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. We believe in hiring the very best. Our workplace experience sets us apart and makes us a great place to work. Our goal is to create an environment of exceptional organizational values, customer service standards, and employee satisfaction. Orange County Government is committed to providing equal opportunity in employment and services to all individuals.

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 Reclamation Division operates three regional water supply facilities and nine satellite water supply facilities that collectively produce approximately 60 million gallons per day.

Water Reclamation Division is seeking qualified individuals to fill multiple positions of "Plant Specialist Trainee (entry level), I, II, and III" (WasteWater Operator). 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 operation and maintenance of a treatment facility. Participates in the analysis and troubleshooting of the operational problems using available data and follows the proper course of action to meet plant operating objectives.

Work requires independent judgment and is performed under the general supervision of a designated supervisor. Work is reviewed through observations, conferences, reports and results achieved. Work is physically demanding in hazardous conditions requiring close contact with different chemicals while wearing the appropriate safety equipment. Plants operate 24 hours 7 days a week and may require Plant Specialists to work overtime and rotational shifts. May be assigned as team leader. May be required to provide training.

Candidates placement in position level (Trainee/ I/II/III) will be based on current FDEP license and years of operations experience*

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

Plant Specialist I

Collects process samples in accordance with approved protocol.
Maintains operational databases and records.
Follows safety procedures.
Operates water facilities via SCADA system.
Operates and maintaining chemical feed equipment.
Troubleshoots processes and equipment such as chemical feed units and various level control systems, and hydraulic equipment.
Provides operational control for water treatment processes.

Plant Specialist II

Performs the responsibilities of Plant Specialist I under advanced license.
Prepares reports and documents situations as needed.

Plant Specialist III

Performs responsibilities of Plant Specialist I/II.
Prepares quality check and responds to trouble calls.
Trains staff in the operation, maintenance, and repair of various plant process equipment.

Minimum Qualifications

Plant Specialist Trainee

High School Diploma or equivalent.
Depending on area of assignment must obtain State FDEP mandated C Wastewater license within two years from date of hire or promotion.
Depending on area of assignment must obtain a Class C 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.
Depending on area of assignment must possess appropriate level of CDL with required endorsements or possess CDL permit and, obtain license and endorsements within six months of hire or promotion.

Within one (1) year of hire or promotion date, employees must successfully pass a written General Knowledge Test

Plant Specialist I

High School Diploma or equivalent.
Depending on area of assignment, must possess State mandated C Water or Wastewater certification.
Depending on area of assignment, must possess appropriate level of CDL with required endorsements or possess CDL permit and, obtain license and endorsements within six months 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 (1) year of hire or promotion date, employees must successfully pass a written General Knowledge Test and Skill Test in one (1) 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 one (1) skill areas.

Treatment process control in advance water or wastewater systems.
SCADA/DCS system operations of electronic equipment
Proficiency and use of computer software used in operation.
Mechanical maintenance of the treatment facility.
Bio solids processing and management.

Plant Specialist II

High School Diploma or equivalent.
Depending on area of assignment, must possess State mandated B Water or Wastewater certification.
Depending on area of assignment, must possess appropriate level of CDL with required endorsements or possess CDL permit and, obtain license and endorsements within six months 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 (1) year of hire or promotion date, employees must successfully pass a written General Knowledge Test and Skill Test in two (2) 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 (2) skill areas.

Treatment process control in advance water or wastewater systems.
SCADA/DCS system operations of electronic equipment
Proficiency and use of computer software used in operation.
Mechanical maintenance of the treatment facility.
Bio solids processing and management.

Plant Specialist III

High School Diploma or equivalent.
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.
Depending on area of assignment must possess appropriate level of CDL with required endorsements or possess CDL permit and, obtain license and endorsements within six months 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 (1) year of hire or promotion date, employees must successfully pass a written General Knowledge Test and Skill Test in three (3) 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 (3) skill areas.

Treatment process control in advance water or wastewater systems.
SCADA/DCS system operations of electronic equipment
Proficiency and use of computer software used in operation.
Mechanical maintenance of the treatment facility.
Bio solids processing and management.

Preferences

Strongly prefer individuals with FDEP license

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

Application Deadline

Open Date: 03/26/2026

Close Date: 04/15/2026

This posting is subject to close without prior notice.

Salary Information

Pay Grade: 010 - From $18.10 to $22.97

Pay Grade: 013 - From $21.51 to $27.96

Pay Grade: 014 - From $23.19 to $30.14

Pay Grade: 015 - From $25.00 to $32.49

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Placement based on Education and Experience

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. 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 Reclamation

4760 West Sand Lake Road

Orlando, FL 32819

AND

1621 S. Alafaya Trail

Orlando, FL 32828

Notes

Hours: 40

Working hours are Monday through Friday 6:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. For term of training, after training, shift may vary.

Schedule is subject to change based on operational needs

Selected candidate will be required to successfully complete the pre-employment drug, physical and background check.

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