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Assistant Plant Operator Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Assistant Plant Manager

Tampa, FL · On-site

$173K - $286K/yr

The Assistant Plant Manager provides senior operational leadership to our Tampa facility. This role ... Drive standardization of processes, procedures, and operating practices across departments.

The Assistant Plant Manager provides senior operational leadership to our Tampa facility. This role ... Drive standardization of processes, procedures, and operating practices across departments.

Water Plant Operator I

Bartow, FL · On-site

$21.17 - $29.32/hr

... work in operating and maintaining a municipal potable water treatment plant. Work involves ... May assist in making minor repairs to equipment. Education and Experience: High school diploma from ...

May report to Plant Operator II. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: * Operation, maintenance, repair and ... May be assigned to train or assist with supervision of other employees. * Performs other duties not ...

Water Plant Operator I

Bartow, FL · On-site

$21.17 - $29.32/hr

... assist in making minor repairs to equipment. Education and Experience: High school diploma from an ... Plant Operator certification within two (2) years. Physical and Mental Demands: The physical ...

Showing results 21-40

Assistant Plant Operator information

See Florida salary details

$10

$16

$29

How much do assistant plant operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 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 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.

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 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 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 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 1% As Needed, 77% 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.

Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator

U.S. Water Services Corporation

New Port Richey, FL

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago


Job description

U.S. Water Services Corporation is a well-established and diverse water and wastewater utility organization specializing in utility maintenance, operations, engineering and construction services. U.S. Water is a fast paced and rapidly expanding company headquartered in New Port Richey, Florida with a staff of over 950 plus employees in twenty states.

QUALIFIACTIONS:

  • Must have active Class B or higher Wastewater Operator License issued by Florida Department of Environmental Protection
  • Must have valid driver's license
  • 1 plus years of experience

Essential- Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Operates plant equipment such as aerators, filters, pumps, lift stations, instrumentation, motors, chemical feed systems, blowers, mixers, generators, lighting, chlorinators, comminutors, bar screens, flow splitter boxes, storage tanks, meters, air compressors, air distribution systems, timers, controls, sludge dewatering equipment, valves, contact chambers, wells, surge tanks, and other similarly related plant components and equipment.
  • Adjusts plant equipment to achieve the best possible treatment results and to maintain compliance with the plant operating permit,
  • Responds to emergency calls, as required to take corrective operation action or to assist company or client personnel in performing corrective actions.
  • Operates facility effluent disposal systems in accordance with plant operating permit and operating protocol.
  • Maintains required solids inventory to achieve the best possible treatment. Controls wasting rates, digester loading, lime stabilization of residuals (when applicable) and coordinates residual hauling.
  • Provides oral and written reports to Project Manager
  • Maintains sludge records and reports

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Adjusts and maintains chemical dosages to ensure compliance with the facility operating permit and Oklahoma Administrative Code.
  • Provides daily checks of the wastewater facilities to document operational status and maintenance requirements and makes operational changes to ensure the processes are operated in a safe manner and compliant with ODEQ rules and regulations, and all effluent is compliant with the facility operating permit
  • Performs compliance sampling for required parameters for wastewater quality analysis, in accordance with facility operating permit.
  • Maintains on site complete and accurate operating logbook and records on wastewater facility in accordance with DEQ requirements.
  • Performs field testing to include, but not limited to, dissolved oxygen concentration, pH, settable solids, microscopic examination of activated sludge, alkalinity, ammonia, turbidity, and any other such field testing necessary for plant process control to maintain compliance with the plant operating permit, company or plant operating protocol and DEQ rules and regulations.
  • Performs calibration procedures on all field-testing equipment as per DEQ requirement and maintains calibration log on each field instrument as well as maintaining all equipment in good working order.
  • Calculate, maintain and record plant hydraulic and organic loading rates to include but not limited to waste sludge rates, surge loading rates, influent and effluent flow rates when applicable, tank transfer rates, and any other hydraulic loading rate within the control of the plant operator to maintain compliance with plant operating permit.
  • Perform plant equipment repair and maintenance to include repair of chemical feed pumps and injection points, lubrication of pumps, motors, blowers, drive assemblies, mixers, aerators, etc. Replace air filters on plant equipment, perform routine instrumentation cleaning and maintenance and report any required maintenance necessary to maintain efficient equipment operations and compliance with plant operating permit.
  • Perform general housekeeping duties such as, but not limited to, picking up and disposal of various debris and screenings, empty trash cans, washing down of basins, wet wells and other plant equipment, clean up any sludge spills and sludge splashing, netting treatable debris from tanks and keep walkways clear of obstruction and debris.

Additional Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Completes monthly reports and laboratory analysis prior to submittal to regulatory agencies.
  • Reports abnormal events and events resulting in noncompliance with the operating permit, DEQ Rules and Regulations, the facility operating protocol or Oklahoma Administrative Code in accordance with company abnormal reporting protocol.
  • Reports any unsafe working conditions to supervisor immediately upon discovery to the Project Manager
  • Performs other similar duties as assigned or requested.
  • Must be available from time to time to work scheduled or unscheduled overtime in order to satisfy plant-staffing requirements.
  • Assist Project Manager with Operator's scheduling and ensures adequate staffing levels needs are met at all times.
  • Ensures that the staff operators adhere to company policies at all times, and reports any failure to adhere

Compensation and Benefits: Pay is commensurate with experience and market-reflective. US Water/USW Utility Group offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short/long-term disability, paid time off, holiday pay and 401(k) with company match.

US Water/USW Utility Group offers competitive wages and benefits and is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.