Operator in Training

Operator in Training

Salary

$21.05 - $25.45 Hourly

Location

18251 Three Oaks Pkwy Fort Myers, FL

Job Type

Full-Time Regular

Job Number

08001OD

Department

Utilities

Opening Date

07/23/2026

Closing Date

7/26/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

FLSA

Non-Exempt

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

Lee County Utilities is looking for an Advanced Water Reclamation Facility Operator in Training to join our team. In this job, you will learn how an advanced water reclamation facility works. You will help treat reclaimed water so it is safe and meets quality standards. You will work with equipment, learn new skills, and prepare for a long-term career in public service.

If you like hands-on work, enjoy learning, and want to be part of a team, this is a great opportunity to start a rewarding career.

Duties and Responsibilities

What You Will Do:

• Learn to operate pumps, filters, tanks, and other treatment equipment
• Help collect and test water samples for bacteria and chemicals
• Monitor plant systems and make adjustments to maintain proper water quality
• Record daily work and test results in logs and reports
• Clean and maintain tools, machines, and buildings
• Follow safety rules when working with water, chemicals, and equipment
• Work as part of a team and communicate clearly
• Perform other related duties as assigned

Education, Experience, Licensing

What We're Looking For:

• High school diploma or GED, or related work experience
• Valid driver's license with a clean driving record
• Willingness to learn and follow instructions
• Ability to work safely around water, chemicals, and machinery

Required Training & Certification (Provided After Hire):

After you are hired, you will be required to complete:

• Florida Wastewater Treatment Course - Volume One (within 6 months)
• Florida Wastewater Treatment Course - Volume Two (within 12 months)
• Minimum score of 50% on State Water Exam (within 18 months)
• "C" Wastewater Operator License (within 2 years)

Preferred Qualifications

• Six (6) months of experience in water treatment, wastewater, utilities, construction, manufacturing, maintenance, plumbing, HVAC, public works, or other hands-on work.
• Basic knowledge of pumps, motors, valves, pipes, or similar equipment.
• Experience using a computer to enter information or keep records.
• Training or coursework in science, industrial technology, or a related field.
• Florida Class "C" Wastewater Treatment Operator License or completion of the Florida Wastewater Treatment Plant Operation Course - Volume I (Book 1).
• Experience following safety rules and written procedures.
• Basic math skills.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Ability to learn how a water treatment plant operates.
• Mechanical aptitude and an interest in working with equipment.
• Ability to read gauges, meters, and written instructions.
• Basic computer skills.
• Ability to complete simple math calculations.
• Attention to detail and commitment to producing safe drinking water.
• Ability to work well with others and communicate clearly.
• Ability to work outdoors in different weather conditions and around equipment and treatment chemicals.

Supplemental Information

Work Schedule:

• Full-time position (40 hours per week)
• Rotating shifts required
• Includes nights, weekends, and holidays
• Facility operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Why Join Us?

In this hands-on role, you'll play a vital part in protecting public health and our local environment. You will gain valuable technical skills, receive paid training, and have the opportunity to grow into a licensed water operator. This is a stable, meaningful career with long-term advancement potential in Lee County's public service sector.

About Lee County Utilities

Lee County Utilities provides safe, reliable, and efficient water and wastewater services to residents and businesses. We are committed to protecting public health, maintaining critical infrastructure, and delivering dependable service to our community.

About Lee County

Lee County is located in beautiful Southwest Florida and is home to over 800,000 residents. We are dedicated to serving our community with high-quality services and a focus on sustainability and innovation. Join us in making Lee County a great place to live, work, and visit. Find out more about Lee County at Lee County Government.

EMERGENCY RESPONSE/RECOVERY ACTIVITIES:

All County employees are required to work before, during, or after an emergency as needed. This may include temporarily being assigned to work and performing duties outside of the normal scope of their position, location and work schedule to fit the needs of the County and its citizens.

DISCLAIMER: The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this classification. All positions are subject to a criminal background check. A conviction in and of itself may not necessarily preclude employment. Some positions may be subject to a pre-employment drug screening. Certain service members and veterans, and the spouses and family members of such service members and veterans, who claim and meet eligibility requirements of veterans preference, receive preference and priority in employment and are encouraged to apply.

Lee County Board of County Commissioners offers a comprehensive, and affordable benefits package. Our Board works in the best interest of employees and strives to provide the most complete, high-quality benefits package available at the lowest possible cost to the employee. Our Board continues to remain steadfast in maintaining one of the lowest levels of employee costs in our area.

Lee Countys benefits package is offered to both regular Full-time positions and Part-time positions that are regularly scheduled to work 60 hours or more bi-weekly. Medical benefits may be offered to On-Call, Temporary, Seasonal, and Intern employees who meet the Affordable Care Act eligibility criteria.

Lee County employees eligible to participate in the Florida Retirement System (FRS) are required to contribute 3% of each paycheck to FRS. If you have retired from the Florida Retirement Pension plan you will not be eligible for renewed membership in either of the FRS retirement plan options. Retirees of the Investment Plan are eligible for renewed membership in the Investment Plan only. FRS reemployment rules apply for both.

Below is a brief breakdown of whats included in the benefits package that is offered to our employees.

For a more detailed look into our benefits package, please click visit our webpage at www.leegov.com/hr/Documents/Employee%20Benefits/2024%20Benefits/FULLTIME%20ACTIVE%20LCBOCC%202024%20Plan%20Year%20OE%20Guide%20FINAL%20AON%202023.09.12.pdf.

To view our employee paid premiums, please visit: https://www.leegov.com/hr/Documents/Employee%20Benefits/2024%20Benefits/2024%20Active%20Employee%20Rates.pdf

Health Benefits:

• Medical Insurance
• Plans include, but are not limited to: routine, preventative, mental health, hospitalization, and prescription drug benefits.
• Vision, Fitness, Weight Management, Natural Products and Services, and Hearing discount programs available.
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Medical Reimbursement Account
• Dependent Care Reimbursement Account
• Pharmacy, including Mail-Order Pharmacy
• Informed Health Lines (Nurse Hotline)
• Basic Life Insurance (1x or 2x Annual Salary at no cost to employee)
• Optional Life Insurance
• Long-Term Disability (60% of pre-disability salary at no cost to employee)
• Short-Term Disability
• Sick Leave Pool
• Flu vaccinations
• Wellness Programs

Financial Benefits:

• Florida Retirement System (FRS)
• Two Retirement Plan Options:

1) FRS Pension Plan (Defined Benefit)

2) FRS Investment Plan (Defined Contribution)

• Deferred Compensation (457) Plans
• Financial Savings/Management Programs
• Eligible for membership with Suncoast Credit Union
• Employee Leave Benefits
• Holiday Pay - 11 Paid Holidays Annually
• Paid Sick Leave
• Paid Vacation Leave
• Bereavement & Civic Duty Leave
• Family and Medical Leave
• Military Family & Medical Leave
• Educational Leave

Employee Assistance Program

Services available to employees that offers guidance, support, resources and information for personal and work-life issues. Confidential and provided at no charge to employees and their dependents.

United Way 2-1-1 (Lee County Employee Resource Program)

Lee County BOCC has partnered with United Way 211 to provide an Employee Resource Program which assists BoCC employees who may be experiencing distress due to economic hardship, health or other factors.

Educational Assistance

Reimbursement for coursework taken at an accredited college or university that is designed to enhance the knowledge, skills and abilities relating to the official duties that the employees perform.

01

The facility is open all day and night, every day of the year. All workers and trainees must work the shifts they are given. Your workdays may change. You may only get part of a weekend off, or days off during the week. Do you understand this schedule, and can you work these hours?

• Yes
• No

02

What is your highest level of education completed? (Be sure to include this experience in the Education section of your application.)

• High school diploma or GED
• Some college coursework
• Associates Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Masters Degree
• PhD

03

Which of the following classes or training have you completed? (Select all that apply) (Be sure to include this experience in your application.)

• Water treatment courses
• Wastewater or utilities training
• Mechanical, electrical, or technical training
• Safety or OSHA-related training
• Other related classes
• None

04

Do you possess a valid drivers license with an acceptable driving record?

• Yes
• No

05

Can you finish Sacramento Courses Volumes 1 and 2 within one year of being hired and pass the exam within two years?

• Yes
• No

06

Operators must do maintenance, yard work, and basic cleaning during their shifts. Can you do these tasks?

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer Lee County Government

Address P.O. Box 398

ATT: Human Resources

Fort Myers, Florida, 33902

Phone (239) 533-2245

Website https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/leecounty