Water Distribution Operator I

Salary: See Position DescriptionLocation : Clearwater, FLJob Type: Full-timeJob Number: 2026-00132Department: Public UtilitiesOpening Date: 02/19/2026Closing Date: ContinuousTHE CITY OF CLEARWATER IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERApplicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future visa sponsorship. City of Clearwater will not sponsor employment visas (e.g., H-1B, or any other work authorization status).Position DescriptionENTRY SALARY: $ 53,662.26Under general supervision, the Water Distribution Operator I performs skilled, manual labor in the installation, maintenance, and repair of water mains and appurtenances including repairs to grounds, sidewalks, and streets. Maintains water distribution systems, and performs minor repairs, installations, and tests.POSITION OPEN UNTIL FILLEDDuties and ResponsibilitiesEssential Functions: -- Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:Performs general maintenance and repair of the water distribution system and all equipment and general operations; works under general direction and serves as a crew leader and trainer for the Water Distribution Operator Trainees.Makes daily operational checks and performs maintenance for all components of the water distribution systems; performs manual labor and investigation for service calls.Performs installations, repair, and maintenance of water mains, meters, and line extensions within the City.Maintains hydrants, valves, water meters, backflow water meters, and service lines; performs minor repairs, installations, and testing of equipment under direct supervision.Removes dirt, concrete, blacktop, and other materials; digs ditches for laying pipe by use of a trenching machine, backhoe, or manually; assists installing line and laying pipe.Makes, creates, and assists in the development of taps for new water mains and extensions; installs and replaces fittings and performs minor repair work on damaged pipe.Cleans, paints, and maintains fire hydrants, water meters, backflow devices and water distribution appurtenances and surrounding areas.Locates water lines and sewer lines; uses shut-off valves, repairs leaks, and replaces gate valves, fire hydrants, and other appurtenances.Installs, tests, and repairs water meters and backflow prevention devices and related equipment; assists in the warehouse with stocking, inventory, order pulling, and distribution of parts.Handles complaints, service, and investigations for water distribution issues from customers; performs skills to remedy problems.Performs standby duty for after-hour responses; assists department in the event of an emergency and may be required to work odd or altered hours.Performs other duties as assigned.Minimum QualificationsLicenses, Certifications, and Equipment:A valid State driver's license is required.Florida Department of Environmental Protection Water Distribution Operator Level 3 License is required.Does this position require a Commercial Driver's License? YesType: Possession and maintenance of Class A CDL within 1 year of hire date.This position is required to operate the below equipment, machines, tools, and other work aides:Specialized equipment such as directional bore machine, hydraulic valve tuning equipment, portable vacuum trailers, backhoe, trackhoe, light dump truck, double diaphragm pump, walk behind cut saw, hand held cut saw, plate compactor, jumping jack, 90 lb. jackhammer, hand tools, atlas, handheld radio, computer, tablet, and other equipment as assigned.Education and Experience:High School Diploma, High School Equivalency Diploma, or G.E.D Certificate AND completion of the apprentice program as a Water Distribution Operator Trainee, supplemented by two (2) years of experience in construction or operations pertaining to water distribution career field; OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered.Supplemental InformationKnowledge of -Water materials, method, procedures, and equipment used in the installation, maintenance, and repair of mains and service linesProcedures for locating and repairing leaksWater and distribution systemsCommon hand and power toolsPipes and fittingsHazards and safety precautions connected with the water and sewer systemEquipment maintenance practices and methodsSkill in -Operating equipment common to waterworks distribution and sanitary constructionPerforming repairs and maintenanceOperating motorized equipmentReading and interpreting atlases, plans, and specificationsInterpreting, and applying various regulations and codesApplying mechanical and mathematical aptitudeTeaching and training lower level staff and operatorsSeeing numbers and demarcations on gauges or dialsUnderstanding and interpreting complex policies, protocols, and proceduresFULL TIME EMPLOYEES ONLY RECEIVE:Health and Wellness initiatives • 100% employee health care coverage • Option for dependent health care • Life Insurance • Optional Dental, Vision, AFLAC • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) • Retirement -General Employee Pension Plan • Voluntary Tax-deferred 457 Plan • Paid holiday, vacation, sick leave plans • Competitive Salaries • Tuition assistance • Training and development opportunities • Travel compensation • Military leave • Bereavement leave • Discount coupons • Service and employee recognition awardsPART TIME EMPLOYEES ONLY RECEIVE:Paid holiday, vacation, sick leave plans • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) • Competitive hourly rates • Flexible schedules • Training and development opportunities • Discount coupons • Service and employee recognition awardsSEASONAL, VARIABLE, TEMPORARY, EMERGENCY EMPLOYEES RECEIVE NO BENEFITS.01What is your highest level of education?Masters Degree or higherBachelors DegreeAssociates DegreeHigh School Diploma or GED CertificateCompletion of 10th gradeLess than 10th grade education02What level of Driver's License do you currently possess?CDL ACDL BRegular (E)ID OnlyOut of StateNone of the above03Do you have a current Florida Department of Environmental Protection Water Distribution Operator Level 3 license?YesNo04How many years of experience do you have in construction or operations pertaining to water distribution?No experienceLess than 1 year of experience1-2 years' experience2-4 years' experience4-6 years' experience6 or more years' experience05Are you legally authorized to work in the United States?YesNo06Will you now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H-1B visa status)?"YesNo