ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Distribution System Operator Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

HireLogic Search Group

FL · On-site

A valid Florida Driver's License and a Florida Water Distribution System Operator License (minimum Level III) are required. Licensure as a Professional Engineer (P.E.) in the State of Florida is ...

Port Orange, City of (FL)

Plant Mechanic

Port Orange, FL · On-site

$19.16 - $21.92/hr

Water Distribution System Operator License Level 3 or Wastewater Collection System Operator Certification Level C preferred. Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities Knowledge of the functions and servicing ...

City of Tampa

Certified Water Technician

Tampa, FL

... Distribution System Operator License within (6) months of employment. Possession of or ability to obtain a Backflow Tester certification within (6) months of employment. Examination Evaluation of ...

City of Tampa Florida

Certified Water Technician

Tampa, FL · On-site

$31.12 - $44.24/hr

Possession of or ability to obtain a Level II Water Distribution System Operator License within (6) months of employment. Possession of or ability to obtain a Backflow Tester certification within (6) ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsDistribution System Operator JobsDistribution System Operator Jobs in Florida

Distribution System Operator information

See Florida salary details

$9

$21

$38

How much do distribution system operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for distribution system operator in Florida is $21.96, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.15 and $24.42 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Distribution System Operator?

A Distribution System Operator (DSO) is responsible for managing and controlling the distribution of electricity from the transmission system to end users, such as homes and businesses. DSOs ensure the safe, reliable, and efficient delivery of electricity, monitor real-time grid operations, and respond to outages or emergencies. They also coordinate with power generators, transmission system operators, and other stakeholders to maintain grid stability and integrate renewable energy sources. The role may involve using specialized software, remote monitoring tools, and field operations. DSOs play a crucial part in modernizing the electrical grid and supporting energy transition initiatives.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Distribution System Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Distribution System Operator, you need a solid understanding of electrical systems, grid operations, and compliance standards, typically supported by a technical diploma or associate degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with SCADA systems, outage management software, and NERC certifications is often required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are essential soft skills in this role. These competencies are crucial for ensuring reliable power delivery, quick response to disruptions, and maintaining safety and regulatory compliance within the energy grid.

What is the difference between Distribution System Operator vs Substation Technician?

AspectDistribution System OperatorSubstation Technician
Required credentialsRelevant certifications (e.g., CDL, safety training)Electrical certifications, safety training
Work environmentFieldwork on power lines, substations, and distribution networksSubstation equipment maintenance and repair
Employer & industry usageUtility companies, power distribution firmsUtility companies, electrical service providers
Common search & comparison intentRoles involved in power distribution managementTechnical maintenance of substations

The Distribution System Operator oversees the operation and maintenance of power distribution networks, ensuring reliable electricity delivery. Substation Technicians focus on maintaining and repairing substation equipment. While both roles work within the electrical utility industry and require safety and electrical certifications, the Distribution System Operator has a broader responsibility for system management, whereas the Substation Technician specializes in substation equipment.

What Is a Distribution System Operator?

A distribution system operator, or DSO, coordinates the distribution system for a product or good. An electric distribution system operator distributes energy resources, but system distribution operators also work in fields related to water, utilities, and fuel. You monitor system operations, maintain the distribution system, and document any issues or problems. You ensure the electric grid works through various problems and weather conditions. If you work in gas distribution, you oversee the transport of natural gas through pipeline networks and to customers. Your responsibilities and duties include troubleshooting and repairing the distribution system and creating recovery and emergency contingency plans.

What are some typical challenges a Distribution System Operator faces during emergency situations?

Distribution System Operators often encounter high-pressure scenarios during emergencies, such as severe weather events or equipment failures, where quick decision-making and effective communication are crucial. Balancing the restoration of power while ensuring the safety of field crews and the public can be challenging. Operators must coordinate closely with various teams, prioritize tasks, and adapt to rapidly changing system conditions to minimize downtime and maintain grid stability. Regular training and scenario planning help prepare for these demanding situations.
More about Distribution System Operator jobs
What are popular job titles related to Distribution System Operator jobs in Florida? For Distribution System Operator jobs in Florida, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Distribution System Operator jobs in Florida look for? The top searched job categories for Distribution System Operator jobs in Florida are:
What cities in Florida are hiring for Distribution System Operator jobs? Cities in Florida with the most Distribution System Operator job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Distribution System Operator jobs in FL? For Distribution System Operator jobs in FL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Distribution System Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Distribution System Operator job openings in Florida as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $45,675 per year, or $22 per hour.
Equipment Operator - Water Distribution/Sewer

Equipment Operator - Water Distribution/Sewer

City of Fort Myers, FL

Fort Myers, FL • On-site

$1.6K - $2.5K/wk

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

Salary : $1,699.20 - $2,570.40 Biweekly
Location : 4200 Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Fort Myers, FL
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 26-1422
Department: Water Distribution - Maintenance
Opening Date: 01/12/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Description
The City of Fort Myers strives to be an employer of choice and most of our employees turn jobs into long term careers. The salary shown in the job description is the full range for this position from entry to later career.
NEW EMPLOYEES ARE HIRED AT, OR NEAR THE ENTRY POINT SHOWN, DEPENDING ON QUALIFICATIONS AND RELEVANT EXPERIENCE.
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Safety Sensitive: YES Level II Screening: NO
Under the general direction of the designated supervisor, the incumbent performs semi-skilled work in the operation of equipment and devices used in the maintenance of City streets including, but not limited to the repair of pavement, sinkholes and potholes, rights-of-ways, canals, roadways, solid waste disposal, sewer, stormwater repair & maintenance, parks and recreational facilities, and construction projects. This job has no supervisory responsibilities.
Responsibilities and Reporting During an Emergency Situation:
Essential Employees may be required to work during a declared emergency. Depending on the nature of the emergency, this may require working around the clock for several days on short notice.
Non-Essential Employees will not be required to work during a declared emergency. The employee's Department Head will determine when the employee will be required to work.
Duties/Responsibilities
When Assigned to Water or Sewer, or Stormwater Distribution:
  • Operates a vacuum / jetter truck, Valve Machine, Skidsteer, slope mower, flat deck/bush hog mower, excavator, and other essential equipment to accomplish the task.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
  • Knowledgeable in various types of semi-skilled manual work performed in maintenance and repair of municipal storm water systems, irrigation, roadways, and/or related structures.
  • Knowledgeable in various types of manual, gas, or diesel powered equipment employed in maintenance and repair of municipal storm water systems, irrigation, roadways, and/or related structures.
  • Knowledgeable in occupational safety rules, practices and personal protective equipment associated with performing duties using heavy equipment, in traffic and in adverse weather conditions.
  • Knowledgeable in the City and State rules, regulations, and protocols.
  • Skilled in the safe use and operation of various maintenance and repair tools and light gas or diesel powered equipment
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
  • Ability to adapt to performing under frequent deadlines and/or in response to emergencies.
  • Ability to operate necessary equipment.
  • Ability to follow both oral and written directions.
  • Ability to recognize and address common safety issues in the field
  • Ability to detect improper functioning mechanical systems
  • Ability to effectively use devices such as a computer or tablet.

Minimum Requirements
  • High School diploma or GED.
  • One (1) year experience in the operation of equipment including, but not limited to regular boom grad-all, asphalt patch truck, small backhoe, Scatback, Flusher, sewer cleaning truck, dump truck, vacuum / jetter truck, dump truck with tandem trailer attached, flatbed, front loader, grader, or similar equipment.
  • Mandatory Department of Transportation (D.O.T.) Drug/Alcohol Testing required.
  • Must possess or obtain within 12 months of hire a valid Florida Class "A" Commercial Driver's License with tanker endorsement with an acceptable driving record.
  • Must have or obtain within 12 months of appointment Intermediate MOT certification
When Assigned to Water Distribution:
  • Must hold a State of Florida Level three (3) or higher Water Distribution System Operator License at the time of hire or be able to obtain within eighteen (18) months from date of hire.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions
This work typically requires the following physical activities to be performed.
  • Balancing - maintain equilibrium to prevent falling while walking, standing, or crouching.
  • Climbing - ascending, descending ladders, stairs, ramps, requires body agility.
  • Crawling - moving about on hands, knees, or hands, feet.
  • Crouching - bending body forward by bending leg, spine.
  • Feeling - perceiving attributes of objects by touch with skin, fingertips.
  • Fingering - picking, pinching, typing, working with fingers rather than hand.
  • Grasping - applying pressure to object with fingers, palm.
  • Handling - picking, holding, or working with whole hand.
  • Hearing 1 - perceiving sounds at normal speaking levels, receive information.
  • Hearing 2 - receive detailed information, make discrimination in sound.
  • Kneeling - bending legs at knee to come to rest at knees.
  • Lifting - raising objects from lower to higher position, moving objects side to side, using upper extremities, back.
  • Pushing - use upper extremities to press against objects with force, or thrust forward, downward, outward.
  • Reaching - extending hands or arms in any direction.
  • Repetitive Motion - substantial movements of wrists, hands, fingers.
  • Speaking - expressing ideas with spoken word, convey detailed, important instructions accurately, concisely.
  • Standing - for sustained periods of time.
  • Stooping - bending body downward, forward at waist, with full motion of lower extremities and back.
  • Talking 1- expressing ideas by spoken word
  • Talking 2 - shouting to be heard above ambient noise.
  • Visual Acuity 2 - color, depth perception, field of vision.
  • Visual Acuity 3 - determine accuracy, neatness, observe facilities/structures.
  • Visual Acuity 4 - operate motor vehicles/heavy equipment.
  • Visual Acuity 5 -close acuity for inspection of small defects, machines, use measurement devices, or fabricate parts.
  • Walking - on foot to accomplish tasks, long distances, or site to site.
  • Mental Acuity - ability to make rational decisions through sound logic, deductive reasoning.
  • Pulling - use upper extremities to exert force, haul or tug.

Work performed is primarily:
  • Very heavy work: Exerting in excess of 100 pounds of force occasionally and/or in excess of 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or in excess of 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
  • Tasks are performed outside, subject to weather conditions and uneven terrain, and risk of exposure to toxic agents/chemicals, pathogens, and smoke.
  • Must have the ability to work after hours, including nights, weekends, holidays and during emergencies.
  • May be required to work hours other than the regular schedule including on call hours

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions described herein. Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties just as though they were actually written out in this job description.
Full-time regular City employee benefits:
  • Health Insurance ()
    • City paid employee coverage. HMO or PPO plans are available. Dependents can be added, Employee pays 30% of premium. Premium deductions are taken pre-tax.
  • Basic Life Insurance ()
    • City paid. The benefit is equal to 1x the annual base pay, rounded to the nearest $1000.00.
  • Optional Vision Insurance ()
    • Employee-paid insurance is available at group rates, and family plans are available to employees. Premium deductions are taken pre-tax.
  • Optional Dental Insurance ()
    • Employee-paid insurance is available at group rates, and family plans are available to employees. Premium deductions are taken pre-tax.
  • Supplemental Insurance
    • Employees may purchase various types of supplemental insurance (life, AFLAC) at group rates through payroll deduction.
  • Pension Plan (General) Administered by
  • Pension Plan (Police and Fire) administered by
  • 401(a) ()
    • Certain management positions can opt out of the General Pension into a 401(a).
  • Roth IRA ()
    • Offered through payroll deduction.
  • Disability ()
    • Employee paid short & long-term disability insurance.
  • Leave Time (Sick, Vacation)
  • Paid Holidays
    • City recognizes 13 holidays which include: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veteran's Day, Thanksgiving Day, Friday after Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, Birthday Holiday and Floating Holiday.**Birthday and Float after 1-year of service.
  • Deferred Compensation Programs () OR ()
    • Tax-deferred savings plan available for retirement purposes. Employee-only contributions.
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
    • Employees can elect to use pre-tax dollars to cover un-reimbursed medical or dependent daycare expenses.
  • Payroll Direct Deposit
    • Available to any banking institution or credit union. Suncoast Federal Schools Credit Union membership is available to City employees.
  • Employee Assistance Program ()
    • City-paid availability to licensed professional counselors for non-work related personal issues with 100% confidentiality.

Please note: Benefits do not apply to On-Call, Temporary, or Seasonal positions. Insurance Benefits only apply to regular Full-time positions.
01
Do you currently possess a minimum of a High School diploma or GED or higher?
  • Yes
  • No

02
Do you currently possess a minimum of one (1) year of experience in the operation of equipment including, but not limited to regular boom grad-all, asphalt patch truck, small backhoe, Scatback, Flusher, sewer cleaning truck, dump truck, vacuum/jetter truck, dump truck with tandem trailer attached, flatbed, front loader, grader, or similar equipment?
  • Yes
  • No

03
If the answer is Yes to question #2, please explain. If you answered "No" please enter "n/a".
04
I understand that this position requires Department of Transportation (D.O.T.) Mandatory Drug/Alcohol Testing.
  • Yes
  • No

05
Do you currently possess a State of Florida Level three (3) or higher Water Distribution System Operator License OR have the ability to obtain within eighteen (18) months from date of hire?
  • Yes
  • No

06
Do you currently possess a Maintenance of Traffic (MOT) Certification approved by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) or ability to obtain within twelve (12) months from date of hire?
  • Yes
  • No

07
This position requires you to currently possess a valid Florida Class "A" Commercial Driver's License with tanker and air brake endorsement with an acceptable driving record OR have the ability to obtain within twelve (12) months from date of hire. What is your status:
  • I currently possess a valid Florida Class "A" Commercial Driver's License with tanker and air brake endorsement with an acceptable driving record
  • I currently possess a valid Florida driver's license and I am willing and able to obtain a valid Florida Class "A" Commercial Driver's License with tanker and air brake endorsement with an acceptable driving record within twelve (12) months from date of hire.
  • None of the above

Required Question

Apply