Process Plant Operator

Gainesville Regional Utilities Application Deadline Applications must be received by 11:59 pm EDT, July 8, 2026.Posting Summary Gainesville Regional Utilities is seeking a skilled Process Plant Operator to support operations at a zero-liquid discharge power plant site. This position performs rotating shiftwork operating lime/soda water treatment, pond management, brine concentrator, spray dryer, and related plant equipment and facilities. This position performs skilled rotating shiftwork operating lime/soda water treatment, pond management, brine concentrator, spray dryer, and related plant equipment at a zero-liquid discharge power plant site. The role supports production of high-quality water used for plant cooling and boiler makeup water treatment systems. The ideal candidate will have knowledge of water chemistry, treatment processes, chemical dosing, pumps, valves, motors, instrumentation, automated control systems, environmental compliance, and OSHA safety practices. This position requires strong attention to detail, computer literacy, the ability to interpret water quality data, respond to alarms or abnormal conditions, perform intermediate mathematical calculations, and work safely in an industrial environment using required personal protective equipment, including respiratory protection.Compensation Data Minimum: $ 15.00 Maximum: $31.06 * This position is part of a Progression Through Training Program (PTTP). The posted pay range reflects the full range for the classification; however, the selected candidate’s starting rate will be determined based on applicable education, training, certifications, and directly related experience, in accordance with established placement guidelines. FLSA Exemption StatusNon-ExemptSummary This is skilled shiftwork operating lime/soda water treatment, pond management, and brine concentrator/spray dryer plant equipment and facilities at a zero-liquid discharge power plant site for purpose of providing high quality water for the power plant to be used for cooling water and feed to the boiler makeup water treatment system.Examples of Work Safety must be held as a core value. The employee must be able to recognize hazards and address them through proper mitigation. The employee must be able to recognize when they need additional training or are unfamiliar with a task. The employee must be willing and able to challenge others to work safely and to stop any observed unsafe work practice or condition to resolve the issue promptly. Observes and adheres to OSHA standards such as proper lockout/tagout, confined space, hot work etc., of plant equipment and systems in accordance with plant procedures, policies, and practices. This position requires making safety-sensitive decisions that affect the safety of the employee, as well as other employees, or contractors working with and around this employee or that could cause catastrophic failure of major equipment. Operates equipment and monitors process indicators such as level and pressure to produce quality water from ground water and from settling ponds, taking appropriate operating actions to change operation in response to process parameters. Examples of Work (continued) Operates front end treatment system, plant water treatment system, ash pond pump back cells, brine concentrator, spray dryer, brine removal equipment, and related equipment. Monitors pond levels to ensure zero liquid discharge compliance. Regulates proper flow of lime, CO2, soda ash, sulfuric acid, coagulant, and flocculant for the front-end water treatment system. Operates and washes water filters. Maintains proper water level in filters, tanks, and reservoirs by operating pumps and opening and closing valves. Performs routine periodic equipment checks and tests in accordance with standard operating practices, policies, and procedures. Obtains water samples and makes routine, complex, and special chemical tests of water samples. Makes independent operating decisions and actions based on results. Reads, understands and complies with information provided on Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for all products. Handles and stores items properly. Non-Essential Functions: Available for response in emergency conditions. Assists with cleaning of plant facilities and equipment and general housekeeping. Performs other related duties as assigned.Education Graduation from high school or possession of an acceptable equivalency diploma.Experience Completion of all requirements as established in the Progression-Through-Training Program for a Process Plant Operator II, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience which provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. Must meet minimum craft and safety training established for designated apprenticeship program within the guidelines established in the Progression-Through-Training Program.GRU CompetenciesCustomer FocusContributes to Achieving GRU's Mission: GRU will provide safe, reliable, competitive utility services in an environmentally responsible manner and will actively contribute to the enhancement of the quality of life in our communityAdaptability, Flexibility, Fostering InnovationRole Specific CompetenciesAccountability & DependabilityContributes to a Positive Work EnvironmentSafetyCertificationsNoneKnowledge, Skills, and Abilities Water Chemistry & Treatment Principles of water purification, filtration, and chemical dosing. Understanding of pH, conductivity, hardness, and dissolved solids. Environmental Regulations EPA and local water discharge standards. Safety and compliance requirements for chemical handling. Instrumentation & Control Knowledge of sensors, meters, and automated control systems. Mechanical & Electrical Basics Pumps, valves, motors, and their maintenance. Power- plant process treatment plant, including brine concentrators and flash evaporators. Analytical & Problem-Solving Ability to interpret water quality data and adjust treatment processes. Technical Operation Operating pumps, chemical feed systems, and monitoring equipment. Computer Literacy Use of computer control systems and data logging software. Communication Ability to clearly report operational status, and issues both verbally and in writing.Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (continued) Safety Practices Applying OSHA standards and plant safety protocols. Attention to Detail Detecting changes in water quality and system performance. Physical Stamina Ability to work in industrial environments, sometimes in confined spaces. Ability to use personal protection equipment including hearing protection, eye protection, foot protection, hand protection, and head protection and use of respiratory protection. This position requires the ability to use respiratory protection equipment in compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations. Ability to climb and descend stairs and ladders or ride elevators to perform tasks, often on open grating with handrails, or from aerial devices, at elevated levels up to 100 feet. Decision-Making Under Pressure Responds quickly to alarms or abnormal conditions. Ability to perform intermediate level mathematical calculations.Physical RequirementsClimbing - OftenDriving - OftenFar Vision Acuity - ContinuallyFine Manipulation - OftenFoot or Leg Controls - ContinuallyGross Manipulation - OftenHearing - ContinuallyKeyboarding - ContinuallyLifting or Carrying>50 lbs. - OccasionallyNear Visual Acuity - ContinuallyNormal Color Vision - ContinuallyPeripheral Vision - ContinuallyPushing or Pulling > 50 lbs. - OccasionallyReaching Above Shoulder Level - OccasionallyReaching Overhead-OccasionallySitting - ContinuallySpeaking - ContinuallyStanding or Walking - ContinuallyStooping, Kneeling, or Crawling - OccasionallyEnvironmental RequirementsRequired to work during emergency conditions.