Laboratory Operations Manager Jobs in Boca Raton, FL

Salary : $71,970.29 - $101,269.79 Annually
Location : 1205 NE 5th Ave., Pompano Beach, FL
Job Type: Full time
Job Number: 2026-027
Department: Utilities
Division: Effluent Treatment Plant
Opening Date: 01/28/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Job Summary
The Chief Utilities Treatment Plant Operator provides first-line supervision and operational leadership for an assigned shift at a water treatment or water reuse facility. Reporting to the Utilities Treatment Plant Operations Manager, this role ensures safe, efficient, and compliant plant operations while supervising staff and supporting administrative, technical, and emergency response functions. The position is classified as Essential, requiring flexibility to work varying shifts, respond to emergencies, and work overtime as needed.
Duties and Responsibilities

• Supervise and participate in the daily operation, monitoring, and maintenance of water and/or water reuse treatment facilities.
• Lead, train, assign, and evaluate the work of assigned staff; conduct performance evaluations and assist with hiring and staff development.
• Monitor plant processes and equipment, identify operational irregularities, and implement corrective actions to maintain treatment quality and regulatory compliance.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable City ordinances and Federal, State, and County regulations governing water and reuse treatment operations.
• Review operational logs, laboratory results, maintenance records, and reports to assess performance, efficiency, and compliance; prepare required internal and external reports.
• Coordinate and oversee scheduled and unscheduled maintenance, repairs, and construction activities while maintaining permit-compliant operations.
• Assist in developing operational procedures, emergency response protocols, and training materials; revise and implement updates as needed.
• Assist the Operations Manager with administrative functions, including budgeting, purchasing, procurement documentation, and inventory management for chemicals, equipment, and supplies.
• Collaborate with engineering and other departments on planning and implementation of capital and maintenance projects, including reviewing bids, specifications, and engineering drawings.
• Ensure plant machinery, equipment, and facilities are properly maintained; initiate and track work orders for repairs and adjustments.
• Conduct monthly safety meetings and enforce compliance with safety regulations and standard operating procedures.
• Respond to and investigate customer inquiries and complaints; provide plant tours to individuals or groups as requested.
• Utilize SCADA systems, MS Office applications, and other plant software to prepare detailed technical and operational documentation.
• Safely work around high-voltage systems, rotating equipment, and hazardous chemicals.
• Respond to emergency situations, including severe weather events, power outages, and chemical or environmental incidents, which may require extended or nonstandard work hours.
• Perform related duties as required to support plant operations and departmental objectives.

Qualifications
Education

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• College coursework or a degree in water treatment, wastewater treatment, environmental science, engineering, or a related field preferred

Experience

• Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in water, wastewater, or water reuse treatment operations preferred
• Prior supervisory or lead operator experience required
• Experience with treatment plant operations, pumping systems, mechanical maintenance, and process control
• Experience interpreting regulatory requirements, permits, and compliance documentation
• Experience working in environments with mechanical, chemical, and safety hazards

License/Certifications

• State of Florida Class A Operator's License in water or wastewater treatment (based on assignment), or
• State of Florida Class B Operator's License with the ability to obtain a Class A license within one (1) year of appointment
• Dual water and wastewater licenses preferred
• Valid State of Florida driver's license with an acceptable driving record required
• Ability to obtain and maintain additional licenses or certifications as required

Key Competencies

• Knowledge of water, wastewater, or reuse treatment principles, processes, equipment, and best practices, including applicable Federal, State, County, and FDEP regulations
• Understanding of occupational hazards, safety practices, standard operating procedures, and mechanical maintenance associated with treatment operations
• Working knowledge of chemistry, biology, laboratory procedures, instrumentation, and operational reporting requirements
• Ability to troubleshoot process and equipment issues, analyze data, maintain accurate records, and prepare technical and regulatory reports
• Demonstrated supervisory, leadership, and communication skills, with proficiency in Microsoft Office and familiarity with SCADA and maintenance management systems preferred
• Testing will be conducted on MS Office products

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work indoors and outdoors; stand, walk, climb, bend, kneel, reach, push, pull, and lift up to 50 pounds
• Ability to work safely around hazardous chemicals, machinery, high-voltage equipment, and elevated noise levels; must be able to distinguish colors and wear required PPE
• Ability to communicate effectively and maintain physical stamina for prolonged, extended, or emergency work periods

Testing will be conducted on MS Office products
Operator I, when certified as a "B" operator, will receive $50 each biweekly pay period in addition to basic salary, and when certified as an "A" operator, will receive $100 each biweekly pay period in addition to basic salary.
Additional Information
Work Days/Hours : Monday - Thursday, 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Job Status: ( X ) Full-time ( ) Part-time/temporary
Department/Number: Utilities/Effluent Treatment Plant /3340 Pay Plan/Grade: 42/27
Position is open until filled.
The City of Pompano Beach welcomes everyone who would like to become a member of our team and who wants to "Do Good". The City does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, age, national origin, disability, religion, genetic information, marital status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, familial status, or other circumstances and characteristics protected by state or federal law. The City promotes diversity of culture, background, thought, and ideas. The City strives to make inclusion a part of everything we do and strives for a work environment that creates a sense of belonging for everyone.
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At the City of Pompano Beach, we foster a supportive, engaging, and people-first workplace. Recognizing and celebrating our team is an integral part of our culture.
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City of Pompano Beach Employee Benefits Overview
Why Work With Us?
Join the City of Pompano Beach and enjoy a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and professional growth.
Compensation & Pay
- Biweekly Pay: Employees receive salaries every two weeks.
- Salary Range: Competitive salary structure with potential for higher starting salaries.
- Merit Increases: Annual performance-based raises up to 4%.
Health Insurance
- Employee Coverage: 100% City-paid health insurance for full-time employees.
- Dependent Coverage: 50% City contribution toward dependent premiums.
Paid Leave
- Vacation: 9 days per year, increasing with tenure.
- Sick Leave: 12 days annually.
- Holidays: 14 paid holidays.
- Personal Days: 2 personal days after six months.
Retirement Benefits
- Pension Plan: Mandatory participation with a 10% employee contribution, matched by the City.
- Defined Benefit: Pension based on the last three years' salary, multiplied by 3% per year of service.
- Vesting & Refunds: Contributions refundable with interest if leaving before seven years.
- Firefighters' Plan: Special pension plan with an 11.6% contribution employee contribution, matched by the City.
Additional Benefits
- Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA) when applicable.
- Tuition Reimbursement for career growth.
- Tax-Deferred Savings Plan for retirement planning.
- Credit Union Services for financial management.
- Direct Deposit for easy payroll access.
-Four-day work week (depending on position)
-Voluntary Employee's Beneficiary Association (VEBA) - Paid by the City
- Sick Leave Bank for extended illness support.
-Parental Leave
Part-time employees are not eligible for benefits, and benefits may vary depending on bargaining units.
Join us and build your future with the City of Pompano Beach!
For more information, contact Human Resources.
01
Have you completed any college coursework or a degree in water treatment, wastewater treatment, environmental science, engineering, or a related field? Please list the number of college credits or the degree.
02
Please provide any relevant trade training that should be considered for this position.
03
Please state which State of Florida Wastewater License you currently have and the number.
04
Do you possess prior supervisory or lead operator experience? If so, please explain this experience
05
Do you have experience in writing SOPs and training other Operators or Trainees? Please list the SOPs written and the training you have provided.
06
Do you have experience in preparing and submitting regulatory reports? If so, please explain this experience.
07
Do you have proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite of products, specifically Excel? Please explain your proficiency.
Required Question