Wastewater Operator ($12,000/year COLA) - Key West, FL

Jacobs; Miami (FL); On-site; USD 56,160 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Jacobs in Key West, FL seeks a Wastewater Operator to join a collaborative team, performing operation and maintenance of a wastewater treatment plant. You will implement preventive maintenance, establish sample procedures, and provide solutions to operational challenges under safety-focused policies.

The role requires a Florida Wastewater License (Class C or higher) and experience with safety, computer operations, and SCADA/PLC systems; advanced certifications are encouraged.

Qualifications

• State license required for wastewater treatment plant operation.
• Experience with sound safety principles and practices.
• Experience with computer operations and maintenance management system.
• Advanced certifications encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain the wastewater treatment plant.
• Perform preventive maintenance and routine inspections.
• Establish and maintain sample procedures and laboratory testing.
• Prepare reports and maintain shift logs; manage chemical flow rates.

Skills

Safety awareness

Team collaboration

Problem solving

Adaptability

Education

Florida Wastewater License Class C or higher

Tools

PLC control systems

SCADA systems

Microsoft Office

Maintenance software

Job description

At Jacobs, we're challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world's most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission-critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting-edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good.

Your impact

At Jacobs, we challenge what is currently accepted, so we can shape innovative and lasting solutions for tomorrow. Through the delivery of our operations and maintenance services, you’ll make it simpler and more seamless for our municipal clients to operate safely and efficiently, empowering communities to focus on what matters most to them - people.

As a Wastewater Operator, you’ll join a collaborative team ensuring that our clients can deliver their services - uninterrupted. Based in Key West, FL, you’ll perform a variety of tasks in the operation and maintenance of a wastewater treatment plant. You’ll contribute to the success of our program with efficient preventive maintenance, establishing and maintaining effective sample procedures of plant operations and effluent, and providing effective solutions to complex challenges that may arise. You’ll diagnose operating problems, make process control adjustments, direct and perform necessary corrective action. You’ll also prepare reports, collect samples, perform laboratory testing, determine proper chemical flow rates, maintain shift logs and perform other duties as required. Most importantly, you’ll take action to ensure the safety, health and well-being of you and your team.

Bring your team-focus, adaptability, and commitment to excellence, and we’ll help you grow what drives you – and deliver the world’s most challenging Operations Management projects, together

Candidates holding advanced certifications are encouraged to apply. Compensation will be based on experience, qualifications, and certification level.

• $12,000/year ($1,000/month) for COLA.

Here\'s what you\'ll need

• Must possess a State of Florida Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator's License – Class C or higher
• We welcome applicants with higher-level wastewater certifications and relevant industry experience to apply.
• Experience with sound safety principles and practices
• Experience with computer operations with the ability to prepare spreadsheets and word processing documents, and enter information into maintenance management system

Ideally, you’ll also have

• Knowledge of the principles, methods, and tools employed in the general operation of engines, pumps, valves, motors, and related equipment; general maintenance work; safe work practices; principles and methods of biological and chemical sewage analyses, effects and problems of industrial waste in water/wastewater treatment processes, principles of supervision
• Knowledge of computer software including but not limited to Microsoft Office Suite, data management systems and be able to operate plant PLC’s and SCADA systems

Working Conditions

Safety is a core value at Jacobs. We are committed to providing a safe and healthy workplace for all employees. This position will spend a substantial amount of time performing safety sensitive labor or services.

Our health and welfare benefits are designed to invest in you, and in the things you care about. Your health. Your well-being. Your security. Your future. Employees have access to medical, dental, vision and basic life insurance, 401(k) plan, paid time off (allocated plans start date 17 days per calendar year), seven paid holidays, and caregiver leave and the ability to purchase company stock at a discount as well as legally mandated benefits.

The base salary range for this position is $56,160.00 to $76,000.00; though will be paid hourly based on hours worked. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. Job posted on July 22, 2026. This position will be open for at least 3 days.

Onsite employees are expected to attend a Jacobs Workplace on a full-time basis, as required by the nature of their role.

Your application experience is important to us, and we\'re keen to adapt to make every interaction even better. If you require further support or reasonable adjustments with regards to the recruitment process (for example, you require the application form in a different format), please contact the team via Careers Support.