Distribution Operator Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $62,292.00 - $102,782.00 Annually
Location : Palm Bay, FL
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 2791
Department: Utilities
Opening Date: 07/06/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: General Employee
MINIMUM TRAINING & EXPERIENCE
May be eligible for sign-on bonus:
Local applicants - up to $2,500
Out of area/Relocating - up to $7,500
Graduation from high school plus a minimum of five (5) years of experience in water distribution system operation and maintenance. An associate degree in water technology or related field is preferred. Two (2) years of supervisory experience working in a foreman, or higher, capacity for a water distribution system required. Must possess a valid Florida Driver's License and have and maintain an acceptable driving record.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENT
Must possess a valid Florida Department Environmental Protection (FDEP) Water Distribution System Operators Class I License. A valid Florida Class A Commercial Driver's License is preferred.
Licenses/Certifications must be kept current while in this classification.
NOTE: Out of State candidates applying for reciprocity of the required license may be considered for this position.
EMERGENCY DECLARATION STATUS
Code 1: Essential Employees may be required to work during an undeclared emergency and/or declared emergency. On an incident-by-incident basis, the employee's Department Head will make the determination as to who will be required to work.
GENERAL STATEMENT OF JOB
Under general supervision, performs supervisory and administrative work overseeing the technical installation, maintenance and repair of the City's water distribution infrastructure and related appurtenances; to include raw water transmission and reclaimed water systems. Work includes considerable independence and discretion while planning, organizing, supervising and reviewing the work of skilled and semi-skilled workers performing assigned tasks and, at times, during emergency circumstances. Typical maintenance work overseen by this position includes, but is not limited to, repairs on potable water mains and service lines, hydrants, valves, meters and heavy equipment related operations. Must be able to plan and coordinate several simultaneous and complex activities in multiple locations performed by subordinate staff. Responsible for establishing and monitoring schedules, purchasing equipment, supplies and material and preparing activity reports. In cases where in-house construction projects are required, employee shall be responsible for establishing construction schedules, procurement of all parts, equipment and/or materials required to complete project to entirety, following all City of Palm Bay specifications and standards. Reports to the Water Distribution Superintendent.
SPECIFIC DUTIES & RESPONSIBLITIES
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Supervises, assigns and directs activities of the City's water distribution system operations.
Develops, establishes and ensures adherence to policies, goals, procedures and standards.
Effectively leads staff by communicating Departmental goals, divesting control and encouraging employee innovation through the implementation of reciprocated practices.
Administers and makes recommendations for routine personnel matters affecting direct subordinates, including recruiting, interviewing, hiring, training, assigning, scheduling, granting leave, performance evaluations and discipline, etc., and submitting such records and reports as required per Department and City policies.
Establishes and monitors adherence to maintenance schedules for Department equipment; oversees performance of maintenance and repair work as scheduled or otherwise necessary.
Researches equipment and supply prices and prepares purchase specifications; purchase supplies and equipment as necessary to maintain adequate inventory for daily maintenance operations.
Prepares and maintains various activity records and reports; submits reports to management as requested or as otherwise deemed appropriate; projects personnel and cost estimates to assist in Department budget proposal preparation.
Reviews trade journals and other appropriate literature to enhance and maintain knowledge of trends and developments in the field of water distribution.
Prepares rough drawings, specifications and calculations for the rehabilitation and replacement of the water systems.
Determines equipment, labor, and material requirements to perform construction projects.
Utilizes computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS), GIS and other related programs to manage workflows and data collection.
Responds to questions and complaints from the public related to division activities and explains City of Palm Bay Utility policies, as necessary.
Consults with staff to resolve technical, operational or personnel problems; troubleshoots complex technical problems, develops alternative solutions and makes recommendations for action.
May be assigned to shift work. May be required to work weekends and holidays. May be required to respond to after hour calls.
ADDITIONAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Performs other related work as required.
This job description is not intended to be and should not be construed as an all-inclusive list of all the responsibilities, skills or working conditions associated with the position. While it is intended to accurately reflect the position activities and requirements, Management reserves the right to modify, add or remove duties and assign other duties as necessary that are a logical assignment to the position.
This position is General Non-Exempt and is covered under Personnel Policies and the Administrative Code.
Health Insurance: Health care plan options include HDHP, OAPIN and OAP through Cigna.
Dental Insurance: Dental coverage is offered in three plans that include DHMO & PPO High/Low plans.
Vision Insurance: Vision coverage includes an annual eye exam, frames and lenses or contact lenses in lieu of eyeglasses.
Life Insurance: The City of Palm Bay provides each employee with life insurance in the amount of one time their annual base salary at no cost. Additional coverage is available at the employee's cost up to the Guaranteed Issue amount of $250,000.
Dependent/Spouse Life Insurance: The City of Palm Bay provides each employee with dependent/spouse life insurance in the amount of $5,000 per dependent at no cost. Additional coverage is available at the employee's cost.
Short Term Disability: Coverage pays 66 2/3% of employee's annual base salary during a short-term disability period not to exceed 26 weeks.
Long Term Disability: Coverage pays 66 2/3% of employee's salary at time of disability after a 180 consecutive day waiting period.
Defined Contribution Retirement Plan: City contributes a base of 3%. Employees may contribute up to 6% and the City will match the employees contribution.
Holidays: 11 holidays and 1 birthday holiday and 1 floating holiday.
Paid Leave: Accrue 96 hours of vacation and sick leave per year. Accrued vacation hours increase after 10 years of service.
01
Do you possess a valid Driver's License and have and maintain an acceptable driving record?

• Yes
• No

02
Which best describes your highest level of completed education?

• Did not complete High School
• High School diploma or GED
• Associate degree or higher in water technology or related field
• Degree in an unrelated field

03
How many years of experience do you have in water distribution system operation and maintenance?

• None
• Less than 5
• 5 to 8 years
• 9 or more years

04
Briefly describe your experience in water distribution system operation and maintenance. If no experience, type "N/A".
05
How many years of supervisory experience do you have as a Foreman or a higher capacity for a water distribution system?

• None
• Less than 2 years
• 2 to 5 years
• 6 or more years

06
Briefly describe your supervisory experience for a water distribution system. If no experience, type "N/A".
07
Do you possess a Florida Department Environmental Protection (FDEP) Water Distribution System Operators Class I License?

• Yes
• No
• Water Distribution System Operator license from another state with the ability to apply for reciprocity.

08
Do you possess a Class "A" Florida Commercial Drivers License (CDL)?

• Yes
• No

Required Question