Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Trainee

Department:

Public Utilities

About Our Job

Are you looking for a rewarding career with amazing benefits that start within your first 60 days?

We’re hiring Operators and Trainees who understand—or are eager to learn—how water pumps, equipment, and mechanical systems function in wastewater treatment facilities. Your work will play a vital role in protecting the health and environment of Sarasota County.

Whether you’re experienced or just starting out, join our high-performing team and be part of a mission that truly matters. Apply today and help keep our community safe and thriving!

Job Description:

• Collect, record, and interpret data for completion and utilization of operation and maintenance records as directed. 
• Collect samples, perform laboratory analyses, and make necessary adjustments.
• Monitor the SCADA system and respond to alarms and abnormal readings and trends.
• Perform daily operation of pumps, motors, valves, and other treatment plant equipment as directed.
• Perform maintenance and housekeeping duties on plant grounds and facilities.

Shift Schedule:

• Day: 6:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
• Afternoon: 12:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
• Evening: 8:00 p.m. – 6:00 a.m.

About You

Minimum Qualifications:
 

Trainee:

• High School Diploma GED or equivalent.
• Ability to obtain Class "C" Water and/or Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator’s License within two (2) years of hire.
• A valid Florida Driver’s License at the time of hire.

Operator:

• High School Diploma GED or equivalent.
• Possession of a Class “A”, “B”, or “C” Water and/or Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator’s License as issued by the State of Florida.
• A valid Florida Driver’s License at the time of hire.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Safety training:  Hazcon, Confined Spaces, Hearing Protection, Bloodborne Pathogens, Respirators, Workplace Violence, Lockout/Tagout, Fire Extinguishers, Personal Protective Equipment, Hazardous Waste Operations.

Physical Demands: Must occasionally lift and/or move more than 50 pounds. Must wear Uniforms and Safety Shoes.

Subject to Passing Substance Screening:  This position is subject to passing a pre-employment substance screening.  An applicant who fails to pass a required drug screening test shall be disqualified from employment for a period of five (5) years. 

About Everything Else

Treatment Plant Operator C:

Starting Pay: $23.24 (Step 1)

Potential higher pay (steps) for those with multiple years of experience.

Treatment Plant Operator B:

Starting Pay: $24.39 (Step 1)

Potential higher pay (steps) for those with multiple years of experience.

Treatment Plant Operator A:

Starting Pay: $25.61(Step 1)

Potential higher pay (steps) for those with multiple years of experience.

Trainee Pay Rate:

Starting Pay: $20.92 (10% Less than the minimum when in Trainee Status)

Employee Type:

Regular (Budgeted)

Our interview process could include phone interview(s), Microsoft Teams video interview(s), and/or in-person interview(s).

If you are selected to join our team, please click on this link to review the Required First Day Documents. You will need to present the following items on your first day:

1. I-9 Acceptable Documents to show your identity and authorization to work. Use this link to learn more and review the different document options: https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents

• If your position requires a Florida Driver’s License, this must be one of your documents. (Your Florida Driver’s License can serve as one of your documents listed in link above – List B Documents.)  

2. U.S. Social Security Card (signed, physical card). This is a requirement of our Payroll Department and failure to provide this document could jeopardize timely compensation. (Your U.S. Social Security Card can serve as one of your documents listed in link above – List C Documents.)  

Benefits:

• Enjoy great benefits including Health, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability, Flexible Spending Accounts, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Florida Retirement System (FRS) and many, many more! 
• For more information about employee benefits, please click this link or visit SCGov.net for additional information.
• Utilize our award-winning wellness program including free gyms and classes at multiple Sarasota County Government locations. 
• Enjoy 11 paid holidays, 3 personal days and 16 paid vacation days in the first year of full-time employment with increasing accrual rates with years of service. (That adds up to a possible 30 days off in your 1st year!)

A different blend of voices prompt better conversations, choices and results for everyone. Sarasota County – Many Voices, One Team.

We celebrate and value the experiences, backgrounds, perspectives, talents and strengths that make us different.

Our vision is to attract, develop, retain and engage a talented workforce broadly representative of the citizens and communities we serve. To further value creativity, innovation, collaboration and great customer service – internally and externally. 

A job applicant with a disability who requires reasonable accommodation to participate in the application/selection process is requested to make known the need for an accommodation to Human Resources or appropriate county staff members. For assistance with the application, please call 941-861-5353.

Sarasota County prohibits discrimination in all services, programs or activities. View the complete policy at scgov.net (keywords: ADA Compliance).

Sarasota County Government is a Tobacco-Free/Drug-Free Workplace.