Plant Specialist Trainee, I, II, III

Orange County Government; Orlando (FL); On-site; USD 26,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

10 paid holidays

2 floating holidays annually

Longevity bonus

Paid time off (18 days) annually

Low-cost medical, dental, vision

Life insurance and disability

Retirement benefits (Florida)

Employee assistance program

Tuition reimbursement

Wellness and gym access

Student loan forgiveness opportunities

Job summary

Orange County Government's Water Division seeks a Plant Specialist Trainee/I/II/III to analyze and troubleshoot operations, maintain equipment, and collect samples. Eligibility includes a High School Diploma and relevant water licenses, with progression through trainee to specialist levels based on certification and training.

Position requires safety compliance, ability to monitor SCADA, and occasional driving of heavy vehicles. Hours are 40 per week with on-call duties as needed.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required for Trainee/I/II/III.
• Must obtain State FDEP mandated C Water or Wastewater license within two years from hire/promotion.
• Must obtain a Class C Water or Wastewater operators course within one year.

Responsibilities

• Provides preventive and corrective maintenance on mixers, blowers, compressors, pumps, motors, and related equipment.
• Collects process samples and maintains operational database.
• Prepares reports and documents; operates and maintains chemical feed equipment.
• Drives tractor-trailer or dump truck if applicable to location.
• Troubleshoots processes and equipment and provides operational control assistance.

Skills

Safety procedures

SCADA monitoring

Troubleshooting

Equipment operation

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

State FDEP mandated C Water or Wastewater license

Class C Water or Wastewater operators course

Tools

SCADA

Job description

Overview

At Orange County Government, we are proud to serve the public with integrity, honesty, fairness, and professionalism. We develop innovative policies and services that impact Central Florida and shape the future of our community.

Orange County Utilities (OCU) provides water resources and solid waste recovery services to protect and enrich the lives of the citizens and guests of Orange County Florida. The Water Division ensures a safe and reliable water supply for all of Orange County Utilities customers. The Water Division operates four regional water supply facilities and eight satellite water supply facilities that collectively produce approximately 60 million gallons per day.

The Water Division is seeking a highly qualified individual to fill the position of Plant Specialist Trainee/I/II/III. This position is responsible for the analysis and troubleshooting of operational problems using available data and follows the proper course of action to meet plant operating objectives.

Job Description

Representative Duties / Assignments

Plant Specialist Trainee

• Provides preventive and corrective maintenance on mixers, blowers, compressors, pumps, motors, and related equipment.


• Collects process samples in accordance with approved protocol.


• Maintains operational database and records.


• Prepares reports and documents situations as needed.


• Operates and maintains chemical feed equipment.


• If applicable to location, drives a tractor-trailer or dump truck.


• Troubleshoots processes and equipment such as chemical feed units and various level control systems, hydraulics and pneumatic equipment.


• Provides operational control assistance for processes.

Plant Specialist I

• All of the duties of the Plant Specialist Trainee AND


• Follows safety procedures.


• Monitors and responds to facility SCADA system.


• Performs quality checks and responds to trouble calls.


• Drives a tractor-trailer or dump truck, if applicable to location.


• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Plant Specialist II

• All of the duties of the Plant Specialist Trainee/I

Plant Specialist III

• All of the duties of the Plant Specialist Trainee/I/II AND


• Trains staff in the operation, maintenance and repair of various plant process equipment.


• Completes purchase order requests for supplies needed to complete jobs and general operating supplies.


• Provides operational control of processes.

Minimum Qualifications

Plant Specialist Trainee

• High School Diploma or equivalent is required for Plant Specialist Trainee/I/II/III AND


• Depending on area of assignment must obtain State FDEP mandated C Water or Wastewater license within two years from date of hire or promotion.


• Depending on area of assignment must obtain a Class C Water or Wastewater operators course within one year.


• Must pass the General knowledge Test and one Skill Test component within two years from date of hire or promotion.


• Depending on area of assignment, must be able to comply with the requirements of the Utilities' Health and Safety Manual.

Within one year of hire/promotion date, employees must successfully pass a written General Knowledge Test and a Skill Test in one of the specialty areas listed above with a passing score of at least 70% on each. In addition to the written tests, a hands‑on skill test demonstrating mastery of the skill must be successfully completed for one of the skill areas.

Plant Specialist I

• Depending on area of assignment, must possess State mandated C Water or Wastewater certification.


• Depending on area of assignment, must be able to comply with the requirements of the Utilities' Health and Safety Manual.

Within one year of hire/promotion date, employees must successfully pass a written General Knowledge Test and a Skill Test in one of the specialty areas listed above with a passing score of at least 70% on each. In addition to the written tests, a hands‑on skill test demonstrating mastery of the skill must be successfully completed for one of the skill areas.

Plant Specialist II

• Depending on area of assignment, must possess State mandated B Water or Wastewater certification.


• Depending on area of assignment, must be able to comply with the requirements of the Utilities Health and Safety Manual.

Within one year of hire/promotion date, employees must successfully pass a written General Knowledge Test and a Skill Test in two of the specialty areas listed below with a passing score of at least 70% on each. In addition to the written tests, a hands‑on skill test demonstrating mastery of the skill must be successfully completed for each of the two skill areas.

Plant Specialist III

• Depending on area of assignment must possess State mandated A Water or Wastewater certification.


• Depending on area of assignment, must be able to comply with the requirements of the Utilities' Health and Safety Manual.


• Must complete the Orange County Leadership Development series within two years of hire or promotion.


• Must demonstrate proficiency in three skills areas.


• Must complete the Orange County Effective Training and Presentation Skills program or an equivalent trainer's certification program within two years of hire or promotion.

Within one year of hire/promotion date, employees must successfully pass a written General Knowledge Test and a Skill Test in three of the specialty areas listed below with a passing score of at least 70% on each. In addition to the written tests, a hands‑on skill test demonstrating mastery of the skill must be successfully completed for each of the three skill areas.

Proficiency/Skill Areas for Plant Specialist I/II/III

• Treatment process control in advanced water or wastewater systems.


• SCADA/DCS system operations of electronic equipment.


• (this is no longer an option for us)Mechanical maintenance of the treatment facilities.


• Biosolids processing and management.

Preferences

Prefer applicants with education and training involving mechanical, electrical, or instrumentation experience and, competent in basic mathematics, chemistry and biology.

Will consider previous water or wastewater plant experience.

Application Deadline

Open Date: 11/11/2026

Close Date: 11/24/2026

This posting is subject to close without prior notice.

Salary Information

• Pay Grade: 010 - From $18.64 to $23.65


• Pay Grade: 013 - From $22.16 to $28.80


• Pay Grade: 014 - From $23.89 to $31.05


• Pay Grade: 015 - From $25.75 to $33.47


• FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Benefits

• 10 paid holidays 2 floating holidays annually.


• 18 days paid time off per year.


• Longevity bonus based on years of service.


• 6 days of paid TERM (sick) time annually.


• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, additional life insurance.


• Free basic life, long term disability, and employee assistance for all the family members effective on day one.


• Participation in the Florida Retirement System.


• Employee assistance program includes multiple free one on one sessions with licensed counselors and online tools for legal advice, financial planning, personal life balance, etc.


• Free access to Wellworks gyms and Orange County Recreation Centers.


• Free onsite wellness coaching, including dietician and nurse.


• Tuition reimbursement program.


• Earn service time to forgive student loans.

Disclaimer: Benefits may vary for employees under collective bargaining agreements.

For more information on Benefits visit - https://www.ocfl.net/EmploymentVolunteerism/EmployeeBenefits.aspx

Veterans Preference

If you are claiming Veterans' Preference, you are responsible for providing the required eligibility documentation by the closing date of the posting. Please scan and upload a copy of your cover letter and supporting documents, to Orange County Human Resources Division via the secure Box.com folder.

Your cover letter should include the Job ID number you are applying for, the title of the position, your full name and the last 4 digits of your social security number. *If you are a current employee returning from active military service, you may be eligible for promotion preference if the active military service qualifies for Veterans' Preference. Please note that Veterans' Preference applies only to a Veterans' first promotion after reinstatement or reemployment, without exception.

Educational Requirements

If your education was obtained in the United States, the County recognizes degrees or diplomas which are accredited by an agency recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE) or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). If you have obtained education from a country other than the United States, your degree or diploma must be evaluated to determine the United States equivalency by a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Service (NACES) or the Association of International Credentials Evaluations (AICE) at your expense.

Address

Orange County Utilities

Water Division

13000 S. Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 32824

(These positions are available in various Water Division facility location)

Work hours

Hours per week: 40

Schedule: Monday – Friday / 7:00 am – 3:30 pm, on-call duty as assigned and SCADA desk 24 hour shift coverage.

Selected candidates will be required to provide employment references and will be required to complete a pre-employment drug, physical and background check.