Chief Water Plant Operator

Do you possess expertise operating a drinking water treatment facility as a shift or project leader? We have your next career opportunity!!

This is advanced technical and supervisory work operating the SK Keller Water Treatment and Regional Water Treatment Facilities and the drinking water distribution system in accordance with Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) rules and regulations, Florida Administrative Code, and Pinellas County policies and procedures. The Chief will be required to have a Class "B" Water Treatment Plant Operator license in order to properly supervise the drinking water supply operation and ensure compliance with all Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) rules and regulations and Florida Administrative Codes. This person shall be available to initiate appropriate action at all times (24 / 7) , which includes : monitoring, supervision, troubleshooting, maintenance and / or repair of pumps, motors, treatment systems, generators and related support systems; remote booster stations and switch gear; flow meters and chemical feed systems and overhead cranes; as well as collection and processing of a variety of samples. The Chief will supervise on-site plant operation, electronic control system operation, and make decisions that relate to the daily operational activities of the plant and make decisions that directly impact the quality or quantity of drinking water. The Chief may perform on-site plant operation and electronic control system operation. This person will also be part of the hiring team and will be responsible for the training and supervision of all newly hired Water Treatment Plant Operators.

This position Water / Wastewater Plant Operator, Chief (Chief Water Plant Operator) is located at : Keller Water Treatment Facility - Keller Circle, Tarpon Springs, FL. Work Schedule : Monday – Friday; 7 : 00 a.m. - 3 : 30 p.m. Must flex hours to communicate with the afternoon shift and must cover shifts if coverage is needed, any day of the week.

What Will You Do?

• Plans, assigns and reviews the efforts of assigned, subordinate personnel.
• Works with Plant Manager to prepare and submit all compliance reports required by the permit (MOR, Daily Operating Report, SWFWMD Public Supply Annual Report, Water Monitoring, Trending facility cost per million gallons, etc.)
• Participates with the Plant Manager during core compliance activities such as the 10-year wholesale water use permit renewal process and / or SWFWMD Public Supply Annual Report process, and facility budget preparation and monitoring.
• Coordinates with operators, maintenance personnel, engineers and contractors during any event that improves or impacts the water treatment plant, water transmission and distribution systems, and associated water booster stations.
• Coordinates with various County Departments, Wholesale Customers, and Tampa Bay Water representatives to resolve operational and / or water quality issues within the water transmission or distribution systems.
• Reports to FDEP or State Warning Point during conditions when the plant is operating outside permitted conditions (upset) or during any sort of release.
• Performs all supervisory responsibilities; training, evaluations, discipline, etc.
• Responsible for providing performance metrics and quality control on operational data.
• Provides ongoing input regarding operational priorities to the supervisor for capital improvement projects and maintenance activities.
• Responds to requests for information and complaints from the public in order to resolve complaints or provide information.
• Provides customer service and promotes positive public relations.
• Ensures that adequate amounts and types of equipment, materials and chemicals are available for safe and efficient systems operations.
• Ensures efficient plant processes and water operations, utilizing SCADA and Wonderware and / or other specialized software systems to ensure efficient operations; makes adjustments.
• Dispatches crews to correct malfunctions and maximize efficiency.
• Reviews plans for construction or modification of facilities.
• Performs related work as assigned or required.

What Do You Need?

Experience : High school diploma or GED and of experience in the performance of water treatment facility process control including the performance of operational control tests and evaluation and interpretation of the test results; preparation of plant process control reports, logs or records; analysis and disposal or distribution of the plant product and the residuals from the treatment process; and control of the hydraulic system and necessary chemical adjustments; sample collection and analysis; electronic surveillance system monitoring, and plant maintenance.

Degree : Science, technology, engineering, math, business, construction or related field.

7+ years’ experience as described above.

Associate’s degree and 5+ years of experience as described above.

Bachelor’s degree and 3+ years of experience as described above.

Master’s degree and 1+ years of experience as described above.

Doctoral degree, and some experience as described above.

An equivalent combination of training and experience.

Must possess an active FDEP Water Plant Operator Class “B” license (Chapter 62- & Chapter 62- F.A.C.).

Possession and maintenance of a Valid Florida Driver’s License at time of hire.

Assignment to work a variety of work schedules including compulsory work periods in special, emergency, and / or disaster situations.

The candidate must obtain a FDEP Water Plant Operator Class “A” license within 18 months of appointment (Chapter 62- & Chapter 62- F.A.C.).

Highly Desirable

Why Choose Pinellas County?

When you join Pinellas County, you’re not just taking on a job—you’re investing in your future. We believe in supporting our employees with exceptional benefits that help you thrive both professionally and personally. Here's why our benefits stand out as some of the best in the area :

Want To Learn More?

Review the full classification description with the Physical / Mental Demands and Working Conditions at the below link.

Water / Wastewater Plant Operator, Chief