Utilities - Distribution and Collection System Operator III

Distribution and Collection System Operator III
Utilities – Operations & Maintenance Section

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Polk County Utilities provides safe drinking water, wastewater collection and treatment systems to nearly 68,000 accounts in unincorporated communities throughout the county. In some service areas, this division also provides reclaimed water.

Polk’s Utilities program:

Produces and distributes 18.9 million gallons of drinkable water each day

Collects and treats 8.6 million gallons of wastewater each day

Produces and distributes 7.4 million gallons a day of reuse water for irrigation

Responded to nearly 23,000 Sunshine One Call requests in 2022 to identify locations of utility lines

The Utilities Division also works closely with agencies such as the water management districts, Florida Department of Environmental Protection and other municipalities in Polk to provide for future demand through planning and water conservation measures.

Starting Pay Grade: 09 $18.05 Hourly, Non-Exempt
Pay Grade Progression: 09 $18.05 to $26.17 Hourly, Non-Exempt
Physical Location: Bartow, FL

*** This position is eligible for a $1,000 sign-on bonus. ***

Employee Benefits Highlights:
Direct Deposit, Bi-Weekly Pay Checks
Medical, Dental, Vision
Life Insurance
Florida Retirement System Participation
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

We are a Certified Age-Friendly Employer

Drug-Free Workplace

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

MAJOR FUNCTION

Advanced work in repairs and maintenance on all water, sewer and re-use distribution and collection systems. Performs various labor and field work maintaining, constructing, and repairing potable water, wastewater and re-use distribution mains and service lines.

ILLUSTRATIVE DUTIES

• Receives both written and verbal work orders and notifications of water and wastewater line, main and/or facility complaints and travels site to check/verify complaint or problem reporting information to supervisor/operations office or taking any necessary actions to correct any problem found according to operational standard procedures.

• Cleans, swabs, and air purge existing water mains, installing, tapping, repairing/replacing, pressure testing or disinfecting water main and appurtenances (including fittings, valves, and hydrants) operating or adjusting control valves as necessary to regulate water distribution system flows or pressures.

• Evaluating and interpreting water quality measurements in water distribution systems and troubleshooting to determine causes of water quality complaints.

• Performs maintenance of water, sewer & reclaimed air release valves (ARV’s).

• Flush water mains.

• Install or repair/replace water service lines and appurtenances (including fittings, valves and meters), test and maintaining meters.

• Locate and mark meter mains or service lines.

• Operate or exercise isolation valves or water, sewer and reuse systems.

• Test and maintain fire hydrants, repairing/overhauling control valves and hydrants.

• Performing water quality measurements in water distribution systems; reading blueprints and updating GIS information.

• Acts as crew leader directing and overseeing the work of others whenever assigned.

• Performs work required of other Utility Distribution & Collection Operator classes as required.

• Performs related duties as required.
  

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES, AND SKILLS

• Knowledge of the materials, methods, practices, and equipment used in pipe fitting.

• Knowledge of the construction and repair of utility facilities.

• Knowledge of the water and wastewater systems.

• Ability to work from sketches, maps and blueprints.

• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.

• Sufficient physical strength and agility to perform a variety of labor tasks in all weather conditions.

• Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with other employees and the public.

• Ability to lay out, direct and supervise the work of others.

• Skill in the use of equipment in pipe fitting.
  

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Graduate of an accredited high school or possess an acceptable equivalency diploma.

Minimum of two (2) years’ experience in the construction, repair and maintenance of water distribution and sewer collection facilities.

Must possess a valid driver's license and be able to secure a valid Florida driver's license at the time of employment.

Must have appropriate water distribution license or obtain within (24) months of hire date.
Florida Department of Environmental Protection Rule 62-699.

A comparable amount of training and related experience may be substituted for the minimum qualifications, except for the driver’s license requirement.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT

Must have a home telephone at the time of employment as employee is subject to call out to assist in emergencies.

This position shall be required to report for work as directed when a declaration of emergency has been declared in Polk County.

About Polk County, FL

Located in the heart of Central Florida is Polk County, Florida’s fourth-largest county:
https://youtu.be/yXcaehRYEkg?si=J2yGR7wwUMe0I2FU

Seventeen municipalities, ranging from a tiny village to a metropolitan city, are located in Polk County, along with twenty-four unincorporated, populated areas.

Incorporated Polk County: City of Auburndale, City of Bartow, City of Davenport, Town of Dundee, City of Eagle Lake, City of Fort Meade, City of Frostproof, City of Haines City, Village of Highland Park, Town of Hillcrest Heights, City of Lake Alfred, Town of Lake Hamilton, City of Lakeland, City of Lake Wales, City of Mulberry, City of Polk City, City of Winter Haven

Unincorporated Polk County: Babson Park, "Ghost Town" of Brewster, Combee Settlement, Citrus Ridge, Crooked Lake Park, Crystal Lake, Cypress Gardens, Fussels Corner, Gibsonia, Highland City, Homeland, Inwood, Jan Phyl Village, Kathleen, Lakeland Highlands, Loughman, Medulla, Nalcrest, Pittsburg, Poinciana, Wahneta, Waverly, Willow Oak, Winston