Wastewater Plant Operator Trainee

Job Description:

Wastewater Plant Operator Trainee

Description

POSITION SUMMARY

Under the supervision of a Certified Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator, an employee will operate and care for a variety of wastewater treatment plant equipment during an assigned shift. Performs entry level work in the operation and maintenance of a treatment plant and related equipment. The purpose of this classification is to prepare the employee for Class "C" level certification required for employment as a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator I. After instruction and orientation, the employee will be expected to carry out routine duties as performed by a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator I.

In accordance with Article 24 of the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the City of Fort Lauderdale and Teamsters Local Union 769, for posting purposes this open-competitive job posting shall be considered as a simultaneous internal and external posting (it is open to both internal City employees and external applicants).

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Essential functions are the basic job duties that an employee must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation. The list of essential functions, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification. The omission of a function does not preclude management from assigning essential duties not listed herein if such duties relate to the position.

• Assists in monitoring automated plant equipment through visual inspection for proper operating parameters and mechanical integrity; maintains a plant log detailing specific information
• Collects samples, measures, and tests plant processes levels, and others; compares data to automated instrumentation outputs as appropriate and makes corrections and necessary adjustments under supervision
• Operates and adjusts all treatment plant equipment in order to maintain the highest degree of treatment under supervision
• Collaborates with maintenance staff and Plant Operators to ensure consistent treatment, cleanliness, plant integrity, and safety
• Assists in preparing work order requests to repair or calibrate plant equipment
• Receives, tests, stores, monitors, changes, and returns chlorine cylinders as applicable
• Complies with safety regulations and standard operating procedures
• Gains knowledge of Federal, State, and County regulations for safe drinking water and wastewater compliance including the Florida Administrative Code (FAC)
• Observes and report any abnormalities in water quality or equipment around the plant
• Monitors chemical deliveries; monitors the transfer of chemicals; orders and receives chemicals for laboratory analysis
• Assists in the preparation of various reports; documents sampling results on plant documents
• Reads a variety of charts and meters; maintains accurate log sheet
• Works around high voltage, rotating equipment and various hazardous chemicals
• Performs related work as required

JOB REQUIREMENTS, PREFERENCES & WORK ENVIRONMENT

High School Diploma or G.E.D. equivalency.Must obtain a Class "C" Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator's Certificate by the third examination attempt or within two and one-half (2-1/2) years from the date of hire as an apprentice, whichever comes first, as issued by the State of Florida in compliance with Chapter 62-602 of the Florida Administrative Code and all revisions thereof. If claiming Veteran's Preference, candidates must attach a DD214 Member 4 form, and the City of Fort Lauderdale's veteran's preference claim form ( J-204) to the online application. As public servants, employees may be required to work immediately before, during, and/or after an emergency. All employees must be available and able to work assigned shifts as determined by their Department Heads.

PHYSICAL STANDARDS REQUIRED TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
The position involves medium physical demands, Ability to climb stairs in order to obtain samples and to maintain work areas including lime machines and chemical feeders. Ability to lift 50lbs polymer in order to fill chemical feed equipment to be able to maintain quality water treatment. Ability to work in dusty areas while maintaining/cleaning work areas especially lime machines. Ability to bend to collect samples and physically shovel lime waste to degrit water. Ability to stand for long periods of time in order to perform chemical analysis.
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions

HOW TO APPLY & SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

Applicants who qualify will be subject to an extensive selection process and screening program, which may include, but not be limited to evaluation of training and experience; interview; employment record, background check; medical examination; and drug screen. The expected duration of the selection process varies by position.

The City of Fort Lauderdale is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action, inclusive employer and Drug Free Workplace. The City of Fort Lauderdale does not discriminate based on age, citizenship status, color, disability, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation.

Veterans' preference per Florida law. If claiming Veteran's Preference, candidates must attach a DD214 Member 4 form, and the City of Fort Lauderdale's veteran's preference claim form ( J-204) to the online application.



The City of Fort Lauderdale offers a comprehensive benefits package to all regular full-time employees including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and short-term disability insurance.

Click here for an overview of employment information including our benefits package.

Say "Hello" to the City of Fort Lauderdale and Say "Goodbye" to Your Student Loan!Under the U.S. Department of Education's Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program, the remaining balance on your student loan may be forgiven after you have made 120 qualifying monthly payments while working full-time at the City of Fort Lauderdale. Click here for more information or to see if you qualify.

In addition to the competitive benefits package and salary, the City of Fort Lauderdale participates in the Florida Retirement System (FRS) which offers an investment option and a pension option and requires a 3% contribution from employees. All new City of Fort Lauderdale employees are automatically enrolled in FRS. Click here to view additional information on the Florida Retirement System.

Closing Date/Time: 8/13/2025 11:59 PM Eastern

Salary:

$23.65 - $36.66 Hourly