City of Tampa

This is highly technical work involving the operation and production of potable drinking water at a water production facility.  Bargaining unit position.

An employee in this class assists in technical advanced water treatment activities. Tasks are of more than average difficulty and include: preparing operational reports; monitoring remote facilities and wellfield; handling receipt of chemical shipments; maintaining all files, records and logs required for the operations section; and, inspecting safety and emergency equipment for proper condition and operation. Work is performed under general supervision requiring the exercise of reasonable initiative and independent judgement in completing assigned tasks and meeting time constraints. Work is reviewed while in progress and upon completion.

Performs routine inspection of treatment equipment around plant at chemical building, pump stations, intake structure, lime house, filter gallery, pipe gallery, generator control house and clearwell; performs routine utility functions including operation of intake rake structure and cleaning hopper; inspects and cleans rotating screens; collects seasonal algae samples; mixes copper sulfate and assists in air boat spraying of reservoir when directed; inspects low and high service pumping stations and checks for proper operation of associated equipment such as vacuum priming system and air compressors; checks proper operation of online turbidimeter and pH meter in pump stations; inspects rapid mix areas of treatment basins for proper operation, chemical feed of ferric and acid; flushes diffusers as necessary; checks proper operation of flocculators; cleans and calibrates pH probes in basins; skims surface of floc basins; clean launder tubes in settling basins; cleans lime and chlorine diffusers, rotates feed lines for lime and chlorine; cleans lime house and inspects slaker operation.

Inspects chemical feed equipment and cleans chemical building; makes chemical feed adjustments as directed by team leader; cleans ferric line and polymer strainers; calibrates polymer feeder; rebuilds polymer pumps as necessary; cleans potassium permanganate feeder and adds chemical to hopper; cleans caustic room and checks air feed system for pump control; cleans carbon feeder and wetting cone; pumps out acid containment of storm water.

Oversees delivery of treatment chemicals, transfers chlorine cars, connects new car arrivals and prepares empty car for pickup by railroad; checks for proper operation of chlorine alarms, chlorinators, evaporators and automatic switchover system; cleans filter sweep nozzles; bleeds LOH and ROF transmitters; inspects 4-way valve tubing and repairs leaks as necessary; checks flow from turbidity meters and performs routine preventive maintenance (PM); performs routine PM and calibration of blending chamber pH probe and sample pump, flushes caustic and ammonia diffusers; verifies chemical inventory levels for midnight readings.

Performs related work as required.

Considerable knowledge of: water treatment operation principles, practices, procedures, and equipment; treatment chemistry of ground and surface waters; chemical handling and safety pertaining to potable water production.

Working knowledge of: OSHA standards and policies, Federal and State regulatory requirements for water treatment parameters under the Safe Drinking Water Act; chemical feed systems, pumps and associated equipment; practices, methods, materials and tools of the mechanical trades.

Ability to: conduct basic laboratory tests; create and maintain appropriate records and prepare and submit clear and concise operational reports; maintain effective working relationships with employees and the general public.

Skills in: operating and maintaining equipment utilized in water treatment operations.

Graduation from an accredited high school supplemented by course work in theories and principles of water treatment operations at the Class “B” level and one (1) year in related work experience; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Must possess a valid Florida driver’s license. Possession of: a valid Florida Class “C” Drinking Water Treatment Plant Operator’s License; ability to obtain a Florida Class “B” License within eighteen (18) months of employment; certification for Basic Mechanical Skills, or ability to obtain within eighteen (18) months.

Employees may be required to work rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, holidays and overtime as needed. During periods when the Mayor issues an emergency declaration for the City of Tampa, all employees may be required to work in preparation, response or recovery activities related to the stated emergency.