Lead Operator - Wastewater
Salary
$61,722.00 - $101,843.00 Annually
Location
Palm Bay, FL
Job Type
Full-time
Job Number
2762
Department
Utilities
Opening Date
04/13/2026
Closing Date
Continuous
FLSA
Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit
NAGE Blue
MINIMUM TRAINING & EXPERIENCE
May be eligible for sign-on bonus based on license held:
Class A - up to $4,000
Class B - up to $3,000
MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE
Graduation from high school plus a minimum of five (5) years of experience in wastewater treatment plant operations. An associate degree or coursework in wastewater treatment, environmental science, or a related field is preferred. Two (2) years of experience in operational decision making for a wastewater treatment plant required. Must possess a valid Florida Driver's License and have and maintain an acceptable, safe driving record.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Possess and maintain a Class B Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator License from the State of Florida Department of Environmental Protection; Possession of a Class A license is required within twelve (12) months of hire. Out of State candidates applying for reciprocity of the required license may be considered for this position.
EMERGENCY DECLARATION STATUS
Essential Employees may be required to work during an undeclared emergency and/or declared emergency. On an incident-by-incident basis, the employee's Department Head will make the determination as to who will be required to work.
GENERAL STATEMENT OF JOB
Performs responsible administrative, supervisory, technical, and physical work pertaining to the operation & maintenance of City wastewater treatment plants and associated facilities. Under general supervision from the Wastewater Plant Superintendent, the Lead Operator performs plant related duties and supervisory tasks as assigned.
SPECIFIC DUTIES & RESPONSIBLITIES
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
At the discretion of the Wastewater Plant Superintendent:
Plans, assigns, supervises and assists with the functions of plant personnel engaged in the operation and maintenance of the wastewater treatment plant and facilities.
Directs performance of required tests and analyses, and coordinates plant operations with the results of such tests. May be assigned to coordinate laboratory activities.
Maintains and effectively communicates to the appropriate authority; operational modifications, regulatory reports, and records relating to plant operations, compliance, and permitting as required.
Assists with personnel-related tasks including but not limited to interviewing, training, scheduling, time & attendance, and submitting pertinent records and reports as required.
Assists with evaluations by communicating employee and or vendor performance as required.
Monitors and evaluates the operation of City wastewater treatment plants, related facilities and well systems.
May be assigned to shift work, required to work weekends and holidays, and or respond to after hour calls on holidays, nights and weekends.
In the absence of the Wastewater Plant Superintendent, oversees plant operations to remain in compliance with all Federal, State, County and City regulations and standards; and maintains an understanding and ability to order plant chemicals and supplies as needed.
ADDITIONAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Performs other related work as required.
This job description is not intended to be and should not be construed as an all-inclusive list of all the responsibilities, skills or working conditions associated with the position. While it is intended to accurately reflect the position activities and requirements, Management reserves the right to modify, add, remove, and or assign other duties as necessary that are a logical assignment to the position.
This position is covered under the NAGE Blue Collective Bargaining Agreement
Health Insurance: Health care plan options include HDHP, OAPIN and OAP through Cigna.
Dental Insurance: Dental coverage is offered in three plans that include DHMO & PPO High/Low plans.
Vision Insurance: Vision coverage includes an annual eye exam, frames and lenses or contact lenses in lieu of eyeglasses.
Life Insurance: The City of Palm Bay provides each employee with life insurance in the amount of one time their annual base salary at no cost. Additional coverage is available at the employees cost up to the Guaranteed Issue amount of $250,000.
Dependent/Spouse Life Insurance: The City of Palm Bay provides each employee with dependent/spouse life insurance in the amount of $5,000 per dependent at no cost. Additional coverage is available at the employees cost.
Short Term Disability: Coverage pays 66 2/3% of employees annual base salary during a short-term disability period not to exceed 26 weeks.
Long Term Disability: Coverage pays 66 2/3% of employees salary at time of disability after a 180 consecutive day waiting period.
Defined Contribution Retirement Plan: City contributes a base of 3%. Employees may contribute up to 6% and the City will match the employees contribution.
Holidays: 10 holidays,1 birthday holiday and 1 anniversary holiday.
Paid Leave: Accrue 96 hours of vacation per year, accrued hours increase after 5 years of service based on years of service. Accrue 96 hours of sick leave per year.
Tuition Reimbursement: Upon completion of the initial probationary period, employees are eligible for tuition and book reimbursement for college level courses for Associates, Bachelors and Masters Degrees. (Currently frozen due to budget)
01
Do you have a valid drivers license and have and maintain an acceptable, safe driving record?
02
Which best describes your highest level of completed education?
03
How many years of experience do you have in wastewater treatment plant operations?
04
Briefly explain your experience in wastewater treatment plant operations. If no experience, type "None".
05
How many years of experience do you have in operational decision making for a wastewater treatment plant?
06
Briefly explain your experience in operational decision making for a wastewater treatment plant. If no experience, type "None".
07
This position requires that you possess and maintain a Class B Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator License from the State of Florida Department of Environmental Protection. In addition, it is required that a Class A License is obtained and maintained within twelve (12) months of hire. Please select from the list below the statement that best describes your level of licensing.
Required Question
Employer City of Palm Bay
Address 120 Malabar Road
Palm Bay, Florida, 32907
Phone (321) 952-3421
Website http://www.palmbayfl.gov