industrial working environment and construction sites is also possible.

+ The job requires normal visual acuity, field of vision, hearing, speaking, color perception, sense of taste, sense of smell, depth perception, and texture perception.

All City of Lakeland positions are subject to testing (e.g. written, oral, performance, computerized, interview, and/or any combination). Candidates selected for testing will be notified via email or telephone. Please check your e-mail and telephone messages regularly, including "junk" folders. Test times and locations to be announced.

The City of Lakeland is a drug free workplace. This position is considered a mandatory testing position, which is subject to pre-employment and random drug testing. All City of Lakeland positions are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing. As a condition of employment you will be required to pass the pre-employment drug test in accordance with Florida Statute 440.102.

THE CITY OF LAKELAND IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/EQUAL ACCESS EMPLOYER AND A DRUG FREE WORKPLACE.

City of Lakeland

2024 Summary Sheet

Annual Leave

Annual leave is accumulated bi-weekly and based upon years of service as follows:

Annual leave may be taken as earned by employees hired after January 1, 1989. Employees hired prior to that date use annual leave within the calendar year following the year the leave is earned. All employees may carry over up to a maximum of twenty (20) days at the end of the calendar year. Regular part-time employees who work at least twenty (20) hours per week accrue annual leave at the rate of four (4) hours per month.*

Sick Leave

Sick rate is accrued biweekly based upon years of service and standard hour classification. Eligible for use as soon as earned. Regular part-time employees who work at least twenty (20) hours per week accrue sick leave at the rate of four (4) hours per month.

*NOTE: REGULAR employees with a working day other than eight (8) hours, please contact your supervisor regarding these policies.

Sick Leave Pool

Allows employees to receive sick leave benefits in cases involving catastrophic or long-term illnesses or injuries after all personal leave time has been depleted. Regular full-time employees contribute eight (8) hours and Regular part-time employees contribute four (4) hours on an annual basis. Employees must have completed one full year of service on or before December 31st of the calendar year enrollment; and have accumulated at least forty (40) hours of sick time (twenty (20) hours for Regular part-time employees). Participation in this program is voluntary.

For more information contact Amanda Kaiser at 834-8768

Family & Medical Leave

Federal legislation guarantees up to twelve (12) weeks per year off work under certain circumstances outlined in the policy manual. The employees must have been employed by the City for at least twelve (12) months and have at least 1,250 hours of service during the 12-month period before the requested leave. The City will continue its group life and health insurance for an employee on leave at the same level and under the same conditions that existed while the employee was working.

For more information contact Dawn Justice at 834-6038.

Pension Plan

Provision for retirement income requiring mandatory participation for full-time regular employees.

Defined Benefit Plan:

Plan C Employee 4.16%

Employer 15.66%

OR

Defined Contribution Plan:

Executives, New Hires aged 52 and older, and Fire/Police Recruits

Employee 8.5% or 11% per election upon hire

Employer 15.39%

Deferred Compensation 457 Plan:

A voluntary plan that is invested in mutual funds. The Employees' Pension Board performs the due diligence on the mutual funds. Employees may reallocate their account at any time.

Maximum contribution for 2025 is $23,500; employees age 50 or older can also add a "catch-up" amount of $7,500; employees age 60-63 can also add a "catch-up" amount of $11,250.

Additionally, a match of up to 5% of salary is offered by the City in Plan C.

Holidays

Twelve (12) holidays, includes one (1) personal floating holiday to be used at any time after three (3) months of employment and prior to the end of the calendar year.

Funeral Leave

Up to three (3) days off with pay due to death of an immediate family member (as defined in the policy manual). Up to four (4) hours off with pay may be obtained through supervisor approval to attend local funeral services of persons other than immediate family.

Jury/Witness Duty

Employees required to serve on jury duty will be relieved of responsibility for their regular work shift or portion thereof and receive full pay while serving. All fees received for such service may be retained by the employee. Employees subpoenaed to any civil or criminal court proceeding, which employee is not personally or monetarily interested, shall be paid as if engaged in regular work activities.

Military Leave

Allows for up to 240 hours in any one calendar year for annual military training without loss of pay or benefits for any employee in some type of reserve status for the United States Armed Forces. (see policy manual for additional information).

Maternity Leave

Refer to Family & Medical Leave for those employees who qualify. Others may take up to three (3) months leave of absence available upon approval of the Department Head. Employees may opt to utilize any combination of paid (sick or annual leave) or unpaid leave.

Leave of Absence Without Pay

Written requests are subject to approval by Department Head and City Manager or designee for less than ninety (90) days. Requests for more than ninety (90) days also require Civil Service Board approval for employees in a Civil Service classification.

Longevity Pay

Tuition Reimbursement

Program provides employees up to $2,500 per fiscal year (October 1 through September 30) for reimbursement of tuition of approved college, university, vocational, or correspondence classes upon completion with a grade of "C" or better in credit courses only. Full reimbursement is given for courses and fees, upon approval. The program does not include reimbursement for cost of books, supplies or other related expenses.

For more information, contact Melissa Yelnick at 834-6844.

Suggestion Awards

A program designed to provide a consistent and organized method for employees to submit and be rewarded for constructive ideas for improvement. Maximum award is $1000.

For additional information, contact Kathy McNelis at 834-6348.

Direct Deposit of Paycheck (refer to handout in new employee folder)

An account must be established with the institution of your choice prior to signing up for direct deposit.

Uniforms/Equipment

Uniforms issued at no cost to employees for those job classifications which require them. Equipment is issued to employees at either no cost or discounted cost depending upon job classification.

Parking

Free while at work.

Break Periods

Employees may be permitted two (2), fifteen (15) minute breaks during the workday. The time shall be at the discretion of the supervisor.

For Information on Health Insurance, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance please contact Benefits at 834-6797.

For Information on Retirement Benefits, contact the Retirement Services Department at 834-8765 or 834-8797.

For Information on Firefighter and Police Officer Retirement Benefits, contact Foster & Foster at 239-333-4872.

01

Do you possess a high school diploma or GED from an accredited school?

+ Yes

+ No

02

Please indicate which type of valid driver's license you possess.

+ Florida driver's license

+ I have an out-of-state driver's license

+ I do not have a valid driver's license

03

Do you possess and maintain a State of Florida Class "C" Wastewater Plant Operator certification or higher?

+ Yes

+ No

04

By clicking "Yes" below, I understand that all relevant work experience MUST be entered in the "Work Experience" section on my application. In addition, all current City of Lakeland employees must list all previous City of Lakeland work experience in the "Work Experience" section of the application. Failure to complete the "Work Experience" section will disqualify you from the application process.

+ Yes

+ No

Required Question

Employer

City of Lakeland, Civil Service

Address

500 N Lake Parker Avenue Lakeland, Florida, 33801

Phone

(863)834-8790

Website

http://www.lakelandgov.net/employmentservices