UTILITIES DIVISION - WATER RECLAMATION OPERATOR I, II, III, IV, V - 2 POSITIONS AVAILABLE
$23.49HR - $52.07HR.
NON-EXEMPT
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 Reclamation Operator performs professional, certified, and skilled work in the operation
and maintenance of water reclamation treatment facilities, and reclaimed water pumping systems.
Their responsibilities include operating and monitoring treatment systems, machinery, controls, and
related equipment to ensure the safe and efficient delivery of wastewater and reclaimed water
services. They 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 the
quality of treatment 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
• Operates and monitors all water reclamation facilities and reclaimed pumping processes and
equipment to ensure proper functionality and regulatory compliance
• Conducts daily operational checks; monitors meters, gauges, SCADA systems, and trends; records
and analyzes data to optimize performance
• Performs visual inspections of treatment facilities and equipment; identifies and addresses
potential failures, leaks, or abnormal conditions.
• Operates and monitors plant equipment, including pumps, mechanical and automatic controls, and
SCADA systems; conducts daily inspections and ensures optimal functionality.
• Maintains and cleans water reclamation maintains general housekeeping across plant facilities
and grounds
• Handles hazardous chemicals safely, including transferring, loading/unloading, and monitors fuel
and chemical inventories, reports spills, and ensures compliance with environmental regulations.
• Operates pumps, valves, and gates to transfer wastewater or sludge between tanks; ensures proper
sludge processing and coordinates contractor pickup
• Collects wastewater and sludge samples; performs laboratory testing and analysis for process
control and regulatory compliance
• Assists in preparing and submitting reports to Florida Department of Environmental Protection
(FDEP) and other regulatory agencies; supports data compilation and documentation
• Maintains accurate records of plant activities in written, electronic format; performs general
administrative tasks and file management
• Evaluates operational data to determine compliance with laws, regulations, and standards;
analyzes issues and recommends solutions
• 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 reclamation treatment and reclaimed 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 of employment.
Operator I- Pay Grade 14
• Entry Level position, limited experience in water reclamation
Operator II- Pay Grade 16
• 1 year experience (2,080 hrs.) and Florida Departmental of Environmental (FDEP) Wastewater
Treatment Plant Operator “C” License
Operator III - Pay Grade 18
• 3 years’ experience (6,240 hrs.) and Florida Departmental of Environmental (FDEP) Wastewater
Treatment Plant Operator “B” License
Operator IV- Pay Grade 20
• 5 years’ experience (10,400 hrs.) and Florida Departmental of Environmental (FDEP)
Wastewater 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.
