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Assistant Plant Operator Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Must complete Assistant Plant Operator training within 6 months. Examination Evaluation of education and experience. Drug testing is included in all pre-employment processing. Comments Employees may ...

WTE Plant Operator I

Tampa, FL · On-site

$32.41 - $45.97/hr

Must complete Assistant Plant Operator training within 6 months. Examination Evaluation of education and experience. Drug testing is included in all pre-employment processing. Comments Employees may ...

Noninstructional/Support - Position - Plant Operator/Custodian Job Number 3700266678 Start Date 02 ... Contract Type Part-Time Reports to ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL Contact Person's Name Charles Metcalf ...

Plant Operator

Plant City, FL · On-site

$20 - $28/hr

Plant Operator Crystal Clean (CC) is one of the nation's leading privately held companies in the ... Calculate process yields when necessary. * Assist with utility (boilers/cooling towers/compressors ...

Plant Operator

Plant City, FL · On-site

$20 - $28/hr

Plant Operator Crystal Clean (CC) is one of the nation's leading privately held companies in the ... Calculate process yields when necessary. * Assist with utility (boilers/cooling towers/compressors ...

Plant Operator

West Palm Beach, FL · On-site

$22 - $25/hr

Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment. * Assist with dump trailer loading, unloading, and material handling activities. * Comply with all plant safety, environmental, and operating ...

Plant Operator

Opa Locka, FL · On-site

$20 - $28/hr

Plant Operator Crystal Clean (CC) is one of the nation's leading privately held companies in the ... Calculate process yields when necessary. * Assist with utility (boilers/cooling towers/compressors ...

Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment. * Assist with dump trailer loading, unloading, and material handling activities. * Comply with all plant safety, environmental, and operating ...

Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment. * Assist with dump trailer loading, unloading, and material handling activities. * Comply with all plant safety, environmental, and operating ...

R10098823 Plant Operator - Retest (Open) Location: Tampa, FL - Filling industrial How will you ... Operate forklift and other required equipment. * Assist with inventory management and housekeeping.

Start, stop, regulate, and assist in troubleshooting plant equipment including pumps, motors ... Equipment Operated Operate various plant and maintenance equipment including pumps, motors, valves ...

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Assistant Plant Operator information

See Florida salary details

$10

$16

$29

How much do assistant plant operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for assistant plant operator in Florida is $16.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.21 and $18.85 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an assistant plant operator?

Assistant plant operators are entry-level professionals who support the day-to-day operations of industrial plants such as power stations, water treatment facilities, or manufacturing plants. They work under the supervision of senior operators to monitor equipment, perform routine maintenance, and ensure safety procedures are followed. Their responsibilities also include recording data, troubleshooting minor issues, and assisting in emergency situations to maintain efficient and safe plant operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an assistant plant operator?

To thrive as an Assistant Plant Operator, you need a solid understanding of mechanical systems, basic process operations, and often a high school diploma or technical certification. Familiarity with control systems, SCADA software, and safety protocols is typically required on the job. Attention to detail, strong teamwork, and effective communication are important soft skills for this role. These abilities ensure the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of plant equipment in a team-oriented environment.

What are some common challenges assistant plant operators face during shift work, and how can they effectively manage them?

Assistant Plant Operators often work in rotating shifts, which can be physically and mentally demanding due to irregular hours and the need for constant vigilance. Managing fatigue, staying alert during night shifts, and maintaining clear communication with team members are common challenges. To effectively manage these, it's important to establish consistent sleep routines, stay hydrated, and use established handover protocols to ensure seamless operations between shifts. Building strong teamwork skills and being proactive in identifying and addressing equipment issues also contribute to success in this role.

What is the difference between Assistant Plant Operator vs Plant Operator?

AspectAssistant Plant OperatorPlant Operator
CertificationsTypically requires a high school diploma and basic technical trainingRequires additional certifications or licenses, such as a state-specific operator license
Work EnvironmentAssists in plant operations, often working under supervision in industrial or power plant settingsManages daily plant operations independently, overseeing equipment and safety protocols
ResponsibilitiesSupports plant activities, performs routine maintenance, monitors equipmentOperates and controls plant machinery, ensures safety and efficiency, troubleshooting

The Assistant Plant Operator typically supports and assists the Plant Operator in daily tasks, requiring basic certifications and working under supervision. The Plant Operator holds more responsibility, managing plant operations independently with advanced certifications. Both roles are essential in industrial and power plant environments, but the Plant Operator has a higher level of responsibility and technical expertise.

How to get hired as an assistant plant operator?

To get hired as an assistant plant operator, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and relevant technical training or experience. Certifications such as a wastewater treatment operator license or safety training can improve job prospects, and familiarity with plant equipment and safety protocols is often required during the hiring process.

What are the most commonly searched types of Plant Operator jobs in Florida?

The most popular types of Plant Operator jobs in Florida are:

What cities in Florida are hiring for Assistant Plant Operator jobs?

Cities in Florida with the most Assistant Plant Operator job openings:

Infographic showing various Assistant Plant Operator job openings in Florida as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,764 per year, or $16.7 per hour.

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Monitor and control boiler, turbine, and auxiliary equipment during an assigned shift.

  • Inspect plant systems, recognize operating difficulties, and coordinate with maintenance crews to troubleshoot problems.

  • Operate and adjust air pollution control systems, maintain plant operation logs, and perform chemical adjustments to boiler water.


City Of Tampa rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

594th of 855 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Introduction This is skilled, technical work at the Waste To Energy (WTE) plant. Bargaining unit position. Nature Of Work An employee in this class performs technical work monitoring and controlling boiler, turbine and auxiliary waste to energy plant equipment during an assigned shift.

Under limited supervision, duties are routine within prescribed limits, requiring special knowledge of the equipment used in the waste to energy plant. Duties typically require climbing ladders, stairs and catwalks, operating fire extinguishing equipment, exposure to large machinery and confined spaces, and normal concentration. The position requires analyzing facts to determine the proper course of action within limits of standard procedures requiring the exercise of reasonable initiative and independent judgment.

Employees must comply with appropriate safety precautions when dealing with gas system, electrical system and other similar components and processes within the plant environment. Shift work will be required including nights, weekends, and holidays. Tasks require the ability to work in a team and goal oriented environment.

Work is reviewed by observation, results and goals attained, and reports submitted. Examples of Duties Assists the Plant Operator in the daily operation of the plant in the field; investigates changes in instrument readings and equipment operation; notifies Plant Operator and/or Shift Supervisor of operational inconsistencies or other concerns; may relieve the Plant Operator of control room operations in compliance with any licensing guidelines, where applicable. Inspects turbine/generator, air pollution control and other crucial systems; recognizes and mitigates operating difficulties and adapts to changing plant conditions.

Operates and adjusts air pollution control system to maximize performance; troubleshoots problems and assesses probable cause; coordinates work with maintenance crews and the Plant Operator. Maintains plant operations logs and other documentation; uses standard office and specialized computer systems, as well as a mobile maintenance management tracking device. Operates demineralization system and makes required adjustments; test and treats boiler water, records data, and performs chemical adjustments.

Performs related work as required. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Advanced knowledge of: operation, maintenance and control of steam-generating power plants; waste to energy plant lockout/tagout procedures, safety rules and procedures, job hazard analyses, operating and maintenance instructions, and other procedure manuals. Knowledge of: mechanical skills sufficient to perform such routine tasks as opening vessel and equipment access doors, placing and removing furnace access equipment, overhead protection and staging, operating power tools, and performing minor mechanical repairs to plant equipment or structures; basic safety practices; mathematics sufficient to complete required job functions.

Ability to: establish and maintain effective working relationships; communicate clearly and concisely; apply intermediate computer skills Microsoft Office and CMMS. Minimum Qualifications Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent with two (2) years of solid waste combustion facility experience or related occupations such as design, start-up, or maintenance of steam turbines, boilers or related machinery which supply power or heating service to an industrial, maritime or commercial process or facility; or an equivalent combination of training and experience. Current employees with 1 year of experience as a Utility Operator II who have completed the internal training program are encouraged to apply for consideration.

Licenses or Certifications Possession of valid Florida driver's license. Possession of valid Provisional Certification under the ASME QRO Certification for operators of Resource Recovery Facilities with the ability to obtain the certification within 6 months. Must complete Assistant Plant Operator training within 6 months.

Examination Evaluation of education and experience. Drug testing is included in all pre-employment processing. Comments Employees may be required to work rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, holidays and overtime as needed.

During periods when the Mayor issues an emergency declaration for the City of Tampa, all employees may be required to work in preparation, response or recovery activities related to the stated emergency. Conclusion HELPFUL HINTS FOR COMPLETING YOUR APPLICATION: Please register before you begin the application process. This will enable you to view and re-use information from previously submitted applications to complete and submit any future applications.

Please make certain your application is complete and the information you provide clearly demonstrates that you possess the minimum job qualifications as stated in the job announcement. Resumes can be submitted in support of an application, but not in lieu of an application. Resumes and copies of certifications or other required documents may be attached to your online application.


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