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Water Operations Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Water Operations Manager

Sanford, FL ยท On-site

$78K - $102K/yr

Approves any major operational process or control changes. Prepares and maintains the annual budget and monthly expenditures for the water section. Assures accurate records and files for operations ...

Superintendent Water Management

Miami, FL ยท On-site

$95 - $120/hr

Pinto Valley has been in operation since 1972 and has produced more than four billion pounds of ... Water System Ownership: Own overall performance, availability, and reliability of all site water ...

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Water Operations information

See Florida salary details

$8

$14

$22

How much do water operations jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for water operations in Florida is $14.81, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.49 and $16.68 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is water operations?

Water Operations refer to the processes and activities involved in managing the supply, treatment, and distribution of water for public and industrial use. This includes monitoring water quality, maintaining infrastructure like pipes and pumps, ensuring regulatory compliance, and responding to emergencies such as leaks or contamination. Professionals in water operations work to ensure that safe and adequate water is delivered to communities while protecting public health and the environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in water operations?

To thrive in Water Operations, you need a solid understanding of water treatment processes, distribution systems, and relevant regulations, often supported by a high school diploma or associate degree and state certification. Familiarity with SCADA systems, water quality testing equipment, and maintenance tools is typically required. Strong problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help operators respond quickly to issues and work collaboratively. These skills are critical for ensuring safe, compliant, and efficient water supply and infrastructure management.

What are the typical daily challenges faced by professionals in water operations, and how can new team members best prepare for them?

Professionals in Water Operations often encounter challenges such as maintaining water quality standards, responding quickly to equipment malfunctions, and adapting to changing weather or environmental conditions. New team members can best prepare by gaining a strong understanding of regulatory requirements, familiarizing themselves with monitoring and control systems, and developing good communication skills for effective teamwork. Staying proactive with preventive maintenance and being adaptable to shift work or emergency response situations are also key to succeeding in this role.

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

AspectWater OperationsWater Treatment Plant Operator
CertificationsOften requires state-specific water operator licensesTypically requires a water treatment operator license
Work EnvironmentIncludes water distribution systems, treatment facilities, and fieldworkPrimarily focuses on operating and maintaining water treatment equipment
Employer & Industry UsageMunicipal water departments, utilities, and industrial facilitiesMunicipal water treatment plants, water utilities
Job FocusOverseeing water distribution, quality, and system maintenanceManaging water treatment processes and ensuring water quality standards

Water Operations and Water Treatment Plant Operator roles share overlapping skills and certifications, but Water Operations covers a broader scope including water distribution and system management, while Water Treatment Plant Operators focus specifically on treatment processes. Both roles are essential in maintaining safe and reliable water services in municipal and industrial settings.

How much do water operations make in the US?

Water operations professionals, including roles such as water treatment plant operators and distribution system operators, typically earn a median annual salary of around $50,000 to $70,000 in the US. Salaries vary based on experience, certifications, location, and the complexity of the systems managed.

Is being a water operations professional worth it?

Water operations professionals manage the infrastructure and systems that supply clean water and treat wastewater, often working in field and plant environments. The role offers stable employment with opportunities for advancement and requires technical skills, certifications, and adherence to safety standards. It can be a rewarding career for those interested in public health and environmental management.

What are the most commonly searched types of Water Operations jobs in Florida?

The most popular types of Water Operations jobs in Florida are:

What cities in Florida are hiring for Water Operations jobs?

Cities in Florida with the most Water Operations job openings:

Infographic showing various Water Operations job openings in Florida as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $30,805 per year, or $14.8 per hour.

Water Operations Manager

Seminole County, FL

Sanford, FL โ€ข On-site

$78K - $102K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Salary : $78,705.56 - $102,317.23 Annually
Location : Southeast Regional Water Treatment Facility, 3304 Dike Road, Winter Park, FL
Job Type: Full Time Employment
Job Number: 2026-03889/7897
Department: UTILITIES DEPT
Opening Date: 08/19/2026
Closing Date: 8/26/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Description
Oversees operation, regulatory requirements, maintenance, routine purchasing and budget issues for Seminole County's Water Treatment Plants and consecutive systems.
**Salary will be determined depending on qualifications of candidates who exceed the minimum requirements as outlined within the job description.
**Additional compensation based on licensure.
Essential Functions
Note: These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position.
Supervises the Chief Water Plant Operators and Plant Maintenance Electricians responsible for operating and maintaining the County's water treatment facilities and consecutive systems. Approves any major operational process or control changes.
Prepares and maintains the annual budget and monthly expenditures for the water section.
Assures accurate records and files for operations and maintenance on all facilities are kept and up to date. Submits required reports to the proper agencies and to supervisors as required.
Provides guidance to the Chief Water Operators in developing inventory control programs for operating and maintenance supplies used in the water treatment facilities.
Provides technical guidance and monitors activities of field personnel. Supervises troubleshooting operations.
Reviews engineering plans and specifications for system improvements. Participates in the selection of consultants and contractors. Develops project scope of services for bidding purposes.
Assures emergency action will be available on a 24-hour basis to provide service for the safety and welfare of the public.
Provides appropriate training and instruction to subordinate personnel in the proper operation and maintenance of water treatment facilities.
Additional Duties:
Performs other duties as assigned or as may be necessary.
In the event of an emergency, all employees are considered essential personnel and may be required to perform alternate duties.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelors Degree in Environmental Sciences, Engineering, Business Administration or a related field is preferred, but not required, and five years of responsible experience in water operations.
A comparable amount of education, training, or experience may be substituted for the minimum qualifications.
Additional Requirements
Extensive knowledge of the operation and maintenance of Water Treatment Plants.
Knowledge of rules and regulations as required by Florida Department of Environmental Protection, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, St. Johns River Water Management District and the Florida Department of Health.
Knowledge of hydraulics, environmental engineering and chemistry.
Ability to effectively plan, organize and supervise assigned personnel.
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Ability to work in a dynamic environment that requires the incumbent to be sensitive to change and responsive to changing goals, priorities, and needs.
Must possess a Florida's Class "B" Drinking Water Treatment Plant Operator License at time of hire. Must be familiar with the use of SCADA control systems.
Extensive knowledge in the treatment of drinking water and maintaining compliance with federal, state, and local entities pertaining to water systems.
Skilled in the application of drinking water treatment methods and techniques.
Ability to use or repair small, medium, and heavy equipment or machinery.
Ability to supervise employees using or repairing heavy or complex machinery.
Ability to establish policies for using, acquiring, and/or maintaining heavy or complex machinery.
Ability to use a computer for data entry, word processing, and/or accounting purposes.
Ability to use highly technical computer applications.
Required to possess and maintain a valid Florida Drivers License.
All employees must attend Seminole County Required Trainings.
Department Specific trainings per position may be required.
Ability to effectively plan, organize and supervise assigned personnel. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Ability to work in a dynamic environment that requires the incumbent to be sensitive to change and responsive to changing goals, priorities, and needs.
Must possess Florida's Class "A" Water certification at time of hire. Must be familiar with the use of SCADA control systems.
Extensive knowledge in the treatment of water and maintaining compliance with federal, state, and local entities pertaining to water systems. Skilled in the application of water treatment methods and techniques.
Ability to use or repair small, medium, and heavy equipment or machinery.
Ability to supervise employees using or repairing heavy or complex machinery.
Ability to establish policies for using, acquiring, and/or maintaining heavy or complex machinery.
Ability to use a computer for data entry, word processing, and/or accounting purposes. Ability to use highly technical computer applications.
May be required to maintain a valid Florida Drivers License.
County-paid benefits for employees
Competitive Wages: Our compensation system includes competitive hiring salaries.
Paid Time Off: New full-time employees accrue 20 days per year of Paid Time Off (16 days for 24-hour shift personnel). New part-time employees accrue 83 hours per year of Paid Time Off. Accrual rates increase with service time.
Paid Holidays: We observe 12 paid holidays which includes an employee birthday holiday and a floating Work/Life Day.
Bereavement Leave: Employees may receive up to one week paid leave per fiscal year for absence due to the death of an immediate family member.
Florida Retirement System: All employees in regularly established positions are automatically covered from the first day of employment. Seminole County makes contribution on behalf of the employee and the employee is also required to make a 3% contribution.
Employees Assistance Program: Our EAP provider can help employees and their families with issues such as personal/family matters, financial debt counseling, substance abuse, etc.
Training and Development Program: The Employee Learning Center provides training opportunities for employees which promote performance, enhance employees' work life experiences, and support the organization.
Employee Awards and Recognition: A program to reward outstanding performance and enhance service to the citizens of Seminole County.
Wellness Center: Includes exercise equipment, resource library, and educational programs.
Health Insurance:Health Insurance is effective the first of the month after completing 30 calendar days of employment. Seminole County offers a Point of Service (POS) plan. Dependent coverage is also available, the cost is split between the employee and employer. This benefit is not extended to part-time employees.
Life Insurance: Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance for employees, equal to one times annual salary. Not extended to part-time employees.
Long-Term Disability: Provides 60% of salary after 6 months of disability. Not extended to part-time employees.
Optional benefits (employee-paid) for full-time employees:
Deferred Compensation Plan (457): Employees may choose to have pre-tax payroll deductions made for deposit into this savings plan up to an IRS-established maximum.
Dental Insurance: A choice of 3 plans is available for employees and dependents at employee expense.
Additional Life Insurance: At employee expense, additional life insurance up to five times annual salary; dependent coverage also available.
Short-Term Disability Insurance: 60% of salary for the first six months of disability at employee expense.
Cancer and Specified Disease: Pays a benefit directly to the employee if being treated for this disease.
Flexible Spending Account: Apre-tax account for childcare and un-reimbursed medical expenses.
Pre-Tax Payroll Deductions: Under Section 125 of the IRS Code, certain payroll deductions for insurance coverage may be taken out prior to income being taxed.
01
Do you have operational experience with Ozone Treatment for drinking water facilities?
  • Yes
  • No

02
If yes, please provide information on your experience.
03
Do you have supervisory experience over Drinking Water Treatment Plant Operators?
  • Yes
  • No

04
If yes, please provide information on your experience.
05
What other advanced water treatment processes are you familiar with beyond hypochlorination?
06
Please outline what facilities and subsequent consecutive systems you have been responsible for.
07
What experience do you have with Computer Based Maintenance Management Systems (Maximo, JD Edwards, MaintainX, Zendesk)?
08
Are you familiar with the Federal, State and Local regulatory requirements for Drinking Water Treatment Facilities and Distribution Systems in the State of Florida in reference to operating, maintaining and sampling requirements?
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question