Lead Wastewater Plant Operator
Salary
$64,862.75 - $81,077.90 Annually
Location
Public Works/Utility Department, FL
Job Type
FULL TIME
Job Number
26-00031
Department
Public Works/Utility
Division
Treatment Plants
Opening Date
06/03/2026
Closing Date
7/3/2026 5:30 PM Eastern
Description
PUBLIC WORKS/UTILITY DEPARTMENT
Under direction, the purpose of the position is to direct and supervise the wastewater treatment facility operations within the City's Public Works/Utility Department. Employees in this classification function in an entry level management capacity, and are responsible for overseeing inspection and maintenance duties, ensuring efficient and effective operation of wastewater facilities and equipment. Objective is to ensure all duties are performed in compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local environmental regulatory requirements.
Examples of Duties
Trains, supervises and evaluates staff; supervises operational, maintenance and repair work within the wastewater division of the Public Works/Utility Department; coordinates, prioritizes and schedules daily operations, laboratory testing and maintenance functions of the wastewater facilities.
Conducts routine and periodic inspections of facilities and equipment; inspects all maintenance, repair and operational activities to ensure maximum operating potential; maintains chemical inventories to ensure appropriate supply/stock levels at all times.
Conducts routine and highly skilled regulatory work in the collection, treatment and disposal of wastewater in compliance with all applicable City, State and Federal regulations and guidelines.
Reviews and analyzes various flow and additive rates of wastewater processing, including effluent flow, pH, oxygen, and chemical levels; modifies flow and chemical feed rates to ensure appropriate levels.
Reviews and analyzes various operational aspects of wastewater processing such as chemical use, power consumption, generator use, effluent/waste production, and volume processing.
Evaluates the collection and performance of laboratory sample analysis to ensure adherence to regulatory chemical/additive parameters.
Conducts and records chemical and pressure sampling and laboratory testing; calculates results/readings; ascertains treatment performance and quality; performs appropriate equipment adjustments and calibrations.
Conducts routine and highly complex maintenance and repair duties of wastewater equipment and facilities to include pumps, storage tanks, aerators, precipitators, filters, motors, pulleys, drive belts, solids and chemicals handling.
Handles various managerial duties; participates in management meetings to plan Utility activities and for the dissemination of information; prepares DEP, EPA and monthly operating reports; calculates and provides quantitative/qualitative analysis and interprets data to present performance evaluation.
Coordinates with collection and distribution crews on leaks, main breaks, or related critical events; responds to emergency call-in in disasters or other critical events.
ADDITIONAL POSITION FUNCTIONS
Performs related duties as directed when such duties are a logical and appropriate assignment to the position.
Minimum Qualifications
High School Diploma or GED equivalent supplemented by specialized courses/training equivalent to completion of one year of college in wastewater treatment or closely related field; supplemented by four (4) years progressively responsible experience in utilities and/or other public pump-mechanical operations, or closely related experience. Must possess and maintain a valid Florida Drivers License. Must possess and maintain Florida Class A Wastewater License.
Employee shall obtain the National Incident Management System ICS-100 Introduction to the Incident Command System and IS-700 National Incident Management System, An Introduction within six (6) months of employment. The following courses are designed to provide a baseline, as they introduce basic NIMS and ICS concepts and provide the foundation for higher-level Emergency Operations Center (EOC), MACS, and ICS related training.
Supplemental Information
Ability to effectively supervise a staff comprised of entry through senior level staff engaged in carrying out departmental functions; ability to understand, follow and provide verbal and written instructions.
Expert knowledge of safe proper use and care of manual and power hand tools and equipment utilized in wastewater utilities operations and preventative maintenance field.
Skill in interpreting a variety of instructions in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
Skill in utilities inspecting machinery and mechanical equipment and to detect and identify apparatus malfunctions.
Expert knowledge of intermediate level mathematical computations, including addition, subtraction, division, multiplication, decimals, ratios and percentages.
Skill in reading and interpreting readings, measurements and flow rates obtained through application of diagnostics, laboratory sampling and testing equipment.
Skill in reading and interpreting various documents such as safety rules, operation and maintenance instructions, procedure manuals, and related documentation.
Ability to operate various office equipment, e.g., computer terminals, telephone systems, calculator.
Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships and communications with other employees, vendors, and the public.
Skill in organizing work, establishing priorities, meeting established deadlines, and following up on assignments with a minimum of direction.
Able to work shifts.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
While performing the essential functions of this job, the incumbent is occasionally required to lift, move or carry objects up to 100 pounds; ascend or descend ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles; utilize feet and legs or hands and arms; maintain body equilibrium to prevent falling when walking, standing, crouching, or navigating narrow, slippery, or erratically moving surfaces; bend body downward and forward by bending spine and legs; move about on hands and knees or hands and feet; use hands to finger, handle or feel objects; and to reach with hands and arms.
While performing the essential functions of this position the employee is frequently exposed to fumes, gases, odors or airborne particles; toxic or caustic substances; excessive noise; extreme temperatures; and dampness, wetness and humidity. While performing the essential functions of this job, the incumbent is occasionally exposed to possible bodily injury from electrical shock; falling from high, exposed places; and moving mechanical parts of equipment, tools, and machinery.
THE CITY OF SANFORD IS A DRUG FREE WORKPLACE
Part of the City of Sanfords success is due to the efforts and loyalty of employees of our City. The City of Sanford offers a comprehensive benefits package to its classified full-time and part-time employees, elected officials, and retirees.
City benefit offerings provide a competitive edge for employment recruitment and retention. In some cases the City funds 100% of the benefits; in most cases City subsidies are common.
Medical Insurance, Dental Insurance, Vision Insurance, Health Reimbursement Account, Tuition Assistance Reimbursement, FRS Retirement Plan, Paid Time Off (General/Fire Employees), Paid Sick Leave/Paid Vacation Leave (Police), Bereavement Leave, Paid Military Leave, EAP Program, Short Term Disability Insurance, Paid Employee Life Insurance (1 x annual salary), Paid Holidays, Paid Jury Duty, Workers Compensation, Social Security/Medicare (50%), Protective Safety Equipment, Uniforms.
Supplemental Benefits
Hospitality Indemnity Plan, Personal Cancer Indemnity Plan, Critical Illness, Voluntary Employee Supplemental Life Insurance, Dependent Life Insurance, 457 Deferred Compensation Retirement Plan, Short Term Disability, 10 Year Level Term Life Insurance.
Other Benefits
Fitness Center, Wellness Center for members of Citys Health Insurance program, Wellness Incentive Program, Employee Assistance Program, Bi-Weekly Pay Checks, Direct Deposit, Employee Recognition Events, Free Flu Shot, Free Parking, Bi-Lingual Pay, Recruitment Bonus (Police), Safety Incentive program.
Flexible Spending Account
Section 125 Cafeteria Plan Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) allow employees to set aside dollars on a pre-tax basis to pay for dependent day care and medical, dental, and vision expenses that are not covered by insurance. Employees can contribute up to $3,400 on a pre-tax basis for medical expenses. Dependent day care expenses are set by the IRS at a maximum of $3,750 per plan year. Employees should estimate expenses to be incurred carefully, as penalties may be imposed by the IRS. For more information please contact our benefits department.
01
Which of the following best describes your highest level of completed education?
02
What best describes your current and valid State of Florida Drivers License?
03
What best describes your level of Florida Department of Environmental Protection Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator License?
04
What best describes your years of experience in utility plant operations and maintenance preferably in wastewater; (4) years progressively responsible experience in utilities and/or other public pump-mechanical operations, or closely related experience?
05
What best describes your years of experience conducting routine and highly skilled regulatory work in the collection, treatment and disposal of wastewater in compliance with all applicable City, State and Federal regulations and guidelines?
06
What best describes your level of experience in conducting routine and periodic inspections of plant facilities and equipment; maintenance, repair, and operational activities?
07
What best describes your level of experience and knowledge in water/wastewater sampling, utilities operation, maintenance and/or construction within a similar government agency?
Required Question
Employer City of Sanford
Address 300 N. Park Ave.
Sanford, Florida, 32771
Phone 407-688-5134
Website http://www.sanfordfl.gov