Utilities Systems Operator 1

UTILITIES DIVISION - UTILITIES SYSTEMS OPERATOR I, II, III, IV, V (BACKFLOW AND CROSS CONNECTION CONTROL OPERATOR) - 1 POSITION AVAILABLE

$23.49HR - $52.07HR. NON-EXEMPT

Employee 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

Must have the physical, developmental and mental ability to perform job tasks, work efforts,
responsibilities and duties of the job illustrated below:

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.

MAJOR FUNCTION - The System Operator performs skilled work in the opera??on and maintenance of water, wastewater, and reclaimed water utility infrastructure. Du??es include monitoring, operating, troubleshooting,
installing, and maintaining system components to ensure reliable delivery of utility services and
regulatory compliance.

ILLUSTRATIVE DUTIES 
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.
Meter Services Responsibilities:
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.
Backflow Prevention and Cross‑Connection Control Responsibilities

Install and maintain backflow prevention assemblies.

•  Test backflow devices and document results.
•  Assist with cross‑connection inspections.
•  Identify and report cross‑connection hazards.
Regulatory Compliance Responsibilities:
•  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.
Preventative Maintenance Responsibilities:
•  Perform preventative maintenance on valves, hydrants, and meter infrastructure.
•  Assist with valve exercising and hydrant maintenance programs.
•  Maintain preventative maintenance schedules within CMMS.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
•  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.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
•  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.
 

Operator I - Pay Grade 14
•  Entry Level position, limited experience as a System Operator
 

Operator II - Pay Grade 16
•  1 year experience (2,080 hrs.) and Florida Departmental of Environmental (FDEP) 
Distribution
System Operator “III” License

Operator III - Pay Grade 18
•  3 years’ experience (6,240 hrs.) and Florida Departmental of Environmental (FDEP) Distribution 
System Operator “II” License, (FLHYSMV) Class CDL “A” Required
 

Operator IV - Pay Grade 20
•  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)- Pay Grade 22
•  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.
 

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
•  Standby and on call rotation are required for emergency work in this classification.

All employees will be required to work before, during, or after an emergency. During an emergency, 
employees may temporarily be assigned to work and perform duties outside the normal scope of their 
position, location and work schedule to fit the needs of the County and its citizens.