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Entry Level Water Operator Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

City of Leesburg

Wastewater Operator

Leesburg, FL

$47K - $69K/yr

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 ...

City of Leesburg, FL

Wastewater Operator

Leesburg, FL · On-site

$25.72/hr

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 ...

City of Bartow, FL

Water Plant Operator I

Bartow, FL · On-site

$21.17 - $29.32/hr

Essential Duties and Responsibilities • Entry-level skilled work in operating Wastewater/Water Treatment Plant equipment and processes • Responsibility for learning and participating in the care ...

City of Bartow

Water Plant Operator I

Bartow, FL · On-site

$21.17 - $29.32/hr

Job Summary This is entry-level work in operating and maintaining a municipal potable water treatment plant. Work involves performing routine and semi-skilled assignments in accordance with ...

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Entry Level Water Operator information

See Florida salary details

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$13

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

As of Aug 3, 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 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 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 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:
Entry Level Water Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Water Operator job openings in Florida as of July 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.

Wastewater Operator

City of Leesburg

Leesburg, FL

$47K - $69K/yr

Other

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

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 treatment equipment. The class is responsible for monitoring wastewater treatment processes, adjusting chemical or physical processes, maintaining logs and records, and general plant and systems maintenance

General work is observed and reviewed during performance and upon completion. Changes in procedures or exceptions to rules are explained in detail as they arise. The class works according to set procedures under direct supervision.

Wastewater Operator C - $21.14 per hour The purpose of the class is to operate and maintain wastewater treatment plant according to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) issued permits and report abnormal events. The class is responsible for monitoring wastewater 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

Maintain compliance using experience and best management practices. Wastewater Operator B - $22.87 per hour The purpose of the class is to operate and maintain wastewater treatment plant according to the FDEP issued permits and report abnormal events. The class is responsible for monitoring wastewater 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. Mentor and assist in training of lesser experienced Operations staff. Maintain compliance using experience and best management practices.

Wastewater Operator A - $25.72 per hour The purpose of the class is to operate and maintain wastewater treatment plant according to the FDEP issued permits and report abnormal events. The class is responsible for monitoring wastewater 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

Maintain compliance using experience and best management practices. Essential Job Functions Wastewater 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 cleanup 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.

Wastewater Operator C Monitors wastewater 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 wastewater treatment systems and plant equipment. Keeps plant facility clean and orderly. 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.

Wastewater Operator B Monitors wastewater 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 wastewater 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. Wastewater Operator A Monitors wastewater 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 wastewater treatment systems and plant equipment; assists with or performs general clean-up 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. Minimum Requirements Wastewater 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. Class A CDL with air brake endorsement preferred but not required for employment. Must obtain a state FDEP "C" license in wastewater plant operations within two years from date of hire.

Special skills or equipment certification may be required. The levels below require a high school diploma, GED, and formal training, special courses, or self-educated equivalent to satisfying completion of one year of college educated or specialized advanced training in the Wastewater field. 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.

May mentor and assist in training of less experienced operations staff. Maintain compliance using experience and best management practices. Must possess a valid Florida driver's license and satisfactory driving record as a condition of initial and continued employment.

Wastewater Operator C Requires 2080 hours of experience in wastewater treatment. Must possess a valid FDEP "C" license in Wastewater Plant Operations. Special skills or equipment certification may be required.

Wastewater Operator B Requires 6240 hours of experience in wastewater treatment. Must possess a valid FDEP "B" license in Wastewater. Special skills or equipment certification may be required.

Wastewater Operator A Requires 10,400 hours of experience in wastewater treatment. Must possess a valid FDEP "A" license in Wastewater. Special skills or equipment certification may be required.

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