Water Utilities Maintenance Apprentice or Technician

At entry level, the Apprentice performs semi-skilled field work requiring the application of acquired skills and knowledge in the installation, field maintenance and repair of potable and reclaimed water distribution systems and construction procedures; skill in the use of waterworks equipment; and knowledge of departmental functions, policies, and procedures. Work involves the maintenance and repair of fire hydrants; installation of water meters at new water service connections; and removal, replacement, repair, and adjustment of water meters. Work of this class is characterized by obtaining a Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) Level III Water Distribution Operators license and participation in and successful completion of the Apprenticeship Training Program designed to improve the employee's knowledge of water distribution systems maintenance and construction procedures and to further develop skills in the use of hand and power tools and other specialized equipment. Upon satisfactory completion of the program, the employee becomes certified at the journeyman pipe layer level. Applicants who have already completed an equivalent program of classroom study and work experience, hold certification as journeyman pipe layer and have demonstrated journeyman skills and abilities, may be considered for hire at the more skilled Technician level. Due to the critical responsibilities of this classification, an employee in this class must be able to report to work outside of normally scheduled work hours to respond to emergency conditions and/or address urgent needs, at the discretion of management.

Salary: $19.76 - $33.30 Hourly*

• The selection into a Water Utilities Maintenance Apprentice or Technician, will depend upon qualifications and experience. Initial employment is customarily at entry level. The entry level for a Technician is $23.71 Hourly.

Close Date: 09-29-2025 (11:59 PM)

Minimum Qualifications. Applicants must:

• Possess a valid high school diploma or GED equivalency.

• Possess and maintain a valid Driver License.

• Obtain a State of Florida Class “B” Commercial Driver License with “N” endorsement within 12 months of appointment to the position.

• Obtain and maintain the FDEP Level III Water Distribution Operator’s License within 24 months of appointment to the position.

• Complete an 8,000 hour on-the-job-training program (including classroom training) and obtain a Water Pipefitter Certificate within 72 months of appointment to the position.

• Be able to use a desktop or mobile computer and any CMMS or other software as assigned.

• Be able to understand and effectively carry out oral and written instructions.

• Acknowledge this position is designated as Emergency Critical (EC) and if hired into the position, you must be immediately available to the department before, during, and after a declared emergency and/or disaster.

Desirable Qualifications. Preferred Applicants:

• Possess and maintain a valid State of Florida Class “B” Commercial Driver License with “N” endorsement.

• Have some experience in the waterworks, maintenance, or construction fields.

• Are able to perform minor arithmetic calculations quickly and accurately.

• Are able to prepare routine written reports of work activities.

• Are able to work under potentially hazardous conditions.

• Have graduated from the Public Works Academy at Pinellas Technical College.

IMPORTANT APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

For purposes of employment, re-employment, promotion, transfer or demotion, the most qualified applicants will be selected to continue in the hiring process. At this point, any prior criminal records will be verified. A prior criminal record will not necessarily disqualify a selected applicant from employment.

The City of St. Petersburg is committed to a Drug Free Workplace and compliance with the Department of Transportation (DOT) drug testing rules. Applicants may be required to successfully complete pre-employment drug testing and/or medical exams.