Treatment Plant Operator Trainee

Largo; Largo (FL); On-site; USD 26,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Largo is seeking a skilled wastewater treatment facility operator to oversee the continuous operation and maintenance on an assigned shift. The role requires initiative, independent judgment, and the ability to respond to emergencies as they arise.

Shifts cover a 24/7 operation with overtime, nights, weekends, and holidays. A Florida Class C license or equivalent STEM degree is preferred, along with a valid driver’s license.

Qualifications

• Requires high school diploma or GED with math/chemistry exposure and at least 1 year operating pumping machinery or equivalent experience.
• FDEP approved training for C level license or related STEM degree preferred.
• Must obtain Florida Class C Wastewater Operator license and advance to Operator within 2 years.

Responsibilities

• Assist in operation and maintenance of wastewater treatment facility across assigned shift.
• Perform routine process control tasks and monitor variables with SCADA and lab checks.
• Inspect plant and pumping stations; adjust valves and chemical feed rates as needed.
• Operate and maintain equipment such as screens, grit collectors, pumps, filters, chlorinators, and digestion equipment.
• Collect samples, record results, and maintain operating logs.
• Ensure daily compliance requirements and safe handling of hazardous chemicals.

Skills

Attention to detail

Safety compliance

Teamwork

Shift flexibility

Education

High school diploma or GED

FDEP C license training or related STEM degree

Valid Driver's License

Tools

SCADA systems

Lab procedures

Chemicals handling

Job description

Please note that applications must be completed and submitted by 11:59 pm ET on the day prior to the close date listed on the job posting.

Mission : Provide Superior Services that Inspire Community Pride

Vision : To be the Community of Choice in Tampa Bay

Values : Integrity, Collaboration, Passion, Creativity

Largo’s commitment to a High Performance Organization (HPO) model builds a flexible and resilient organization that intentionally builds leadership capacity at all levels of the organization.

CITY OF LARGO Naturally A GreatPlace to Work!

Closing:

09/10/2026

Salary:

$19.59 hourly rate

Job Summary:

This is skilled, specialized work in the operation of a wastewater treatment facility. A Team Member in this class is responsible for the continuous operation and maintenance of the facility on an assigned shift. The work is primarily routine in nature, but Team Members must be able to exercise initiative and independent judgment in correcting certain problem situations. The position requires a high level of skill obtained on the job. Supervision is received from a Treatment Plant Shift Supervisor or Treatment Plant Manager.
As a condition of employment, this position requires shift work that management may modify to ensure sound business operations. The shifts cover a 24/7 operation, which includes scheduled and non-scheduled overtime, nights, weekends, and holidays. This position is also a primary responder to emergency conditions as they arise.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

All employees share components of leadership, management, technical, and team skills to assist in making the City of Largo the community of choice in Tampa Bay.

Leadership

• Demonstrates an understanding and reflection of the City’s mission, vision, and values and a commitment to achieve organizational goals aligned with the City’s strategic plan
• Champions a high-performance work culture that encourages and embraces new ideas, develops individuals, and welcomes and encourages diverse perspectives
• Articulates strategic and innovative thinking and provides clarity to deliver superior services
• Approaches the job with enthusiasm and curiosity to promote a solutions-oriented work culture

Management

• Effectively manages assignments and priorities to ensure the fulfillment of projects, tasks, and responsibilities
• Follows suggested procedures to ensure the highest standards of risk management, employee safety, and risk avoidance

Technical

• Embraces emerging technology and productivity tools with a willingness to learn new skills
• Responsible for regular inspections of the treatment plant and pumping stations on assigned shift
• Responsibilities within plant operation include process control, adjusting valves, chemical feed rates, and changing out and handling dangerous and hazardous chemicals
• Changes valves, calibrates various equipment used to monitor the processes and uses microscopes to identify microbes in the treatment process
• Performs various lab procedures and monitors all aspects of the treatment process
• Works with and instructs others in assuring safe and efficient operation and maintenance of a wide variety of equipment and apparatus, including but not limited to screens, grit collectors and other tanks, pumps of various types, filters, chlorinators, clarifiers, and digestion equipment
• Collects samples, performs operational checks, and records results; maintains extensive operating records
• Ensures daily compliance requirements
• Reads and understands mechanical, electrical, and supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems
• Performs general housekeeping duties at the plant, such as cleaning equipment, sweeping, mopping, washing windows, cleaning laboratory glassware, and painting equipment as necessary
• Installs/removes chlorine and sulfur dioxide containers in a safe manner

Team Skills

• Supports honest and transparent decision-making
• Collaborates with all team members in a way that builds upon ideas and takes personal accountability and ownership of projects, roles, and assignments
• Openly exhibits a positive attitude, in words and action, and encourages others to do the same

Performs related work as required.

EMERGENCY RESPONSE STATUS:

As a condition of employment, City of Largo employees will be required to work as directed during an undeclared and/or a declared emergency. All employees are subject to recall around the clock for emergency response operations, which may require irregular work hours, work at locations other than the normal work location, and may include duties other than those specified in the official job description.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or General Education Diploma (GED), preferably supplemented by courses in math and chemistry and one (1) year of experience in the operation of pumping machinery and mechanical repair or an equivalent combination of training and experience
• Successful completion of a Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) approved training course for the “C” level license (correspondence course or classroom setting) or Associate’s Degree in biology, chemistry, environmental science, or another related STEM field preferred
• Must obtain a State of Florida Class “C” Certified Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator’s License and advance to Treatment Plant Operator within two (2) years from the date of employment
• A valid Driver’s License

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of
  • collection, stormwater, treatment, and sewer