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Plant Operator Trainee Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Tremron

Machine Operator Trainee

Jacksonville, FL · On-site

$15.75 - $18.75/hr

As a Machine Operator Trainee with Quikrete Hardscapes and Masonry, you will be learning machine ... Report to Plant Supervisor About You We Require: * Must have at least 1-year of manufacturing ...

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Plant Operator Trainee information

See Florida salary details

$22.8K

$39.6K

$63.9K

How much do plant operator trainee jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for plant operator trainee in Florida is $39,578.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $31,400.00 and $44,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to get hired as a plant operator trainee?

To get hired as a plant operator trainee, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, relevant technical training or certification, and sometimes a valid driver's license. Employers often look for basic mechanical skills, the ability to follow safety protocols, and willingness to learn on the job, with some positions requiring passing a background check and drug test.

Is being a plant operator trainee worth it?

A plant operator trainee role provides hands-on experience in operating and maintaining industrial equipment, often leading to full-time positions with competitive wages and benefits. The job requires technical skills, safety awareness, and sometimes certifications, making it a valuable entry point into the energy, manufacturing, or utilities industries.

What are some common challenges faced by plant operator trainees during their initial training period?

Plant Operator Trainees often encounter challenges such as adapting to rotating shift schedules, learning to monitor complex machinery, and quickly troubleshooting minor operational issues. Trainees must also become familiar with strict safety protocols and environmental regulations, which can be overwhelming at first. However, with mentorship from experienced operators and structured hands-on training, most trainees are able to develop the necessary confidence and skills to handle these responsibilities effectively.

What is the difference between Plant Operator Trainee vs Plant Operator?

AspectPlant Operator TraineePlant Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some certifications may be preferredTypically requires relevant certifications or licenses, such as a state-issued operator license
Work EnvironmentTraining environment, supervised, learning on the jobFull responsibility for operating equipment, more autonomous
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting and learning under supervisionOperating machinery, monitoring systems, troubleshooting

In summary, a Plant Operator Trainee is in a learning phase, gaining skills and certifications needed to become a fully qualified Plant Operator. The trainee role involves supervision and assistance, while the Plant Operator role involves independent operation and responsibility.

What is a plant operator trainee?

Plant Operator Trainees are entry-level employees who learn to operate, monitor, and maintain machinery and equipment at facilities such as power plants, water treatment plants, or manufacturing sites. They receive on-the-job training to understand safety procedures, equipment operation, and facility protocols under the supervision of experienced operators. Their goal is to gain the necessary skills and knowledge to eventually become fully qualified Plant Operators. This role typically involves a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on experience.

Is it hard to become a plant operator trainee?

Becoming a plant operator trainee typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent, technical training, and sometimes a relevant certification. The process involves learning safety protocols, operating procedures, and gaining hands-on experience, which can vary in difficulty depending on prior knowledge and training opportunities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a plant operator trainee?

To thrive as a Plant Operator Trainee, you need a basic understanding of mechanical and electrical systems, a high school diploma or equivalent, and a willingness to learn plant operations. Familiarity with SCADA systems, safety protocols, and basic hand tools is often required, and some employers may prefer candidates with relevant certifications like OSHA or confined space entry. Attention to detail, teamwork, and strong communication skills help trainees adapt quickly and contribute to safe, efficient plant operations. These skills are crucial for ensuring safety, minimizing downtime, and supporting the smooth functioning of the facility.

What degree do I need to become a plant operator trainee?

A plant operator trainee typically needs a high school diploma or equivalent; some positions may require post-secondary education such as an associate degree in engineering, environmental science, or a related field. Relevant skills include understanding of mechanical systems and safety procedures, and obtaining certifications like a commercial driver's license or plant-specific training can be beneficial.

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 are popular job titles related to Plant Operator Trainee jobs in Florida?

For Plant Operator Trainee jobs in Florida, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Plant Operator Trainee jobs in Florida look for?

The top searched job categories for Plant Operator Trainee jobs in Florida are:

What cities in Florida are hiring for Plant Operator Trainee jobs?

Cities in Florida with the most Plant Operator Trainee job openings:

Plant Operator Trainee jobs near you
Infographic showing various Plant Operator Trainee job openings in Florida as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 48% Full Time, 48% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,578 per year, or $19 per hour.

WATER TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR TRAINEE

City of Lake Worth Beach

Lake Worth, FL • On-site

$18.41 - $23.38/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 27 days ago

Job description

The City of Lake Worth Beach invites qualified individuals to apply for the position of Water Treatment Operator Trainee.

This Full-Time position is non-exempt with an hourly pay range of $18.41 - $23.38. This position will work at Water Treatment Plant at 301 College Street, Lake Worth Beach, FL 33460.


In addition, this position offers:

  • Vacation and Sick Leave Accruals
  • 13 Paid Holidays
  • 3 Floating Holidays
  • City of Lake Worth Beach Medical Benefits that include Life Insurance, Dental and Vision coverage
  • Retirement Plan

JOB SUMMARY:

This is an entry level position in water treatment plant operations. It requires twelve (12) months of training by a certified operator for a trainee to understand the fundamentals of water treatment plant operations.


This is an entry level / Training position in the operation of a water treatment plant on assigned shift. The water plant consists of a 12.9MGD Lime Softening Plant with 12 wells, 4.5 MGD Reverse Osmosis Plant with 3 Floridan well, one 4.05 MGD Deep Injection Well and 2 Booster Pumping Station. This position also provides training in maintenance and repair of treatment process and chemical feed equipment in the water treatment plant, wellfield, booster pumping stations and distribution system. This is moderately heavy labor position consisting of daily plant maintenance and skilled work in the water plant. The employee will assume the responsibility for the safe, efficient, environmentally acceptable operation and maintenance of water plant on an assigned shift.


The operator trainee will be engaged in maintaining electrical, instrumentation equipment, mechanical equipment, buildings and grounds. The operator may participate in more complex maintenance and repair work.


ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Under the overseeing of certified treatment plant operator the trainee will be expected to learn water treatment operations when given oral or written instruction of how to operate a water plant. The trainee will be required to learn all aspects of operation such as, but not limited to, adjusting flows, backwashing filters, adjusting chemicals, performing basic laboratory tests, changing charts, reading electric and water meters in the wellfield, recording pertinent information in the daily log book, and performing housekeeping duties. The trainee will keep the certified operator informed of any mechanical or electrical defects that he may come in contact with. Assists in the collection of water samples, repairs of treatment process equipment and other shift operations. Performs other job duties in order to be familiar with all aspects of water treatment operation. The trainee would be required to work different shifts.

  • Performs inspections of all mechanical and feed equipment.
  • Maintains all pumps, electric, check valves, air compressors, vacuum pump primer, and related piping.
  • Repairs and maintains lime slakers, polymer, chlorinator, ammoniator, acid, caustic and scale inhibitor feed systems
  • Maintains clear and accurate records of repairs in maintenance logs and/or daily log sheets in accordance to regulations of Palm Beach County Health Department, and Department of Environmental Protection.
  • Maintains inventory of supplies and repair parts and prepares justifications.
  • Receives and follows directions given and/or procedures as outlined in Plant policy or other applicable rules, regulations and laws.
  • Effectively operates and controls equipment within established procedures under most circumstances; to include emergency conditions.
  • Technical and operational understanding of all water plant systems; to include electrical switchgear up to 480 volts.
  • Learns to recognize readings which are not in line with equipment specifications and/or operating conditions and reports problems.
  • Follows applicable rules, regulations, environmental, safety, City and Plant policies.
  • Takes direction in performing the necessary manual operation and adjustments to start, stop and maintain proper startup, shutdown and operation of all water plant equipment.
  • Receives deliveries and fills out appropriate reports as necessary.
  • Understanding water chemistry and treatment.
  • Checks chemical pumps for proper operation and changes chemical containers, when necessary.
  • Performs general daily maintenance, cleaning, painting, etc. on water plant equipment; to include structures, offices, control rooms and other areas designated.
  • Works with other water plant operators in the maintenance and repair of equipment.


OTHER RELATED DUTIES

The examples of essential functions as listed in this classification specification are not necessarily descriptive of any one position in the class. The omission of an essential function of work does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed herein if such functions are a logical assignment to the position.


Supervision: None


MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Graduation from a recognized high school or possession of a recognized equivalent certification. A comparable amount of training and/or experience may be substituted for the minimum qualifications.
  • Worked in a water treatment plant with a minimum of one (1) year of experience as either a water, wastewater treatment plant mechanic or operator is preferred.
  • Must have passing “C” level State Exam

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

  • Graduation from a recognized high school or possession of a recognized equivalent certification. Some experience in mechanical, electrical, laboratory work. Math skills preferred
  • A valid Florida driver’s license.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Basic knowledge of chemistry and mathematics as it relates to water treatment. Ability to learn methods and practices of modern water treatment operations. Ability to learn and understand the functions of basic water hydraulics of different types of pumps used in water treatment. Ability to learn water analysis and interpret their results. Ability to learn how to calculate dosages of chemicals and the metric unit of measurement used in the lab and in the field. Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions under the direction of a certified operator.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

  • Basic knowledge of lime softening equipment, tanks, piping, valves and the chemical properties of quicklime.
  • Basic knowledge of Reverse Osmosis equipment, tanks, piping, valves and the chemical properties.
  • Ability to safely handle chemical when working on feed equipment. Complete understanding of the dangers of working around chlorine, ammonia, Acid, Caustic and lime slaking equipment.
  • Skilled in the use of mechanic's tools and shop equipment in the installation, repair and maintenance of water treatment plant equipment and related piping
  • Ability to work from blueprints, pencil drawings, written and oral instructions.
  • Demonstrates ability to perform duties and responsibilities.
  • Ability to work extended hours when required; to include nights, weekends and holidays.
  • Ability to work overtime; to include both scheduled and unscheduled, as needed and to report to work on a short notice in an emergency.
  • Ability to perform high school level mathematical calculations.
  • Ability to read and understand blueprints, procedures, technical manuals and other job-related information.
  • Ability to learn and understand lock out tag system, safety procedures, and environmental regulation.
  • Demonstrates verbal and written communication skills.
  • Ability to communicate verbally and written with all levels of plant personnel.
  • Physically able to negotiate inclines and stairs.
  • Physically able to operate valves requiring 50 fp torque and lift equipment weighing fifty (50) pounds.
  • Maintains safe working shoes, as determined by current policy.
  • Ability to effectively and efficiently utilize computers, including basic Microsoft Office programs such as Outlook (e-mail, calendaring), Word and Excel.

All full-time employees are considered critical in response to emergency situations and may be deemed essential as needed depending on the situation.

Employees in this position will be required to complete the FEMA Incident Command System (ICS) Certification Levels 100, 200, 700 and 800 within the first six months of employment. Certain positions may be required to attain additional ICS training as needed.

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the City of Lake Worth Beach and the employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

The City of Lake Worth Beach is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with United States Equal Employment Opportunity guidelines and the Americans with Disabilities Act, this organization provides reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

Applicants for positions with the City of Lake Worth Beach should know and be aware of the following:

Applicants for employment who become candidates for available employment positions should note employment is contingent upon satisfactory completion of all reference checks and pre-employment physical satisfaction. Upon request, information on the nature and scope of an inquiry will be provided under FS 119.

Furthermore, some of the job classifications within the City of Lake Worth Beach workforce are covered by Collective Bargaining Agreements with a union. Consistent with Chapter 447 of the Florida Statutes, a bargaining unit employee has the right to join or not join the union. However, the Union is not obligated to represent a non-member.