Lead Plant Operator (Water)

Lead Plant Operator (Water)

Salary

$32.06 - $44.88 Hourly

Location

New Port Richey, FL

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

14253-0926

Department

Utilities Water & Wastewater O & M

Division

Water Services

Opening Date

09/04/2026

Closing Date

9/17/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

Salary Range

$32.06 - $44.88

Pay Grade

N43 (Non-exempt position)

Salary Disclosure

Pay rates are based on education, skill, experience level and internal equity.

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

General Description

JOIN OUR TEAM AS A LEAD PLANT OPERATOR - WATER

Pasco County Utilities is seeking a motivated, skilled leader to perform advanced specialized supervisory work in the operation and maintenance of a water treatment plant. This position is responsible for performing certified and skilled work or directs and oversees the performance of certified and skilled work in the operation of water supply and distribution systems to provide high quality treatment of water in compliance with all appropriate regulations.

Essential Job Functions

NOTE: The following duties are illustrative and not exhaustive. The omission of specific statements duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to to the position. Depending on assigned area of responsibility, incumbents in the position may perform one or more of the activities described below:

• Prepares and maintains accurate, detailed operations reports and maintenance records.
• Collects, organizes and evaluates water operational data, and develop logical conclusions for operational adjustments.
• Oversees and/or performs inspections of facility equipment and machinery to determine that all systems are operating properly.
• Oversees and/or performs routine and non-routine adjustments and/or malfunctioning of equipment.
• Performs and assists with plant maintenance work as required.
• Operates, calibrates and maintains all department equipment, vehicles and test equipment to ensure safe and efficient operations.
• Maintains current knowledge of Florida Administrative Code and regulatory requirements.
• Researches and responds to information requests in conformance and department procedures.
• Performs laboratory analysis on collected samples, interprets test results, and makes routine process changes following established guidelines.
• May function as a lead working when working with new operators or trainees.
• Implements OSHA lock-out/tag-out procedures to safely isolate equipment and remove it from service.
• Responds to customer inquiries and complaints to include determination of water quality issues and resolution, provides requested information within established guidelines and capabilities or redirects call to appropriate person to ensure good customer relations.
• Accepts documentation from chemical delivery drivers, signs to verify amounts of delivered for payment, and submits the tickets to the facility supervisor or office assistant for payment.
• Uses appropriate personal protective equipment and follows material safety data sheets recommendations for handling toxic, corrosive and flammable materials.
• May direct the work of other staff by scheduling, assigning and reviewing work, providing training and counseling to include assisting with the training of personnel in emergency response plans and safety programs in conformance with local, state and federal regulations.
• May establish and implement operating protocols for one or more water treatment facilities according to local, state and federal regulations to ensure permit compliance.
• Assists and advises operators at all levels in the resolution of difficult process problems. Works closely with environmental laboratory personnel to develop and implement sampling and testing procedures in compliance with local, state and federal regulations.
• Responds to emergency situation such as, floods, hurricanes, tornadoes and other natural and/or unnatural crisis to provide for public health and safety.
• Ability to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and push or pull heavy objects.
• Performs related work as directed.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of operating principles and practices applicable to advanced treatment facilities and distribution systems.
• Ability to prepare and maintain accurate, detailed operations and maintenance records.
• Ability to understand, interpret, utilize and adjust automation/instrumentation devices and systems to meet facility operational requirements.
• Knowledge of department procedure and guidelines.
• Knowledge of chemistry and biology related to the operation of water treatment facilities.
• Knowledge of all regulations governing water treatment and operator responsibility.
• Ability to perform assigned duties with considerable independence.
• Knowledge of written, oral, computer communication and analytical skills are required.
• Ability to work in a team environment.
• Ability to communicate effectively with others.
• Ability and willingness to respond to emergency situations such as, floods, hurricanes, tornadoes and other natural and/or unnatural crises to provide for public health and safety.
• Ability and willingness to work overtime, rotating shifts, including nights, weekends and holidays.
• Ability to use a computer and related software.
• Ability to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and push or pull heavy objects.

Minimum Requirements

PHYSICAL SKILLS: Ability to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and push or pull heavy objects. May use a handling device (dolly, cart, etc.) or work with another team member to lift and/or move excessively heavy objects. Ability to climb, bend, walk, stand, squat, and stoop frequently. Ability to communicate effectively using verbal, written and visual communication.

EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE: Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of an acceptable equivalency diploma. Five (5) years experience as a Plant Operator.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS OR REGISTRATIONS: Must possess a valid Florida drivers license. Must possess a valid Class "A" Certificate in Water Treatment as issued by the State of Florida.

ADA STATEMENT: A qualified employee or applicant with a disability may be afforded a reasonable accommodation to perform the essential job functions of a position in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE: Pasco County is a drug-free workplace in accordance with Federal and Florida Law.

EMERGENCY RESPONSE/RECOVERY ACTIVITIES: All employees will be required to work before, during, and 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 fit the needs of the County and its citizens.

VETERANS PREFERENCE: Under Section 295.07, F.S., Chapter SSA-7, Pasco County BCC provides to Veterans, that preference in appointment will be given to preference-eligible applicants.

PASCO COUNTY WAS VOTED ONE OF THE NATIONS TOP WORKPLACES FOR 2021

Benefits include:

• Florida Retirement System (FRS) retirement plan
• PTO (Paid Time Off)
• Paid holidays
• Group insurance
• Tuition reimbursement
• Deferred compensation
• Medical leave pool
• Annual medical leave buy-back
• Mid-management/Professional grade, and management personnel may receive 40 hours of admin leave per calendar year.

Effective July 1, 2011, FRS members must contribute 3% of their salary as retirement contributions, on a pre-tax basis (the salary is reduced by the amount of the employee contribution before determining the federal income tax deduction). The employer will automatically deduct the employee contributions.

01

I am aware that the following supplemental questions will determine my eligibility for this position.

• Acknowledge
• Decline

02

Are you a current Pasco County BOCC employee?

• Yes
• No

03

Which best describes your highest level of COMPLETED education?

• GED
• High School
• Associate degree
• Bachelors Degree
• Masters Degree
• Doctorate
• None of the above

04

Which best describes the years of experience you have as a Plant Operator?

• Ten or more years of experience
• Nine years but less than ten
• Eight years but less than nine
• Seven years but less than eight
• Six years but less than seven
• Five years but less than six
• Four years but less than five
• Three years but less than four
• Two years but less than three
• One year but less than two
• Less than one year of experience

05

Do you possess a valid Florida drivers license or have the ability to obtain the license within 30 days from date of hire?

• Yes
• No

06

Do you possess a valid Class "A" Certificate in Water Treatment as issued by the State of Florida?

• Yes
• No

07

Are you a veteran who served as a member of the armed forces of the United States during a period of war, defined in Title 38, U.S.C., and who was separated from such service under honorable conditions, or the surviving spouse of any such veteran? (SUPPORTING DOCUMENTION IS REQUIRED AT THE TIME OF SUBMISSION OF APPLICATION OR NEXT BUSINESS DAY).

• Yes
• No

08

Are you legally authorized to work in the United States? Note: If hired, a Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, must be completed at the start of employment.

• Yes
• No

09

I hereby acknowledge that Pasco County BOCC is a drug-free workplace in accordance with Federal and Florida law, and consent to pre-employment drug/alcohol testing, and agree to abide by the program and policy if employed by Pasco County BOCC.

• Acknowledged
• Declined

10

Have you recently retired from the Florida Retirement System (FRS) Pension Plan or Investment Plan within the last 6 months?

• Yes
• No

11

Please specifically explain how your prior work experience and education match the qualifications for this position. (1000 characters or less)

12

How did you hear about this position?

• Billboard
• Facebook
• Friend/Family Referral
• Indeed
• Instagram
• Job Fair
• LinkedIn
• Magazine publication
• Nextdoor
• Pasco County employee
• Pasco County Facebook Page
• Pasco County website/Governmentjobs.com
• Pasco County Traffic Sign
• Utility bill insert
• X/Twitter
• YouTube
• Other

13

If a Pasco County employee referred you, please provide the name of the employee. If none, write N/A.

Required Question

Employer Pasco County

Address 7536 State Street

New Port Richey, Florida, 34654

Phone (727) 847-8030

(727) 847-8103

Website http://www.pascocountyfl.net