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Water Operator Trainee Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

We're proud to support essential industries helping bring clean air and water to everyone. To learn ... Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance ...

We're proud to support essential industries helping bring clean air and water to everyone. To learn ... Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance ...

Showing results 41-60

Water Operator Trainee information

See Florida salary details

$19.1K

$32.5K

$47.5K

How much do water operator trainee jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for water operator trainee in Florida is $32,530.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24,700.00 and $38,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

Water Operator Trainees often face challenges such as adapting to the technical complexity of water treatment systems, learning to accurately monitor and adjust equipment, and understanding strict safety and regulatory requirements. Trainees must quickly become familiar with both manual and automated processes, as well as handle emergency situations like equipment malfunctions or water quality concerns. Support from experienced operators and ongoing hands-on training are key to overcoming these hurdles and building competence in the role.

What is a water operator trainee?

Water Operator Trainees are entry-level professionals who assist in the operation and maintenance of water treatment facilities. They work under the supervision of certified water operators to learn how to monitor, test, and ensure the quality and safety of public water supplies. Their responsibilities often include collecting water samples, recording data, performing basic laboratory tests, and learning about regulatory compliance. This role is designed to provide hands-on experience and training required to become a licensed water operator.

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

AspectWater Operator TraineeWater Operator
CertificationsTypically requires a high school diploma and may need a state-specific water treatment or distribution certificationRequires a valid water treatment or distribution certification, often obtained after training
Work EnvironmentSupervised, entry-level role in water treatment plants or distribution systemsFull responsibilities in operating, maintaining, and monitoring water systems
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting with daily operations, learning procedures, and gaining experiencePerforming routine maintenance, monitoring equipment, and ensuring water quality

The main difference between a Water Operator Trainee and a Water Operator is experience and certification level. Trainees are in learning roles, often requiring supervision, while Water Operators have completed necessary certifications and handle full operational duties independently.

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

To thrive as a Water Operator Trainee, you need basic math, science knowledge, mechanical aptitude, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with water treatment equipment, monitoring systems, and the pursuit of a state-issued water operator certification are typically required. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving, and teamwork skills help you excel in monitoring and maintaining water quality standards. These competencies ensure safe, efficient operation of water facilities and compliance with regulatory requirements.
What are the most commonly searched types of Water Operator jobs in Florida? The most popular types of Water Operator jobs in Florida are:
What job categories do people searching Water Operator Trainee jobs in Florida look for? The top searched job categories for Water Operator Trainee jobs in Florida are:
What cities in Florida are hiring for Water Operator Trainee jobs? Cities in Florida with the most Water Operator Trainee job openings:
Infographic showing various Water Operator Trainee job openings in Florida as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 47% Full Time, 51% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,530 per year, or $15.6 per hour.

Chief Water/Wastewater Plant Operator

Santa Rosa County

Milton, FL

$27.27 - $35.46/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 23 days ago


Job description

General Description Performs supervisory and technical work in the operation of a water/wastewater plant and distribution system as a licensed operator. Essential Job Functions Essential functions are fundamental job duties. They do not include marginal tasks which are also performed but are incidental to the primary functions.

The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position, nor does every position allocated to the class necessarily perform every duty listed. Personal characteristics required of all employees such as honesty, industry, sobriety and the ability to get along with others, are presumed qualities and may not be listed specifically. Supervises and evaluates staff; provides input in hiring, termination and disciplinary action decisions.

Schedules and assigns personnel to shifts; trains and instructs new personnel. Directs activities necessary to maintain adequate water supply levels and pressures. Supervises safe and effective chlorination of water.

Supervises and participates in testing and treatment for sterilization of new wells, mains and storage tanks. Develops water sampling procedures. Conducts regular inspections of supply facility.

Detects malfunctions of equipment and initiates corrective measures. Prepares and maintains records and reports. Relieves operators or trainees as needed.

Interacts with the public in an effective and courteous manner. Must demonstrate commitment to our mission, vision, values and goals and represent the County in a professional, dignified manner at all times both in actions and appearance. May have a role in the County's disaster preparation and/or disaster recovery efforts, as designated in the County Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan; may be required to work before, during and/or after an emergency.

Must be able to meet minimum attendance standards. Performs related duties as required. ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL, VISUAL AND COMMUNICATION SKILLS: The physical requirements are that of heavy work and include exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

The work requires considerable and strenuous physical exertion, such as long periods of standing; walking over rough, uneven or rocky surfaces; recurring climbing tall ladders, bending, crouching stooping, stretching reaching or similar activities; or recurring lifting of heavy items over 50 pounds. The work may require specific, but common, physical characteristic and abilities, such as above average agility or dexterity. Requires fingering to include picking, pinching, typing or otherwise working primarily with fingers rather than with the whole hand as in handling.

Requires grasping by applying pressure to an object with the fingers and palm. Requires feeling to perceive attributes of objects such as size, shape, temperature or texture by touching with skin, particularly that of fingertips. Requires repetitive motion of the wrists, hands and/or fingers.

Required to operate a motor vehicle to conduct site visits and read meters. The worker is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as: preparing and analyzing data and figures. Transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; extensive reading; visual inspection involving small defects, small parts, and/or operation of machines (including inspection); using measurement devices; and/or assembly or fabrication parts at distances close to the eyes.

Requires the ability to differentiate between colors or shades of color. Requires the expression or exchange of ideas by means of the spoken word. Those activities in which they must convey detailed or important spoken instructions to others accurately, loudly or quickly.

Requires perceiving the nature of sounds at normal speaking levels with or without correction. Ability to receive detailed information through oral communication and to make the discriminations in sound. ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS: The work environment involves high risks with exposure to potentially dangerous situations or unusual environmental stress that require a range of safety and other precautions where conditions cannot be controlled and/or is exposed to one or more disagreeable conditions such as irate customers, outdoor weather conditions, excessive noise, extreme temperatures, odors, dust, chemicals, etc.

more than 50% of the work time. The worker is required to wear a respirator. REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of methods, materials, equipment and practices used in the operation of water supply and wastewater treatment facilities; public health and occupational hazards involved in water supply operations; mechanical repair and maintenance as related to pumps and other plant equipment; DER and EPA regulations.

Required to operate a personal computer and related software applications. Required to plan, assign, inspect and supervise the work of operators and trainees. Minimum & Preferred Qualifications A four-year high school diploma or its educational equivalent; or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

Experience in a lead/supervisory capacity is preferred. LICENSURE AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS: Requires a valid driver license at the date of hire and maintain said license while employed in this position. A Class "B" CDL with air brakes may be required based on assignment.

Requires a Florida Water Class "C" (or higher) and a Wastewater Class "B" (or higher) Operator License and must maintain said license while employed in this position. Supplemental Information Applicants must have at least the minimum educational documentation and/or certifications (requested within the job description) uploaded with their application to be eligible for consideration. Documentation may be uploaded at the time of application, scanned and emailed, faxed, or hand-delivered.

NOTE: The information given on your application will be evaluated against the minimum qualifications of the job description. After all applications are evaluated, your name will be placed on the employment list and sent to appropriate hiring authority for consideration. The online application and complete job descriptions can be viewed at www.santarosa.fl.gov Complete job descriptions may also be obtained at the Human Resources office located at 6495 Caroline Street, Suite H Milton, FL 32570

Candidates may be asked to demonstrate knowledge and skills related to the position during the interview process. A Drug Free Workplace/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER /Veteran's Preference will be given in accordance with Florida Statutes.