Plant Operator Trainee - Water

Careers In Government; Town of Florida (NY); On-site; USD 51,000 - 57,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Pension/Retirement plan

Uniforms provided

Job summary

The Town of Florida is seeking a Water/Wastewater Plant Operator trainee to learn how to operate and maintain a water or sewer treatment plant under direct supervision. You will conduct routine lab analyses and assist with maintenance, reporting, and safety procedures while working toward required licenses.

Starting with Class C license goals within 18 months, you may progress to Class B as you gain experience and meet certification requirements.

Qualifications

• Must possess High School or GED equivalent.
• 18 years of age at time of application.
• Valid Florida Driver's License with acceptable driving record; license must not have been suspended within five years.
• Obtain Class 'C' Wastewater or Water License from the State of Florida within eighteen months of employment.

Responsibilities

• Operates and maintains equipment in the plant, including inspecting, oiling and maintaining motors, pumps, screens, gauges and meters.
• Reads flow meter charts and logs readings.
• Takes samples for laboratory analysis.
• Makes minor repairs to plant equipment and assists with major repairs of machinery and equipment.
• Skims primary and secondary tanks; washes and changes filters; adds chemicals according to prescribed standards.
• Maintains a daily log of plant operations.
• Assists in maintaining a daily inventory of chemicals used and operates town vehicles.
• Reports serious plant breakdown or unsafe operation and submits daily reports.
• Performs custodial duties and other related work as required.

Education

High School or GED equivalent

Job description

Job Description

Description

Under direct supervision, performs skilled and semi-skilled technical work while being trained in the operation of a water or sewer treatment plant. Is responsible for learning the duties involved in plant operation, necessary laboratory analysis, established procedures, and routine maintenance and servicing of equipment and machinery under the guidance of a Plant Operator I or II. Reports to Chief Operator or designee.

Minimum Requirements (Must meet by the closing date of the posting unless otherwise stated)

All applicants must:

• Possess a High School or GED equivalent.
• 18 years of age at time of application.
• Valid Florida Drivers License.
  • Acceptable driving record.
  • Driver's license must not have been suspended within five (5) years of the date of this application (Not Insurance related ).
• Obtain Class "C" Wastewater or Water License from the State of Florida within eighteen (18) months of employment.

Preferred Requirements:

• Students in the Florida Rural Water Association (FRWA) Apprenticeship program.

Salary

• Upon obtaining a Class "C" water or wastewater plant operators license from the Florida Department of Professional Regulation - $50,675/yr
• Upon obtaining a Class "B" water or wastewater plant operators license from the Florida Department of Professional Regulation - $57,003/yr

It is the responsibility of the candidate to obtain and maintain their license and/or certifications as a job requirement.

Information regarding licenses and certifications.

• The Town will reimburse employees for licensure classes, continuing education, and license renewals.
• Information about the licensing process:
  1. https://floridadep.gov/water/certification-restoration/content/water-and-domestic-wastewater-operator-certification
  2. https://floridadep.gov/water/certification-restoration/documents/operator-certification-program-handbook
  3. https://www.frwa.net/career-information

Essential Functions

• Operates and maintains equipment in the plant, including inspecting, oiling and maintaining motors, pumps, screens, gauges and meters. Reads flow meter charts and logs readings.
• Takes samples for laboratory analysis.
• Makes minor repairs to plant equipment and assists with major or more complex repairs of machinery and equipment.
• Skims primary and secondary tanks; washes and changes filters; and adds chemicals according to prescribed standards.
• Maintains a daily log of plant operations.
• Assists in maintaining a daily inventory of chemicals used. Operates a variety of motorized equipment such as forklifts or town vehicles.
• Reports immediately, in person or via telephone, any serious plant breakdown or condition causing or likely to cause serious, inefficient or unsafe treatment plant operation or discharge of water or wastewater in a manner not authorized by the applicable regulatory agencies. Submits complete, accurate reports relative to treatment plant operation, sampling and laboratory analysis on a daily basis.
• Performs various custodial duties to assist in maintaining treatment plants.
• Performs other related work as required.

Supplemental Information

Current Benefits:

• Health Insurance
  • 100% paid by the Town for single coverage, 50% paid by the Town for dependents.
• Leave
  • Holidays - 13 days per year.
  • Sick Leave - 3.69 hours accrued per pay period
  • Vacation Leave - Accrue 2 weeks per year, accrual rate increases every 5 years (capped at 4 weeks after 10 years of service).
  • Birthday Leave - 1 day per year after successfully passing probation
  • Quality Service - 1 day per year after successfully passing probation and other conditions.
  • Wellness Days - 2 days per year after successfully passing probation.
• Pension/Retirement
  • Town Sponsored Pension - mandatory 3% contributions per pay period.
  • 457 Deferred Compensation Plan- Employee is entitled to make voluntary contributions through the payroll to the Town sponsored 457 deferred compensation plan only.
• Uniforms: Provided by the Department.

Non-Classified Benefits

• None Available at this time.

Closing Date/Time: 9/8/2026 5:00 PM Eastern