Entry Level Plant Operator Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Job Summary Collier County strives to be an employer of choice, and many of our employees build long-term careers with us. The salary listed in the job description reflects the full pay range for this position, from entry level through advanced career stages. NEW EMPLOYEES ARE HIRED AT, OR NEAR THE ENTRY POINT SHOWN, DEPENDING ON QUALIFICATIONS AND RELEVANT EXPERIENCE.

Step into a high skill role that keeps Collier County's communities healthy, sustainable, and future ready. As a Plant Operator III, you'll take the lead in operating and optimizing advanced wastewater treatment systems that produce high quality reclaimed water and protect our environment. This is a role for experienced operators ready to elevate their technical expertise and leadership.

You'll work hands on with complex treatment processes, SCADA monitoring, troubleshooting, lab testing, and regulatory compliance-playing a direct part in the reliability and performance of daily plant operations. Collier County invests in your growth with ongoing training, certification support, and clear pathways for advancement. Expect stability, competitive pay, and the chance to make a meaningful difference in your community.

If you're driven, skilled, and ready for the next step in your career, the Plant Operator III position offers the challenge, purpose, and professional development you're looking for. Essential Functions Plant Operations, Process Control & Compliance Operate, monitor, and adjust wastewater treatment plant systems and processes through SCADA/computerized control systems and field inspections. Monitor plant performance including flow rates, chemical feed systems, pumps, lift stations, clarifiers, aeration basins, filters, sludge systems, and odor control systems.

Perform operational adjustments to maintain compliance with treatment standards, permit requirements, and regulatory guidelines. Collect wastewater samples and performs routine laboratory testing and analysis to monitor treatment performance and compliance. Record and maintain operational data, laboratory results, meter readings, chemical usage, maintenance activities, and operational documentation.

Assist with preparation of operational and regulatory reports for submission to applicable agencies. Respond to alarms, emergency situations, operational upsets, and system failures as needed. Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, local, departmental, and safety regulations, policies, and procedures.

Knowledge of wastewater treatment processes, plant operations, laboratory procedures, safety practices, and applicable regulatory requirements. Knowledge of SCADA systems, chemical feed systems, pumps, motors, valves, instrumentation, and related wastewater treatment equipment. Ability to monitor plant operations, analyze system performance, and make operational adjustments necessary to maintain treatment efficiency and regulatory compliance.

Maintenance & Equipment Responsibilities Conduct routine inspections to identify equipment malfunctions, leaks, process issues, safety concerns, and maintenance needs. Start, stop, regulate, and assist in troubleshooting plant equipment including pumps, motors, blowers, valves, electrical systems, telemetry systems, chemical feed systems, and related treatment equipment. Perform preventive maintenance and minor repairs on plant equipment, instrumentation, and operational systems.

Coordinate or assist with plant shutdowns, maintenance projects, contractor activities, and work orders as assigned. Clean and maintain plant facilities, grounds, tools, equipment, and work areas. Maintain inventory of chemicals, tools, supplies, and operational materials.

Ability to troubleshoot operational, mechanical, and process-related issues and exercise sound judgment in emergency and non-routine situations. Ability to perform mathematical calculations related to treatment processes, chemical usage, flow rates, and operational data. Ability to safely work in indoor and outdoor environments with exposure to varying weather conditions, noise, odors, chemicals, hazardous materials, confined spaces, and wastewater treatment processes.

Ability to climb, bend, lift up to 50 pounds, and properly use respiratory protection and other personal protective equipment. Leadership, Communication & Coordination Assist with coordinating daily shift operations, scheduling, overtime coordination, and work assignments. Provide guidance, training, and support to plant personnel as needed.

Promote and maintain a safe work environment and participates in safety training and inspections. Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing and maintain effective working relationships with staff, contractors, regulatory personnel, and the public. Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and coordinate daily operational activities in a team environment.

Ability to work various shifts, weekends, holidays, overtime, and respond to emergency call-outs as required. Equipment Operated Operate various plant and maintenance equipment including pumps, motors, valves, blowers, forklifts, loaders, generators, laboratory instruments, SCADA systems, chemical feed systems, hand and power tools, and other equipment associated with wastewater treatment operations. Working Conditions Work is performed in indoor and outdoor environments with exposure to varying weather conditions, noise, odors, chemicals, hazardous materials, confined spaces, and wastewater treatment processes.

Duties may require climbing, bending, lifting up to 50 pounds, and use of respiratory protection and other personal protective equipment. Emergency Response This position is designated as essential personnel and may be required to work during declared or undeclared emergency situations. Minimum Qualifications High school diploma or GED* required.

Three (3) years of related experience. Fingerprinting required. *General Educational Development (GEDs) must be issued by the American Council on Education through an approved GED Administrator.

For Florida the approved GED Administrator would be the Florida Department of Education (public schools or adult education centers). LICENSES/CERTIFICATES If assigned to Wastewater: Must possess and maintain a Florida Department of Environmental Protection Class B Wastewater Treatment license. Supplemental information Salary offers above the minimum pay grade may be considered based on qualifications.

Essential Employees may be required to work during an undeclared or declared emergency. The County's Administrative Office will determine who will be required to work on an incident-by-incident basis. This job posting is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of responsibilities, skills, or working conditions associated with the position.