Polk County Utilities Jobs (NOW HIRING)

UTILITIES DIVISION - WATER RECLAMATION OPERATOR I, II, III, IV, V - 2 POSITIONS AVAILABLE

$23.49HR - $52.07HR. 

NON-EXEMPT 

Employee Benefits

• Direct Deposit, Bi-Weekly Pay Checks
• Medical, Dental, Vision
• Life Insurance
• FRS Retirement
• 10 Paid Holidays
• Paid Time Off
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Education Incentives
• Deferred Compensation Plan
• Wellness Incentives
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Free Employee Gym
• Free Employee Health Clinic

Must have the physical, developmental and mental ability to perform job tasks, work eorts,
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, certied, 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 ecient 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; identies 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 le 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 exible 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
  Procient in reading gauges, charts, and meters; able to distinguish color variations
  Experienced in using industrial and personal computers with varying levels of prociency
  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 classication.
 

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 t the needs of the County and its citizens.