Water Distribution Operator

ENTRY SALARY: $ 53,662.26

Under general supervision, the Water Distribution Operator I performs skilled, manual labor in the installation, maintenance, and repair of water mains and appurtenances including repairs to grounds, sidewalks, and streets. Maintains water distribution systems, and performs minor repairs, installations, and tests.

• Performs general maintenance and repair of the water distribution system and all equipment and general operations; works under general direction and serves as a crew leader and trainer for the Water Distribution Operator Trainees.
• Makes daily operational checks and performs maintenance for all components of the water distribution systems; performs manual labor and investigation for service calls.
• Performs installations, repair, and maintenance of water mains, meters, and line extensions within the City.
• Maintains hydrants, valves, water meters, backflow water meters, and service lines; performs minor repairs, installations, and testing of equipment under direct supervision.
• Removes dirt, concrete, blacktop, and other materials; digs ditches for laying pipe by use of a trenching machine, backhoe, or manually; assists installing line and laying pipe.
• Makes, creates, and assists in the development of taps for new water mains and extensions; installs and replaces fittings and performs minor repair work on damaged pipe.
• Cleans, paints, and maintains fire hydrants, water meters, backflow devices and water distribution appurtenances and surrounding areas.
• Locates water lines and sewer lines; uses shut‑off valves, repairs leaks, and replaces gate valves, fire hydrants, and other appurtenances.
• Installs, tests, and repairs water meters and backflow prevention devices and related equipment; assists in the warehouse with stocking, inventory, order pulling, and distribution of parts.
• Handles complaints, service, and investigations for water distribution issues from customers; performs skills to remedy problems.
• Performs standby duty for after‑hour responses; assists department in the event of an emergency and may be required to work odd or altered hours.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

A valid State driver's license is required.

Florida Department of Environmental Protection Water Distribution Operator Level 3 License is required.

Does this position require a Commercial Driver's License? Yes

Type:
Possession and maintenance of Class A CDL within 1 year of hire date.

This position is required to operate the below equipment, machines, tools, and other work aides:

• Specialized equipment such as directional bore machine, hydraulic valve tuning equipment, portable vacuum trailers, backhoe, trackhoe, light dump truck, double diaphragm pump, walk‑behind cut saw, hand held cut saw, plate compactor, jumping jack, 90 lb. jackhammer, hand tools, atlas, handheld radio, computer, tablet, and other equipment as assigned.

High School Diploma, High School Equivalency Diploma, or G.E.D Certificate AND completion of the apprentice program as a Water Distribution Operator Trainee, supplemented by two (2) years of experience in construction or operations pertaining to water distribution career field; OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered.

• Water materials, method, procedures, and equipment used in the installation, maintenance, and repair of mains and service lines
• Procedures for locating and repairing leaks
• Water and distribution systems
• Common hand and power tools
• Pipes and fittings
• Hazards and safety precautions connected with the water and sewer system
• Equipment maintenance practices and methods

• Operating equipment common to waterworks distribution and sanitary construction
• Performing repairs and maintenance
• Operating motorized equipment
• Reading and interpreting atlases, plans, and specifications
• Interpreting, and applying various regulations and codes
• Applying mechanical and mathematical aptitude
• Teaching and training lower level staff and operators
• Seeing numbers and demarcations on gauges or dials
• Understanding and interpreting complex policies, protocols, and procedures