Lead Water Treatment Plant Operator

Water Otter Job Board; Fort Lauderdale (FL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

Water Otter Job Board is seeking a Lead Water Treatment Plant Operator for the City of Fort Lauderdale. The role requires a Class B Water Operator's license and oversight of daily plant operations, maintenance, and data logging.

You will supervise staff, ensure regulatory compliance, perform lab tests, adjust chemical dosing, and work with SCADA systems, Excel, and Word to maintain accurate records and reports. This on-site position includes benefits and salary commensurate with experience.

Qualifications

• Must possess a Florida Class B or higher Water Operator's license.
• Minimum 3 years of experience operating a water treatment plant.
• Proficiency in SCADA, Excel and Word.

Responsibilities

• Leads and trains subordinate staff in operation and maintenance.
• Monitors, controls, and troubleshoots water treatment plant operations.
• Maintains logs and prepares regulatory/compliance reports.
• Performs lab tests on processed water and adjusts chemical dosing.
• Ensures safety and regulatory compliance across operations.
• Maintains chemical inventories and records.

Skills

Team leadership

Problem solving

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Florida Class B Water Operator's license

Tools

SCADA

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Job description

Job Description

POSITION SUMMARY

A Lead Water Treatment Plant Operator is required to possess a Class "B" Water Operator's License. If they acquire a Class "A" License, they will receive $150.00 biweekly as Certification Incentive Pay (reimbursement will be provided for successful completion of the coursework necessary to obtain the Class "A" License).

Performs advanced level work in the operation and maintenance of a water treatment plant and related equipment.

In accordance with Article 24 of the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the City of Fort Lauderdale and Teamsters Local Union 769, for posting purposes this open-competitive job posting shall be considered as a simultaneous internal and external posting (it is open to both internal City employees and external applicants).

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Essential functions are the basic job duties that an employee must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation. The list of essential functions, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification. The omission of a function does not preclude management from assigning essential duties not listed herein if such duties relate to the position.

• Leads and trains subordinate operational and maintenance staff assigned; advises and instructs on methods and techniques for improving efficiency of duties and operations
• Monitors, controls, and troubleshoots operations of water treatment facilities
• Submits draft revisions to existing procedures to incorporate regulatory changes, new chemicals, and new equipment. Maintains records of personnel on duty, conditions, changes, access, emergencies, and other issues of note associated with the water treatment facility in log and/or on specific worksheets and computer uploads
• Prepares and/or updates existing data logs and prepares drafts of the various regulatory and compliance reports needed for the operating plant
• Performs lab tests of processed water at pre-determined intervals of the process, including clear well and finished water
• Makes chemical adjustments in relationship to water conditions and equipment specifications or conditions
• Inspects chemical rooms and process areas for abnormalities
• Maintains chemical inventory; orders, tracks, and receives chemicals; maintains proper documentation
• Tests, monitors, records, evaluates, troubleshoots, and adjusts the operation of plant emergency generator and auxiliary equipment
• Assists contractors and consultants with specific tasks
• Assists in preparing standard operating procedures
• Oversees Plant operations to remain in compliance
• Works around high voltage, rotating equipment, and various hazardous chemicals
• Ensures compliance with safety regulations and standard operating procedures and Federal, State, and County regulations
• Stays abreast of new and revised regulatory documents such as the Florida Administrative Code, utilizes this knowledge to recommend changes to his supervisor
• Reviews the various historical documents contained in the various computer drives to learn about the Comprehensive Utility Master Plan, City's Strategic Plan and other previous reports on the plant's performance and compliance
• Reviews archival files and the world wide web to locate drawing, specifications, related documents as they pertain to the plant equipment and its processes
• Performs related work as required

JOB REQUIREMENTS, PREFERENCES & WORK ENVIRONMENT

MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS:

High School Diploma, G.E.D., or equivalentThree (3) or more years of experience in the operation of a water treatment plantMust possess a current State of Florida Class "B" or higher Water Operator's license in compliance with the Florida Administrative Code and all revisions thereofProficiency in SCADA, Microsoft Excel and WordTo claim Veterans’ Preference, candidates must attach to the application a copy of military separation papers (DD214) and service-connected disability documentation (if applicable) to meet eligibility requirements as stipulated by Florida Statues. For additional information, please refer to the Florida Department of Veterans' Affairs. (link: https://floridavets.org/benefits-services/veterans-preference/)

As public servants, employees may be required to work immediately before, during, and/or after an emergency. All employees must be available and able to work assigned shifts as determined by their Department Heads.

PHYSICAL STANDARDS REQUIRED TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

The position involves medium physical demands, Ability to climb stairs in order to obtain samples and to maintain work areas including lime machines and chemical feeders. Ability to lift 50lbs polymer in order to fill chemical feed equipment to be able to maintain quality water treatment. Ability to work in dusty areas while maintaining/cleaning work areas especially lime machines. Ability to bend to collect samples and physically shovel lime waste to de-grit water. Ability to stand for long periods of time in order to perform chemical analysis.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The City of Fort Lauderdale is an Equal Opportunity, Veteran’s Preference Employer and Drug Free Workplace.

The City of Fort Lauderdale offers a comprehensive benefits package to all regular full-time employees including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and short-term disability insurance.

Say "Hello" to the City of Fort Lauderdale and Say "Goodbye" to Your Student Loan!Under the U.S. Department of Education's Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program, the remaining balance on your student loan may be forgiven after you have made 120 qualifying monthly payments while working full-time at the City of Fort Lauderdale.

In addition to the competitive benefits package and salary, the City of Fort Lauderdale participates in the Florida Retirement System (FRS) which offers an investment option and a pension option and requires a 3% contribution from employees. All new City of Fort Lauderdale employees are automatically enrolled in FRS.

Closing Date/Time: 11/16/2026 11:59 PM Eastern