About The Position

The Utilities Division is responsible for public health and safety, as well as safeguarding the environment, by providing crucial safe water and wastewater services. This position is part of the team that provides services necessary for human health, economic stability, and overall societal wellbeing. At the core of the mission of providing these services includes commitment to providing excellent customer service to our citizens, business partners, regulatory agencies, and other county divisions. The System Operator performs skilled work in the operation and maintenance of water, wastewater, and reclaimed water utility infrastructure. Duties include monitoring, operating, troubleshooting, installing, and maintaining system components to ensure reliable delivery of utility services and regulatory compliance.

Requirements

  • Graduate of an accredited high school or possess an acceptable equivalency diploma.
  • Valid driver’s license and ability to obtain and maintain a Florida driver’s license within 30 days of employment.
  • Ability to maintain a safe driving record while operating County vehicles.
  • Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester Certification within twelve (12) months of hire.
  • Cross-Connection Control Inspector Certification within eighteen (18) months of hire.
  • Knowledge of water and sewer system materials, components, and general care practices.
  • Knowledge of water meter installation, testing, calibration, and repair practices.
  • Knowledge of automated meter infrastructure (AMI) technologies and meter communication systems.
  • Knowledge of backflow prevention assemblies and cross-connection control practices.
  • Familiarity with AWWA M6 Water Meters Manual and AWWA M14 Backflow Prevention and Cross-Connection Control Manual.
  • Knowledge of Florida Administrative Code Rule 62-555.360 governing cross-connection control programs.
  • Proficient in using common hand and power tools for utility maintenance and repair.

Nice To Haves

  • Operator I - Entry Level position, limited experience as a System Operator
  • Operator II - 1 year experience (2,080 hrs.) and Florida Departmental of Environmental (FDEP) Distribution System Operator “III” License
  • Operator III - 3 years’ experience (6,240 hrs.) and Florida Departmental of Environmental (FDEP) Distribution System Operator “II” License, (FLHYSMV) Class CDL “A” Required
  • Operator IV - 5 years’ experience (10,400 hrs.) and Florida Departmental of Environmental (FDEP) Distribution System Operator “I” License, (FLHYSMV) Class CDL “A” Required
  • Operator V (Dual Certification/License)- 5 years’ experience (10,400 hrs.) Florida Water Treatment Plant “A” license required, Certified Maintenance and Reliability Technician Certification (CMRT), Associate Certified Electronics Technician (CETA) or equivalent certification, Municipal Board of Examiners Inc. of Polk County (Polk MBOE) Journeyman Electrical License, Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) CDL “A” license, and/or Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) Water treatment, Wastewater treatment, Distribution System Operator license accepted.
  • A comparable amount of related training or experience may be substituted for the minimum qualifications except for the licensing and certifications.

Responsibilities

  • Perform operational checks and maintenance of water mains, valves, hydrants, meters, and backflow prevention devices.
  • Install and repair water lines, service connections, and infrastructure components.
  • Inspect hydrants and cross-connection control devices.
  • Locate underground utilities using Geographic Information System (GIS) and related technology.
  • Operate heavy equipment including backhoes, excavators, dump trucks, vacuum trucks, and jetting equipment.
  • Document maintenance activities using Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS), SCADA, and county-issued devices.
  • Install and replace residential and commercial water meters.
  • Test and calibrate meters using approved testing equipment.
  • Install and maintain AMI transmitters and communication equipment.
  • Troubleshoot meter communication issues and maintain records in CMMS.
  • Install and maintain backflow prevention assemblies.
  • Test backflow devices and document results.
  • Assist with cross-connection inspections.
  • Identify and report cross-connection hazards.
  • Follow Florida Department of Environmental Protection drinking water regulations.
  • Support compliance with Florida Administrative Code 62-555.360 Cross-Connection Control.
  • Follow American Water Works Association (AWWA) M6 Water Meter Manual and AWWA M14 Backflow Prevention guidance.
  • Perform preventative maintenance on valves, hydrants, and meter infrastructure.
  • Assist with valve exercising and hydrant maintenance programs.
  • Maintain preventative maintenance schedules within CMMS.

Benefits

  • Direct Deposit
  • Bi-Weekly Pay Checks
  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Life Insurance
  • FRS Retirement
  • 10 Paid Holidays
  • Paid Time Off
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Education Incentives
  • Deferred Compensation Plan
  • Wellness Incentives
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Free Employee Gym
  • Free Employee Health Clinic
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