Utilities Systems Operator 1

UTILITIES DIVISION - UTILITIES SYSTEMS OPERATOR I, II, III, IV, V - 7 POSITIONS AVAILABLE
 

$23.49HR - $52.07HR NON-EXEMPT

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 well-being. 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 professional, certified, and skilled work in the operation and 
maintenance of water, sewer, reclaimed water infrastructure systems. Their responsibilities include 
monitoring, operating and troubleshooting water distribution and sewer systems, and related system 
equipment to ensure the safe and efficient delivery of potable water and sewer collection services.
 

They make necessary adjustments to the utility infrastructure systems and maintain them in 
accordance with established procedures and regulatory standards. System Operators also carry out 
routine mechanical and manual tasks to maintain optimal system performance, support regulatory 
compliance and document operational data accurately. This role requires technical expertise, sound
judgment, and a high level of responsibility to uphold the utilities infrastructure systems 
reliability. This position plays a key role in ensuring the reliability of essential utility 
services, regulatory compliance, environmental stewardship, and public health and safety.

ILLUSTRATIVE DUTIES -
•  Perform daily operational checks and maintenance of water mains, valves, hydrants, meters, and 
backflow prevention devices.
•  Install, repair, and maintain water lines, service connections, and extensions.
•  Conduct wet taps on pressurized mains using saddles, sleeves, and direct taps.
•  Inspect and test fire hydrants and cross-connection control devices.

•  Locate underground utilities using GPS (Global Positioning System), GPR (Ground-Penetrating 
Radar), and GIS (Geographic Information System) systems.
•  Read and interpret blueprints, record drawings, and system maps.
•  Install, maintain, and repair wastewater mains, laterals, cleanouts, manholes, and lift 
stations.
•  Operate CCTV (Closed Circuit Television) inspection equipment to assess pipeline 
conditions.
•  Perform routine cleaning, painting, and maintenance of wastewater infrastructure.
•  Operate heavy equipment including backhoes, excavators, dump trucks, vacuum trucks, jetting 
machines, and valve exercising tools.
•  Dig trenches, remove debris, and perform street and sidewalk repairs.
•  Load, transport, and deliver materials using flatbeds, boom trucks, and other vehicles.
•  Maintain inventory of water, sewer, and reclaim water parts and supplies.
•  Requisition stock items, contact vendors, and manage purchase orders.
•  Track inventory using CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management System) software.
•  Document maintenance activities using CMMS, SCADA, and county-issued devices.
•  Maintain accurate logs, service records, and inspection reports.
•  Use digital tools to support diagnostics, planning, and regulatory compliance.
•  Respond to service calls, complaints, and inquiries from the public.
•  Investigate issues and provide timely resolutions.
•  Maintain professional relationships with coworkers, cross divisional departments, contractors, 
and regulatory agencies.
•  Perform other duties as assigned

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS - 
•  Knowledge of water and sewer system materials, components, and general care practices
•  Proficient in using common hand and power tools for utility maintenance and repair
•  Skilled in identifying, locating, and repairing leaks in water mains, sanitary sewer lines, and 
system extensions
•  Familiarity with pipes, fittings, and water distribution parts used in installation and 
maintenance
•  Strong understanding of hazards and safety precautions related to water, sewer, and reclaimed 
water systems
•  Knowledge of departmental policies, standard operating procedures, and regulatory 
standards
•  Experienced in equipment maintenance practices and operation of large machinery and motorized 
equipment
•  Ability to read and interpret blueprints, atlases, plans, and technical specifications
•  Understanding of civil engineering concepts and principles related to water and sewer 
infrastructure
•  Ability to interpret complex policies, protocols, and procedures with precision
•  Knowledge of backflow prevention and testing procedures
•  Proficient in operating computers and tablets for data entry, reporting, and system 
monitoring
•  Ability to perform repairs, maintenance, and construction tasks independently or as part of 
a team
•  Physically capable of performing duties in all weather conditions, including lifting over 75 
pounds, bending, stooping, sitting, and standing for extended periods
•  Able to work independently, including weekends and holidays, with minimal supervision
•  State, Federal, and local laws and regulatory agencies
•  Evaluating systems, providing quality control, and ensuring compliance

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
•  Graduate of an accredited high school or possess an acceptable equivalency diploma.
•  Must have a valid driver’s license and be able to secure a valid Florida driver’s license within 
30 days of employment.
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 year’s 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.