Utilities Maintenance Operator All Tiers – South (WRD-IMD)

Hillsborough County•Tampa, FL

13d•Onsite

About The Position

The Utilities Maintenance Operator is responsible for the maintenance, operation, and construction of underground utility piping and appurtenances in field conditions for the Public Utilities Department. This role involves working with water, reclaim, and wastewater systems, including inspecting cross-connection controls, installing and repairing meters and backflow prevention devices, and diagnosing malfunctions. The operator will also handle specialized, light, and heavy equipment operation, locate underground utilities, assist with de-watering and excavation, and ensure compliance with regulations. The position requires adherence to job qualification standards and technical specifications. Depending on the assigned area, incumbents may provide instruction and guidance to lower-level staff, maintain credentials, work unsupervised, and enforce policies and safety procedures. They may also serve as a team leader in the field, oversee project teams, and potentially take responsibility for controlling emergencies.

Requirements

Graduation from high school or possession of a GED Certificate.
Possession of a valid Florida Driver's License.
Experience in operating various hand tools and specialized, light, and heavy equipment.
Knowledge in plumbing, underground utilities/construction and/or water and reclaimed water distribution and wastewater collection systems experience.
Ability to lift and move equipment in excess of 50 pounds.
Ability to climb ladders.
Ability to work in confined spaces and manholes.
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Ability to read and understand job related material such as blueprints, office policies, practices, and procedures of the line maintenance section.
Ability to identify occupational hazards, implementing appropriate safety precautions, maintenance of traffic procedures, and utilizing proper personnel protective equipment (PPE).
Ability to diagnose machinery and equipment defects and make appropriate repairs or adjustments.
Ability to work effectively with others.
Possession of a permit Class “A” or “A”-Restricted Commercial Driver’s License with combination, air brakes, and tanker endorsements within 6 months of hire (for trainee positions).
Possession of a Class "A" or "A-Restricted" Commercial Driver's License with combination, air brakes and tanker endorsements within 12 months of placement in position (for other positions).
Must complete all applicable FEMA/Emergency Operations courses (for trainee positions).

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of department and Field Maintenance Service policies, practices, and standard operating procedures.
Knowledge of current trade practices and technology.
Skill in the safe operation of most equipment and tools used to maintain water and wastewater distribution systems; including service trucks and/or trailers.
Possession of a current State of Florida Class 3 Water Distribution System Operator License or higher.
Valid Florida Class C or higher water treatment plant operator license.
Possession of a current State of Florida Class 2 Water Distribution System Operator License or higher.
Possession of a current State of Florida Class 1 Water Distribution System Operator License or higher.

Responsibilities

Operates, maintains, and repairs all phases of water, reclaim, and wastewater systems.
Inspects cross-connection controls; installs, evaluates, and repairs master meter assemblies, backflow prevention, and other devices.
Diagnoses malfunctions using manufacturers’ handbooks, codes, and standard operating procedures to ensure efficiency and compliance with local, state, and federal regulations for safety/environmental hazards.
Operates specialized, light, and heavy equipment.
Locates and marks location of underground utilities.
Assist in setting up well-point systems for de-watering construction and maintenance sites; erects and dismantles shoring/trench box.
Assists in excavating work site, as required to facilitate installation, maintenance, or repair of water, reclaimed water, or wastewater lines and restoring site to original condition when work is complete.
Utilizes the Job Qualification Standards, PUD Technical Specifications, Utility Accommodation Guide, Industry Publications and Standards, and other related guidance for subject/task fundamentals.
May provide instruction, guidance, and training to lower level staff as required.
Maintains all job-related credentials, work unsupervised, and performs team leader duties while in the field, which includes enforcing policy, safety procedures, and training employees.
Provides information and responds as appropriate to public information requests.
Ability to serve as the lead employee as directed on project teams assigned to a given assignment.
Direct and/or oversee the work of other subordinate employees, provide instruction, guidance, and training as required.
May be required to assume responsibility of controlling emergencies.
Performs other related duties as required.