Wastewater Plant Operator — Hands-on Growth Path

Manatee County Government; Bradenton (FL); On-site; USD 25,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Manatee County Government is hiring for a water/wastewater operation role with multi-level progression. The role involves hands-on plant operation, sampling, and routine laboratory analyses to ensure regulatory compliance.

Positions range from Trainee to Tech III, with job duties including equipment operation, record keeping, and safety compliance; licensure requirements scale with level. Work involves 12-hour shifts and a 24/7 plant environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; map to level.
• All levels require ability to lift up to 50 lb and work outdoors.
• Trainee: license within 2 years; Tech I: C license; Tech II: B license; Tech III: A license.
• Experience in water/wastewater plant operations preferred.

Responsibilities

• Participates in on-the-job training with plant operations under supervision.
• Regulates chemical flow and transfers chemicals as directed by supervisor.
• Operates water filters, maintains water levels, and opens/closes valves.
• Collects samples and conducts routine lab analyses for regulatory compliance.

Skills

Plant operations

Laboratory procedures

QA/QC procedures

Safety protocols

Record keeping

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

FDEP licenses: C / B / A (per level)

Tools

Meters and gauges

Pumps and controls

Job description

Manatee County Government is hiring for a water/wastewater operation role with multi-level progression. The role involves hands-on plant operation, sampling, and routine laboratory analyses to ensure regulatory compliance.

Positions range from Trainee to Tech III, with job duties including equipment operation, record keeping, and safety compliance; licensure requirements scale with level. Work involves 12-hour shifts and a 24/7 plant environment.