Water Chief Operator (Sr Operations Specialist) - $1000 Sign - on Incentive

Orange County Government; Orlando (FL); On-site; USD 83,269,000 - 108,198,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid holidays and floating holidays

Paid time off 18 days per year

Longevity bonus

Sick time 6 days per year

Low-cost medical, dental, vision

Life insurance for family

Florida Retirement System

Wellness programs and counseling

Tuition reimbursement

Student loan repayment time credit

Job summary

Orange County Utilities is seeking a Water Chief Operator (Sr. Operations Specialist) to lead and supervise operation staff across multiple water facilities.

You will monitor SCADA data, implement process changes, and ensure regulatory compliance while coordinating maintenance and budget considerations. The role requires five years in utilities, a valid Florida driver's license, and ideally a Florida Drinking Water Treatment Plant Operators License A or B.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Five (5) years Utilities related experience at a modern automated drinking water facility.
• Valid Florida driver's license may be required.
• Florida Drinking Water Treatment Plant Operators License A or B documented if held.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate, direct and train operation staff for efficient, compliant operations.
• Respond to emergencies to correct issues during and after hours.
• Protect environment and public health through monitoring and process oversight.
• Supervise operators at multiple Water system facilities.
• Interpret SCADA information and implement operational changes as needed.
• Communicate effectively with supervisors and coworkers.
• Review programs for effectiveness and implement improvements.
• Coordinate operational and chemical handling activities for plant operations.
• Manage calibration calendar and CMMS-based maintenance scheduling.
• Assist with budgeting and authorize minor expenditures.

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Florida driver's license

Florida Drinking Water Treatment Plant Operators License A or B

Tools

CMMS (Maximo)

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 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 three regional water supply facilities and nine 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 Water Chief Operator (Sr. Operations Specialist). 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

General Functions

Performs highly skilled technical work for operation and maintenance of water and/or wastewater treatment plants, and solid waste processing and disposal facilities. Coordinates, directs and trains operations staff to achieve efficient operations in compliance with environmental regulations. Responds to emergencies to correct operating problems in a timely fashion.

Work performed with independent judgement under the general supervision of a designated supervisor. Work is reviewed through observations, conferences, reports and results achieved.

Representative Duties /Assignments

• Coordinates, directs and trains operation staff to achieve efficient operations in compliance with environmental regulations.
• Responds immediately to emergency situations to correct operating problems during normal work hours and required to respond after hours and on call
• Responsible for protecting the environment and public health through conscientious monitoring and attention to process operations.
• Supervise operators operating and monitoring the Western/Southwestern, Southern/Eastern Water system facilities.
• Ability to interpret and make necessary operational changes based on information provided by the SCADA system.
• Communicate effectively, both written and oral, with supervisors and co workers.
• Review current activities and programs for effectiveness.
• Implementing improvements when and where necessary.
• Coordinate operational and chemical handling activities as they relate to plant operations.
• Generate and schedule personnel and equipment calibration for all facilities based on need and regulatory requirements.
• Manages operational procurement, stock levels, and work order scheduling by utilizing a CMMS (e.g., Maximo, Infor, meant) to prioritize, track, and assign maintenance tasks.
• May assist with budget recommendations, responsible for meeting budget objectives and approves minor budget expenditures.

Minimum Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent and five (5) years of Utilities related experience at a modern automated drinking water facility. An equivalent combination of relevant education or experience may be substituted on a year for year basis.

Valid Florida driver's license may be required

• If you have a Florida Drinking Water Treatment Plant Operators License ¿A¿ or ¿B¿ ¿ make sure to document it in the job duties section of your application.

Preferences

Strongly prefer applicants with Utilities experience as a Licensed Operator and Florida Drinking Water Treatment Plant Operators License ¿A¿

Application Deadline

Open Date: 09/25/2026

Close Date: 10/08/2026

This posting is subject to close without prior notice.

Salary Information

Pay Grade: 017 - From $29.06 to $37.76

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Placement based on Education and Experience

Sign-on Incentive

This position may be eligible for a Sign-on Incentive. To learn more about our Sign-on Incentive Program visit our website at: http://www.ocfl.net/careers/#incentives

Please note that current County employees are not eligible for a sign-on monetary incentive.

Benefits

• 10 paid holidays and 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.

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 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
2552 Lakeville Road
Apopka, FL 32703

Notes

Hours : 40

Work Schedule: Monday ¿ Friday / 6:30a ¿ 3:30p