Utility Operator (Springtree Utility Complex)

Utility Operator (Springtree Utility Complex)

Salary

$60,155.00 - $84,996.58 Annually

Location

777 Sawgrass Corporate Pkwy. Sunrise, FL, FL

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

2026-184

Department

UTILITIES

Division

PLANT OPERATIONS

Opening Date

07/15/2026

Closing Date

8/15/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

Bargaining Unit

FOPA

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

ABOUT OUR CITY

The City of Sunrise is more than a workplace - it's a community built on our Three Pillars: Customer Service, Collaboration, and Transparency. We're committed to creating an environment where innovation thrives, teamwork is celebrated, and every employee has the opportunity to grow and make a lasting impact.

As a full-service municipality and one of South Florida's premier cities, Sunrise offers competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, professional development opportunities, and a strong culture of recognition. Whether you're helping residents, shaping policy, or improving city operations, you'll be part of a team that's passionate about service excellence and community pride.

We take pride in being home to the back-to-back NHL Stanley Cup Champion Florida Panthers, a vibrant arts and entertainment district, and a diverse community that truly embodies what it means to Live, Work, and Play in Sunrise.

Looking ahead, the City is exploring an Alternative Work Schedule designed to further support employee work-life balance - providing eligible staff with two three-day weekends per month through an every-other-Friday-off model. This initiative is expected to roll out in the early part of 2026, reflecting our continued focus on flexibility and employee well-being.

NATURE OF WORK

This is skilled technical work in operating a major portion of the water and/or wastewater treatment or pumping equipment on an assigned shift. An Operator is defined in Florida Administrative Code 62-699 as "any person who is in on-site charge of the actual operation, supervision, and maintenance of a domestic wastewater or water treatment plant or water distribution system and includes the person in on-site charge of a shift or period of operation during any part of the day. Operator also means any person operating an electronic control system. Such persons shall be licensed in accordance with Chapter 62-602, F.A.C."

An employee in this class is responsible for performing a variety of semi-skilled assignments necessary to the operation of a municipal water or wastewater treatment plant or auxiliary facility under the supervision of a higher level employee. Responsibilities include but are not limited to: pumping systems; treatment operations; laboratory testing; quality control; sludge treatment, and storage, and preventive maintenance. Utility Operators are required to have basic knowledge in the relationships of microorganism predominance to sludge quality and more complex process like nitrification/denitrification. An employee in this class may also direct and assist in the repair of equipment, housekeeping and cleaning of treatment units. Supervisors will check the work of employees in this classification on an assignment basis. Work is performed on a rotating shift which might include nights, weekends, and holidays. Tasks, learned through on-the-job training, are of average difficulty. Assignments are performed in accordance with established procedures; however, the exercise of some initiative and independent judgment is required especially when completing emergency repairs to equipment. Under general supervision, the employee receives instructions orally and in writing; a higher level employee is available to provide technical advice and assistance when necessary. Work is reviewed while in progress and upon completion, through observation and results obtained.

Examples of Duties

ILLUSTRATIVE TASKS

• Conducts routine checks on a water or wastewater treatment plant; inspects each of the various treatment stages; takes samples as required for operational process control and/or regulatory agencies for compliance.
• Inspects area of responsibility to determine that all machinery is operating properly; takes samples of water or wastewater at various stages of the treatment process to determine effectiveness of treatment procedures; on the basis of sample result institutes alteration of processes to provide effective treatment.
• Inspects and adjusts treatment plant equipment such as chlorinators, lime slakers, flocculators, sludge collectors, mixed media filters, chemical feeders, vacuum filters, conveyor systems, screens and related equipment.
• Inspects recording charts and meters, and on the basis of such information adjusts treatment plant procedures in conformance with operating instructions.
• Measures and adjusts slurry feed; checks water pressure on spray nozzles of a slaker; assists in the overall maintenance of the plant.
• Inspects, starts, stops and operates pumps and auxiliary equipment; determines operating conditions and needed adjustments for repairs; assists in general repair of pumping equipment.
• Prepares records of shift operations; may supervise a small group of skilled and unskilled employees; checks the work of employees in the trainee classification for conformance to instructions given.
• Performs related work as required.

Requirements

EDUCATION

• Graduation from an accredited high school, vocational school or possession of a G.E.D. equivalency diploma.
• PROOF OF THE HIGHEST LEVEL OF COMPLETED EDUCATION MUST BE SUBMITTED AS AN ATTACHMENT WITH APPLICATION. (Applications without attached proof of education will not be processed for consideration.)

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING

• Reasonable experience in the operation of a water and/or wastewater facility
• Trainees Only: Basic full-time utility plant experience or completion of a FDEP approved course in water or wastewater plant operation.

CERTIFICATIONS / LICENSES

• Possession of an FDEP Class "C" (or higher) operators license (certificate) in the area of assignment, i.e. Water or Wastewater Operator, as defined in Florida Administrative Code FAC 62-602, "WATER OR DOMESTIC WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT OPERATORS AND WATER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM OPERATORS."
• Possession of valid drivers license with an acceptable driving record.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: (Trainees Only)

Salary: $57,255.04 Trainee) (2 Steps below Utility Operator salary)

Completion of Trainee status to Probation:

• Must acquire dual licenses in Water and Wastewater
• Must comply within below outlined time limits:
• Within three (3) months, the trainee must enroll in an approved Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) Resident Correspondence Course in Water or Wastewater.
• Within twelve (12) months, the trainee must successfully complete the FDEP approved required training course for Class C license classification and pass the FDEP Water or Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Examination (depending on license needed).
• Eighteen (18) months to obtain an FDEP Class "C" operators license (certificate) in the area of assignment, i.e. Water or Wastewater Operator, as defined in FAC 62-602, "WATER OR DOMESTIC WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT OPERATORS AND WATER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM OPERATORS."
• Thirty-six (36) months to obtain dual Class "C" operators licenses (certificates) in both Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant operation.
• The City will reimburse tuition cost upon successful license acquisition.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must have the use of sensory skills in order to effectively communicate and interact with other employees and the public through personal contact, the use of the telephone and/or other City-issued technology devices.
• Physical capability to effectively use and operate City assigned motorized vehicles, manual or power tools.
• Ability to climb, balance, bend, stoop, squat, kneel, crouch, crawl, reach, push and/or pull, twist and make repetitive hand movements.
• Ability to walk, stand and sit for prolonged periods of time.
• Ability to work outdoors under varying temperatures, inclement weather and/or other adverse conditions.
• Ability to load, carry, lift, push and/or pull objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to operate a motorized vehicle.
• Ability to climb and descend stairways and ship ladders at unusual heights of up to 40 feet.
• Ability to hear within normal audio range, with or without correction.
• Ability to see in the normal visual range with or without correction. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
• Ability to withstand exposure to the following conditions without stress: excessive noise, unpleasant odors, chemicals/other environmental substances, blood borne pathogens.
• If applicable: Perform work at locations with exposure over, in and around water, which may not be accessible to the physically handicapped.

Supplemental Information

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of the operating theory and principles of a water or wastewater plant.

• Knowledge of preventive maintenance and repair techniques for equipment operated.

• Knowledge of the procedures and operating standards applicable to the equipment operated.

• Knowledge of the general operating principles of a wide variety of electrical and mechanical equipment.

• Knowledge of the safety hazards and relevant precautions of the work.

• Ability to make minor repairs to equipment operated.

• Ability to accurately follow routine operating and recording procedures.

• Ability to detect faulty operating characteristics in equipment or processes, and to institute remedial action.

• Ability to maintain detailed routine operating records.

• Ability to work with and supervise subordinate unskilled and semi-skilled personnel.

• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.

• Skill in making minor repairs and adjustments to pumping equipment and valves

• Ability to safely operate a City-issued motorized vehicle

• Ability to manage multiple, high-priority assignments

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, officials, other governmental agencies, other City departments and the general public

• Ability to withstand pressure of competing priorities and varied responsibilities and works efficiently and effectively to develop win-win solutions

BENEFITS PACKAGE SUMMARY

GENERAL EMPLOYEE

HIRED ON OR AFTER 10/01/23

City-Paid Medical Benefits:

• Group Health Insurance: The City pays for 100% of the cost for single coverage for full-time employees and 66.66% of cost for Dependent/Family Coverage. Upon retirement and separation from City employment, employee receives a monthly stipend of $350 per month, applicable toward retiree health coverage.
• Life Insurance: $30,000
• Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D): $10,000
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) through Cigna Behavioral

Retirement:

• Employee Contribution = 8%
• Vesting = 10 Years
• Normal Retirement Benefit = 2.5% of pensionable earnings for each year of creditable service
• Average Final Compensation (AFC) = 3 best consecutive earning years
• Maximum Benefit = 80% of AFC, not to exceed $80,000.
• Normal Retirement = Age 62 and ten (10) years of creditable service
• Early Retirement = Age 57 and ten (10) years of creditable service, 3% annual reduction for each year prior to normal retirement age
• 13th check based on monthly retirement, payable if the pension plan funding status is equal to or greater than 100%. Paid in December each year following retirement
• Deferred Retirement Option Plan (DROP) = 4 years/48 months maximum
• DROP Interest Rate = 4%, compounded annually

Longevity:

Based on successful completion of full-time, continuous service with the City, employee shall receive the following:

Years of Creditable Service Longevity Benefit*

10 Years 2.5%

15 Years 2.5%

20 Years 5.0%

• Longevity Benefit calculated on employee's base rate of pay

Paid Holidays:

Employees receive the following City-paid holidays:

• New Year's Day
• Martin Luther King Day
• Memorial Day
• Juneteenth
• 4th of July, Independence Day
• Labor Day
• Veterans' Day
• Thanksgiving Day
• Friday after Thanksgiving
• Christmas Day

Annual Leave:

Annual leave may be taken as earned after completion of (90) calendar days. Maximum accumulation each fiscal year is 290 hours. At time of resignation or retirement, employee is paid for all annual leave accrued at their current rate of pay. Annual leave is accrued based on continuous, full-time service with the City, as follows:

Completed Months of Service Total Hours Accrued Annually

Up to and including first 60 months 96 hours/12 Days

Greater than 60 months through 120 months 136 hours/17 Days

Greater than 120 months through 204 months 176 hours/22 Days

Greater than 204 months 216 hours/27 Days

Annual Leave Cash Out:

Employee can opt to receive a non-pensionable cash payment twice per year for up to forty (40) hours of annual leave, provided accrued annual leave bank does not fall below eighty (80) hours.

Floating Holidays:

Upon completion of (26) weeks of full-time employment with the City, employee shall be entitled to utilize up to five (5) floating holidays per fiscal year. Floating holidays shall not carry over to the next fiscal year.

Perfect Attendance:

For every six (6) months period (April 1 - September 30) and (October 1 - March 31) in which, no sick or unpaid leave is utilized, an employee shall receive ten (10) hours of annual leave credited. Employees who qualify for a consecutive Perfect Attendance benefit shall receive fourteen (14) hours of annual leave credited for each applicable consecutive earning period.

Sick Leave:

Each employee earns (96) hours (12 days) of sick leave annually with no waiting period for use and unlimited accrual. Upon separation of City employment due to resignation, employee shall receive payment of all accrued sick leave at a rate of twenty-five percent (25%) of the employee's current rate of pay at time of resignation. Upon separation of employment due to retirement, employee shall receive payment of all accrued sick leave at a rate of fifty percent (50%) of the employee's current rate of pay at the time of retirement.

Sick Leave Conversion:

After completion of one (1) year of continuous, full-time employment with the City, an employee may convert their unused portion of their first six (6) days (maximum of forty-eight (48) hours) of accrued sick leave into annual leave. Conversions are subject to the following: A minimum of 96 unused sick leave hours accrued prior to hours being converted, total eligible sick leave hours to be converted shall be reduced hour-for-hour by any sick leave hours utilized during the eligible benefit period, and conversion subject to annual leave accrual cap.

Bereavement:

Qualifying City-paid Bereavement Leave as follows:

• In State = Up to 3 Days
• Out of State = Up to 5 Days

Tuition Reimbursement:

After one (1) year of full-time employment

• 100% reimbursement for a grade of A or B
• 50% reimbursement for a grade of C
• $250 books/lab reimbursement per semester

Credit Union:

We Florida Financial Bank & Credit Union - 8890 NW 44th Street, Sunrise, FL. 33351

Optional Voluntary Benefits (paid by the employee):

• Single or Family Dental Insurance Coverage
• Single or Family Vision Insurance Coverage
• Accident Advantage
• Life Insurance Coverage
• AD&D
• Short Term Disability
• Critical Care Protection
• Cancer Protection Assurance
• MissionSquare Retirement Compensation Programs

o 457 Deferred Compensation Plan

o 401(a) Governmental Purchase Plan: Newly hired

01

Please describe your highest level of education completed. PROOF OF THE HIGHEST LEVEL OF COMPLETED EDUCATION MUST BE SUBMITTED AS AN ATTACHMENT WITH APPLICATION. (Applications without attached proof of education will not be processed for consideration.)

• No High School/GED
• High School/GED
• Some College
• Associates Degree
• Bachelors Degree
• Masters Degree
• Doctoral Degree

02

Please indicate the number of years experience you have in the operation of a wastewater or wastewater utility plant:

• No Experience
• Inexperienced (Less than 6 months)
• Basic (6 months - 1 year)
• Reasonable (1 - 3 years)
• Considerable (4 - 6 years)
• Extensive (7 - 9 years)
• Broad (10+ years)

03

Have you completed and passed an FDEP approved course in water or wastewater plant operations? Please submit proof of certificate with application.

• Yes
• No

04

Are you applying for Utility Operator Trainee? (Unlicensed)

• Yes
• No

05

Trainees Only: Which of these requirements do you meet?

• Six (6) months or more full-time utility plant experience
• Completion of a FDEP approved course in water/wastewater plant operation
• N/A: Not applying as Trainee

06

Do you have a valid Drivers License?

• Yes
• No

07

If yes, please provide Drivers License number and Date of Issue:

Required Question

Employer City of Sunrise

Address 10770 W. Oakland Park Blvd.

Sunrise, Florida, 33351

Phone 954-838-4522

Website http://agency.governmentjobs.com/sunrisefl/default.cfm