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Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Trainee
City of ClearwaterClearwater, United Statesfull_timeVerifiedPosted 10 Jul 2026
💰 $42,045/yr
About the role
Posting number: 2026-00222
Department: Public Utilities
Division: WASTEWATER OPS NORTHEAST
Job classification: Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Trainee
Posting type: Open
Categories: Sanitation, Trades, Miscellaneous, Wastewater, Customer Service
Summary
Entry Salary: $ 42,045.64POSITION OPEN UNTIL FILLED.
Under direct supervision, the Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Trainee performs semi-skilled, manual labor in the operation and maintenance of a wastewater treatment plant, sludge handling facility, reclaim system, and surrounding grounds during assigned shifts. Receives technical instruction in operations, equipment, and maintenance procedures.
Examples of duties
Essential Functions: -- Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:- Participates in extensive training and education regarding wastewater treatment plant and all equipment and general operations; works under direct supervision and acquires skills through on the job training to acquire skills necessary to perform independently upon completion of training.
- Makes daily operational checks, monitors meters, dials, and gauges, and records data on reports as requested.
- Performs general administrative tasks and maintains various files.
- Cleans and paints pumps, motors, tanks, and other plant equipment; operates pumps, valves, and gates to transfer wastewater or sludge to and from various tanks.
- Assists with mechanical repairs; works with more experienced plant operators in their daily tasks for training and to gain necessary skills; uses control mechanisms or physical labor to operate machines or processes.
- Loads and unloads equipment, materials, and chemicals from trucks; performs general custodial duties on all plant facilities and grounds; operates various equipment to perform daily tasks.
- Keeps equipment clean and lubricated; maintains and provides minor repairs.
- Takes, gathers, and compiles wastewater and sludge samples for testing; works with skilled operators to perform wastewater operational tests.
- Provides customer service to internal and external customers and provides positive public relations.
- Documents and records various wastewater treatment plant activities; enters, transcribes, records, stores, and maintains information in written, electronic, or magnetic form.
- May be required to work a flexible schedule including night, weekend, and holiday hours to help complete work.
- Responds to phone calls and emails.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Licenses, Certifications, and Equipment:
A valid State driver's license is required.
Ability to obtain a forklift license.
Florida Department of Environmental Protection Class "C" Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator's License within two (2) years of hire date.
Education and Experience:
High School Diploma or G.E.D. Certificate required; OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered.
A valid State driver's license is required.
Ability to obtain a forklift license.
Florida Department of Environmental Protection Class "C" Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator's License within two (2) years of hire date.
Education and Experience:
High School Diploma or G.E.D. Certificate required; OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered.
Supplemental information
Knowledge of –
Skill in –
- Principles of bacteriology, general science and chemistry
- Functions and mechanics of wastewater and sludge pumping equipment and other treatment plant machinery
- Common tools
- Mathematics
- Equipment maintenance practices and methods
Skill in –
- Distinguishing colors easily
- Reading simple meters, gauges, and charts
- Learning, interpreting and applying various regulations and codes
- Applying mechanical and mathematical aptitude
- Seeing numbers and demarcations on gauges or dials
- Operating industrial and personal computers with general proficiency
- Understanding and interpreting complex policies, protocols, and procedures
- Ability to understand and follow oral and/or written instructions
- Ability to communicate courteously with other staff and the public
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