Water Utilities Pipefitter

General Description

General Description Of Class
This is semi‑skilled work in installing and repairing water distribution and/or wastewater collection facilities and mechanisms. The employee assists in installing, repairing, and maintaining water and/or wastewater services and mains under direct supervision. All work is inspected during progress and upon completion.

• Lays water mains; installs hydrants, valves, fittings, clamps, and sleeves; flushes lines; backfills around pipes; landscapes upon completion.
• Makes routine water taps; digs holes for taps; sets up tapping mechanism; makes tie‑ins; installs water service lines and meters.
• Performs maintenance on materials, tools, and equipment.
• Yarns, pours, pounds lead; cuts and bevels pipes; threads pipes; caulks joints.
• Operates related heavy equipment such as electric grinder, air compressor, jackhammer, acetylene torch, dump truck, boom truck, and may operate backhoe.
• Performs helper duties for nighttime call‑out.
• Performs all other associated duties regarding the installation and maintenance of water lines/attributes and other services provided by the City.
• May be required to work overtime or alternate hours as necessary for efficient operation.
• Position is designated as Mission Critical by Department Director.

• Performs emergency repairs on the water distribution system after normal working hours; subject to overtime and stand‑by duty.
• Performs related work as required.

• High school diploma from an accredited school or a GED.

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.
• Must obtain a Class “A” CDL with appropriate endorsements within six (6) months of employment.
• Must obtain a Class “C” Water Distribution License within eighteen (18) months of employment.
• Must maintain a valid telephone number.
• Required to pass and maintain qualifications for:
  • Respiratory Protection Physical.
  • Pulmonary Function.
  • Qualitative and Quantitative Fit Test(s).

• Skill in the use of small hand tools and related equipment.
• Ability to learn the methods, practices, and use of tools required for pipe, main service, and water meter installation, testing, and repair.
• Ability to operate line‑locating equipment.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co‑workers, other City employees, and the general public.
• Ability to perform heavy physical manual tasks for extended periods, often in adverse climatic conditions.

• Requires manual work that involves walking or standing some of the time and exerting up to 100 pounds of force regularly.
• Occupation requires repetitive motion of the wrists, hands, legs, and/or fingers.
• The job risks exposure to significant environmental hazards (confined spaces, chemical, electrical, mechanical, height, heat), bright/dim light, inside and outside conditions, asbestos, and noise levels.
• Requirements for normal visual acuity, field of vision, hearing, speaking, color perception, sense of smell, depth, and texture perception.

The City of Lakeland is a drug‑free workplace. This position is subject to pre‑employment and random drug testing in accordance with Florida Statute 440.102. All City of Lakeland positions are subject to reasonable‑suspicion drug testing.

THE CITY OF LAKELAND IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/EQUAL ACCESS EMPLOYER AND A DRUG‑FREE WORKPLACE.

Annual Leave: accumulated bi‑weekly based on years of service; carry‑over up to twenty (20) days. Part‑time employees accrue at four (4) hours per month. Sick Leave: accrued bi‑weekly; part‑time employees accrue at four (4) hours per month. Sick Leave Pool available for catastrophic illnesses. Family & Medical Leave under federal law with eligibility prerequisites. Pension Plan: mandatory for full‑time employees; defined benefit and defined contribution options.

Retirement and continuation of group life and health insurance during leave. Other benefits include holidays, funeral leave, jury/witness duty pay, military leave, maternity leave, leave of absence, longevity pay, tuition reimbursement (up to $2,500 per fiscal year), suggestion awards (up to $1,000). Direct deposit available; uniforms issued at no cost; parking free; two fifteen‑minute breaks per day. Contact benefits and retirement offices as noted.

Questions for Applicant: (1) Do you possess a high school diploma or GED from an accredited school? (2) What type of valid driver’s license do you possess? (3) Are you currently a member of UWUA – Water? (4) Understanding of work experience entry requirements for current and former City employees. Full Work Experience section must be completed to avoid disqualification.