Utility Technician I

The Utility Technician I performs technical and semi-skilled work in the construction, maintenance, repair, and operation of County water distribution and wastewater collection systems. Under general supervision, this position supports reliable public utility services by responding to customer service requests, maintaining system infrastructure, and assisting with emergency response and on-call operations. Work is performed in accordance with established safety practices, regulatory requirements, and County policies.

Water Distribution & Wastewater Collection Operations:

• Construct, install, maintain, and repair water distribution lines, wastewater collection mains, and service connections.
• Locate utilities and tap water and wastewater mains for service lines.
• Install, exercise, test, and maintain valves, fire hydrants, water meters, backflow preventers, pump stations, chlorinators, injectors, PVC lines, and related system components.

Maintenance & Equipment Operation:

• Operate tools, vehicles, and equipment necessary for utility maintenance and construction activities.
• Perform routine maintenance and minor repairs on pumps, motors, generators, and other utility equipment.
• Work with high- and low-voltage electrical equipment as required.

Customer Service & Field Support:

• Respond promptly to customer service calls, investigate service complaints, and communicate findings professionally to the public.
• Support emergency repairs, system outages, and after-hours response as part of a rotating on-call schedule.

Records, Sampling & General Duties:

• Read meters, record operational data, and maintain basic written and electronic records.
• Collect water samples and perform basic water analysis when assigned.
• Perform routine maintenance of County-owned property, including mowing, trimming, debris removal, and weed control.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: This position requires good vision and hearing, with or without correction, and frequent use of hands and fingers with dexterity. Work involves constant physical activity throughout the shift, including standing, walking, stooping, kneeling, bending, crouching, crawling, climbing ladders, working on platforms, reaching overhead, and performing physically demanding manual labor. The employee must be able to frequently lift and carry up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift up to 100 pounds, work effectively in physically challenging conditions, drive to various County locations, and communicate clearly both verbally and in writing.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS AND WORK HAZARDS:Work is performed in both indoor and outdoor environments, including climate-controlled facilities and outdoor sites exposed to varying and sometimes extreme weather conditions such as heat, humidity, cold, rain, and lightning. The position involves regular exposure to uneven terrain, excessive noise, dust, fumes, airborne particles, wastewater, toxic or caustic chemicals, and moving mechanical and electrical equipment, with potential risk of electrical shock and work at heights on ladders or elevated surfaces. Employees may be required to work outside normal business hours as operational needs dictate. Appropriate personal protective equipment, including uniforms, eye and ear protection, safety glasses, safety vests, steel-toe footwear, rain gear, and other PPE, is provided and must be worn as required.

SAFETY EQUIPMENT & PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE):Employees are required to adhere to all safety protocols and utilize appropriate safety equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE) provided to ensure a safe working environment. Specific requirements include:

• Mandatory PPE: Employees must wear designated PPE, which may include safety goggles, gloves, hard hats, hearing protection, and respiratory masks, depending on the tasks performed.
• Safety Training: All employees will receive training on the proper use and maintenance of safety equipment and PPE to minimize risks and ensure compliance with safety regulations.
• Inspection and Maintenance: Employees are responsible for regularly inspecting their PPE for wear and tear, and reporting any damaged equipment to their supervisor for replacement.
• Emergency Equipment: Familiarity with the location and use of emergency equipment, such as fire extinguishers, first aid kits, and eyewash stations, is required.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:

This job description is not intended to be and should not be construed as an all-inclusive list of all the responsibilities, skills or working conditions associated with the position. While it is intended to accurately reflect the position activities and requirements, Management reserves the right to modify, add or remove duties and assign other duties as necessary that are a logical assignment to the position.

EMERGENCY RESPONSE/RECOVERY ACTIVITIES:

County employees are considered essential personnel in providing and continuing services to our community during and following a disaster, such as a hurricane, or in other emergency situations. As a requirement of County employment, County employees are subject to being required to remain at work during an event, respond to a recall immediately following an event and/or immediately reporting to work when an all clear is declared by theCounty Administrator. During these types of events, County employeesmay 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.

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.

EEO STATEMENT:

St. Lucie County BOCC is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected characteristic. We encourage all qualified candidates to apply.

Candidates should possess a solid foundational background that demonstrates their ability to engage with the responsibilities of the role effectively.

• High School Diploma or equivalent (GED) required.
• One (1) year of experience in water distribution and/or wastewater collection systems; an equivalent combination of training and experience may be considered.
• Reduced Pressure Zone (RPZ) Certification or ability to obtain certification within 12 months of hire.
• Working knowledge of construction and maintenance methods, materials, tools, and equipment used in water and wastewater utility systems.
• Basic knowledge of plumbing, electrical systems, pumps, motors, generators, chlorinators, and grounds maintenance equipment.
• Demonstrated mechanical aptitude and ability to read meters, charts, blueprints, and civil drawings.
• Ability to follow and communicate (oral and written) instructions, perform basic arithmetic calculations, and make sound independent judgments.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively with coworkers, supervisors, and the public.
• Availability for shift work, scheduled and unscheduled overtime, holidays, and emergency response, including rotating on-call duty.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Florida Driver’s License with a good driving record.

Pay Grade T08

Driving Position – Operating County vehicles and/or equipment is a primary function of this position.

PRE-EMPLOYMENT SCREENING: This position requires a physical, drug testing, driver's license verification and level 1 background screening.