Chief Operator

Under supervision of the Water Treatment Manager, performs work involving the supervision of the technical operations and maintenance of an advanced water treatment plant and distribution system. The Chief Operator is responsible for maintaining a continuous program of regulatory compliance, quality control, and operating efficiency of potable water treatment processes. Work requires the exercise of considerable technical knowledge and the use of independent judgment in the safe and efficient management and operation of treatment plants. Work also requires the exercise of considerable independent discretion in plant operation procedures within established technical standards and departmental rules and regulations.
 

• Works closely with the Water Treatment Manager in planning future projects, budget preparation, purchasing, personnel selection, plant operational procedures, process changes, and operation of the water distribution system. 
• Plans, organizes and supervises the work of the Water Operations Supervisor, lead operators, operators, SCADA/Instrumentation team, and other plant personnel in the operation and maintenance of the water plant.   
• Monitors the status of plant operations and distribution systems; detects abnormalities in flows, pressures, chemical feeds, levels and water quality; adjusts feed, flow levels, and chemicals as needed.
• Maintains plant operational records, prepares and files monthly, quarterly, semiannual, and annual reports as required by the Federal/State/Local regulatory agencies.
• Develops standard operating procedures to be used in the training of plant personnel.
• Ensures all work activities and plant operations are in compliance with all applicable local, state and federal policies, procedures, safety rules, laws, regulations, and water quality standards.
• Reviews permits and the Florida Administrative Code to ensure that all sampling, testing and inspections are completed according to schedule.
• Assists and accompanies representatives from regulatory agencies during inspections and assists in preparation of annual Water Consumer Confidence Report.
• Participates in the planning of plant systems improvements and expansions; evaluates current and future needs; prioritizes improvements and expansions; and makes recommendations.
• Assists in the selection, placement, promotion, training, development, safety, and appraisal of assigned employees.
• Serves as the Acting Water Treatment Manager in the absence of the Water Treatment Manager.
• Essential employees may be required to work during a declared or undeclared emergency.
• Performs other related job duties as assigned. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 

• Knowledge of the equipment and operating principles and practices of a public utility, advanced water treatment and water distribution facility. 
• Knowledge of the physical and chemical processes involved in water treatment.  
• Knowledge of the principles involved in the operation of plant monitoring equipment and the implementation of any required preventative maintenance of such equipment. 
• Knowledge of SCADA systems used in the operation and data collection of treatment facilities. 
• Skill in maintaining plant data and recordkeeping systems. 
• Skill in the use of a variety of computer programs, including Microsoft Office, GIS or CAD and various other office equipment. 
• Ability to recognize situations which might endanger the public, health and or safety of plant personnel and implement corrective actions.  
• Ability to organize, supervise and inspect the work of skilled and semi-skilled personnel performing varied labor operations. 
• Ability to maintain records and prepare reports in both a clear and concise manner. 
• Ability to evaluate records, operational situations or plant personnel and to make corrections or recommendations to plant superintendent.  
• Ability to understand, follow or give moderately complex written or oral instructions.  
• Ability to establish and maintain a professional working relationship with employees and the general public.  
• Ability to organize, direct, and manage construction projects.

Education and Experience:
Associate’s degree with five (5) years of experience operating and maintaining an advanced secondary treatment or higher-level water treatment plant, supplemented by past supervisory responsibility; or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience. Bachelor’s degree in related field preferred.
Special Qualifications:
For positions requiring the operation of City vehicles, must possess a valid current Florida driver's license, or be able to acquire one within 45 days of hire. Must possess a current state of Florida Class “A” Water Operators Certification.
 The work is generally medium and may require exerting up to 100 pounds of force rarely, and up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and up to 20 pounds of force frequently to move objects. Additionally, the following physical abilities are required:  

• Balancing: Maintaining body equilibrium to prevent falling while walking, standing or crouching on narrow or slippery surfaces.
• Climbing: Frequently ascends or descends ladders, stairs, scaffolding, or ramps.
• Crawling: Ability to frequently move on hands and knees or hands and feet.
• Crouching: Ability to frequently bend the body downward and forward by bending leg and spine.
• Feeling: Ability to perceive attributes of objects by touch.
• Dexterity: Primarily with fingers, as in picking, pinching, or typing. 
• Grasping: Applying pressure with the whole hand.
• Handling: Picking, holding, or otherwise working with the whole hand.
• Hearing: Ability to hear and understand at normal speaking levels with or without correction.
• Kneeling: Ability to frequently bend legs at knee to come to a rest on knee or knees.
• Lifting: Ability to lift and move objects.
• Mental Acuity: Ability to make rational decisions.
• Pulling / Pushing: Ability to occasionally move objects up to 100 pounds.
• Reaching: Ability to frequently extend hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction.
• Repetitive Motion: Substantial movements (motions) of the wrist, hands, and/or fingers.
• Speaking / Talking: Ability to communicate clearly, accurately and concisely through speech.
• Standing: Particularly for sustained periods of time.
• Stooping: Ability to frequently bend body downward and forward by bending spine at the waist.
• Visual Acuity: Ability to perform activities such as: preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; and/or extensive reading, operating motor vehicles; including color, depth perception, and field vision.
• Walking: Ability to walk long distances to perform tasks and to move from one job site to another.

Work is performed in a dynamic environment that requires the ability to be sensitive to change and responsive to changing goals, priorities, and needs.  Work may be performed in both in and out-of-door environments with exposure to the wind, rain, cold, heat and cramped spaces.

Salary : $60,632