Water Distribution Operator I

Water Distribution Operator I Salary

See Position Description Location: Clearwater, FL Job Type: Full-time Job Number: 2026-00132 Department: Public Utilities Opening Date: 02/19/2026 Closing Date: Continuous

Benefits

THE CITY OF CLEARWATER IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER Applicants 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 Description

ENTRY SALARY: $ 53,662.26

Under 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.

Duties and Responsibilities

Essential Functions:

• Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills.
• 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 Qualifications

Licenses, Certifications, and Equipment:

• A valid State drivers license is required.
• Florida Department of Environmental Protection Water Distribution Operator Level 3 License is required.
• Does this position require a Commercial Drivers License? Yes Type: 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 Information

Knowledge of - Water materials, method, procedures, and equipment used in the installation, maintenance, and repair of mains and service lines Procedures for locating and repairing leaks Water and distribution systems Common hand and power tools Pipes and fittings Hazards and safety precautions connected with the water and sewer system Equipment maintenance practices and methods Skill in - Operating equipment common to waterworks distribution and sanitary construction Performing repairs and maintenance Operating motorized equipment Reading and interpreting atlases, plans, and specifications Interpreting, and applying various regulations and codes Applying mechanical and mathematical aptitude Teaching and training lower level staff and operators Seeing numbers and demarcations on gauges or dials Understanding and interpreting complex policies, protocols, and procedures

Full-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 awards

Part-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 awards

Seasonal, Variable, Temporary, Emergency Employees Receive No Benefits.