UTILITIES DIVISION - WATER PRODUCTION OPERATOR I, II, III, IV, V - 1 POSITION AVAILABLE
NON-EXEMPT $23.49HR - $52.07HR.
Employee Benefits
Must have the physical, developmental and mental ability to perform job tasks, work efforts, responsibilities and duties of the job illustrated below:
The Utilities Division is responsible for public health and safety, as well as safeguarding the environment, by providing crucial safe water and wastewater services. This position is part of the team that provides services necessary for human health, economic stability, and overall societal well-being. At the core of the mission of providing these services includes commitment to providing excellent customer service to our citizens, business partners, regulatory agencies, and other county divisions.
MAJOR FUNCTION
The Water Production Operator performs professional, certified, and skilled work in the operation and maintenance of water treatment plants, off-site wells, and pumping systems. Their responsibilities include operating and monitoring treatment systems, machinery, controls, and related equipment to ensure the safe and efficient delivery of potable water. Make necessary adjustments to chemical dosing, mechanical components, and process controls in accordance with established procedures and regulatory standards. Operators also carry out routine mechanical and manual tasks to maintain optimal system performance, support regulatory compliance through water sampling and laboratory testing, and document operational data accurately.
This role requires technical expertise, sound judgment, and a high level of responsibility to uphold water quality and system reliability. This position plays a key role in ensuring the reliability of essential utility services, regulatory compliance, environmental stewardship, and public health and safety.
ILLUSTRATIVE DUTIES
• Performs high skilled technical work, certified work in the operation and maintenance of water
treatment plants, pumping systems, and related infrastructure, with strict adherence to safety
protocols and along with federal, state and local regulatory standards.
• Operates and monitors plant equipment, including pumps, mechanical and automatic
controls, and SCADA systems; conducts daily inspections and ensures optimal functionality.
• Handles hazardous chemicals safely, including transferring, loading/unloading, and monitors fuel
and chemical inventories, reports spills, and ensures compliance with environmental regulations.
• Collects and analyzes water samples for chemical, pressure, and chlorine residual testing;
calibrates process analyzers and applies findings to maintain water quality.
• Maintains water production and pumping facilities, well pumps, and other treatment equipment to
preserve proper water pressures and levels; performs well maintenance and mitigation assessments.
• Maintains and cleans water production facilities maintains general housekeeping across plant
facilities and grounds
• Maintains accurate records of plant activities in written, electronic; performs general
administrative tasks and file management
• Reads and records meter data, updates operational charts, and ensures completion of daily plant
checks in accordance with permit requirements and Florida Administrative Code (FAC) 62-550.
• Participates in the development and implementation of operational projects and workflow
improvements; assists in agency planning and goal-setting initiatives.
• Provides training and cross-training for operators and trainees; verifies work quality and
promotes continuous learning and skill development.
• Responds to customer inquiries regarding water quality and water production system pressure
inquires; accompanies Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) regulators during
Sanitary Survey Inspections.
• Provides customer service to internal and external stakeholders; conducts plant tours and
promotes positive public relations
• Shares knowledge to ensure quality and consistency in daily operations
• Obtains vendor quotes and prepares documentation to support procurement of supplies and
services
• Responds to phone calls, emails, alarms, and emergency situations; performs standby duty and may
work flexible schedules including nights, weekends, and holidays
• Performs other related duties as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS
• Knowledge of water production and treatment and water pumping processes, bacteriology,
chemistry, and applicable regulations
• Skilled in operation, maintenance, and repair of pumps, meters, and related equipment
• Ability to apply mechanical and mathematical principles in daily tasks
• Proficient in reading gauges, charts, and meters; able to distinguish color variations
• Experienced in using industrial and personal computers with varying levels of proficiency
• Capable of interpreting complex policies, procedures, schematics and technical manuals, codes,
and safety protocols
• Familiar with common tools and equipment maintenance practices
• Able to work independently, including weekends and holidays, with minimal supervision
• State, Federal, and local laws and regulatory agencies
• Evaluating systems, providing quality control, and ensuring compliance
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
• Graduate of an accredited high school or possess an acceptable equivalency diploma.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and be able to secure a valid Florida driver’s license within
30 days of employment.
Operator I - Pay Grade 14
• Entry Level position, limited water experience
Operator II - Pay Grade 16
• 1 year experience (2,080 hrs.) and Florida Departmental of Environmental (FDEP) Water
Treatment Plant Operator “C” License
Operator III - Pay Grade 18
• 3 years’ experience (6,240 hrs.) and Florida Departmental of Environmental (FDEP) Water
Treatment Plant Operator “B” License
Operator IV- Pay Grade 20
• 5 years’ experience (10,400 hrs.) and Florida Departmental of Environmental (FDEP) Water
Treatment Plant Operator “A” License
Operator V (Dual Certification/License) - Pay Grade 22
• 5 year’s experience (10,400 hrs.) Florida Water Treatment Plant “A” license required, Certified
Maintenance and Reliability Technician Certification (CMRT), Associate Certified Electronics
Technician (CETA) or equivalent certification, Municipal Board of Examiners Inc. of Polk County
(Polk MBOE) Journeyman Electrical License, Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
(FLHSMV) CDL “B or “A” license, and/or Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) Water
treatment, Wastewater treatment, Distribution treatment license accepted.
A comparable amount of related training or experience may be substituted for the minimum
qualifications except for the licensing and certifications.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
• Standby and on call rotation are required for emergency work in this classification.
All employees will be required to work before, during, or after an emergency. During an emergency,
employees may temporarily be assigned to work and perform duties outside the normal scope of
their position, location and work schedule to fit the needs of the County and its citizens.
Overview
As outlined in the Polk County Charter, the Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) is the governing body of Polk County. Each commissioner is elected by a countywide vote.
Duties and Powers
The County Commission adopts an annual budget which includes appropriations for services provided by county government including the Sheriff, Property Appraiser, Tax Collector and Supervisor of Elections. This budget also includes appropriations in support of the Circuit and County Courts, State Attorney, Public Defender and Clerk of the Court. Some other responsibilities:
* levying taxes and fees,
* provide and maintain county buildings,
* provide fire protection and ambulance services,
* provide health and welfare programs,
* provide parks, preserves, playgrounds, libraries, museums, historical sites, recreation and cultural facilities and programs,
* prepare and enforce comprehensive plans for the development in the county,
* establish, coordinate, and enforce zoning and such business regulations as are necessary for the protection of the public,
* adopt and enforce building, housing and related technical codes and regulations,
* establish and administer programs of housing, slum clearance, community redevelopment, conservation, flood control, air pollution control,
* provide and regulate waste and sewage collection and disposal, water supply and conservation programs,
* provide and operate public transportation systems, roads, bridges and related facilities.
