Distribution/Collection Operator

Department: Public Works & Utilities — Water Distribution and Sewer. FLSA: Non‑exempt. Classification: Essential (requires emergency/hurricane response). Supervision received: Supervisor and/or Crew Chief; supervision exercised: none. Pay grade: 106.

About the role

Entry‑level technical field position. Under close supervision, performs heavy manual labor and assists in installing, maintaining, and repairing water, sewer, and reuse water systems. This is a transitional trainee role intended to lead to an Operator or Technician Level C position upon obtaining a FDEP Water Distribution System Level 3 license or a Florida state‑approved Wastewater Collections Operator Class C Certification.

Responsibilities

• Assist in varied maintenance and construction activities for the City’s water distribution and wastewater collection systems.
• Assist in locating, installing, repairing, and maintaining water distribution and wastewater collection lines and mains.
• May assist with installing and setting water meters.
• Tap water main and wastewater mains for service lines.
• Assist in cleaning water mains, wastewater gravity sewers, manholes, and other facilities.
• Assist in the installation, repair, maintenance/exercising, and testing of fire hydrants, valves, backflow preventers, and other devices.
• Perform duties as assigned through work orders.
• Operate equipment needed for daily water distribution and wastewater collection duties.
• Perform routine maintenance and minor repairs on equipment.
• Keep basic records; perform computer data entry.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Knowledge of safe work techniques and practices used in minor line construction.
• Ability to make independent judgments and decisions.
• Knowledge of materials used in construction and maintenance of water and wastewater facilities, distribution and collection systems.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees and the public.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to read and interpret safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables where only limited standardization exists.
• Knowledge of job‑related software as required by the Department.
• Physical ability to work in close, confined spaces; walk, stand, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl; talk, hear; reach above shoulders; work overhead on ladders and platforms; use fingers and hands with dexterity; feel and reach with hands and arms.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift up to 80 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities: close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and ability to adjust focus.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Good driving record and valid Florida driver’s license.

Schedule

Full‑time, 40 hours per week. Regular weekday daytime shift with scheduled and unscheduled overtime, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and immediate response to emergency conditions. Subject to 24‑hour call‑back for emergencies.

Pay

Up to $24.67 per hour, depending on qualifications (DOQ).

Environmental conditions

Work is primarily performed outdoors in varying and extreme weather conditions for extended periods. Exposure to excessively loud construction equipment noise, live sewer systems, human debris, drug paraphernalia, hot tar and asphalt, heavy equipment, trenches, hazardous gases, fumes, paint, chemicals, and pesticides. Physical effort required for heavy manual labor in confined, cramped, and uncomfortable conditions; climbing ladders; bending, reaching, and standing for long periods. Occasional exposure to slippery/uneven surfaces; heights above 20 feet; below ground level with feet, legs, and/or hands in water; confined spaces. Appropriate training and safety equipment provided for all conditions.

Equipment used

• Computer, cell phone, telephone, radio.
• Non‑CDL vehicles and light equipment, pumps, power valve turner, trencher, generators, concrete saw.
• Miscellaneous hand tools: shovels, sledge hammers, wrenches, pipe cutters, ratchets, saws, etc.
• Safety equipment provided.
• If necessary and with management pre‑approval, may operate CDL‑class vehicles when properly licensed.

Commercial Driver License (CDL)

A CDL is not required for this position. However, with management pre‑approval, the incumbent may be assigned to operate CDL‑class vehicles if properly licensed.