Water Treatment Plant Operator ($8,000 Hiring Bonus) - Prospect Lake Clean Water Center

Company: City of Fort Lauderdale
Location: Fort Lauderdale
Posted on: January 12, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Position Title: Water Treatment Plant Operator ($8,000 Hiring Bonus) - Prospect Lake Clean Water Center Department: Utility Services Department Job Type: Full Time Salary Range: $27.03 - $41.91 Hourly Job Number: TM138-08 Location Prospect Lake Clean Water Center, FL Description: POSITION SUMMARY Hiring Incentive Bonus Available! The City of Fort Lauderdale is now offering a $8,000 signing bonus to external candidates who successfully complete the selection process and are hired as a Water Treatment Plant Operator (4 positions currently available) for the new Prospect Lake Clean Water Center. Current City employees are not eligible for the Hiring Incentive Bonus. A Water Treatment Plant Operator is required to possess a Class "C" Water Operator's License. If they acquire a Class "B" License, they will receive $75.00 biweekly as Certification Incentive Pay. They will receive an additional $75.00 biweekly (for a total of $150.00 biweekly) if they go on to achieve a Class "A" License as well. Reimbursement will be provided for successful completion of the coursework necessary to obtain the Class "B" and "A" License). This Water Treatment Plant Operator position performs progressively responsible work in the operation and maintenance of a treatment plant and related equipment. Monitors automated plant equipment through visual inspection for proper operating parameters and mechanical integrity. Maintains a plant log detailing specific information to be saved for record and following shifts. Takes samples at multiple sample points for laboratory analysis and compares to automated instrumentation outputs; records and presents findings as appropriate. In accordance with Article 24 of the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the City of Fort Lauderdale and Teamsters Local Union 769, for posting purposes this open-competitive job posting shall be considered as a simultaneous internal and external posting (it is open to both internal City employees and external applicants). NOTE: This position will report to the Prospect Lake Clean Water Center in Fort Lauderdale, Florida: A new state-of-the-art, membrane-based potable water treatment facility, being developed via a 30-year public-private partnership between the City of Fort Lauderdale, IDE Technologies, and Ridgewood Infrastructure. Designed to replace the nearly 70-year-old Fiveash plant, it will draw water from the Biscayne Aquifer and has a capacity of 50 million gallons per day. The plant will combine nanofiltration (treating about 70% of flow) and ion-exchange (the remaining 30%) to deliver clear, high-quality potable water while minimizing raw water losses and energy use. This position will remain open until a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS Essential functions are the basic job duties that an employee must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation. The list of essential functions, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification. The omission of a function does not preclude management from assigning essential duties not listed herein if such duties relate to the position. - Performs chemical analysis to ensure it meets highest quality standards - Observes and report any abnormalities in quality or equipment around the plant - Monitors injection well tests; inspects storage tanks around the plant - Assists in the preparation of various reports; documents sampling results on plant documents - Reads a variety of charts and meters; maintains accurate log sheets - Collects samples from different stages of treatment for chemical, physical, or biological analysis - Prepares work order requests to repair or calibrate plant equipment - Records and orders chemicals and supplies needed to test samples to analysis; receives and logs in all chemicals and supplies delivered - Assists in transferring chemicals from bulk tanks to day tanks, as needed - Attends department meetings and/or safety classes as requested - Ensures compliance with safety regulations and standard operating procedures and Federal, State, and County regulations - Monitors automated plant equipment through visual inspection for proper operating parameters and mechanical integrity; maintains a plant log detailing specific information - Operates and adjusts pumps, agitators, computers, valves, and other equipment in order to maintain the highest degree of treatment - Collaborates with maintenance staff on specific projects from an operational perspective; adjusts or bypasses specific areas, processes, or equipment to ensure consistent treatment, plant integrity, and safety as required - Receives, tests, stores, monitors, changes, and returns liquid chlorine cylinders as needed - Works around high voltage, rotating equipment and various hazardous chemicals - May assist in instructing and familiarizing trainees with the various aspects of plant operation - Performs related work as required JOB REQUIREMENTS, PREFERENCES & WORK ENVIRONMENT MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS: 1. High School Diploma, G.E.D., or foreign education equivalent. 2. Must demonstrate a minimum of one (1) year of experience in the operation of a water treatment plant. 3. Must possess a current State of Florida Class "C" Certified Water Operator's license in compliance with the Florida Administrative Code and all revisions thereof. 4. Prior work experience with membrane technologies (nanofiltration or ion exchange systems) is preferred. 5. If claiming Veteran's Preference, candidates must attach a DD214 Member 4 form, and the City of Fort Lauderdale's veteran's preference claim form (J-204) to the online application. As public servants, employees may be required to work immediately before, during, and/or after an emergency. All employees must be available and able to work assigned shifts as determined by their Department Heads. PHYSICAL STANDARDS REQUIRED TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:The position involves medium physical demands, Ability to climb stairs in order to obtain samples and to maintain work areas including lime machines and chemical feeders. Ability to lift 50lbs polymer in order to fill chemical feed equipment to be able to maintain quality water treatment. Ability to work in dusty areas while maintaining/cleaning work areas especially lime machines. Ability to bend to collect samples and physically shovel lime waste to de-grit water. Ability to stand for long periods of time in order to perform chemical analysis. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. HOW TO APPLY & SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION Applicants who qualify will be subject to an extensive selection process and screening program, which may include, but not be limited to evaluation of training and experience; written test; interview; employment record, background check; medical examination; and drug screen. The expected duration of the selection process varies by position. The City of Fort Lauderdale is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action, inclusive employer and a Drug Free Workplace. The City of Fort Lauderdale does not discriminate based on age, citizenship status, color, disability, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. Veterans' preference per Florida law. If claiming Veteran's Preference, candidates must attach a DD214 Member 4 form, and the City of Fort Lauderdale's veteran's preference claim form (J-204) to the online application. Benefits: The City of Fort Lauderdale offers a comprehensive benefits package to all regular full-time employees including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and short-term disability insurance. Click here for an overview of employment information including our benefits package. Say "Hello" to the City of Fort Lauderdale and Say "Goodbye" to Your Student Loan! Under the U.S. Department of Education's Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program, the remaining balance on your student loan may be forgiven after you have made 120 qualifying monthly payments while working full-time at the City of Fort Lauderdale. Click here for more information or to see if you qualify. In addition to the competitive benefits package and salary, the City of Fort Lauderdale participates in the Florida Retirement System (FRS) which offers an investment option and a pension option and requires a 3% contribution from employees. All new City of Fort Lauderdale employees are automatically enrolled in FRS. Click here to view additional information on the Florida Retirement System. Compensation details: 27.03-41.91 Hourly Wage PI7f431561ccec-25405-38941867

Keywords: City of Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton , Water Treatment Plant Operator ($8,000 Hiring Bonus) - Prospect Lake Clean Water Center, Engineering , Fort Lauderdale, Florida