UTILITY SERVICE TECHNICIAN TRAINEE - REGION EAST & METER MAINTENANCE

Utility Service Technician Trainee

Employer: Emerald Coast Utilities Authority

Salary: $38,750.40 - $63,523.20 Annually

Location: Region East, Ellyson - 9300 Sturdevant Street, Pensacola, FL 32514, FL

Job Type: Full Time

Job Number: 2018E

Department: Regional Services (2003)

Opening Date: 08/14/2026

Responsibilities/Pay Grade

Job Summary: Reports to the Senior Utility Service Technician. This is an entry-level classification in which incumbents learn the skills required to perform semi-skilled work in the installation, and maintenance of the water distribution and wastewater collection systems. Employees in this classification participate in a formal ECUA training and career progression program, as well as receiving on-the-job training. Work is performed under immediate supervision. Utility Service Technician Trainees demonstrate the ability to perform assigned essential functions and duties within a 24-month structured training program. Required training classes are listed in the "Career Progression" section of this job description.

Essential Job Functions: Assists more senior technicians with the operation and maintenance of ECUA's Water Distribution and Wastewater Collection Systems. Assists with installation of water services including tapping the water main, installing the service tubing, and connecting the tubing to the meter box. Assists with the repair of water main breaks, water service leaks and water meters. Assists with emergency shut downs of the water system. Assists with the maintenance of water valves, fire hydrants, and water meters. Turns customers' water services on and off. Installs, replaces, and uses a computer to analyze and troubleshoot residential (AMR) water meters. Records meter readings for billing purposes. Assists with installation of sewer laterals from the main to the property line for residential customers. Assists with the repair and maintenance of gravity sewer mains, sewer force mains, customers' service laterals, force main valves, and air release valves (ARV). Assists with the shutdown, bypass, and repair of damaged gravity and force mains. Uses a computer to utilize ECUA's electronic mapping system, and to send, receive, and close out electronic work orders. Assists with performance of utility locates with ground penetrating radar (GPR) and other equipment. Operates and maintains back-hoe, trencher, service truck, pumps, well-point systems and other equipment. Responds to customer complaints and makes contact with the customers. Uses laptop for Geographic Information System (GIS) and other software. Collects Global Positioning System (GPS) points on key components of infrastructure. Performs small restorations to roads, driveways, and sidewalks using asphalt and concrete. Fills holes with sand to prepare for restoration. Learns job-related material primarily through oral instruction and observation in an on-the-job training setting. All other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent. (Educational documentation will be requested upon offer of employment) Must be 18 or older. Basic level of computer knowledge and skills. Licenses and Certifications: Possession of a current valid driver license. Possession of a State of Florida Level III Water Distribution License within 24 months from date of hire. Must obtain a Class A CDL with tanker within 24 months from date of hire. Must obtain certification in Management of Traffic (MOT) within twenty-four (24) months from date of hire.

Employment offers to all new hires are contingent upon the job candidates successfully passing background, motor vehicle and reference checks, drug screening, and post job offer physicals (that may include pulmonary testing). All applicants are subject to physical assessments as required by job.

Physical Requirements/Working Environment

The job requires sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in a field environment; to walk, stand, and sit for prolonged periods of time; to frequently stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, crawl, climb, reach, twist, grasp, and make repetitive hand movement in the performance of daily duties; to lift, carry, push, and/or pull moderate to heavy amounts of weight; to operate assigned equipment and vehicles; and to verbally communicate to exchange information. Outdoor field environment; travel from site to site; exposure to noise, dust, grease, smoke, fumes, noxious odors, gases, mechanical and electrical hazards, and all types of weather and temperature conditions; work in or around water; exposure to hazardous traffic conditions; work and/or walk on various types of surfaces including slippery or uneven surfaces and rough terrain. As a disaster team member, the employee is required to be available to work before, during, and after any disaster as directed.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities/Supplemental Information

Training Classes Required: (Must be completed within 24 months of date of hire.)

• New Services/Service Repairs (Water)
• Main and Service Repair/New Services
• Maintenance of Traffic (MOT)
• Tools and Small Equipment
• Line Spots/Map Reading
• Backhoe Operations I
• Backhoe Test
• Servicing Meters
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• Water Main and Force Main Repairs
• Confined Spaces - Gas Analyzers
• Fire Hydrant Operation
• Class A CDL
• CPR Certification

Knowledge of: Basic methods and techniques of utility line maintenance, repair, and installation. Use and care of general and specialized power and hand tools of the trade. Occupational hazards and safety precautions. MOT rules for traffic safety Confined Space Entry Procedures Skill in: Use of power and hand tools and equipment. Ability to: Understand and follow oral and written instructions. Read and comprehend written instructions. Perform basic workplace math calculations.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans' Preference

ECUA is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion/creed, sex, national origin, disability/handicap, age, marital status, veteran status, or any other legally protected criteria. ECUA provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities on a case-by-case basis. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please contact the Human Resources Department.

ECUA proudly supports veterans, military spouses, and their families. We recognize your unique skills and sacrifices and are committed to helping you build a rewarding career in public service. A Veterans' Preference shall be awarded to preference-eligible applicants in accordance with Florida law.

ECUA offers competitive benefit choices for full-time employees and their dependents. Benefits include, but are not limited to: 10 Paid Holidays Annual and Sick Leave Health, Dental, Vision, Life & Disability Insurance Florida Retirement System (FRS) Pension Plan and Investment Plan options Deferred Compensation Retirement Savings Plans Tuition Reimbursement Program Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Company-supplied Uniforms (for qualifying positions)