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Water Distribution Operator Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

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Water Distribution Operator information

See Florida salary details

$9

$19

$30

How much do water distribution operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for water distribution operator in Florida is $19.51, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.43 and $22.64 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Water Distribution Operators?

Water Distribution Operators are professionals responsible for ensuring the safe and efficient delivery of clean drinking water to homes, businesses, and other facilities. They monitor water distribution systems, maintain equipment such as pipes, pumps, and valves, and test water quality to comply with health and safety regulations. These operators also respond to emergencies like leaks or contamination and keep detailed records of system performance. Their work is essential for public health and the reliable operation of municipal water systems.

What is the difference between Water Distribution Operator vs Water Treatment Plant Operator?

AspectWater Distribution OperatorWater Treatment Plant Operator
CertificationsWater Distribution Certification, State LicensingWater Treatment Certification, State Licensing
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, maintaining pipelines, valves, and metersPlant environment, operating treatment equipment
Job FocusDistributing potable water, repairing infrastructureTreating water to meet safety standards
Employer & Industry UsageMunicipal water departments, utility companiesWater treatment facilities, municipal agencies

While both roles involve working with water systems, the Water Distribution Operator primarily manages the distribution network, ensuring safe water delivery, whereas the Water Treatment Plant Operator focuses on treating water to meet health standards. Certifications and work environments differ, but both are essential for maintaining safe and reliable water services.

What are some common challenges faced by Water Distribution Operators, and how can they be managed effectively?

Water Distribution Operators often encounter challenges such as responding to emergency repairs, maintaining water quality standards, and managing aging infrastructure. These situations require quick problem-solving, clear communication with team members, and strict adherence to safety protocols. Staying up-to-date with training and industry regulations can help operators handle these challenges efficiently, while strong teamwork ensures that issues are resolved promptly to maintain uninterrupted water service.

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

To thrive as a Water Distribution Operator, you need a solid understanding of water distribution systems, hydraulics, and basic math, typically supported by a high school diploma and state certification. Familiarity with SCADA systems, water quality testing equipment, and maintenance tools is essential for daily operations. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and strong communication skills help operators quickly identify and resolve issues while coordinating with team members. These skills and qualities are vital to ensure the safe, reliable delivery of potable water and compliance with regulatory standards.
What are popular job titles related to Water Distribution Operator jobs in Florida? For Water Distribution Operator jobs in Florida, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Water Distribution Operator jobs in Florida look for? The top searched job categories for Water Distribution Operator jobs in Florida are:
What cities in Florida are hiring for Water Distribution Operator jobs? Cities in Florida with the most Water Distribution Operator job openings:
Infographic showing various Water Distribution Operator job openings in Florida as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 97% In-person, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,576 per year, or $19.5 per hour.
Utility Worker I/Trainee - Port Richey

Utility Worker I/Trainee - Port Richey

Pasco County, FL

New Port Richey, FL โ€ข On-site

$17 - $23.80/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

Salary: $17.00 - $23.80 Hourly
Location : Port Richey, FL
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 14037-0626
Department: Utilities Water & Wastewater O & M
Division: Water Services
Opening Date: 06/05/2026
Closing Date: 6/18/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Salary Range: $17.00 - $23.80
Pay Grade: N30 (Non-exempt position)
Salary Disclosure: Pay rates are based on education, skill, experience level and internal equity.
General Description
JOIN OUR TEAM AS A UTILITY WORKER I/TRAINEE
Start your career with Pasco County Utilities as a Utility Worker I/Trainee! Employees in this class earn experience performing a variety of manual laboring tasks pertaining to the operation and maintenance of Pasco County Utilities infrastructure. This includes unskilled to limited semiskilled work assisting in the installation, repair, and maintenance of water, wastewater, and reclaimed water system appurtenances.
***Pasco County provides a possible 5 year career path for advancement from a Utility Worker I/trainee to Utility Worker II, Utility Worker III, UT Distribution Operator III, UT Distribution Operator II, and then UT Distribution Operator I when certifications, license, experience, and performance requirements and expectations are met.
Essential Job Functions
  • Operates, maintains, and repairs all phases of potable and reclaimed systems.
  • Maintains water and reclaimed water facilities including custodial services and minor maintenance of plant processing equipment.
  • Assists in installing, repairing, replacing water and reclaimed water distribution lines and restoration of site when job is complete.
  • Performs field maintenance duties including installing, evaluation and repairing cross-connection controls, master meter assemblies, backflow prevention devices, tapping water and reclaimed lines, flushing and repairing fire hydrants , cutting pipes, operating pumps and other related duties.
  • Assists in maintaining retention ponds, treatment plants and other utility assets.
  • Assists in setting up for de-watering construction and maintenance sites and assists in setting up and dismantling shoring/trench box.
  • Provides information and responds as appropriate to public information requests.
  • Frequently requires lifting, moving, pushing, and pulling heavy objects weighing up to 80lbs.
  • Frequently requires bending, climbing, stooping, squatting, and walking.
  • Performs other related duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • Knowledge of methods of repairing water and reclaimed water distribution systems.
  • Knowledge of tools, fittings, and cleaning out lines.
  • Ability to drive a truck.
  • Ability to operate line clearing equipment and pumps.
  • Ability to use a variety of hand and power tools.
  • Ability to get along with other employees and the public.

Minimum Requirements
PHYSICAL SKILLS/WORKING CONDITIONS: Ability to lift and/or move up to 80 pounds and push or pull heavy objects. May use a handling device (dolly, cart, etc.) or work with another team member to lift and/or move excessively heavy objects. Ability to frequently bend, climb, stoop, squat, and walk. Ability to communicate effectively using verbal, written and visual communication. Ability to work outside, occasionally under adverse conditions. Ability to perform strenuous physical labor for extended periods of time. Work location and shift may vary for this position.
EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE: Graduation from High School or an acceptable equivalency diploma.
LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS OR REGISTRATIONS: Must possess a valid Florida driver's license.
ADA STATEMENT: A qualified employee or applicant with a disability may be afforded a reasonable accommodation to perform the essential job functions of a position in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE: Pasco County BOCC is a drug-free workplace in accordance with Federal and Florida law.
EMERGENCY RESPONSE/RECOVERY ACTIVITIES: All employees will be required to work before, during, or after an emergency. During an emergency, employees may temporarily be assigned to work and perform duties outside the normal scope of their position, location and work schedule to fit the needs of the County and its citizens.
VETERANS' PREFERENCE: Under Section 295.07, F.S., Chapter SSA-7, Pasco County BCC provides to Veterans, that preference in appointment will be given to preference-eligible applicants.
PASCO COUNTY WAS VOTED ONE OF THE NATION'S TOP WORKPLACES FOR 2021
Benefits include:
  • Florida Retirement System (FRS) retirement plan
  • PTO (Paid Time Off)
  • Paid holidays
  • Group insurance
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Deferred compensation
  • Medical leave pool
  • Annual medical leave buy-back
  • Mid-management/Professional grade, and management personnel may receive 40 hours of admin leave per calendar year.

Effective July 1, 2011, FRS members must contribute 3% of their salary as retirement contributions, on a pre-tax basis (the salary is reduced by the amount of the employee contribution before determining the federal income tax deduction). The employer will automatically deduct the employee contributions.
01
I am aware that the following supplemental questions will determine my eligibility for this position.
  • Acknowledge
  • Decline

02
Are you a current Pasco County BOCC employee?
  • Yes
  • No

03
Which best describes your highest level of COMPLETED education?
  • GED
  • High School
  • Associate degree
  • Bachelor's Degree
  • Master's Degree
  • Doctorate
  • None of the above

04
Which best describes the years of experience you have as required for this position?
  • Ten or more years of experience
  • Nine years but less than ten
  • Eight years but less than nine
  • Seven years but less than eight
  • Six years but less than seven
  • Five years but less than six
  • Four years but less than five
  • Three years but less than four
  • Two years but less than three
  • One year but less than two
  • Less than one year of experience

05
Do you possess a valid Florida driver's license or have the ability to obtain the license within 30 days from date of hire?
  • Yes
  • No

06
I hereby acknowledge that Pasco County BOCC is a drug-free workplace in accordance with Federal and Florida law, and consent to pre-employment drug/alcohol testing, and agree to abide by the program and policy if employed by Pasco County BOCC.
  • Acknowledged
  • Declined

07
Are you legally authorized to work in the United States? Note: If hired, a Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, must be completed at the start of employment.
  • Yes
  • No

08
Are you a veteran who served as a member of the armed forces of the United States during a period of war, defined in Title 38, U.S.C., and who was separated from such service under honorable conditions, or the surviving spouse of any such veteran? (SUPPORTING DOCUMENTION IS REQUIRED AT THE TIME OF SUBMISSION OF APPLICATION OR NEXT BUSINESS DAY).
  • Yes
  • No

09
Have you recently retired from the Florida Retirement System (FRS) Pension Plan or Investment Plan within the last 6 months?
  • Yes
  • No

10
Please specifically explain how your prior work experience and education match the qualifications for this position. (1000 characters or less)
11
How did you hear about this position?
  • Billboard
  • Facebook
  • Friend/Family Referral
  • Indeed
  • Instagram
  • Job Fair
  • LinkedIn
  • Magazine publication
  • Nextdoor
  • Pasco County employee
  • Pasco County Facebook Page
  • Pasco County website/Governmentjobs.com
  • Pasco County Traffic Sign
  • Utility bill insert
  • X/Twitter
  • YouTube
  • Other

12
If a Pasco County employee referred you, please provide the name of the employee. If none, write N/A.
Required Question