Lead Wastewater Plant Operator

Job Description:

Lead Wastewater Plant Operator

Description

POSITION SUMMARY

Performs advanced level work in the operation and maintenance of a wastewater treatment plant and related equipment. An employee in this class assists the Wastewater Operations Supervisor in the proper and efficient operation of a state-of-the-art wastewater treatment plant. Work is performed in accordance with established procedures and standards. The employee exercises some independent judgment in the adjustment of treatment plant equipment in order to maintain required quality and production standards. Instructions are received orally or in writing from the Wastewater Operations Supervisor, and the employee works with relative independence in carrying out the instructions. This classification is differentiated from the Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator, in the level of technical knowledge, the ability to independently oversee shift operation and maintenance, and the nature of problems that the incumbent is expected to troubleshoot in the absence of the Wastewater Operations Supervisor. Work is subject to inspection by the Wastewater Operations Supervisor from the results obtained.

In accordance with Article 24 of the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the City of Fort Lauderdale and Teamsters Local Union 769, for posting purposes this open-competitive job posting shall be considered as a simultaneous internal and external posting (it is open to both internal City employees and external applicants).

This position will remain open until a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Monitors and evaluates the operations of a large, complex wastewater treatment facility and its auxiliary systems; maintains plant log
• Operates onsite oxygen generation plant, troubleshoots problems, and takes corrective action. Performs acetylene testing to ensure safe cryogenic operation
• Operates and troubleshoots sludge dewatering facilities
• Leads and trains subordinate operational and maintenance staff assigned; advises and instructs on methods and techniques for improving efficiency of duties and operations
• Reviews trends, records, and reports to maintain proper procedure and standards; collects and tabulates operational log data for regulatory agencies
• Recognize deviations or irregularities in the plant operation and maintenance; adjusts the treatment plant process and equipment in order to maintain the required quality standards of the federal, state, and county regulatory agencies
• Samples, measures, and tests plant values such as pH, chlorine residuals, temperature, solids concentration, levels, and others; makes corrections and adjustments; collects required samples for on and offsite analysis
• Collaborates with maintenance staff on specific projects; adjusts or bypasses job specific areas, processes, or equipment to ensure consistent wastewater treatment, plant integrity, and safety
• Tests, monitors, records, evaluates, troubleshoots, and adjusts the operation of plant emergency generator and auxiliary equipment
• Assists contractors and consultants with specific tasks
• Assists in preparing standard operating procedures
• Oversees Plant operations to remain in compliance of all Federal, State, County and City regulations and standards when an Operations Supervisor is not onsite
• Ensures compliance with safety regulations and standard operating procedures
• Works around high voltage, rotating equipment and various hazardous chemicals
• May assist Federal, State and local regulators during plant compliance inspections
• Performs related work as required

JOB REQUIREMENTS, PREFERENCES & WORK ENVIRONMENT

MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS:
High School Diploma, G.E.D. equivalency, or acceptable foreign education equivalent?Three (3) or more years of progressively responsible experience in Wastewater Plant operations Possess or obtain a valid State of Florida driver's license within 30 days of hire. Valid State of Florida Class B Certified Operator’s License in wastewater Knowledge of SCADAIf claiming Veteran's Preference, candidates must attach a DD214 Member 4 form, and the City of Fort Lauderdale's veteran's preference claim form ( J-204) to the online application.
As public servants, employees may be required to work immediately before, during, and/or after an emergency. All employees must be available and able to work assigned shifts as determined by their Department Heads.

PHYSICAL STANDARDS REQUIRED TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

The position involves medium physical demands, Ability to climb stairs in order to obtain samples and to maintain work areas including lime machines and chemical feeders. Ability to lift 50lbs polymer in order to fill chemical feed equipment to be able to maintain quality water treatment. Ability to work in dusty areas while maintaining/cleaning work areas especially lime machines. Ability to bend to collect samples and physically shovel lime waste to degrit water. Ability to stand for long periods of time in order to perform chemical analysis.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

HOW TO APPLY & SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

Applicants who qualify will be subject to an extensive selection process and screening program, which may include, but not be limited to evaluation of training and experience; written test; interview; employment record , background check; medical examination; and drug screen. The expected duration of the selection process varies by position .

The City of Fort Lauderdale is an E qual O pportunity , Affirmative Action, inclusive employer and a Drug Free Workplace. The City of Fort Lauderdale does not discriminate based on age, citizenship status, color, disability, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation.

Veterans' preference per Florida law. If claiming Veteran's Preference, candidates must attach a DD214 Member 4 form, and the City of Fort Lauderdale's veteran's preference claim form (J-204) to the online application.



The City of Fort Lauderdale offers a comprehensive benefits package to all regular full-time employees including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and short-term disability insurance.

Click here for an overview of employment information including our benefits package.

Say "Hello" to the City of Fort Lauderdale and Say "Goodbye" to Your Student Loan!Under the U.S. Department of Education's Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program, the remaining balance on your student loan may be forgiven after you have made 120 qualifying monthly payments while working full-time at the City of Fort Lauderdale. Click here for more information or to see if you qualify.

In addition to the competitive benefits package and salary, the City of Fort Lauderdale participates in the Florida Retirement System (FRS) which offers an investment option and a pension option and requires a 3% contribution from employees. All new City of Fort Lauderdale employees are automatically enrolled in FRS. Click here to view additional information on the Florida Retirement System.

Closing Date/Time: 1/8/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

Salary:

$62,408.53 - $96,779.49 Annually