Distribution System Worker

An individual in this position performs routine and emergency repair service to water lines, reclaimed water lines, valves, meters, and appurtenances; responds to and evaluates emergency utility calls, determines the appropriate action to be taken, and undertakes corrective action to resolve the emergency while mostly working independently; locates water and reclaimed water lines for private contractors; updates maps and charts of water and reclaimed water systems; installs new service connections; assists on special projects as needed. 

Hernando County provides a career path for advancement to Water Distribution System Operator I and Water Distribution System Operator II. Placement in job classification will be dependent upon the license, certifications, and years of experience held by the employee and/or the selected applicant.

• Performs semi-skilled labor in a field environment while assisting with the installation, maintenance, and repairs of water distribution system appurtenances (i.e., water plant facilities, water mains, meters, service lines, fire hydrants, and valves). This function involves using and working with a wide variety of tools and materials with an understanding of general water infrastructure maintenance.
• Operates heavy equipment such as back-hoe, trencher, front-end loader, dump truck and trailer, boring machine, air jetting compressors, and valve machine.
• Responds to service requests and emergency callouts for repairing and servicing routine and emergency water system problems throughout the service area to minimize service interruption to customers.
• Completes assigned daily work orders on tablet or other device using asset management / work order software
• Locates and marks county water and reclaimed lines for private contractors and other utility companies to ensure against possible damage while utilizing maps, GIS, and ground penetrating radar.
• Assists with activities in the construction, installation, replacements, repairs, and maintenance of water distribution systems.
• Evaluates, coordinates, and repairs leaks to minimize service interruption to customers.
• Identifies potential problems within the system and takes the necessary corrective action.
• Installs new service connections.
• Performs manual labor in a field environment safely and efficiently.
• Maintains an adequate stock of material on assigned vehicle to ensure new connections and repairs are made efficiently and effectively.
• Interacts with the public, contractors, and vendors in an effective and professional manner.
• Takes On-Call duty on a rotating basis to respond to after hour and weekend callouts as needed.   
• Demonstrates commitment and dependability with regular attendance, punctuality, and adherence to schedule of availability.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Performs semi-skilled labor in a field environment while assisting with the installation maintenance and repairs of distribution system appurtenances in accordance with all State and local rules and regulations (ie, water plant facilities, water mains, meters, service lines, fire hydrants, and valves). This function involves using and working with a wide variety of tools and materials with an understanding of general water infrastructure maintenance. 
• Responds to service requests and emergency callouts for repairing and servicing routine and emergency minor and major water system problems throughout the service area to minimize service interruption to customers. 
• Completes assigned daily work orders on tablet or another mobile device within our Computer Maintenance and Management Program including all pertinent information to sufficiently describe the work completed. 
• Evaluates, coordinates, repairs leaks to minimize service interruption to customers
• Correctly locates and marks county water and reclaimed lines for private contractors and other utility companies to ensure against possible damage while utilizing maps, GIS and Ground Penetrating Radar. 
• Investigates customer complaints concerning utilities systems, determines and takes the appropriate corrective action, properly documents findings and actions taken on work orders.
• Locates and records information about water and reclaimed lines and valves throughout the system to aid in the effective and efficient isolation of leaks and breaks to minimize interruption of service to customers.
• Completes weekly inspection and maintenance records for vehicles and equipment. Maintains an adequate stock of materials on the service vehicle to assure service repairs can be made efficiently and effectively; coordinates restocking with the storeroom/warehouse.
• Interacts with the general public, contractors, and vendors in an effective and professional manner.
• Takes On-Call duty on a rotating basis to respond to after hour and weekend callouts as needed.   
• Demonstrates commitment and dependability with regular attendance, punctuality and adherence to schedule of availability.

Minimum Qualifications

Water Distribution System Worker 

Pay Grade 4

Hourly Rate $18.80 - $24.44

• High school graduate or equivalent (GED).
• One (1) year experience in utility field work or a related field (preferred).
• Must have and maintain a valid Florida Class E Driver's License with a good driving record as defined by current insurance carrier.
• Must possess or obtain FEMA ICS 100, ICS 200, and ICS 700 NIMS certification within 30 days of hire date.
• Maintenance of Traffic (MOT) Intermediate Level preferred or obtained as required

Water Distribution System Operator I 

 Pay Grade 6

Hourly Rate $21.93 - $28.51

• High school graduate or equivalent (GED).

• Must have and maintain a valid Florida Class A Commercial Driver's License with a good driving record as defined by current insurance carrier.
• Must possess a FDEP Water Distribution System Operator Level 3 License

Water Distribution System Operator II

Pay Grade 8

Hourly Rate $24.51 - $34.32

• High school graduate or equivalent (GED).
• Five (5 years of progressively responsible experience in utility construction and maintenance; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

• Must have and maintain a valid Florida Class A Commercial Driver's License with a good driving record as defined by current insurance carrier.
• Must possess a FDEP Water Distribution System Operator Level 2 License

 Special Requirements

• Subject to vaccines as necessary.
• The Operator I & II positions are subject to DOT random drug & alcohol testing.

Required Competencies

The following statements are representative of the required knowledge, skills, and abilities an individual should possess or have the ability to obtain to perform this job successfully.

• Knowledge of
  • water distribution systems construction, installation, and maintenance techniques.
  • basic backflow and cross connection concepts to protect the public from potential contamination.
  • landscaping techniques to restore an area where emergency maintenance has taken place.
  • safe practices used in utility operations.
  • construction equipment, materials, and methods of use.
  • federal, state, and local codes and regulations and safety procedures for utilities construction
• Ability to 
  • anticipate, recognize, and evaluate employee exposure to unsafe conditions on a job site.
  • determine construction requirements and materials needed to complete projects
  • use hand tools and power tools for installing and repairing distribution lines, hydrants, main line valves. 
  • perform manual labor in a field environment safely and efficiently. 
  • work independently, without close supervision and use good judgment.
  • understand and follow verbal and written instructions and communicate clearly and concisely.
  • accurately complete records, documents, and reports.
  • read, understand, and comprehend engineering drawings, plans and specifications.
  • interact with co-workers, supervisors, and the public in a professional and courteous manner.
  • troubleshoot line and main breaks, quickly isolate them, determine corrective action, perform repairs effectively and efficiently and restore service.
  • work weekends, holidays and at other times in case of emergencies or when assigned standby duty.
• Skilled in 
  • assessing utility system problems and taking the necessary corrective action.
  • the safe and efficient operation of hand and power tools to repair and service water distribution systems.
  • operating heavy equipment.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to stand, walk, kneel, crouch, climb, crawl, stoop, pull, push, reach, use of hands, mental acuity, visual acuity, repetitive motion.
• Heavy work exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, 50 pounds of force frequently, and up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

• Working outside in heat, cold, wet, and high humidity.   Working in dampness or chilliness, in dry conditions, in or with noisy conditions, confined spaces, on uneven surfaces, below ground level (ditches), working closely with others 
• Frequently works in or with moving objects or vehicles, with hands, feet, or legs in water, and working alone.
• Works in an environment around heavy machinery and working closely with others and/or alone during nighttime hours under same conditions as listed above.
• Works in a warehouse environment (non-climate controlled) and/or office.

Salary : $39,104 - $50,835