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Plant Process Operator Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

WTE Plant Operator I

Tampa, FL · On-site

$32.41 - $45.97/hr

... similar components and processes within the plant environment. Shift work will be required ... Examples of Duties Assists the Plant Operator in the daily operation of the plant in the field ...

... similar components and processes within the plant environment. Shift work will be required ... Examples of Duties Assists the Plant Operator in the daily operation of the plant in the field ...

... similar components and processes within the plant environment. Shift work will be required ... Examples of Duties Acts as a lead operator in planning jobs and overseeing work of junior ...

WTE Plant Operator II

Tampa, FL · On-site

$37.86 - $53.85/hr

... similar components and processes within the plant environment. Shift work will be required ... Examples of Duties Acts as a lead operator in planning jobs and overseeing work of junior ...

Plant Operator

Hollywood, FL · On-site

$27.64 - $42.01/hr

Wastewater Plant, 1621 N. 14th Ave., Hollywood, FL, FL Job Type: Full-time Job Number: 2026-159 ... Performs routine troubleshooting on process equipment. * Must effectively and positively represent ...

R10092573 Plant Operator (Open) Location: Miami, FL (Plt) - Filling industrial How will you ... Foster a smooth handover process of cylinders to the filling area and Initialize GTS barcode on the ...

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Plant Process Operator information

See Florida salary details

$10

$15

$23

How much do plant process operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for plant process operator in Florida is $15.80, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.65 and $17.26 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

Plant Process Operators typically do not earn $2000 a day; such high daily wages are usually associated with specialized roles like senior executives, certain consulting positions, or highly skilled contractors in industries such as oil and gas, finance, or technology. These roles often require extensive experience, certifications, or working in high-risk environments with premium pay structures.

What are some common challenges faced by Plant Process Operators and how can they be effectively managed?

Plant Process Operators often encounter challenges such as responding quickly to equipment malfunctions, maintaining strict safety and environmental compliance, and managing multiple processes simultaneously during peak production times. Effective communication with maintenance teams and supervisors is crucial for resolving technical issues promptly. Staying up-to-date with safety protocols and participating in ongoing training can help operators handle unexpected situations with confidence and maintain smooth plant operations.

What exactly does a plant operator do?

A plant process operator monitors and controls industrial equipment and systems to ensure safe and efficient operation of manufacturing or processing plants. They perform routine inspections, adjust controls, troubleshoot issues, and may operate machinery using control panels or computer systems. Certification and knowledge of safety procedures are often required in this role.

What is a process plant operator?

A process plant operator is responsible for controlling and monitoring industrial equipment and systems in facilities such as chemical, power, or manufacturing plants. They operate control panels, interpret data, perform routine maintenance, and ensure safety protocols are followed to maintain efficient plant operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Plant Process Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Plant Process Operator, you need a solid understanding of industrial processes, safety regulations, and equipment operation, often supported by a high school diploma or technical certification. Familiarity with process control systems (such as SCADA or DCS), maintenance tools, and safety protocols like OSHA standards is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and strong teamwork are vital soft skills in this role. These skills ensure efficient, safe, and reliable plant operations, minimizing downtime and supporting overall production goals.

What does a Plant Process Operator do?

A Plant Process Operator is responsible for overseeing and managing the machinery and equipment that produce or process industrial materials, such as chemicals, oil, gas, or food products. Their duties typically include monitoring systems, adjusting controls, performing routine maintenance, and ensuring safety regulations are followed. Operators also troubleshoot issues, collect data, and report on production outcomes. They play a crucial role in maintaining efficient and safe plant operations.

What is the difference between Plant Process Operator vs Chemical Plant Operator?

AspectPlant Process OperatorChemical Plant Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; often requires safety and equipment operation certificationsHigh school diploma; may require specific chemical handling certifications
Work EnvironmentFactories, power plants, manufacturing facilitiesChemical processing plants, refineries, manufacturing facilities
Industry UsagePower generation, manufacturing, utilitiesChemical manufacturing, petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals
Job FunctionsOperate and monitor equipment, ensure safety, perform routine maintenanceOperate chemical processing equipment, monitor chemical reactions, ensure safety protocols

Both roles involve operating and monitoring industrial equipment, but Chemical Plant Operators focus specifically on chemical processes and handling hazardous materials, often requiring specialized chemical certifications. Plant Process Operators have a broader scope across various industries like power and manufacturing. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find the right fit based on their skills and interests.

Where do process operators make the most money?

Process operators tend to earn higher salaries in regions with a strong industrial or energy sector, such as areas with large chemical plants, refineries, or power plants. Factors like experience, certifications, and working in hazardous environments can also increase earning potential.
Infographic showing various Plant Process Operator job openings in Florida as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% Locum Tenens, 36% Full Time, 45% Part Time, 3% Temporary, 12% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,869 per year, or $15.8 per hour.
Water Treatment Operator

Water Treatment Operator

Woodard & Curran

Fort Lauderdale, FL

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

Woodard & Curran is a national engineering, science and operations firm with a simple vision for clean water, a safe environment, healthy communities and happy people. As an employee-owned company, we strive to cultivate teams that encourage collaboration in an inclusive culture. We seek talented individuals from all backgrounds to help us address a broad range of water and environmental issues. We prioritize our people, offering opportunities for professional growth, ownership and flexibility. This commitment enables us to make a meaningful impact on our clients, communities and the planet. 


Woodard & Curran draws on the experience of hundreds of certified operators across the country, backed by the knowledge and skills of hundreds more engineers, scientists, and regulatory experts, to quickly tackle the most challenging operational issues and keep treatment plants running efficiently and in full compliance.  Woodard & Curran also reimburse employees in earning, upgrading, and keeping their licenses and certifications within the industry.

 ​

The Water Treatment Operator regularly participates in the daily operations and maintenance of the water treatment plant as directed by the Project Manager. In this role, you will perform progressively responsible work in the operation and maintenance of a treatment plant and related equipment. You will monitor automated plant equipment through visual inspection for proper operating parameters and mechanical integrity as well as maintain a plant log detailing specific information to be saved for record and following shifts. You will also take samples at multiple sample points for laboratory analysis and compare to automated instrumentation outputs; record and present findings as appropriate.

If you enjoy working outdoors protecting nature’s precious resource, water, then you will find this position challenging and rewarding. This position comes with the opportunity for upward mobility to advance your career in the utility field. Woodard & Curran is dedicated to our employees’ growth and development and wants to help you on your career path!

Schedule:  We are looking for operators for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd shifts.  Availability for standby duty and the ability to be “on-call,” working evenings, weekends and holidays as needed.  Response to emergency events and alarm call-outs required as scheduled and required.

    • On Call: On-call, incentives offer $200 for the week you are on call (this is on a rotation).  Compensation for being on call is 2hrs minimum paid for each call out received.
    • Eligible for plant and safety-related bonuses.

What will you be doing at Woodard & Curran?

  • Monitor water production plant processes and equipment both manually and via SCADA automation, adjusting as necessary to control their operation.
  • Perform water quality sampling, testing, and analysis to determine compliance with federal, state, and EPA standards.
  • Operate, maintain, control, and perform routine repair of plant equipment, including preventive maintenance duties.
  • Utilize software programs for maintenance work orders and maintain all necessary records.
  • Perform general maintenance duties of plant and other assigned duties.
  • Monitor and evaluate the operations of a large, complex water production facility and its auxiliary systems; maintain plant log.
  • Review trends, records, and reports to maintain proper procedure and standards; collect and tabulate operational log data for regulatory agencies.
  • Recognize deviations or irregularities in the plant operation and maintenance; adjust the plant process and equipment in order to maintain the required quality standards of the federal, state, and county regulatory agencies.
  • Sample, measure, and test plant values such as pH, chlorine residuals, temperature, levels, and others; make corrections and adjustments; collect required samples for on and offsite analysis.
  • Collaborate with maintenance staff on specific projects; adjust or bypass job specific areas, processes, or equipment to ensure consistent water production, plant integrity, and safety.
  • Test, monitor, record, evaluate, troubleshoot, and adjust the operation of plant emergency generator and auxiliary equipment.
  • Assist contractors and consultants with specific tasks.
  • Assist in preparing standard operating procedures.
  • Oversee Plant operations to remain in compliance with all Federal, State, County and City regulations and standards.
  • Ensure compliance with safety regulations and standard operating procedures.
  • Work around high voltage, rotating equipment and various hazardous chemicals.
  • May assist Federal, State and local regulators during plant compliance inspections.
  • Performs related work as required.

What will you need to succeed?

    • High School Degree or Equivalent.
    • Valid Florida Driver's License required.
    • Must possess at least a valid State of Florida Class ‘B’ or Class ‘C’ Drinking Water license. Please see information lower in posting regarding pay rates based on your level of certification.
    • Four (4) to six (6) years of progressively responsible experience in Water Production operations.
    • Able to make sound decisions in process control and follow instructions, as well as following safety procedures.
    • Ability to lift up to 40 pounds on a regular basis.
    • Successful candidates will need to complete and clear a pre-employment background check, drug screen (including marijuana), and physical before starting work.

Florida Class “C” Water Treatment License: $32 - $44.25/hr.

Florida Class “B” Water Treatment License: $34 - $48.25/hr.

Mutual Dispute Resolution (MDR)

As part of our commitment to a fair and respectful workplace, Woodard & Curran uses a Mutual Dispute Resolution (MDR) to help resolve most employment-related concerns efficiently and consistently.

What this means:

  • MDR applies to both you and the Company
  • Most workplace-related disputes are resolved through binding arbitration, rather than court proceedings
  • Certain exceptions are outlined in the full agreement

If you are offered a position with Woodard & Curran, you will be asked to review and sign the MDR as part of your offer packet.

\uD83D\uDD17 Review the full agreement here: Mutual Dispute Resolution Agreement

Employee Support & Benefits

Retirement Savings:

  • 401(k) Pre-tax or Roth Contributions: The company matches 100% of the first 3% of salary contributed

Time away from work:

  • Observed holidays: Choose up to 8 holidays to observe annually
  • Vacation: Accrued based on years of experience and calculated on hours worked
  • Sick time: Paid sick time for non-work-related illness or injury.
  • Parental leave: Up to 80 hours of Paid Parental Leave for child bonding

Coverage and support for your needs and well-being:

  • Disability: Paid short- and long-term disability
  • Health: Medical plan options; plus dental and vision plans.
  • Life: Basic employee group life insurance and AD&D benefits; additional voluntary life insurance for employees and families is available through Sun Life.
  • Wellbeing: DarioMind assistance program combined with personalized mental health and wellbeing resources.

Workplace Information

E-Verify Participation

Woodard & Curran participates in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s E-Verify program to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. As part of this process, we display the required Notice of E-Verify Participation and Right to Work posters. 

\uD83D\uDD17 View required Right to Work and E-Verify posters here.

Equal Employment Opportunity & Accessibility

Woodard & Curran is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to non-discrimination and make employment decisions based on job-related factors. Individuals with disabilities and protected veterans are encouraged to apply. If you require a reasonable accommodation during the application process, please contact Beth Sweitzer.

\uD83D\uDD17 View our Equal Employment Opportunity Policy
\uD83D\uDD17 View the "Workplace Discrimination is Illegal" poster 

Inclusion & Belonging

We welcome individuals from all backgrounds and believe diverse perspectives strengthen our ability to serve clients and communities.

As an employee-owned company, we are committed to fostering a respectful and inclusive environment where employees can grow, contribute fully, and deliver meaningful impact.

Recruitment Agency Policy

We do not accept unsolicited resumes from recruitment agencies. Submissions without a signed agreement in place will be considered unsolicited and not eligible for referral fees.

 

Text Message Communication Notice:

To support an efficient hiring process, we may send brief SMS updates or reminders. You may opt out at any time by replying “STOP.”

Terms, Privacy & Use of AI in Hiring 

\uD83D\uDD17 Woodard & Curran Terms of Use

\uD83D\uDD17 Woodard & Curran Privacy Statement

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support aspects of the hiring process (e.g., application review or resume screening). These tools assist our team but do not replace human decision-making. All final hiring decisions are made by people.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.