Watering Plants Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $78,840.79 - $118,261.19 Annually
Location : Public Works/Utility Department, FL
Job Type: FULL TIME
Job Number: 26-00043
Department: Public Works/Utility
Opening Date: 08/14/2026
Closing Date: 8/28/2026 5:30 PM Eastern
Description
PUBLIC WORKS/UTILITY DEPARTMENT: PLANTS
Under general direction, the purpose of the position is to oversee supervisory staff engaged in the operations and maintenance of the potable water and water reclamation facilities in the City's Utilities Department. This is a highly responsible, supervisory, technical position, assisting the Plants Manager in supervising the operation, maintenance, safety and regulatory compliance programs for the City-owned water, wastewater and reuse utility systems. Employees in this classification function in a lower management capacity, and are responsible for the operational and maintenance duties of Plants Division Personnel. Objective is to plan, organize, direct, and supervise the staff, functions and programs of the Plants' Division.
Examples of Duties
Coordinates the daily operation and maintenance of the water, wastewater and reuse systems; implements operational and administrative policies and keeps staff informed on matters that pertain to their operations.
Confers with the Plants Manager to resolve operational, maintenance, and personnel issues.
Coordinates with Lead Plant Operators regarding equipment and plant repairs, preventative maintenance, and projects to eliminate, reduce or prevent operational issues.
Trains, supervises and evaluates supervisory personnel and Plants division staff; assists in management of operations and production of water/wastewater; ensures compliance with production, quality and treatment standards; manages and oversees maintenance and repair work.
Coordinates and assists with plant construction, upgrades, and improvement projects.
Administrative duties include responsibility for proper preparation and submittal of letters, memos, reports, work orders, purchase orders, material and services purchasing, etc. Provides technical information to intra/inter City Departments, public records requests, media, and regulatory agencies.
Conduct investigations of all utility related customer inquiries and complaints and initiates corrective action as appropriate. Confers with utility customers, other utility system divisions or City departments, officials and the public, investigating and resolving maintenance and performance issues and performs necessary follow-up action.
Conducts routine and periodic inspections of facilities and equipment; inspects maintenance, repair and operational activities to ensure maximum operating potential; maintains chemical inventories and coordinates the division's bio-solids disposal activities.
Makes recommendations for major repair and new equipment and machinery; assigns, schedules, and coordinates plant and equipment repairs.
Maintains up to date procedural manuals, maintenance manuals, equipment and system drawings, performance files, service charts and equipment inventory.
Evaluates highly complex maintenance and repair duties of water and wastewater equipment and facilities, including pumps, storage tanks, aerators, precipitators, filters, motors, pulleys, drive belts, solids and chemicals handling.
Reviews and interprets regulations pertaining to production of water/wastewater; prepares and reviews regulatory reports.
Reviews and evaluates laboratory data, sample collections, and related procedures.
Makes recommendations regarding hiring, discipline and promotion of subordinates, authorizes leaves of absence and overtime, and reviews employee's performance; evaluates and prepares employee performance appraisals.
Assists Plants Manager in development of annual budget for operational and maintenance needs and monitors the budget over the fiscal year.
Provides support for the Fats, Oil and Grease (FOG) and Industrial Pretreatment programs.
ADDITIONAL POSITION FUNCTIONS
Performs related duties as directed when such duties are a logical and appropriate assignment to the position.
Performs Emergency Response duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Associate's Degree in mechanics, machinery maintenance and repair or closely related field, supplemented by a minimum of six (6) years' progressively responsible experience in a supervisory position in a utility related field. A minimum of three (3) years' of progressive administrative/management experience in managing complex and multi-faceted operations with competing priorities, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
Must possess and maintain a valid Florida Driver's License.
Must possess and maintain a valid Florida Drinking Water Treatment Plant Operator's License and a valid Florida Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator's License, OR must possess and maintain one of the aforementioned licenses and the ability to obtain the remaining license within 18 months of hire date.
Employee shall obtain the National Incident Management System ICS-100 Introduction to the Incident Command System and IS-700 National Incident Management System, An Introduction within six (6) months of employment. The following courses are designed to provide a baseline, as they introduce basic NIMS and ICS concepts and provide the foundation for higher-level Emergency Operations Center (EOC), MACS, and ICS related training.
Supplemental Information
Demonstrated leadership abilities with excellent communications skills to effectively manage a staff comprised of supervisors and technical staff engaged in carrying out departmental functions; ability to understand, follow and provide verbal and written instructions.
Demonstrated ability to effectively plan, organize and supervise subordinate personnel and to provide guidance and instruction to technical level staff in proper methods, techniques and procedures regarding water and wastewater systems operations and maintenance.
Skill in reading and interpreting governmental regulations, technical journals and periodicals, industry specific periodicals and related technical information and data; skill in researching, compiling, and summarizing training data and information materials.
Substantial working knowledge of operational, financial, administrative and planning functions within a water and wastewater utility.
Knowledge of pertinent federal, state and local rules, regulations, ordinances, and other regulatory standards applicable to the work.
Knowledge of sound and consistent management practices and principles, including well developed human relation skills.
Ability to inspect utilities machinery and mechanical equipment and to detect and identify apparatus malfunctions.
Ability to interpret rules, regulations, and policies for effective decision-making in accordance with established precedent.
Ability to deal tactfully and effectively with City Manager, Department Directors, supervisors, subordinates, and other City personnel and the general public.
Ability to operate various office equipment, e.g., computer terminals, telephone systems, calculator.
Considerable experience in evaluating financial and technical projections and information with sound analytical ability to evaluate alternatives.
Effective and diplomatic verbal and written communications skills, tact and interpersonal skills and skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships and communications with other employees, vendors, and the public.
Skill in organizing work, establishing priorities, meeting, established deadlines, and following up on assignments with a minimum of direction.
Understanding of effective customer service principles and techniques.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
The work environment is a general office setting with some fieldwork required. The incumbent performs most duties sitting at a desk, table, or workstation. This position has regular exposure to radiant, electrical energy found in an office setting. Position requires minimal walking, standing, stopping and repetitive hand movement. Field work may involve exposure to chemicals, dust, heat, insects, and extreme weather. Some weekend and evening work required.
THE CITY OF SANFORD IS A DRUG FREE WORKPLACE
Part of the City of Sanford's success is due to the efforts and loyalty of employees of our City. The City of Sanford offers a comprehensive benefits package to its classified full-time and part-time employees, elected officials, and retirees.
City benefit offerings provide a competitive edge for employment recruitment and retention. In some cases the City funds 100% of the benefits; in most cases City subsidies are common.
Medical Insurance, Dental Insurance, Vision Insurance, Health Reimbursement Account, Tuition Assistance Reimbursement, FRS Retirement Plan, Paid Time Off (General/Fire Employees), Paid Sick Leave/Paid Vacation Leave (Police), Bereavement Leave, Paid Military Leave, EAP Program, Short Term Disability Insurance, Paid Employee Life Insurance (1 x annual salary), Paid Holidays, Paid Jury Duty, Worker's Compensation, Social Security/Medicare (50%), Protective Safety Equipment, Uniforms.
Supplemental Benefits
Hospitality Indemnity Plan, Personal Cancer Indemnity Plan, Critical Illness, Voluntary Employee Supplemental Life Insurance, Dependent Life Insurance, 457 Deferred Compensation Retirement Plan, Short Term Disability, 10 Year Level Term Life Insurance.
Other Benefits
Fitness Center, Wellness Center for members of City's Health Insurance program, Wellness Incentive Program, Employee Assistance Program, Bi-Weekly Pay Checks, Direct Deposit, Employee Recognition Events, Free Flu Shot, Free Parking, Bi-Lingual Pay, Recruitment Bonus (Police), Safety Incentive program.
Flexible Spending Account
Section 125 Cafeteria Plan Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) allow employees to set aside dollars on a pre-tax basis to pay for dependent day care and medical, dental, and vision expenses that are not covered by insurance. Employees can contribute up to $3,400 on a pre-tax basis for medical expenses. Dependent day care expenses are set by the IRS at a maximum of $3,750 per plan year. Employees should estimate expenses to be incurred carefully, as penalties may be imposed by the IRS. For more information please contact our benefits department.
01
Which of the following best describes your highest level of completed education?

• No High School Diploma and No GED
• High School or GED
• Some College
• Associates Degree
• Bachelors Degree
• Masters or Doctorate Degree

02
What best describes your current and valid State of Florida Driver's License?

• No current and valid State of Florida Driver's License.
• Currently licensed, but not in the State of Florida.
• Current and valid State of Florida Class A Driver's License.
• Current and valid State of Florida Class B Driver's License.
• Current and valid State of Florida Class E Driver's License.

03
What best describes your level of State of Florida Drinking Water License?

• I do not have a current and valid State of Florida Drinking Water Treatment Plant Operator License?
• Current and Valid State of Florida Class A Drinking Water Treatment Plant Operator License.
• Current and Valid State of Florida Class B Drinking Water Treatment Plant Operator License.
• Current and Valid State of Florida Class C Drinking Water Treatment Plant Operator License.

04
What best describes your level of Florida Department of Environmental Protection Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator License?

• I do not have a current and valid State of Florida Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator License.
• Current and Valid State of Florida Class A Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator License.
• Current and Valid State of Florida Class B Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator License.
• Current and Valid State of Florida Class C Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator License.

05
What best describes your years of experience with department budget development, preparation, and monitoring?

• No experience.
• 1 year, but less than 2 years of experience.
• 2 years, but less than 3 years of experience.
• 3 years, but less than 4 years of experience.
• 4 years, but less than 5 years of experience.
• 5 years of experience or greater.

06
What best describes your years of knowledge with federal, state, and local regulatory requirements and compliance laws applicable to the work?

• No experience.
• 1 year, but less than 2 years of experience.
• 3 years, but less than 5 years of experience.
• 5 years, but less than 6 years of experience.
• 6 years, but less than 8 years of experience.
• 8 years of experience or greater.

07
What best describes your years of experience in a supervisory position in a utility related field to include a minimum of three (3) year's of progressive administrative/management experience in managing complex and multi-faceted operations with competing priorities, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience?

• No experience.
• 1 year, but less than 2 years of experience.
• 2 years, but less than 3 years of experience.
• 3 years, but less than 5 years of experience.
• 5 years, but less than 6 years of experience.
• 6 years, but less than 8 years of experience.
• 8 years, but less than 10 years of experience.
• 10 years of experience or greater.

Required Question