Lead Water/Wastewater Operator

Woodardcurran; Fort Meade (FL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) match

Holidays

Vacation time

Sick time

Parental leave

Medical, dental, vision

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Well-being program

Job summary

Woodard & Curran is seeking a Water/Wastewater Lead Operator to oversee daily operations of one water and one wastewater facility. You’ll manage SCADA, perform sampling, and lead a team with focus on regulatory compliance and safety.

The role offers on-site work in Florida with on-call rotations and a path for growth within the utility field. Strong technical and leadership skills are essential.

Qualifications

• High School degree or equivalent required.
• Three to five years of wastewater plant operations with management experience.
• Valid Florida driver's license and state licenses as listed.

Responsibilities

• Monitor treatment plant processes and SCADA; adjust as needed.
• Perform water quality sampling and analysis for regulatory compliance.
• Operate and maintain plant equipment; conduct preventive maintenance.
• Maintain maintenance work orders and records in software.
• Lead and train staff; improve efficiency and safety.
• Ensure safety and regulatory compliance across facilities.
• Assist contractors on specific projects; develop SOPs.

Skills

Wastewater operations

Management experience

SCADA monitoring

Regulatory compliance

Safety procedures

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Florida Class C Drinking Water & Wastewater license

Job description

Position Overview

Woodard & Curran is seeking a Water/Wastewater Lead Operator to oversee daily operations and maintenance of one water and one wastewater treatment facility under the direction of the Project Manager. This role offers upward mobility within the utility field.

Schedule

Monday – Friday, 7.00 – 3.30 pm. Reliable attendance is essential. The position also requires availability for a rotating on‑call schedule for emergencies and alarm call‑outs.

Compensation & Incentives

• On‑call incentive: $200 for the week you are on call (rotational).
• Minimum of 2 hrs paid for each call‑out received.
• Annual Project bonuses awarded each year.
• Annual Safety bonuses awarded each year.

Responsibilities

• Monitor treatment plant processes and equipment manually and via SCADA, adjusting as necessary.
• Perform water quality sampling, testing, and analysis to ensure compliance with federal, state, and EPA standards.
• Operate, maintain, control, and repair plant equipment, including preventive maintenance duties.
• Use software programs for maintenance work orders and keep all necessary records.
• Perform general maintenance duties of the plant and other assigned duties.
• Conduct daily operational checks at five drinking water facilities and two wastewater facilities, ensuring compliance with safety, regulatory, and performance standards, and monitor staff activities for adherence to protocols.
• Monitor and evaluate operations of the large, complex plant and its auxiliary systems; maintain plant log.
• Lead and train subordinate operational and maintenance staff; advise and instruct on methods to improve efficiency.
• Review trends, records, and reports to maintain proper procedures; collect and tabulate operational log data for regulatory agencies.
• Recognize deviations or irregularities and adjust the treatment process to meet quality standards set by regulatory agencies.
• Sample, measure, and test plant values such as pH, chlorine residuals, temperature, solids concentration, levels, etc.; make operational corrections and adjustments and collect required samples for onsite and offsite analysis.
• Collaborate with maintenance staff on specific projects; adjust or bypass job‑specific areas, processes, or equipment to ensure consistent treatment, plant integrity, and safety.
• Test, monitor, record, evaluate, troubleshoot, repair, and adjust the operation of plant emergency generator and auxiliary equipment.
• Assist contractors and consultants with specific tasks.
• Assist in preparing standard operating procedures.
• Oversee plant operations to remain in compliance with all federal, state, county, and city regulations when the Operations Chief is not on site.
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations and SOPs.
• Work around high voltage, rotating equipment, and various hazardous chemicals.
• May assist regulators during plant compliance inspections.

Qualifications

• High School Degree or equivalent.
• Valid Florida Driver's License.
• Valid State of Florida Class “C” Drinking Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators Class “C” license.
• Three to five years of progressively responsible experience in wastewater plant operations with management experience.
• Ability to make sound decisions in process control and follow instructions and safety procedures.
• Ability to lift 40 pounds on a regular basis.
• Successful candidates must complete a background check, pre‑placement physical, and drug screen before employment.

Employee Support & Benefits

Retirement Savings:

• 401(k) pre‑tax or Roth contributions: company matches 100% of the first 3% of salary contributed.

Time Away from Work:

• Observed holidays: choose up to 8 holidays to observe annually.
• Vacation: accrued based on years of experience and calculated on hours worked.
• Sick time: paid for non‑work‑related illness or injury.
• Parental leave: up to 80 hours of paid parental leave for child bonding.

Coverage and support for your needs and well‑being:

• Disability: paid short‑term and long‑term disability.
• Health: medical plan options; dental and vision plans.
• Life: basic employee group life insurance and AD&D benefits; additional voluntary life insurance available.
• Well‑being: DarioMind assistance program combined with personalized mental health and wellbeing resources.

Equal Employment Opportunity & Accessibility

Woodard & Curran is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to non‑discrimination and make employment decisions based on job‑related factors. Individuals with disabilities and protected veterans are encouraged to apply. If you require a reasonable accommodation during the application process, please contact Beth Sweitzer.