Operator Trainee - Water and Wastewater Treatment

Woodard & Curran is a national engineering, science and operations firm with a simple vision for clean water, a safe environment, healthy communities and happy people. As an employee-owned company, we strive to cultivate teams that encourage collaboration in an inclusive culture. We seek talented individuals from all backgrounds to help us address a broad range of water and environmental issues. We prioritize our people, offering opportunities for professional growth, ownership and flexibility. This commitment enables us to make a meaningful impact on our clients, communities and the planet. 

Everyone needs clean water- for drinking, cooking, cleaning, bathing….. even to flush the toilet!  Providing high quality water to your community allows you to make a significant impact not only on the environment, but in the lives of your neighbors, family, and friends.  The ability to turn on your faucet knowing that clean water will always come out is a luxury that we have come to expect.

Like all things, the way we treat our water changes with the times. Much of the process involves using up-to-date technology that allows you to learn a variety of digital platforms.  This assists us in keeping a treatment facility running efficiently and accurately in order to meet compliance standards that are put in place for producing a safe product. 

The need for clean water will never go away which makes this one of the most recession-proof careers out there. Woodard & Curran provides the chance to grow and develop a life-long career through hands-on learning, assistance and rewards for achieving treatment licenses, additional continuing education in the industry, and opportunities for advancement… all the way from intern to senior level managers!

The successful Operator Trainee candidate regularly participates in the daily operations and maintenance of the City’s Water and Wastewater Treatment Plants and Collection and Distribution Systems as directed by Woodard & Curran’s management. The ideal candidate will work a scheduled day shift and be required to participate in an on-call rotation on weekends, holidays and outside normal shift hours for alarm call outs and possible shift coverage.  

• High School or trade school diploma is required.
• Entry level candidates will be considered, and a valid State of Florida Class "C" Drinking Water and/or a valid State of Florida Class "C" Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators license is preferred.
• Working knowledge of the principles, procedures, methods, equipment, materials, and tools employed in the operation' and maintenance of the Water and Wastewater Treatment, Collection and Distribution systems.
• Knowledge of, or the ability to learn, the hazards and safety precautions involved in water and wastewater treatment work.
• Knowledge of computer applications for water quality sample data and maintenance record keeping.
• Ability to read, interpret, and apply instructions, drawings, and specifications for work assigned.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with superiors, other personnel, and the general public.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds on a regular basis.
• Successful candidates will be required to complete a background check, pre-placement physical and drug screen before employment.

As part of our commitment to a fair and respectful workplace, Woodard & Curran uses a Mutual Dispute Resolution (MDR) to help resolve most employment-related concerns efficiently and consistently.

• MDR applies to both you and the Company
• Most workplace-related disputes are resolved through binding arbitration, rather than court proceedings
• Certain exceptions are outlined in the full agreement

🔗 Review the full agreement here: Mutual Dispute Resolution Agreement

• 401(k) Pre-tax or Roth Contributions: The company matches 100% of the first 3% of salary contributed

• Observed holidays: Choose up to 8 holidays to observe annually
• Vacation: Accrued based on years of experience and calculated on hours worked
• Sick time: Paid sick time for non-work-related illness or injury.
• Parental leave: Up to 80 hours of Paid Parental Leave for child bonding

• Disability: Paid short- and long-term disability
• Health: Medical plan options; plus dental and vision plans.
• Life: Basic employee group life insurance and AD&D benefits; additional voluntary life insurance for employees and families is available through Sun Life.
• Wellbeing: DarioMind assistance program combined with personalized mental health and wellbeing resources.

Woodard & Curran participates in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s E-Verify program to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. As part of this process, we display the required Notice of E-Verify Participation and Right to Work posters. 

🔗 View required Right to Work and E-Verify posters here.

Woodard & Curran is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to non-discrimination and make employment decisions based on job-related factors. Individuals with disabilities and protected veterans are encouraged to apply. If you require a reasonable accommodation during the application process, please contact Beth Sweitzer.

🔗 View our Equal Employment Opportunity Policy
🔗 View the "Workplace Discrimination is Illegal" poster 

We welcome individuals from all backgrounds and believe diverse perspectives strengthen our ability to serve clients and communities.

As an employee-owned company, we are committed to fostering a respectful and inclusive environment where employees can grow, contribute fully, and deliver meaningful impact.

We do not accept unsolicited resumes from recruitment agencies. Submissions without a signed agreement in place will be considered unsolicited and not eligible for referral fees.

To support an efficient hiring process, we may send brief SMS updates or reminders. You may opt out at any time by replying “STOP.”

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We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support aspects of the hiring process (e.g., application review or resume screening). These tools assist our team but do not replace human decision-making. All final hiring decisions are made by people.