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Plant Operator Trainee Jobs in Foley, AL (NOW HIRING)

Plant Operator Trainee information

See Foley, AL salary details

$26.1K

$45.3K

$73.2K

How much do plant operator trainee jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for plant operator trainee in Foley, AL is $45,325.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $35,900.00 and $50,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 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.

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 procedures, and willingness to learn on the job. Prior experience in related roles or with operating machinery can be advantageous.

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 passing written exams and gaining on-the-job experience, making it moderately challenging but achievable with proper preparation and training. Skills in mechanical systems, safety procedures, and attention to detail are important for success in this role.

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 popular job titles related to Plant Operator Trainee jobs in Foley, AL?

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

What job categories do people searching Plant Operator Trainee jobs in Foley, AL look for?

The top searched job categories for Plant Operator Trainee jobs in Foley, AL are:

What cities near Foley, AL are hiring for Plant Operator Trainee jobs?

Cities near Foley, AL with the most Plant Operator Trainee job openings:

Wastewater Operator Trainee or Wastewater Operator I

Pensacola, FL • On-site

Emerald Coast Utilities Authority
Utilities • 501 - 1,000 employees

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Salary: Depends on Qualifications
Location : Bayou Marcus, 3050 Fayal Drive, Pensacola, FL 32526, FL
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 3022
Department: Water Reclamation (30)
Division: 3002 Bayou Marcus
Opening Date: 08/14/2026
Closing Date: 8/24/2026 11:59 PM Central
Responsibilities/Pay Grade
WE NEED YOU!
If you're interested in an environmental "career" with a company that offers good benefits, retirement plans, a progression plan, annual and sick leave, and generous health & wellness options that Pay You - then APPLY for a Wastewater Operator position at ECUA!
***This position will be filled as a either Wastewater Operator Trainee or Wastewater Operator I. Candidates selected for this position will work at one of these Water Reclamation Facilities: Central Water Reclamation Facility (CWRF) or Bayou Marcus Water Reclamation Facility.***
YouTube video:
Wastewater Operator Trainee
JOB SUMMARY:
Working on an assigned shift, performs semi-skilled work in the operation and maintenance of a wastewater treatment plant. Work is performed under the supervision of higher-level technical personnel and/or licensed operator.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Tours plant and facilities, inspects and observes equipment and machinery.
Records readings, adjusts and regulates the operation of meters and specialized equipment.
Operates motors, pumps, valves, generators, and specialized equipment and machinery.
Performs minor maintenance or informs supervisor of major repairs needed.
Collects samples from designated points, performs physical and chemical tests and records results.
Performs environmental tasks related to water quality.
Calibrates meters and analyzers using specific protocols to ensure compliance with standard operating procedures and Florida Administrative Code.
Makes adjustments to the process, as required, to effectively treat influent and effluent in compliance with all rules, regulations, and ECUA standard operating procedures.
Regulates and adjusts controls in the operation of meters and specialized equipment, including motor pumps, valves, and generators, to clarify, process, and dispose of influent and effluent in accordance with standard operating procedures and Florida Administrative Code.
Clean and maintain treatment plant buildings when necessary, including custodial duties.
Uses hand tools and power tools to ensure proper operation.
Add chemicals such as chlorine, aluminum sulfate, glycerin, methanol, sodium bisulfate, polymers, and magnesium hydroxide, among others, to influent and effluent to maintain prescribed levels and permitted requirements in accordance with standardized operating procedures and Florida Administrative Code.
Cleans and maintains tanks, filter beds, and other work areas, using hand tools and power tools.
Reads and records operational data into specified forms and logbooks in compliance with standard operating procedures and Florida Administrative Code.
Maintains facility grounds using lawn tools to create a clean appearance.
All other duties as assigned.
Working on an assigned shift, performs semi-skilled or skilled work in the operation and maintenance of a wastewater treatment plant. Work direction may be exercised over lower-level operations personnel. Work is performed under the supervision of higher-level personnel and/or higher licensed operator.
Wastewater Operator I
JOB SUMMARY:
Tours plant and facilities, inspects and observes equipment and machinery.
Records readings, adjusts and regulates the operation of meters and specialized equipment.
Operates motors, pumps, valves, generators, and specialized equipment and machinery.
Identifies when major repairs are needed and informs supervisor and/or completes work order via lnfor work system.
Collects and tests samples from various stages of the treatment process. Performs physical and chemical tests in a timely manner, recording results completely and accurately in accordance with standard operating procedures and Florida Administrative Code.
Monitors the operation of various pieces of equipment and machinery and monitors operating conditions using both physical senses and auxiliary equipment to determine load requirements, ensure proper operation, and detect malfunctions.
Performs environmental tasks related to water quality.
Calibrates meters and analyzers using specific protocols to ensure compliance with standard operating procedures and Florida Administrative Code.
Interprets operating data and observations to continually optimize the treatment process and equipment and makes adjustments to the process, as required, to effectively treat influent and effluent in compliance with all rules, regulations, and ECUA standard operating procedures.
Regulates and adjusts controls in the operation of meters and specialized equipment, including motor pumps, valves, and generators, to clarify, process, and dispose of influent and effluent in accordance with standard operating procedures and Florida Administrative Code.
Clean and maintain treatment plant buildings when necessary, including custodial duties.
Uses hand tools and power tools to ensure proper operation.
Add chemicals such as chlorine, aluminum sulfate, glycerin, methanol, sodium bisulfate, polymers, and magnesium hydroxide, among others, to influent and effluent to maintain prescribed levels and permitted requirements in accordance with standardized operating procedures and Florida
Administrative Code.
Cleans and maintains tanks, filter beds, and other work areas, using hand tools and power tools.
Reads and records operational data into specified forms and log books in compliance with standard operating procedures and Florida Administrative Code.
Maintains facility grounds using lawn tools to create a clean appearance.
All other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications for a Wastewater Operator Trainee:
High school diploma or equivalent. (Educational documentation will be requested upon offer of employment.)
Any combination of education, training, and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
Basic level of experience in use of computers.
A written test will be administered to determine mechanical aptitude, knowledge of safety practices, knowledge of tools and reading of scales and gauges, knowledge of elementary chemistry and general science, understanding and interpreting written material, and basic mathematics. Test scores will be a contributing factor for selection.
Licenses and Certifications:
Requires the possession of a valid Driver License.
Ability to obtain a Class "C" Domestic Wastewater Facilities Operator License as issued by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) within 24 months of hire. (Requires completion of licensing coursework within 13 months of hire).
Minimum Qualifications for a Wastewater Operator I:
High school diploma or equivalent. (Educational documentation will be requested upon offer of employment.)
Any combination of education, training, and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
One year (2,080 hours) of experience in the operation and maintenance of equipment and machinery of a wastewater treatment plant as required by subsections 62-602.250(1)-(6), Florida
Administrative Code.
Basic level of experience in use of computers.
Licenses and Certifications:
Requires the possession of a valid Driver License.
Possession of a Class "C" Domestic Wastewater Facilities Operator License as issued by the
Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP).
New operators will be hired into the career progression based on the level of their valid FDEP issued wastewater license. Out-of-State or Military Licensed Operators will be given sixty (60) days to receive their FDEP issued license via testing or reciprocity.
All Operators may be required to work rotating shift work. For example: 28 day rotation of 7-3, 3-11, and 11-7; and/or 6am to 6pm for two weeks and 6pm to 6am for two weeks. Rotating shifts at Bayou Marcus are 6am-2pm, 2pm-10pm and 10pm-6am.
Employment offers to all new hires are contingent upon the job candidates successfully passing background, motor vehicle and reference checks, drug screening, and post job offer physicals (that may include pulmonary testing). All applicants are subject to physical assessments as required by job.
Physical Requirements/Working Environment
While performing the essential functions of this job the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, and walk, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, reach with hands and arms, bend body downward and forward by bending legs and spine, and climb or balance, and is occasionally required to lift and/or move up to 100 pounds.
While performing the essential functions of this job the employee is regularly exposed to outdoor weather conditions, non-weather related cold and humid conditions, fumes, noxious odors, dust, mist and gases, risk of bodily injury from rotating equipment or from toxic or caustic chemicals.
The incumbent's working environment is typically moderately quiet, but can be loud while working near operating machinery and equipment.
As a disaster team member, the employee is required to be available to work before, during, and after any disaster as directed.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities/Supplemental Information
MATERIAL AND EQUIPMENT USED:
Light truck or other motor vehicles
Two-way radios
Various power and hand tools
Lab testing equipment
Various other wastewater equipment and machinery
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of:
Knowledge of
Operation and maintenance of equipment and machinery of a wastewater treatment plant.
Knowledge and understanding of the functions and mechanics of pumps, valves, compressors, motors and other plant equipment.
Principles and techniques of wastewater treatment.
Occupational safety hazards and safety precautions.
Wastewater treatment regulations and requirements.
Biological, chemical, and mechanical principles of a wastewater treatment plant.
Chemicals and solutions used and the dangers of each.
Laws, rules, and regulations governing the operation of a wastewater treatment plant.
Skill in:
Use of power and hand tools.
Operating and maintaining plant equipment and machinery. Operation and control: controlling operations of equipment or systems
Reading and watching gauges, dials, meters or other indicators to make sure machines are working properly and recording readings.
Recording readings and maintaining logs and records.
Ability to:
Understand the operations of a wastewater treatment plant.
Understand and follow moderately complex and technical oral and written instructions.
Observe equipment and machinery in operation and detect malfunctions.
Determine and direct corrective action.
Additional Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities upon Obtaining Class "A" Domestic Wastewater License:
Ability to:
Review, classify, categorize, prioritize, and/or analyze data, including exercising discretion in determining data classification, and in referencing such analyses to established standards for the purpose of recognizing actual or probable interactive effects and relationships.
Provide guidance, assistance, and/or interpretation to others regarding the application of procedures and standards to specific situations.
Operate, maneuver, and/or control the actions of equipment, machinery, tools, and/or materials used in performing essential functions.
Use a wide variety of reference, descriptive, and/or advisory data and information.
Perform addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division calculations; the ability to calculate decimals and percentages; may include the ability to perform mathematical operations with fractions; may include ability to calculate surface areas, volumes, weights, and measures.
Troubleshooting: determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans' Preference
ECUA is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion/creed, sex, national origin, disability/handicap, age, marital status, veteran status, or any other legally protected criteria. ECUA provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities on a case-by-case basis. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please contact the Human Resources Department.
ECUA proudly supports veterans, military spouses, and their families. We recognize your unique skills and sacrifices and are committed to helping you build a rewarding career in public service. A Veterans' Preference shall be awarded to preference-eligible applicants in accordance with Florida law.
ECUA offers competitive benefit choices for full-time employees and their dependents.
Benefits include, but are not limited to:
• 10 Paid Holidays
• Annual and Sick Leave
• Health, Dental, Vision, Life & Disability Insurance
• Florida Retirement System (FRS) Pension Plan and Investment Plan options
• Deferred Compensation Retirement Savings Plans
• Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Company-supplied Uniforms (for qualifying positions)
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