Trainee Chemical Engineer Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $19.84 - $32.14 Hourly
Location : Land O' Lakes (North), FL
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 2026-00242
Department: Water Production Division
Division: South Facilities Maintenance
Opening Date: 08/24/2026
Closing Date: 9/11/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Position Overview
POSITION OVERVIEW:
The Mechanical Technician Trainee position is an entry level position. Individuals in this position are expected to make progress toward becoming a Certified Distribution System Operator, with advancement to the Mechanical Technician I classification within a reasonable amount of time.
Under the direct supervision of a Maintenance Assistant Manager, Mechanical Group Lead and/or other Mechanical Technicians, a Mechanical Technician Trainee learns skilled maintenance practices in support of the 24-hour operation of an interconnected, tri-county network of water treatment plants, pipelines, and pumping station infrastructure. After an instruction and orientation period, the quality and speed of work on routine duties should steadily become comparable to that of a certified mechanical technician. Work may include preventative and corrective maintenance on machinery, pumps, motors, chemical systems, other ancillary equipment and relatedcontrolapparatusinaccordancewithestablishedproceduralguidelines,recognizedbestpractices and industry standards.
This position requires a strong foundation in communication, computer use, analytical thinking, and attention to detail. Mechanical Technician Trainees are expected to demonstrate the following qualities and capabilities:

• Follow instructions carefully and show a strong willingness to learn.
• Work effectively in a team-based environment focused on continuous improvement.
• Establish and maintain a positive customer service attitude with internal and external customers.
• Build and maintain effective working relationships.
• Communicate clearly in both directions by listening, explaining, asking for input, and offering help when needed.

Performance is monitored through periodic conferences, reports, training activities, and administrative review processes.
Water Production Roles:

• Serves as support to staff in:
• Researching methods for improving the Agency in support of the mission, vision and values.
• Project Management, Engineering, Construction, and Regional Operations & Maintenance Teams.

Essential Functions
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
In collaboration with senior mechanical technicians, a Mechanical Technician Trainee will:

• Participate in training on the fundamentals of proper maintenance of water treatment equipment by participating in a wide variety of on-the-job tasks as well as through classes, correspondence courses, and general reading.
• Participate in training related to the inspection, diagnostics, maintenance and repair of water plant, pump station, well field, transmission main and ancillary equipment and machinery utilizing best management practices.
• Assist operations and maintenance teams in shutdowns, repairs and commissioning work undertaken by the Agency and contracted companies to improve and restore Agency infrastructure and production capabilities.
• Assist operations and maintenance teams with necessary reporting tasks such as annual well totalizer meter reads, FDEP inspections, collection of bacteriological samples, etc.
• Participate in the performance of routine and non-routine adjustment, troubleshooting and repair of equipment that is of a highly technical nature.
• Participate in the acceptance of chemical and fuel deliveries, as directed.
• Participate in chemical spill response and clean-up activities, as directed.
• Participate in the performance of underground utility locates.
• Perform housekeeping activities in maintaining water treatment buildings and grounds.
• Attend and participate in the Agency's safety training program maintaining proficiency and certification in CPR and First Aid, Forklift/Manlift operations, Confined Space, Lock Out-Tag Out, Electrical Safe Work Practices (ESWP), Trenching and Shoring, Maintenance of Traffic Basic Flagging, Chemical Safe Handling, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and OSHA Haz-woper 24.
• Utilize Computerized Maintenance Management Software (CMMS) system to document corrective and preventative maintenance on all equipment.
• Participate in cross training program, as directed.
• Complete work in accordance with job plan guidelines and standard operating procedures (SOP).
• Complete work in support of meeting department and team key performance indicators (KPI).
• Participation in on-call program required after manager approval.
• Observe Agency Safety Policies and Procedures.
• Perform other related duties as directed.

Note: You can be assigned to any location within the tri-county area: Hillsborough, Pasco, and/or Pinellas counties.
Disaster Service Worker: Employees of Tampa Bay Water are, by State and Federal law, Disaster Service Workers. In the event of a declaration of emergency, any employee may be assigned activities that promote the protection of public health and safety or the preservation of lives and property, either at the Agency or within the local or their own community.
Minimum Qualifications
MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:

• Knowledge of automotive, construction or industrial mechanical maintenance principles.
• Must have working knowledge of basic computer skills with experience utilizing spreadsheets and databases.
• Develop working knowledge of Florida Administrative Code 62-555, including requirements for permitting, construction, operation, and maintenance of public water systems, within the first year of employment.

EDUCATION REQUIRED:

• High School Diploma, Vocational/Technical School Certification or GED.

REQUIRED LICENSE AND CERTIFICATIONS:

• Must enroll in Water Distribution System Operation and Maintenance correspondence course from California State University Sacramento, or equivalent within the first (1) month of employment.
• MustcompleteWater Distribution System Operation and Maintenance Certificationfrom California State University Sacramento, or equivalent within the first six (6) months of employment.
• Continued employment contingent upon acquiring a Florida Department of Environmental Protection Distribution System Operator Level 3 license within the first eighteen (18) months of employment.
• Validdriver's license.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR CAREER LADDER ADVANCEMENT:
To advance to Mechanical Technician I, an employee must meet all Mechanical Technician Trainee and Mechanical Technician I requirements, pass a skills demonstration test, and have the following:

• One (1) year of employment as a Mechanical Technician Trainee.
• Rating of On Target or Exceeds Target on most recent annual performance evaluation.
• FDEP Level 3 Distribution System Operator License.

MINIMUM STANDARDS REQUIRED TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Physical Abilities: Tasks involve the ability to exert medium physical effort which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling of objects, and materials of medium weight (30-50 pounds). Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or workstation.
Sensory Abilities: Some tasks require visual and auditory perception and discrimination.
Environmental Requirements: Tasks are regularly performed without exposure to hazardous environmental conditions, equipment, and work environments. Some tasks are completed in hazardous indoor work environments that will be posted or designated, and employees are required to comply with all applicable safety requirements while working in those designated areas. Some tasks are completed outdoors where employees may be exposed to physical hazards characteristic of an outdoor work environment.
Employees in this role must show proficiency and will be rated on the following performance indicators/competencies:

• Job Knowledge
• Work Planning & Initiative
• Communication Skills
• Problem-Solving & Decision Making
• Productivity (Quantity & Quality of Work)
• Interpersonal
• Teamwork

NOTE: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employees may perform other related duties as required to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.
Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.
Our Benefits:
Medical and Prescription Program
Dental and Vision
Florida Retirement System
457 Retirement Plans
Basic Life Insurance / AD&D
Long-Term Disability
Paid Vacation and Holidays
Flex Leave
Personal Day
Paid Sick Time
Employee Assistance Program
Medical Flexible Spending Account Program
Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account Program
Longevity Awards/Gifts
Tuition Reimbursement
Wellness Program
Discount Tickets
Pet Insurance
Full-time employment with Tampa Bay Water qualifies you for Public Service Loan Forgiveness once you meet all requirements. Please check the website for more details.Public Service Loan Forgiveness | Federal Student Aid
Flexible Work Schedule:
Tampa Bay Water is committed to helping employees balance work, family, home life and personal obligations by offering flexible work arrangements.
Employees may be considered for flexible work arrangements for positions where the flexible work arrangement allows for individual department operations to be fully covered with no expense to productivity and quality.
Flexible work arrangement options available to employees include:

• Adjusted Work Schedule - employee works eight hours per workday but starts work earlier/later in the morning and ends work earlier/later in the afternoon.
• Compressed Work Schedule - employee works 10 hours per workday, reducing the workweek to four days per week.
• Teleworking - employee works part of the workweek at home/alternate workplace.