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Water Operations Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Staff Water Operations Specialist

Orlando, FL · On-site

$48K - $64K/yr

At least 10 years' experience in: * wastewater operations or commissioning of wastewater plants * water treament operations and/or commissioning of water treatment plants. * Plant startup and ...

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Water / Wastewater operator

Tampa, FL · On-site

$49K - $70K/yr

RESPONSIBLITIES INCLUDE: · Perform daily inspections and operational checks of water and/or wastewater facilities, including sampling and maintaining compliance with state and local regulations.

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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 Jul 15, 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 are 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, and why are they important?

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 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.

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 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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $30,805 per year, or $14.8 per hour.
Water Operations Specialist 4

Water Operations Specialist 4

Pinellas County Government

Largo, FL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

This job post has expired 2 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Pinellas County rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 19 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

320th of 693 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Do you enjoy working in water, wastewater, and reclaimed water utilities systems?  We have the ideal opportunity for you!!!

Work maintaining a complex network of supervisors and technical water, wastewater, and reclaimed water utilities system.  This is advanced administrative, technical, and supervisory work supporting a network of utilities system lines, pumping stations, metering facilities and automated controls. Employees in this class plan, supervise, and provide technical assistance to operations and maintenance personnel. Direction is given to subordinates diagnosing and planning repair and installation work. Employees participate in reviews of new or modified operations and exercise independent judgment within established technical standards. The position reports to a division supervisor, unit supervisor or designee.

This Utilities Operations Specialist 4 (Water Operations Specialist 4) position is located at: 6730 142nd Avenue North, Largo, FL or 3900 Dunn Drive, Palm Harbor, FL

Work Schedule:  Monday - Friday; 7:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

What Will You Do

  • Assign and direct work of maintenance crews in the replacement, repair or upgrade of water, wastewater,
  • and reclaimed water systems.
  • Supervise correct measures for emergency and construction equipment.
  • Responsible for inventory of asset equipment, employee time records, scheduling of work to include early
  • parts pick up, performing discipline and writing performance reviews.
  • Make inspection of work site in advance of work performed.
  • Analyze data relating to sanitary sewer interruptions and overflows, pressurized water, sewer and reclaimed main breaks, installation, relocation and replacement.
  • Coordinate field logistics related to labor, equipment and material allocation.
  • Interpret "as built" Engineering schematics or material specification drawings that need to be deciphered prior to installation or procurement.
  • Estimate project costs through job site assessments and presenting a sound business case of your findings.
  • Select and train new personnel, prepares work schedules, conducts performance evaluations,
  • coordinate overtime and maintains employee time records.
  • Complete work-related reports and/or maintain operation and maintenance logs.
  • Perform related work as assigned or required.

What Do You Need

  • 4 years of skilled utilities field or bench work experience that includes supervisory or lead worker experience.

  • An equivalent combination of education, training, and/or experience.
  • Must possess and maintain a State of Florida Class A Commercial Driver's License.
  • Must possess and maintain a State of Florida Department of Environmental Protection Class 3 Distribution System Operators License (DEP).
  • Must possess and maintain a Temporary Traffic Control Certification or position may be demoted.
  • Assignment to work a variety of work schedules including compulsory work periods in special, emergency, and/or disaster situations.

Highly Desirable

  • Knowledge of services offered by the County and other local community services agencies.
  • Fluent in any languages other than English, particularly Spanish.
  • Ability to work a flexible work schedule when needed.

Why Choose Pinellas County?

When you join Pinellas County, you're not just taking on a job-you're investing in your future. We believe in supporting our employees with exceptional benefits that help you thrive both professionally and personally. Here's why our benefits stand out as some of the best in the area:

  • Comprehensive Benefits Package: Enjoy affordable medical, dental, vision, life insurance, flexible spending accounts, and more that meet the needs of you and your family.
  • Florida Retirement System (FRS): Secure your financial future with a robust retirement plan that gives you peace of mind as you plan for tomorrow.
  • Generous leave time: Take advantage of time off to recharge and enjoy life outside of work.
  • Wellness Program: Access to county gyms 24/7 and wellness programs as part of our commitment to employee wellness.
  • Deferred compensation: Build your savings and plan for the future with flexible deferred compensation options tailored to your financial goals.
  • To learn more, see What We Offer

Want to learn more?

Review the full classification description with the Physical/Mental Demands and Working Conditions at the below link.

Utilities Maintenance Specialist 4

Employment Type: Full time

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