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Water Reclamation Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Chief Plant Operator

Stuart, FL ยท On-site

$2.8K - $4.6K/wk

Water Reclamation Team Opening Date: 11/06/2025 FLSA: Exempt Position Summary Under the direction of the Plant Services Manager, performs technical and administrative work in the operation of either ...

The primary responsibility is that of supervising the overall operation and maintenance of either the City's water treatment plant or water reclamation facility. Work is reviewed by the Plant ...

Lead Treatment Operator

Kissimmee, FL ยท On-site

$55K - $95K/yr

General Description The purpose of this position is to ensure and maintain compliance and operations of the Toho Water Authority Wastewater Reclamation Facility assigned. This is accomplished by ...

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Water Reclamation information

See Florida salary details

$10

$16

$25

How much do water reclamation jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for water reclamation in Florida is $16.96, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.99 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is water reclamation?

Water reclamation is the process of treating wastewater so it can be reused for various purposes, such as irrigation, industrial processes, or even replenishing groundwater. This process involves removing contaminants and impurities from used water through physical, chemical, and biological treatment methods. The goal is to make the water safe and suitable for its intended reuse, reducing the demand on freshwater resources and promoting environmental sustainability.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a water reclamation specialist?

To thrive as a Water Reclamation Specialist, you need strong knowledge of water treatment processes, environmental regulations, and a background in environmental science or engineering, often with relevant certifications such as a state wastewater treatment operator license. Familiarity with SCADA systems, laboratory testing equipment, and safety protocols is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and effective communication are vital soft skills for monitoring operations and responding to issues. These competencies ensure safe, efficient treatment of wastewater, environmental compliance, and protection of public health.

What are some common challenges faced by water reclamation specialists on the job?

Water reclamation specialists often encounter challenges such as managing complex treatment systems, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations, and responding quickly to system malfunctions or unexpected water quality issues. The role frequently involves troubleshooting mechanical and chemical processes, coordinating with engineers and maintenance staff, and maintaining detailed records for regulatory reporting. Staying current with evolving technologies and best practices is also essential for success in this dynamic and impactful field.

What is the difference between Water Reclamation vs Water Treatment Plant Operator?

AspectWater ReclamationWater Treatment Plant Operator
CertificationsWater Reclamation Certification, Wastewater Treatment LicenseWater Treatment Operator License, Wastewater Certification
Work EnvironmentRecycling facilities, wastewater treatment plantsWater treatment plants, municipal facilities
Job FocusRecycling and reuse of wastewater for environmental and industrial purposesOperating and maintaining water treatment systems for potable water supply

Water Reclamation and Water Treatment Plant Operator roles both involve wastewater and water management, often requiring similar certifications. However, Water Reclamation focuses on recycling wastewater for reuse, while Water Treatment Plant Operators primarily ensure safe drinking water production. Both roles are vital in water industry operations and share overlapping skills and work environments.

What qualifications do you need to work at a water reclamation plant?

To work as a water reclamation technician or operator, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with relevant technical training or certification in water treatment or environmental science. Some positions may require a state-issued water treatment operator license, and familiarity with water treatment equipment and safety protocols is essential.
Infographic showing various Water Reclamation job openings in Florida as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,280 per year, or $17 per hour.

Water Reclamation Operator I, II, III, IV, V

Polk County Board of County Commissioners

Winter Haven, FL โ€ข On-site

$52.07/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


Job description


UTILITIES DIVISION - WATER RECLAMATION OPERATOR I, II, III, IV, V - 2 POSITIONS AVAILABLE
$23.49HR - $52.07HR.
NON-EXEMPT
Employee Benefits
  • Direct Deposit, Bi-Weekly Pay Checks
  • Medical, Dental, Vision
  • Life Insurance
  • FRS Retirement
  • 10 Paid Holidays
  • Paid Time Off
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Education Incentives
  • Deferred Compensation Plan
  • Wellness Incentives
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Free Employee Gym
  • Free Employee Health Clinic

Must have the physical, developmental and mental ability to perform job tasks, work efforts,
responsibilities and duties of the job illustrated below:
The Utilities Division is responsible for public health and safety, as well as safeguarding the
environment, by providing crucial safe water and wastewater services. This position is part of the
team that provides services necessary for human health, economic stability, and overall societal
well-being. At the core of the mission of providing these services includes commitment to providing
excellent customer service to our citizens, business partners, regulatory agencies, and other county divisions.
MAJOR FUNCTION
The Water Reclamation Operator performs professional, certified, and skilled work in the operation
and maintenance of water reclamation treatment facilities, and reclaimed water pumping systems.
Their responsibilities include operating and monitoring treatment systems, machinery, controls, and
related equipment to ensure the safe and efficient delivery of wastewater and reclaimed water
services. They make necessary adjustments to chemical dosing, mechanical components, and process
controls in accordance with established procedures and regulatory standards. Operators also carry
out routine mechanical and manual tasks to maintain optimal system performance, support regulatory
compliance through water sampling and laboratory testing, and document operational data accurately.
This role requires technical expertise, sound judgment, and a high level of responsibility to uphold the
quality of treatment and system reliability. This position plays a key role in ensuring the reliability of essential utility services, regulatory compliance, environmental stewardship, and public health and safety.
ILLUSTRATIVE DUTIES
โ€ข Operates and monitors all water reclamation facilities and reclaimed pumping processes and
equipment to ensure proper functionality and regulatory compliance
โ€ข Conducts daily operational checks; monitors meters, gauges, SCADA systems, and trends; records
and analyzes data to optimize performance
โ€ข Performs visual inspections of treatment facilities and equipment; identifies and addresses
potential failures, leaks, or abnormal conditions.
โ€ข Operates and monitors plant equipment, including pumps, mechanical and automatic controls, and
SCADA systems; conducts daily inspections and ensures optimal functionality.
โ€ข Maintains and cleans water reclamation maintains general housekeeping across plant facilities
and grounds
โ€ข Handles hazardous chemicals safely, including transferring, loading/unloading, and monitors fuel
and chemical inventories, reports spills, and ensures compliance with environmental regulations.
โ€ข Operates pumps, valves, and gates to transfer wastewater or sludge between tanks; ensures proper
sludge processing and coordinates contractor pickup
โ€ข Collects wastewater and sludge samples; performs laboratory testing and analysis for process
control and regulatory compliance
โ€ข Assists in preparing and submitting reports to Florida Department of Environmental Protection
(FDEP) and other regulatory agencies; supports data compilation and documentation
โ€ข Maintains accurate records of plant activities in written, electronic format; performs general
administrative tasks and file management
โ€ข Evaluates operational data to determine compliance with laws, regulations, and standards;
analyzes issues and recommends solutions
โ€ข Provides customer service to internal and external stakeholders; conducts plant tours and
promotes positive public relations
โ€ข Shares knowledge to ensure quality and consistency in daily operations
โ€ข Obtains vendor quotes and prepares documentation to support procurement of supplies and services
โ€ข Responds to phone calls, emails, alarms, and emergency situations; performs standby duty and may
work flexible schedules including nights, weekends, and holidays
โ€ข Performs other related duties as assigned
KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS
โ€ข Knowledge of water reclamation treatment and reclaimed water pumping processes, bacteriology,
chemistry, and applicable regulations
โ€ข Skilled in operation, maintenance, and repair of pumps, meters, and related equipment
โ€ข Ability to apply mechanical and mathematical principles in daily tasks
โ€ข Proficient in reading gauges, charts, and meters; able to distinguish color variations
โ€ข Experienced in using industrial and personal computers with varying levels of proficiency
โ€ข Capable of interpreting complex policies, procedures, schematics and technical manuals, codes,
and safety protocols
โ€ข Familiar with common tools and equipment maintenance practices
โ€ข Able to work independently, including weekends and holidays, with minimal supervision
โ€ข State, Federal, and local laws and regulatory agencies
โ€ข Evaluating systems, providing quality control, and ensuring compliance
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
โ€ข Graduate of an accredited high school or possess an acceptable equivalency diploma.
โ€ข Must have a valid driver's license and be able to secure a valid Florida driver's license within
30 of employment.
Operator I- Pay Grade 14
โ€ข Entry Level position, limited experience in water reclamation
Operator II- Pay Grade 16
โ€ข 1 year experience (2,080 hrs.) and Florida Departmental of Environmental (FDEP) Wastewater
Treatment Plant Operator "C" License
Operator III - Pay Grade 18
โ€ข 3 years' experience (6,240 hrs.) and Florida Departmental of Environmental (FDEP) Wastewater
Treatment Plant Operator "B" License
Operator IV- Pay Grade 20
โ€ข 5 years' experience (10,400 hrs.) and Florida Departmental of Environmental (FDEP)
Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator "A" License
Operator V (Dual Certification/License)- Pay Grade 22
โ€ข 5 year's experience (10,400 hrs.) Florida Water Treatment Plant "A" license required, Certified
Maintenance and Reliability Technician Certification (CMRT), Associate Certified Electronics
Technician (CETA) or equivalent certification, Municipal Board of Examiners Inc. of Polk County
(Polk MBOE) Journeyman Electrical License, Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
(FLHSMV) CDL "B or "A" license, and/or Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) Water
treatment, Wastewater treatment, Distribution treatment license accepted.
A comparable amount of related training or experience may be substituted for the minimum
qualifications except for the licensing and certifications.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
โ€ข Standby and on call rotation are required for emergency work in this classification.
All employees will be required to work before, during, or after an emergency. During an emergency,
employees may temporarily be assigned to work and perform duties outside the normal scope of
their position, location and work schedule to fit the needs of the County and its citizens.