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Plant Operator Trainee Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Showing results 21-40

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 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:

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.

Plant Operator (I - IV) - Wastewater Treatment

City of Naples

Naples, FL

$115.38/hr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

The starting range of pay is dependent on the applicant's current State of Florida Water or Wastewater License: Plant Operator I: $25.20 Plant Operator II: $25.83 Plant Operator III: $28.51 Plant Operator IV: $29.23 In addition to annual salary: Hazard Pay: $3,000 annual stipend paid biweekly ($115.38) Shift Differential Pay: Additional $.070/hour 4PM-12AM | $1.10/hour 12AM-8AM GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES: The purpose of this classification is to learn to perform routine technical work in operating the City's water production or wastewater collection and treatment plants, under the direction of more experience Plant Operators. The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification

Other duties may be required and assigned. Operates the City's water production or wastewater collection and treatment plants; monitors plant operations and processes; checks system components; identifies any problems and makes necessary adjustments; ensures continuous and effective operation; and maintains compliance with applicable local, state and federal regulations, standards and guidelines. Monitors chemical feeds and distribution, flow rates, and other production, collection and treatment processes; and maintains appropriate chemical levels by adjusting system controls and/or adding, adjusting and replacing chemicals in the plant's systems and their components.

Reads meters, gauges and dials; records readings, chemical levels, water/wastewater properties and statistical data; and prepares and maintains a variety of logs, records and reports including flowcharts, production reports, well reports and operation logs. Collects samples; performs laboratory tests or submits samples to outside laboratory for testing; maintains records of findings and sample characteristics; calibrates test equipment; and cleans and maintains laboratory equipment. Inspects plant systems, facilities and equipment; performs preventive maintenance and repair on the plant equipment, gauges, meters and related systems; repairs system components; changes filters, beds and other parts; oils and adjusts power driven pumps; checks and fills storage tanks and feeders; cleans equipment; flushes system; makes minor electrical and/or plumbing repairs as needed; and reports any problems or need for equipment repair.

Maintains plant grounds and facilities; performs general janitorial and repair work; mops, sweeps, paints, waters plants, etc. Receives and responds to customer complaints; consults with customer regarding nature of complaint; takes samples at residence; tests samples; and contacts customer with results; makes recommendations to mitigate or improve water condition. Maintains an awareness of new trends and advances in the profession; attends workshops and training sessions as appropriate.

Operates a personal computer to enter, retrieve, review or modify data, utilizing Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, HTE, word processing, spreadsheet, database, Internet, e-mail, or other software; and operates general office or other equipment as necessary to complete essential functions. PERFORMANCE APTITUDES Data Utilization: Requires the ability to review, classify, categorize, prioritize, and/or analyze data. Includes exercising discretion in determining data classification, and in referencing such analysis to established standards for the purpose of recognizing actual or probable interactive effects and relationships.

Human Interaction: Requires the ability to exchange information for the purpose of clarifying details within well established policies, procedures and standards. Equipment, Machinery, Tools, and Materials Utilization: Requires the ability to operate and control the actions of equipment, machinery, tools and/or materials requiring complex and/or rapid adjustments. Verbal Aptitude: Requires the ability to utilize a wide variety of reference and descriptive data and information.

Mathematical Aptitude: Requires the ability to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division; the ability to calculate decimals and percentages; the ability to utilize principles of fractions; and the ability to interpret graphs. Functional Reasoning: Requires the ability to carry out detailed but routine written or oral instructions. Involves routine work according to clearly prescribed standard practices, with some latitude for independent judgment.

Situational Reasoning: Requires the ability to exercise judgment in situations characterized by repetitive or short cycle operations covered by well established procedures or sequences. MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE: High school diploma or GED Must possess and maintain a valid Florida Driver License, "Class E," with a driving record that meets or exceeds minimum City standards. PLANT OPERATOR I (Trainee) Must obtain Class C Water Operators License from State of Florida within one (1) year of hire PLANT OPERATOR II One (1) year of experience in water or wastewater plant operations Class C Water or Wastewater Operators License from State of Florida PLANT OPERATOR III Three (3) years of experience in water or wastewater plant operations Class B Water or Wastewater Operators License from State of Florida PLANT OPERATOR IV Five (5) years of experience in water or wastewater plant operations Class A Water or Wastewater Operators License from State of Florida OTHER REQUIREMENTS: The City of Naples is a Tobacco-Free Workplace.

Applicants for the City of Naples must not have been a user of tobacco products for at least six (6) months immediately preceding an application for employment; and, if hired, must maintain non-use of tobacco products for the duration of employment with the City of Naples. Tobacco is defined as any lighted or unlighted cigarette, cigar, pipe, nicotine dispensing device, other types of smoking product, smokeless tobacco including dip, chew or snuff. EMERGENCY RESPONSE STATEMENT Every City employee has emergency response responsibilities, though not every position will require routine assignments during an emergency event.

All employees may be subject to recall around the clock for emergency response operations, which may require irregular work hours, work at locations other than the normal work location, and may include duties other than those specified in the employee's official job description. Assignments in support of emergency operations may be extensive in nature, with little advance notice, and may require employees to relocate to emergency sites with physically and operationally challenging conditions. The City of Naples, Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City of Naples, Florida will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.