Water Operator Trainee Jobs in Naples, FL (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $46,924.80 Annually
Location : 50 Bald Eagle Drive, Marco Island FL 34145, FL
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 00337
Department: North Water Treatment Plant
Opening Date: 08/20/2026
Work Objective
Performs semi-skilled to skilled technical work in the operation and maintenance of the City's water treatment plant.
Trainees must obtain a State of Florida Drinking Water Treatment Plant Operator "C" license within two years from the date of hire via a self-directed course of study and required testing to obtain State Certification. Applicants that currently hold a State of Florida Drinking Water Treatment Plant Operator license will have preference in hiring for this position.
Examples of Essential Functions
The list of essential functions, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification. It is not necessarily descriptive of any one position in the class. The omission of an essential function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed herein if such functions are a logical assignment to the position.

• Participates in and is responsible for the operation of water treatment processes to control flow and processing of water; regularly monitors plant functions through reading gauges, graphs, meters, control panels, and the telemetric system; makes necessary adjustments to ensure compliance; performs required laboratory analysis
• Monitors gauges, meters and control panels; controls variations and operating conditions of the treatment process; adjusts chemicals as need to meet federal, state and department parameters in an efficient manner; records meter and gauge readings
• Operates pumps, aerators, and digesters in controlling treatment processes; performs routine to complex maintenance work on related equipment and facilities, depending on level of assignment
• Observes, participates in, and documents all process control laboratory tests and microscopic analysis in order to track the direction and condition of the biological treatment process
• Maintains plant operation logs and worksheets in accordance with FDEP and department guidelines; compiles equipment reading and test results into hourly, daily and monthly reports
• Operates simple equipment, hand tools, and precision measuring instruments
• Operates and maintains facility in accordance with local, state, and federal regulations
• Ensures that all areas are clean and free of anything that would constitute a safety hazard
• Performs all duties in conformance to appropriate safety standards
• May train and instruct other plant operators in the efficient and safe use of tools and machines, proper operational work methods, and procedures and safety precautions, depending on level of assignment

Minimum Qualifications
High school diploma or GED; supplemented by experience in the operation and maintenance of water treatment plants; or an equivalent combination of education, certification, training, and/or experience. Formal industry certification(s) as outlined below are required for each job level. Ability to work multiple shifts and embrace a team environment. Regular in office attendance is required.
Plant Operator I (Class C) - This is a technical level classification that performs skilled tasks and duties. Positions assigned to this classification are required to possess Class" C" Water Treatment Plant Operator license issued by the State of Florida. May be required to have or obtain additional industry certification (s) based on area of assignment. Salary Range: Minimum: $50,210 Midpoint: $64,019, Maximum: $77826
Plant Operator II (Class B) - This is a journey level classification that performs skilled tasks and duties. Positions assigned to this classification are required to possess Florida Class" B" Water Treatment Plant Operator license issued by the State of Florida. May be required to have or obtain additional industry certification (s) based on area of assignment. Salary Range: Minimum: $55,916, Midpoint: $71,292 Maximum: $86,670
Plant Operator III (Class A) - This is a senior level classification that performs highly skilled tasks and duties. Positions assigned to this classification are required to possess Florida Class "A" Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator license issued by the state of Florida. May be required to have or obtain additional industry certification (s) based on area of assignment. Salary Range: Minimum: $60,480, Midpoint: $77,113, Maximum: $93,745
Candidate is subject to interview(s), medical testing (including drug screening), and a comprehensive background investigation.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
In addition to meeting the minimum qualifications listed above, an individual must be able to perform each of the established essential functions in order to perform this job successfully.

• Basic to advanced knowledge of water treatment plant operations, policies, procedures and methods, depending on level of assignment
• Basic to advanced knowledge of Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems and ability to learn and comprehend the system used by the City
• Basic to advanced knowledge of occupational hazards, appropriate precautions, and methods of promoting safety among others, depending on level of assignment
• Basic to advanced knowledge of laboratory procedures and practices, depending on level of assignment
• Skill in working independently and following through with assignments with minimal direction
• Ability to operate a computer using Microsoft Office products (Word and Outlook) and applicable department and organization specific software
• Ability to establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work
• Ability to provide guidance and training to lower level employees, depending on area of assignment
• Ability to regularly attend work and arrive punctually for designated work schedule
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing
• Ability to organize work for timely completion
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions
• Ability to deal courteously and effectively with the public

OTHER REQUIREMENTS
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Depending on functional area of assignment, tasks involve the periodic performance of moderately physically demanding work, usually involving lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of moderately heavy objects and materials (up to 50 pounds). Tasks that require moving objects of significant weight require the assistance of another person and/or use of proper techniques and moving equipment. Tasks may involve some climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling.
ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS:
Tasks are regularly performed inside and/or outside with potential for exposure to adverse environmental conditions (e.g., dirt, cold, rain, fumes).
SENSORY REQUIREMENTS:
Some tasks require manual dexterity, in addition to visual and hearing acuity. Some tasks may involve identifying and distinguishing colors. Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally and in writing.
EMERGENCY RESPONSE AND ESSENTIAL EMPLOYEE STATEMENT
Every City employee has emergency response responsibilities, though not every position will be considered an essential employee during an emergency event. All employees are 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.
Preference shall be given to eligible current city employees. All vacancies are open until filled unless otherwise specified. The City of Marco Island is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The City of Marco Island is a drug free and smoke free workplace.
The City of Marco Island offers a wide range of employee benefits. Below is a brief summary of the comprehensive benefits package we have to offer you when you join our team.
City of Marco Island Employees participates in a Cafeteria-Style benefits plan. The cost of any benefit chosen by the employee is deducted from each paycheck.
Health Insurance: The City currently offers a PPO (Preferred Provider)-type health insurance plan provided by Cigna. The City pays 85% and the Employee pays 15% of the premiums.
Dental Insurance: The City currently offers a PPO (Preferred Provider)-type dental insurance plan provided by The Standard.
Vision Insurance: The City currently offers a PPO (Preferred Provider)-type vision insurance plan provided by The Standard.
Supplemental Insurance: The City currently offers 4 types of supplemental insurance provided by AFLAC.
Life Insurance and AD&D: The City offers an voluntary $50,000 life insurance and accidental death and dismemberment policy for employees.
Additional Life Insurance: The City offers Additional Life in units of $10,000 to a maximum of $300,000. The minimum amount you can elect is $10,000. Employees can elect up to $80,000 with no medical questions. Spouse coverage is available in units of $5,000 to a maximum of $150,000, but not to exceed 50 percent of your Additional Life coverage. Employees may also elect $10,000 of Dependents Life insurance for eligible children.
Short-term Disability: The City offers a short-term disability benefit that would provide a weekly benefit of 60% of $1,667 of your insured pre-disability earnings reduced by deductible income. The plan maximum weekly benefit is $1,000 and minimum is $15. The benefit waiting period is 30 days (accidental injury and other disabilities) the period of time that you must be continuously disabled before benefits become payable.
Long-term Disability: The City offers a long-term disability benefit that would provide 60% of covered salary after the employee is disabled for six months. The premium for this insurance is .54 percent of salary. For example: calculate monthly salary x .54 ÷ 100 = monthly premium.
Retirement Savings: The City contributes 6.5% of base earnings to a 401a retirement savings plan for non-bargaining unit employees. Vesting after 5 years of employment.
For IAFF bargaining unit members the City offers a Section 175 Pension Plan.
For FOP bargaining unit members the City offers a Section 185 Pension Plan.
Deferred Compensation Plan: The City offers a 457 Deferred Compensation retirement savings plan for its employees. Contributions to this plan are voluntary.
Medical and Dependent-Care Savings Accounts: The City offers two types of pre-tax savings accounts that can be used to reimburse the employee for qualified medical or dependent-care expenses not covered under any other benefit. Any funds deposited must be spent by the end of the plan year each year or they are forfeited. Contributions to this plan are voluntary.
Paid Time Off: Employees earn 160 hours off per year during their first two year of employment. This increases to 176 hours after the beginning of your third year.
Holidays: Employees earn 10 paid holidays and 1 floating holiday that can be used at the employee discretion.
Educational Assistance: The City will reimburse up to $1,500 per year for employees seeking higher education who meet certain grade requirements.
Other Leave: The City offers Military Leave, Jury Duty Leave, Non-FMLA Leave, and Bereavement Leave.
THIS INFORMATION IS PROVIDED AS A SUMMARY OF THE BENEFITS AVAILABLE. SOME RESTRICTIONS AND CLAUSES APPLY.