Special Equipment Operator Trainee

Special Equipment Operator Trainee

Salary

$21.70 - $30.38 Hourly

Location

Wesley Chapel, FL

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

14303-0926

Department

Utilities Water & Wastewater O & M

Division

Wastewater Services

Opening Date

10/02/2026

Closing Date

10/15/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

Salary Range

$21.70 - 30.38

Pay Grade

N35 (Non-Exempt position)

Salary Disclosure

Pay rates are based on education, skill, experience level and internal equity.

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

General Description

JOIN OUR TEAM AS A SPECIAL EQUIPMENT OPERATOR TRAINEE

Performs work directed and monitored by Special Equipment Operator of more than ordinary difficulty in the skilled operation of heavy and complex construction, maintenance, and transport equipment.

Candidates can expect to be employed under the auspices of the trainee program for approximately 18 months (depending on prior experience and aptitude). Upon successful completion of the trainee program, the candidate will be promoted to the title of Special Equipment Operator with a minimum starting salary of: $25.12 per hour.

Essential Job Functions

The following duties are illustrative and not exhaustive. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

This is skilled and technical work in the operation and maintenance of the sewer television inspection unit, jet trucks, vacuum trucks, and other various equipment used in utilities system maintenance and repair. This position is responsible for learning the Vactor operations and the Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) equipment, sludge truck, mini trac -hoe, rubber tire backhoe, skid steer, trac-hoe, and related equipment. Locates and exposes manholes for cleaning, assists with spotting driver when backing the vehicle, and performs vehicle and equipment maintenance which includes sight inspections and fuel checks. Enters timekeeping data into the Electronic Asset Maintenance Management System (EAM). Attends meetings and training classes, remaining current with Confined Space, Trench, Safety, Competent Person training, Intermediate Maintenance of Traffic (MOT), Disaster Preparedness and Response Planning, and First Aid/CPR. Requires lifting and/or moving up to 80 pounds and pushing or pulling heavy objects. Performs related duties as required.

Employees in this position work in teams under the direction of a Utilities Supervisor or designated Field Special Equipment Operator and work is reviewed through observations, reports, and obtained results.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the operations of all machines and equipment involved in public works and/or utilities/solid waste activities in construction, maintenance, and repair.
• Knowledge of both traffic and safety rules as well as knowledge of applicable precautions to be taken to avoid accidents.
• Knowledge of utilities construction and repair, trenchless rehabilitation processes such as Cured in Place Pipe (CIPP), thermal plastic liner systems, chemical grouting, and manhole rehabilitation processes.
• Knowledge of the practices and techniques applied to the safe operation of heavy equipment.
• Ability to understand and follow both oral and written instructions.
• Ability to understand instructions and make necessary reports.
• Skill in minor maintenance of all equipment to which assigned.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships with coworkers, supervisors, and the public.
• Skill in the operation of assigned equipment including basic computer skills.
• Ability to read and interpret maps and drawings.

Minimum Requirements

WORK ENVIRONMENT: 10% inside a climate-controlled building. 90% outside which includes driving.

PHYSICAL SKILLS: Ability to lift and/or move up to 80 pounds and push or pull heavy objects. May use a handling device (dolly, cart, etc.) or work with another team member to lift and/or move excessively heavy objects. Ability to read for comprehension. Ability to communicate effectively using verbal, written, and visual communication. Ability to frequently bend, climb, stoop, squat, and walk. Ability to work for long hours, out-of-doors, occasionally under adverse weather conditions. Must pass pulmonary function test and fit test within sixty (60) days from date of employment. Position may require being clean shaven in order to comply with safety standards.

EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE: Graduation from high school or possession of an acceptable equivalency diploma. One (1) year experience in utilities/solid waste and/or public works maintenance and/or construction, which includes six (6) months experience in the operation of a variety of heavy and complex construction, wastewater collections, and/or utilities maintenance equipment.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS OR REGISTRATIONS: Must possess a valid Florida drivers license. Must obtain a valid Florida Commercial Drivers License (CDL), Class "A" permit within thirty (30) days of employment; full license with N tanker endorsement required within 120 days of employment. Must be able to obtain within (1) year from date of employment: Confined Space Certification Entry & Supervisor and Intermediate Maintenance of Traffic Certification. Trenching & Shoring Certification must be obtained with three (3) months from date of hire.

FDEP Level (3) Water Distribution System Operator License or FWPCOA (C) Wastewater Collection Technician Certification depending on discipline within (18) months from date of employment preferred.

OTHER MACHINES: The work also requires operation and ability to operate several of the following machines: TV truck, Jet-Vac truck, Sludge trucks, Mini trac, rubber tire backhoe, Trac-hoe, Skid steer, forklift, easement machines, generators, and other equipment as assigned.

OFFICE MACHINES: The work requires the ability to operate the following office machines: Telephone, Fax, photocopier, printer, desktop and laptop computers.

TOOLS: The work requires proficiency with various hand and power tools such as wrenches, pumps, grease guns, spray guns, and shovels.

ADA STATEMENT: A qualified employee or applicant with a disability may be afforded a reasonable accommodation to perform the essential job functions of a position in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE: Pasco County BOCC is a drug-free workplace in accordance with Federal and Florida law.

EMERGENCY RESPONSE/RECOVERY ACTIVITIES: 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.

VETERANS PREFERENCE: Under Section 295.07, F.S., Chapter SSA-7, Pasco County BCC provides to Veterans, that preference in appointment will be given to preference-eligible applicants.

PASCO COUNTY WAS VOTED ONE OF THE NATIONS TOP WORKPLACES FOR 2021

Benefits include:

• Florida Retirement System (FRS) retirement plan
• PTO (Paid Time Off)
• Paid holidays
• Group insurance
• Tuition reimbursement
• Deferred compensation
• Medical leave pool
• Annual medical leave buy-back
• Mid-management/Professional grade, and management personnel may receive 40 hours of admin leave per calendar year.

Effective July 1, 2011, FRS members must contribute 3% of their salary as retirement contributions, on a pre-tax basis (the salary is reduced by the amount of the employee contribution before determining the federal income tax deduction). The employer will automatically deduct the employee contributions.

01

I am aware that the following supplemental questions will determine my eligibility for this position.

• Acknowledge
• Decline

02

Are you a current Pasco County BOCC employee?

• Yes
• No

03

Which best describes your highest level of COMPLETED education?

• GED
• High School
• Associate degree
• Bachelors Degree
• Masters Degree
• Doctorate
• None of the above

04

Which best describes the years of experience you have in utilities/solid waste and/or public works maintenance and/or construction, which includes six (6) months experience in the operation of a variety of heavy and complex construction, wastewater collections, and/or utilities maintenance equipment?

• Ten or more years of experience
• Nine years but less than ten
• Eight years but less than nine
• Seven years but less than eight
• Six years but less than seven
• Five years but less than six
• Four years but less than five
• Three years but less than four
• Two years but less than three
• One year but less than two
• Less than one year of experience

05

Do you possess a valid Florida drivers license or have the ability to obtain the license within 30 days from date of hire?

• Yes
• No

06

Are you a veteran who served as a member of the armed forces of the United States during a period of war, defined in Title 38, U.S.C., and who was separated from such service under honorable conditions, or the surviving spouse of any such veteran? (SUPPORTING DOCUMENTION IS REQUIRED AT THE TIME OF SUBMISSION OF APPLICATION OR NEXT BUSINESS DAY).

• Yes
• No

07

I hereby acknowledge that Pasco County BOCC is a drug-free workplace in accordance with Federal and Florida law, and consent to pre-employment drug/alcohol testing, and agree to abide by the program and policy if employed by Pasco County BOCC.

• Acknowledged
• Declined

08

Are you legally authorized to work in the United States? Note: If hired, a Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, must be completed at the start of employment.

• Yes
• No

09

Have you recently retired from the Florida Retirement System (FRS) Pension Plan or Investment Plan within the last 6 months?

• Yes
• No

10

Have you recently taken a disbursement from the Florida Retirement System (FRS) Pension Plan or Investment Plan within the last 6 months?

• Yes
• No

11

If so, please provide the date.

12

Please specifically explain how your prior work experience and education match the qualifications for this position. (1000 characters or less)

13

How did you hear about this position?

• Billboard
• Facebook
• Friend/Family Referral
• Indeed
• Instagram
• Job Fair
• LinkedIn
• Magazine publication
• Nextdoor
• Pasco County employee
• Pasco County Facebook Page
• Pasco County website/Governmentjobs.com
• Pasco County Traffic Sign
• Utility bill insert
• X/Twitter
• YouTube
• Other

14

If a Pasco County employee referred you, please provide the name of the employee. If none, write N/A.

Required Question

Employer Pasco County

Address 7536 State Street

New Port Richey, Florida, 34654

Phone (727) 847-8030

(727) 847-8103

Website http://www.pascocountyfl.net