Demo

Water Operator Trainee, I , II or III

Emerald Coast Utilities Authority
Pensacola, FL Full Time
POSTED ON 4/8/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 5/6/2026
Responsibilities/Pay Grade

Job Summary

Water Operator Trainee

Reports to the Water Operator Field Supervisor. Performs skilled work in the operation and maintenance of water facilities which includes: wells, treatment facilities, pump stations, pressure booster stations, automated valves, storage tanks and transmission/distribution system. Work is performed with considerable independence for operating and maintaining equipment for the treatment and production of potable water.

Assignments are received in either written or oral form, usually in daily or weekly schedules or special assignments. General supervision may be exercised over lower-level operators.

Water Operator I, II and III

Reports to the Water Operator Field Supervisor. Performs skilled work in the operation and maintenance of water facilities which includes wells, treatment facilities, pump stations, pressure booster stations, automated valves, storage tanks and transmission/distribution system. Work is performed with considerable independence for operating and maintaining equipment for the treatment and production of potable water.

Assignments are received in either written or oral form, usually in daily or weekly schedules or special assignments. General supervision may be exercised over lower-level operators.

Essential Functions

Water Operator Trainee

Reviews, understands and adheres to rules, regulations and guidelines of the Department of Transportation (DOT), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), department Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), and ECUA's Human Resources Manual. Performs routine maintenance on and safety checks of assigned equipment.

Monitors water treatment plant processes and equipment operations utilizing established procedures to ensure proper treatment of potable water in accordance with federal/state regulations.

Monitors and inspects plant equipment and operations for safety, maintenance and proper process operations, reports equipment failures or other problems to supervisor.

Maintains current knowledge of water treatment chemical Safety Data Sheets (SDS).

Records instrument readings and test results.

Adjusts well flows and chemical feed system as instructed.

Operates electrical and mechanical controls to regulate flow through various stages of operations and adjusts operational controls as instructed.

Performs operational adjustments on gauges and controls as instructed.

Operates water plant equipment to include, but not limited to: pumps, valves, filters, motors, mixers, feed systems and related equipment.

Assists with maintenance and operation of Quench Buggy/Portable Potable Water Tank.

May be required to attend events providing the transportation and operation of the Quench Buggy/Portable Potable Water Tank.

Will be required to respond to emergencies during after-hours and weekends.

Performs various cleaning repair, and maintenance tasks necessary to maintain water treatment facilities, machinery, equipment, tools and grounds in satisfactory condition (which may include inspecting/testing equipment, lubricating pumps, cleaning equipment, cleaning building and work areas, lifting/moving heavy materials, etc.).

Maintains records and logs of test results, meter readings, chemical applications, and other data.

Prepares and/or completes various forms, reports, inventories, checklists, logs, or other documents, then forwards or maintains as appropriate.

Communicates with supervisor and employees to exchange information or resolve problems.

Maintains current knowledge and awareness of applicable laws/regulations; maintains an awareness of new trends/advances in the profession; reads professional literature; attends workshops and training sessions as appropriate.

All other duties as assigned.

Water Operator I, II, and III

Reviews, understands and adheres to rules, regulations and guidelines of the Department of Transportation (DOT), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), department Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), and ECUA's Human Resources Manual. Performs routine maintenance on and safety checks of assigned equipment.

Monitors water treatment plant processes and equipment operations per established procedures to ensure proper treatment of potable water per federal/state regulations.

Monitors and inspects plant equipment and operations for safety, maintenance and proper process operations; reports equipment failures or other problems to supervisor.

Monitors water treatment plant processes and equipment operations utilizing established procedures to ensure proper treatment of potable water in accordance with federal/state regulations.

Monitors and inspects plant equipment and operations for safety, maintenance and proper process operations, reports equipment failures or other problems to supervisor.

Maintains current knowledge of water treatment chemical Safety Data Sheets (SDS).

Records instrument readings and test results.

Adjusts well flows and chemical feed system as instructed.

Operates electrical and mechanical controls to regulate flow through various stages of operations and adjusts operational controls as needed or required.

Will be required to respond to emergencies during after-hours and weekends

Performs various cleaning, repair, and maintenance tasks necessary to maintain water treatment facility, machinery, equipment, tools and grounds in satisfactory condition (which may include inspecting/testing equipment, lubricating pumps, cleaning equipment, cleaning building and work areas, lifting/moving heavy materials. etc.).

Maintains records and logs of test results, meter readings, chemical applications, and other data.

Prepares and/or completes various forms, reports, inventories, checklists, logs, or other documents; forwards or maintains as appropriate.

Communicates with supervisor, employees, to exchange information, or resolve problems.

Maintains current knowledge and awareness of applicable laws/regulations; maintains an awareness of new trends/advances in the profession; reads professional literature; attends workshops and training sessions as appropriate.

Assists with maintenance and operation of Quench Buggy/Portable Potable Water Tank.

May be required to attend events providing the transportation and operation of the Quench Buggy/Portable

Water Tank.

All other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent. (Educational documentation will be required upon offer of employment.)

Basic level of experience in use of computers.

All Water Operators are required to work rotating shift work. For example: 28-day rotation consist of a combination of 6am-2pm, 6am-6pm, 10am-6pm, 2pm-2am and 6pm-2am shifts.

Licenses And Certifications

Possession of a valid Driver License.

Water Operator Trainee

Possession of or ability to obtain a Class "C" Water Operator's License as issued by the Department of Environmental Protection within 24 months.

Water Operator I

Any combination of education, training, and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Possession of a Florida Department of Environmental Class “C” Drinking Water Treatment Plant Operator License

Water Operator II

Any combination of education, training, and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Possession of a Florida Department of Environmental Class “B” Drinking Water Treatment Plant Operator License

Water Operator III

Any combination of education, training, and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Possession of a Florida Department of Environmental Class “A” Drinking Water Treatment Plant Operator License

Employment offers to all new hires are contingent upon the job candidates successfully passing background, motor vehicle and reference checks, nicotine screening, drug screening, and post job offer physicals (that may include pulmonary testing). Offers of transfers or promotion to current ECUA employees are not subject to nicotine screening. All applicants are subject to physical assessments as required by job.

Physical Requirements/Working Environment

Physical Requirements/Working Environment

Must be able to frequently lift 50 pounds with proper assistance techniques. Must be able to load, unload, and move large equipment and tools. Continuous walking, stair climbing, and lifting. Must be able to access confined spaces.

The employee is regularly required to sit, stand and walk, use hands to handle, or feel, turn, reach with hands and arms, bend body downward and forward by bending legs and spine, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, and lift and/or move up to 100 pounds.

The employee is regularly exposed to outdoor weather conditions, fumes and/or airborne particles, noxious odors, dust, mist, and/or gases; work near moving mechanical parts, risk of electrical shock, and toxic, acidic, or caustic chemicals. Employee must not have facial hair that would hinder use of PPE.

The incumbent's working conditions are typically loud.

As a disaster team member, the employee is required to be available to work before, during, and after any disaster as directed.

Knowledge Of

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities/Supplemental Information

The operation and maintenance requirements of potable water treatment equipment and the processes involved in the treatment and pumping of water.

Process control techniques, maintenance procedures and safe practices.

Basic physical and chemical analysis for potable water quality analysis.

Proper use of water treatment chemicals and safety guidelines for each.

Regulatory rules, occupational hazards, and safety precautions.

Skill In

The use of basic mechanical repair tools and procedures.

Operating equipment and machinery.

Performing general maintenance and labor activities.

Using power and hand tools.

Maintaining accurate records and files.

Ability To

Understand and follow oral and written instructions

Read and record meters and gauges

Perform basic mathematical calculations

Record activities during workday in logs and or computers

Additional Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

Review, classify, categorize, prioritize, and/or analyze data, includes exercising discretion in determining data classification, and in referencing such analysis to established standards for the purpose of recognizing actual or probable interactive effects and relationships. Provide guidance, assistance, and/or interpretation to others regarding the application of procedures and standards to specific situations.

Operate, maneuver and/or control the actions of equipment, machinery, tools, and/or materials used in performing essential functions.

Utilize a wide variety of reference, descriptive, and/or advisory data and information. Perform addition, subtraction, multiplication and division; the ability to calculate decimals and percentages; may include the ability to perform mathematical operations with fractions; may include ability to calculate surface areas, volumes, weights, and measures.

Interpret instructions furnished in written, oral, diagrammatic, or schedule form; and to exercise independent judgment to adopt or modify methods and standards to meet variation in assigned objectives.

Successfully perform routine on-site maintenance and emergency repairs of treatment equipment.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans' Preference

ECUA is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion/creed, sex, national origin, disability/handicap, age, marital status, veteran status, or any other legally protected criteria. ECUA provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities on a case-by-case basis. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please contact the Human Resources Department.

ECUA proudly supports veterans, military spouses, and their families. We recognize your unique skills and sacrifices and are committed to helping you build a rewarding career in public service. A Veterans' Preference shall be awarded to preference-eligible applicants in accordance with Florida law.

ECUA offers competitive benefit choices for full-time employees and their dependents.

Benefits Include, But Are Not Limited To

  • 10 Paid Holidays
  • Annual and Sick Leave
  • Health, Dental, Vision, Life & Disability Insurance
  • Florida Retirement System (FRS) Pension Plan and Investment Plan options
  • Deferred Compensation Retirement Savings Plans
  • Tuition Reimbursement Program
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Company-supplied Uniforms (for qualifying positions)

01

Please select your highest level of education

  • High school education or equivalent education
  • Associate's degree
  • Bachelor's degree
  • Master's degree

02

Using the following information, please indicate your Windows knowledge (computer skill level of experience): No experience/Limited skills or experience (less than 1 yr experience using computer software); Basic level of computer skills (1-2 yrs report writing using word program, data entry on spreadsheets); Intermediate level of computer skills (3-4 yrs experience performing administrative tasks using computer software); Proficient level of computer skills (5 yrs or more experience performing administrative tasks using computer software.)

  • No experience/Limited skills
  • Basic level of computer skills
  • Intermediate level of computer skills
  • Proficient level of computer skills

03

Do you have a current valid Driver License?

  • No, but I am willing to get one if hired.
  • Yes, Class E
  • Yes, Class B CDL
  • Yes, Class A CDL
  • No, I do not have a valid driver license and I am unable to get one at this time.
  • Yes, I have a valid driver license from another state. The type of license is different from those listed.

04

All Water Operators are required to work rotating shift work. For example: 28 day rotation of consists of a combination of 6 am - 6 pm, 10 am - 6 pm, 2 pm - 2 am, and 6 pm - 2 am shifts. Please select the answer which reflects your understanding and availability, if selected.

  • I understand, but I am only able to work a day shift.
  • I understand, but I can not work late night shifts (2pm -2am, and 6pm - 2am).
  • I understand, and I am willing and available to work any of the shifts listed on a rotational basis.
  • I understand, I do this type of shift work and hours now. I am willing and available to do this at ECUA, if selected.

05

Please select which FL Department of Environmental Drinking Water Treatment Plant Operator License you have.

  • Florida Department of Environmental Class “C” Drinking Water Treatment Plant Operator License
  • Florida Department of Environmental Class “B” Drinking Water Treatment Plant Operator License
  • Florida Department of Environmental Class “A” Drinking Water Treatment Plant Operator License
  • I do not have a license, but I can obtain a Florida Department of Environmental Class “C” Drinking Water Treatment Plant Operator License within 24 months
  • Required Question

Salary.com Estimation for Water Operator Trainee, I , II or III in Pensacola, FL
$57,109 to $77,728
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