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Entry Level Water Operator Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Water Operator

Leesburg, FL

$18.80 - $37.66/hr

Nature of Work Water Operator Apprentice - $18.08 per hour This is an entry level class in the Water Operator series. This class work under supervision on a training basis in the performance of a ...

Water Operator

Leesburg, FL · On-site

$25.72/hr

N/A Nature of Work Water Operator Apprentice - $18.08 per hour This is an entry level class in the Water Operator series. This class work under supervision on a training basis in the performance of a ...

Nature of Work Wastewater Operator Apprentice - $18.80 per hour This is an entry-level class in the Wastewater Operator series. The purpose of the class is to operate and maintain water/wastewater ...

N/A Nature of Work Wastewater Operator Apprentice - $18.80 per hour This is an entry-level class in the Wastewater Operator series. The purpose of the class is to operate and maintain water ...

B2B Sales Assistant

Tampa, FL · On-site

$650 - $800/wk

B2B Sales Assistant - Entry Level Tampa, FL | On-Site Full Training Provided | Immediate Start ... step with Water City Blaze. Company Description We're a start-up company operating as a link ...

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Entry Level Water Operator information

See Florida salary details

$9

$13

$16

How much do entry level water operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level water operator in Florida is $13.05, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.68 and $14.18 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an entry level water operator do?

An Entry Level Water Operator is responsible for assisting in the operation and maintenance of water treatment plants and distribution systems. Their duties include monitoring equipment, collecting water samples for testing, recording data, and ensuring water safety standards are met. They work under the supervision of licensed operators and help troubleshoot minor issues with machinery or processes. This role is essential for providing safe, clean drinking water to communities and often requires working shifts, including nights and weekends.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level water operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Water Operator, you need basic mechanical aptitude, knowledge of water treatment processes, and a high school diploma or equivalent, with some roles requiring a state-issued operator certification. Familiarity with Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems, water testing equipment, and safety protocols is often necessary. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and good communication skills help operators respond effectively to system issues and maintain compliance. These skills and qualities are essential for ensuring safe, reliable water treatment and distribution for public health and regulatory standards.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level water operators, and how can they be addressed?

Entry level water operators often encounter challenges such as learning to monitor complex systems, maintaining regulatory compliance, and responding to unexpected equipment malfunctions. Adapting to shift work and being vigilant about safety protocols are also key aspects. These challenges can be addressed through thorough on-the-job training, active mentorship from experienced operators, and continuous learning about new technologies and regulations. Building strong communication skills and collaborating closely with team members help ensure smooth operations and readiness to handle any issues that arise.

What is the difference between Entry Level Water Operator vs Water Treatment Plant Operator?

AspectEntry Level Water OperatorWater Treatment Plant Operator
CertificationsBasic water operator certification, often requiredAdvanced certifications, including state-specific licenses
Work EnvironmentEntry-level roles in water treatment facilities, fieldworkMore experienced roles managing plant operations
Job ResponsibilitiesMonitoring equipment, basic maintenance, data recordingOperating complex systems, troubleshooting, plant management

Entry Level Water Operators typically hold basic certifications and perform foundational tasks in water treatment facilities. Water Treatment Plant Operators usually require advanced certifications and oversee more complex operations. Both roles are essential in water industry operations, but the Water Treatment Plant Operator position involves greater responsibility and expertise.

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

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

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Water Operator jobs in Florida?

For Entry Level Water Operator jobs in Florida, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Water Operator jobs in Florida look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Water Operator jobs in Florida are:

What cities in Florida are hiring for Entry Level Water Operator jobs?

Cities in Florida with the most Entry Level Water Operator job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Water Operator job openings in Florida as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $27,147 per year, or $13.1 per hour.

$18.80 - $37.66/hr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Nature of Work Water Operator Apprentice - $18.08 per hour This is an entry level class in the Water Operator series. This class work under supervision on a training basis in the performance of a wide variety of routine unskilled to semi-skilled water and wastewater plant operations and maintenance tasks that do not require previous water plant experience. General work is observed and reviewed during performance and upon completion, and changes in procedures or exceptions to rules, are explained in detail as they arise

The class is responsible for monitoring water/wastewater treatment processes, adjusting chemical or physical processes, maintaining logs and records, and general plant and systems maintenance. The class works according to set procedures under direct supervision. Water Operator C - $21.14 per hour The purpose of the class is to operate and maintain water treatment equipment

The class is responsible for monitoring water treatment processes, adjusting chemical or physical processes, maintaining logs and records, and general plant and systems maintenance. The class works according to some procedures; decides how and when to do things under general supervision. Water Operator B - $22.87 per hour The purpose of the class is to operate and maintain water treatment equipment

The class is responsible for monitoring water treatment processes, adjusting chemical or physical processes, maintaining logs and records, and general plant and systems maintenance. The class works within a general outline of work to be performed; develops work methods and sequences under general supervision. Water Operator A - $25.72 per hour The purpose of the class is to operate and maintain water treatment equipment

The class is responsible for monitoring water treatment processes, adjusting chemical or physical processes, maintaining logs and records, and general plant and systems maintenance. The class works within a general outline of work to be performed; develops work methods and sequences under general supervision. Essential Job Functions Water Operator Apprentice Monitors water/wastewater treatment processes including operation of chemical and physical processes.

Monitor and operates SCADA control system. Calibrates equipment and measures and records parameters. Dispatch service crews as required and coordinate job effort utilizing city radio system.

Adjusts chemical or physical processes to standards based on measurements and indications. Generate daily operational Reports. Performs maintenance on water/wastewater treatment systems and plant equipment; assists with or performs general clean up of each facility.

Responds to complaints from public; resolves issues or refers to supervisor for resolution. Monitor chemicals and other supplies as necessary to ensure adequate levels. Maintains logs and records as required.

Performs routine office or plant tasks, such as typing, filing, faxing, phoning, copying, and maintaining logs and records. Water Operator C Monitors water treatment processes including operation of chemical and physical processes. Monitor and operates SCADA control systems.

Calibrates equipment, measures and records specific parameters. Dispatch Service crews as required and coordinates job effort utilizing city radio system. Adjusts chemical or physical processes to standards based on measurements and indications.

Generates daily operational reports. Performs maintenance on water treatment systems and plant equipment; assists with or performs general cleanup of plant. Responds to complaints from public; resolves issues or refers to supervisor for resolution.

Orders chemicals or other supplies as necessary. Maintains logs and records as required. Performs routine office or plant tasks, such as typing, filing, faxing, phoning, copying, and maintaining logs and records.

Water Operator B Monitors water treatment processes including operation of chemical and physical processes. Monitors and operates SCADA control system. Calibrates equipment and measures and records parameters; collects samples for testing.

Dispatch service crews as required and coordinates job effort utilizing city radio system. Adjusts chemical or physical processes to standards based on measurements and indications. Generates daily operational reports.

Performs maintenance on water treatment systems and plant equipment and facilities. Trains, assists, and advises less experienced workers; confers with supervisors and coordinates activities. Responds to complaints from public; resolves issues or refers to supervisor for resolution.

Orders chemicals or other supplies as necessary. Maintains logs and records as required. Performs routine office or plant tasks, such as typing, filing, faxing, phoning, copying, and maintaining logs and records.

Additional duties as assigned by Chief Plant Operator. Water Operator A Monitors water treatment processes including operation of chemical and physical processes. Monitors and operates SCADA control system.

Calibrates equipment and measures and records parameters; collects samples for testing. Dispatch service crews as required and coordinates job effort utilizing city radio system. Adjusts chemical or physical processes to standards based on measurements and indications.

Generates daily operational reports. Performs maintenance on water treatment systems and plant equipment and facilities. Trains, assists, and advises less experienced workers; confers with supervisors and coordinates activities.

Responds to complaints from public; resolves issues or refers to supervisor for resolution. Orders chemicals or other supplies as necessary. Maintains logs and records as required.

Performs routine office or plant tasks, such as typing, filing, faxing, phoning, copying, and maintaining logs and records. Additional duties as assigned by Chief & Lead Plant Operator. Minimum Requirements Water Operator Apprentice Requires a high school diploma or GED.

Weekend, holiday and afterhours work may be required, as well as after-hours response and emergencies. Requires a valid State of Florida driver license and satisfactory driving record as a condition of initial and continued employment. A Class B CDL with air brake endorsement preferred.

Must obtain a state FDEP "C" license in water operations within two years from hire. Special skills or equipment certification may be required. Water Operator C Requires a high school diploma or GED; supplemented by vocational/technical training in water treatment plant operations; supplemented by three (3) years previous experience and/or training involving water treatment plant operations and equipment maintenance; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.

Requires a valid State of Florida driver license and satisfactory driving record as a condition of initial and continued employment. A Class B CDL with an air brake endorsement preferred. Must have and maintain a current/valid State of Florida Department of Environmental Protection Class "C" Operator's License.

Requires 2080 hours of experience in water treatment Water Operator B Requires a high school diploma or GED; supplemented by vocational/technical training in water treatment plant operations; supplemented by three (3) years previous experience and/or training involving water treatment plant operations and equipment maintenance; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job. Requires 6240 hours of experience in water treatment Must have and maintain a current/valid State of Florida Class "B" Certified Drinking Water Treatment Plant Operator License, State of Florida driver's license and satisfactory driving record as a condition of initial and continued employment. A Class B CDL with an air brake endorsement is preferred.

Special protective services skills and/or equipment certifications are required. Water Operator A Requires a high school diploma or GED; supplemented by vocational/technical training in water treatment plant operations; supplemented by five (5) years previous experience and/or training involving water treatment plant operations and equipment maintenance; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job. Requires 10,400 hours of experience in water treatment Must have and maintain a current/valid State of Florida Class "A" Certified Drinking Water Treatment Plant Operator License, State of Florida driver's license and satisfactory driving record as a condition of initial and continued employment.

A Class B CDL with an air brake endorsement is preferred. Special protective services skills and/or equipment certifications are required. Must live within a 20-mile radius of the city limits of Leesburg within six (6) months of employment due to on-call rotation requirement.