Utilities Plant Operator - WESTPORT WRF

Charlotte, County of (FL); Port Charlotte (FL); On-site; USD 46,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Charlotte County is seeking a skilled Plant Operator to monitor and operate a wastewater treatment facility at the West Port Water Reclamation Facility. You will manage equipment, adjust processes, collect samples, and ensure regulatory compliance, safety, and high service to the community.

Opportunities to train others and potentially lead a team are available as you gain licensure; salary starting ranges based on licensure and experience.

Qualifications

• GED accepted for all Operator levels.
• Minimum one year of wastewater treatment experience required for Operator C.
• Minimum three years for Operator B; five years with lead or supervisory duties for Operator A.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain wastewater treatment plant equipment and control systems.
• Start, stop, and monitor plant machinery; perform minor repairs and inspect equipment.
• Conduct routine laboratory analyses; interpret charts and regulate flow and feed rates.
• Complete required reports and daily logs; assist mechanics with major repairs.
• Provide guidance and training to trainees and other staff as needed.

Job description

At Charlotte County, we don't just treat wastewater - we protect public health, preserve our beautiful waterways, and keep our community thriving. We're looking for a skilled and motivated Plant Operator to play a vital role in the safe, efficient operation of one of our treatment facilities.

In this hands-on technical role, you'll use your expertise and independent judgment to monitor and adjust treatment processes, maintain plant equipment and control systems, and ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations. From collecting samples to troubleshooting machinery and optimizing performance, your work will directly impact the quality of life for our residents and environment.

If you're ready to apply your technical knowledge, take initiative, and potentially step into a leadership role by training and guiding other team members, we invite you to bring your skills to a team that values professionalism, safety, and service to the community.

Make a difference where it matters most - right here in Charlotte County.

This position is located at our West Port Water Reclamation Facility.

West Port Water Reclamation Facility | Charlotte County, FL

Starting salary range is based on licensure and experience.

• Plant Operator "C" - $21.99 - $29.12
• Plant Operator "B" - $23.31 - $30.88
• Plant Operator "A" - $24.70 - $32.73

This position is responsible for the operation and maintenance of a wastewater treatment plant to ensure the safe, efficient, and compliant treatment of wastewater in accordance with all applicable local, state, and federal laws, regulations, safety rules, and water quality standards. Daily responsibilities include starting, stopping, and operating plant machinery and systems; inspecting, adjusting, cleaning, and performing minor repairs on equipment; and assisting mechanics with major repairs and installations. The role conducts routine laboratory and bacteriological analyses to monitor treatment effectiveness, interprets charts, meters, gauges, and control panels to regulate flow and feed rates, and makes operational adjustments to maintain proper system performance. Additional duties include operating and maintaining pumps and related equipment, removing solids and debris, completing required reports and daily logs, and performing general grounds maintenance. The position may also serve as a lead worker by providing guidance and training to trainees and other assigned staff, while delivering exceptional customer service and resolving inquiries or concerns through various forms of communication.

Education and Experience: Operator C

An equivalent combination of relevant training, education and experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent:
  1. Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) Operator Certification Program only accepts General Educational Development (GED) issued by the American Council on Education through an approved GED Administrator.
• One (1) year of experience in operating a wastewater or water treatment plant.

Licenses and/or Certificates:

• Must maintain a valid driver's license.
• Must maintain a valid Florida Wastewater Operator "C" License for Domestic Wastewater Treatment.

Education and Experience: Operator B

An equivalent combination of relevant training, education and experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent:
  1. Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) Operator Certification Program only accepts General Educational Development (GED) issued by the American Council on Education through an approved GED Administrator.
• Three (3) years of experience in operating a wastewater treatment or water treatment plant.

Licenses and/or Certificates:

• Must maintain a valid driver's license.
• Must maintain a valid Florida Wastewater Operator "B" License for Domestic Wastewater Treatment.

Education and Experience: Operator A

An equivalent combination of relevant training, education and experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent:
  • Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) Operator Certification Program only accepts General Educational Development (GED) issued by the American Council on Education through an approved GED Administrator.
• Five (5) years of experience in operating a wastewater treatment plant, to include lead or supervisory experience.

Licenses and/or Certificates:

• Must maintain a valid driver's license.
• Must maintain a valid Florida Wastewater Operator "A" License for Domestic Wastewater Treatment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Stooping, walking, pulling, grasping, hearing, seeing up close, seeing far away, talking, standing, finger movement, climbing. Frequent lifting up to 25 pounds; occasional lifting up to 50 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work typically requires moderate exposure to one or more disagreeable conditions (i.e., irate customers, outdoors weather conditions, excessive noise, extreme heat, odors, or dust).

RISK/SAFETY CONDITIONS

This position requires moderate exposure or risk to physical health and/or physical safety (e.g., exposure to environmentally hazardous material, heavy equipment, assault and battery, communicable disease, etc.).

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described. Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties just as though they were actually written out in this job description.