W​/WW Apprentice - Water Reclamation Operator Mechanic

Career Opportunities: W/WW Apprentice - Water Reclamation Operator Mechanic (811)

Final date to receive applications:
Applications must be received by 11:59pm EDT, October 11, 2026..

Gainesville Regional Utilities (GRU) Water/Wastewater (W/WW) Department is seeking motivated and hands-on candidates for our Water/Wastewater Apprentice position.

This role is designed as an entry point into GRU’s Progression Through Training Program (PTTP), providing a structured pathway to develop the technical skills and certifications required to advance into a Water Reclamations Operator Mechanic role. The starting pay for apprentices with no prior experience is $18.00 per hour. Candidates with a CDL and/or relevant operations experience may qualify for a higher starting rate.

Through the PTTP, employees will receive structured training and development opportunities with progressive pay increases over the course of the 3–5-year program. Water Reclamation Operator Mechanics can expect to earn $32+ per hour upon succesful completion of the program.

Through a combination of on-the-job training, classroom instruction, and hands-on experience, apprentices will gain exposure to wastewater treatment operations, maintenance of plant and lift station equipment, and regulatory compliance standards. Upon successful completion of the PTTP, employees will transition into the Water Reclamations Operator Mechanic classification, performing skilled technical work in the operation and maintenance of wastewater treatment facilities and equipment.

Non-Exempt

This is entry level, manual labor in the water /wastewater systems.

Positions allocated to this classification report to a designated supervisor and work under direct supervision. Work in this class is distinguished from higher classes by its lack of technical skills and from lower classes by its emphasis on learning water or wastewater operations and maintenance.

This section of the job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of duties and responsibilities of the position. The omission of a specific job function does not absolve an employee from being required to perform additional tasks incidental to or inherent in the job. Performance of lower level duties may be required.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Performs heavy manual labor on water and wastewater systems. Assists in the installation of valves, piping and other water and wastewater equipment as needed.
• Uses hand tool, pneumatic tools, and other manual water and wastewater equipment. Assists in the installation, repair, and maintenance of water and wastewater equipment as needed.
• Performs manual labor for work site cleanup and shop organization in assigned area.
• Erects barricades, traffic control devices and various safety apparatus on work.
• Cleans, maintains, and stores tools on trucks and trailers.
• Assists in cutting, forming, and pouring concrete associated with water and wastewater construction work.
• Under direct supervision of an Entry Supervisor, enters water and wastewater structures determined to be safe, including but not limited to manholes, meter pits, and vaults, to perform tasks such as removal of debris and other foreign matter.
• Performs basic physical tasks such as painting, cleaning, and other duties as assigned.
• Performs limited operation of heavy construction equipment under direct supervision
• Will be required to respond under emergency conditions, including after hours.
• Attends work on a continuous and regular basis.

NON-ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Cleans work area.
• May enter data onto work order.
• May perform duties of higher classifications during employee absence.
• May be required to transport, mix, handle or use hazardous materials (other than cans of…