Water Plant Operator Trainee

1. About the Role & Benefits

The North Springs Improvement District is seeking a full-time Water Plant Operator Trainee. Under direct supervision, the incumbent will follow a defined training program in water treatment to become a certified operator. Continued employment is contingent upon passing the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) Class C Drinking Water License exam and acquiring the license within 12 months of hire.

We offer excellent benefits, including health, life, disability, dental, vision, the Florida Retirement System Investment Plan (FRS), and the 457 Savings Plan. To be considered, candidates must submit an employment application and resume.

2. Schedule & Availability

• Candidates must be willing and available to work any shift—including morning, mid-shift, night shift, or overnight shifts (10 PM to 8 AM)—as well as holidays as assigned.
• Work under emergency conditions, day or night, and must be able to respond to emergency call-ins, such as hurricanes, tropical storms, and other critical events. Candidates must live within a reasonable distance of the facility in order to promptly report for these emergencies. May be required to lockdown on-site, overnight, or for days at a time if deemed necessary.
• Occasionally may be required to change working hours or work overtime.

3. Core Duties & Responsibilities(The following duties are typical for this classification. Management retains the right to add, remove, or change duties at any time.)

• Follows a defined training program in water treatment to become a certified operator, performing daily tasks and maintenance of the water facility.
• Monitors the plant’s operations through observation, mechanical readings, and the results of standard chemical and biological tests, making necessary adjustments as demand or other operational conditions dictate.
• Trains and assists in the inspection of the water plant, well field, equipment, and machinery to determine that all machinery is operating properly.
• Trains and assists in the monitoring of meters, LED screens, pumps, plant machinery, and facilities.
• Trains and assists in making routine adjustments to controls in conformance with operating instructions.
• Trains and assists in notifying the supervisor or licensed operator of any needs for non-routine adjustments and/or malfunctioning of equipment.
• Trains and assists in the collection of water quality samples at various points in the system.
• Trains and assists in conducting limited laboratory analysis to determine the effectiveness of treatment and records results.
• Trains and assists in the preparation of routine reports and maintains records according to established standards and procedures.
• Trains and assists in performing routine maintenance on vehicles, buildings, grounds, and a variety of equipment.
• Maintains responsibility for personal work safety.
• Performs pre- and post-assessment in support of well mitigation activities.

4. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of the proper methods and techniques used in cleaning, repairing, and maintaining water systems equipment.
• Knowledge of occupational hazards and safety precautions.
• Skill in operating water systems machinery in a safe and capable manner.
• Skill in using hand and power tools, and the proper use of hazardous chemicals.
• Ability to obtain and maintain required certification as a water plant operator.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions, follow safety practices, and recognize hazards.
• Maintain tactful and good relations when working with the public regarding District services.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with coworkers, outside agencies, vendors, consultants/contractors, and the public.

5. Qualifications (Education, Experience & Licensing)

• Equivalent to a high school diploma or GED; supplemented by vocational/technical training in water treatment plant operations, wastewater treatment plant operations, and equipment maintenance; OR any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.
• Valid Florida Driver's License and proof of a good driving record as evidenced by freedom from severe or multiple traffic violations or accidents for at least five (5) years.
• Requirement Contingency: Incumbent must pass the Class C Florida Water Operators License examination and acquire the license within 12 months of employment. Must complete the designated number of contact hours (i.e., continuing education/training requirements) to maintain required certifications as a condition of continued employment.

6. Physical Requirements & Work Environment(The North Springs Improvement District promotes a drug/alcohol-free work environment through mandatory pre-employment drug testing. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.)

• Pass pre-employment physical, drug, and alcohol examination, and background check.
• Work involves long hours with exposure to loud noises, chemicals, toxic fumes, air and waterborne pathogens, and mechanical equipment during the inspection of facilities and equipment.
• Works outdoors as needed in all weather conditions with exposure to dust, dirt, water, wastewater, and significant temperature changes between cold and heat.
• Must be able to perform the essential physical life functions of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, reaching, walking, pushing, pulling, and lifting.
• Stands and walks for extended time periods and on uneven terrain.
• The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally assist in lifting and/or moving up to 100 pounds.
• Must wear OSHA-approved protective footwear with a minimum ANSI I/75 or equivalent ASTM rating.
• Communicates frequently with District management staff, coworkers, and the public in one-to-one and group settings.
• Regularly use a handheld device, telephone, and email for communication.

7. Application ProcessPlease submit your resume directly through Indeed. Qualified candidates will be contacted with instructions to complete the official North Springs Improvement District employment application.

The North Springs Improvement District is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $37,400.00 - $49,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Application Question(s):

• Rate your comfort level with basic math calculations (e.g., addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, percentages, unit conversions).

Type: Multiple choice (e.g., Very comfortable / Somewhat comfortable / Not comfortable)

• Have you ever worked in a role involving mechanical maintenance, plumbing, electrical work, or operating machinery/equipment? If yes, briefly describe.
• Do you have any prior experience or education in chemistry, biology, environmental science, or related fields? (List all that apply)
• Have you ever used or been around tools/equipment such as pumps, valves, pipes, basic hand tools, or power tools?
• This position requires rotating 10-hour shifts (including overnights from 10 PM - 8 AM), weekends, holidays, and emergency call-outs. Are you able and willing to work this schedule?
• Do you have a valid Florida Driver's License and a clean driving record (no severe violations/accidents in the last 5 years?
• Are you able to lift up to 50 lbs, work outdoors in all weather conditions, and submit to a pre-employment background check and drug screen?
• Continued employment requires passing the FL Class C Water Operator exam within 12 months of hire. Are you willing and able to study for and meet this requirement?"

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Coral Springs, FL 33076 (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $37,400 - $49,000