UTILITIES MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN-WATER RECLAMATION (DOQ)

Salary: $20.68 - $35.50 Hourly
Location : Palmetto, FL
Job Type: Full-Time (Hourly)
Job Number: 26-00268
Department: Utilities
Opening Date: 05/18/2026
Closing Date: 6/11/2026 11:59 PM Eastern


General Information
Work Location: North Water Reclamation Facility, 8500 69th St East, Palmetto, Fl. 34221
Work Hours: Monday - Friday 7:00am - 3:30 pm, Standby Rotation Required
Expected Starting Hourly Range: $20.68 - $25.84

This classification performs a variety of entry level, semi-skilled, or skilled maintenance, construction, and/or mechanical tasks involved in the continuous operation of Manatee County's Wastewater Systems.


Note: Position level and salary will be dependent on qualifications (DOQ).

Employment screenings, as outlined in the Personnel Policy, Rules, and Procedures Manual, will be conducted in compliance with applicable federal and Florida Laws.
Working Conditions
The work environment may include exposure to high noise levels while performing certain essential job functions. The position requires the ability to lift and move objects weighing up to 50 pounds independently and up to 100 pounds with assistance, with or without reasonable accommodation. Work may involve strenuous physical activity under varying climatic conditions and in both indoor and outdoor environments.

Job Description
Essential Functions
These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position.

Duties range from performing trainee-level through skilled and lead duties related to the repair and maintenance activities at Wastewater Plants.

Performs skilled and semi-skilled tasks in maintaining, repairing, and operating equipment and facilities associated with the County's Wastewater Treatment facilities, wells, pump stations, underground sewage gravity lines, manholes, lift stations, force mains, and local distribution lines, services, meters, fire hydrants and other appurtenances; performs construction layouts and establishes grades for all types of utility installations.

Operates and maintains appropriate service equipment including utility service trucks, backhoes, dump trucks, equipment trailers, loaders, sewer cleaning equipment; metal cutting and welding equipment; hydraulic and pneumatic presses, tapping machines, valve operators and wrenches; trenching machines; boring machines; pipe cutters; dewatering systems; pumps; alignment tools; locating and leak detection devices and a wide variety of powered and unpowered hand tools.

Performs and/or assists in supervising installations, rebuilds, and repairs of wastewater pipelines, vaults, valves, fire hydrants, meters, and backflow preventors; isolates wastewater lines for repairs, inspection, or construction; forms and pours concrete; installs, rebuilds, and repairs wide array of pumps, chemical feed equipment, electrical generators and other mechanical equipment in the County's wastewater plants, reclaimed water storage reservoirs, well fields, and pump stations; performs building and grounds maintenance as needed.

Performs and/or assists in organizing and preparing parts, equipment, and tools for the day's work; maintains daily work records and completes reports on work activities; ensures job site safety through traffic control and equipment location; is "competent person" on job site for purposes of confined space and excavation safety rule compliance in absence of maintenance supervisor; fills out work orders; responds to after-hours emergency repair calls.

May train new technicians in the proper use of required equipment and serve in a "lead" capacity when required.

Communicates clearly, effectively and tactfully, orally and in writing. including understanding and following instructions and other materials (i. e., manuals, schematics, maps, etc.)

Reads, interprets and follows pertinent blueprints, utility maps, as-builts, and record drawings.

Performs other related duties as assigned, including participation in emergency or disaster response activities, as required and consistent with the employee's qualifications, essential job functions, and applicable federal and Florida law.

Minimum Qualifications
Education:

Tech IA - III: High school graduate/equivalent. Participation in a rotating Stand-By/On-Call schedule required.

Work Experience:

Tech IA: No experience required. Prior work experience in plumbing, construction, or mechanical repairs desired.

Tech IB: Minimum of one (1) year of experience in repair and maintenance or installation of sewage system pumps and equipment in a utility or closely related system.

Tech II: Minimum of three (3) years' experience in repair and maintenance or installation of sewage system pumps and equipment in a utility or closely related system; one (1) year back-hoe experience.

Tech III: Minimum of five (5) years' experience in repair and maintenance or installation of sewage system pumps and equipment in a utility or closely related system; three (3) years back-hoe experience.

Licenses/Certifications:

Tech IA: Class "C" Wastewater Technician Certification within eighteen (18) months of hire.

Tech IB: Class "C" Wastewater Technician Certification.

Completion of four (4) classes form the UMT Training Class Menu

Tech II: Class "B" Wastewater Technician Certification.

Completion of five (5) classes form the UMT Training Class Menu

Tech III: Class "A" Wastewater Technician Certification.

Completion of nine (9) classes form the UMT Training Class Menu

Completion of OSHA 10 Safety Course

Driver's License:

Must possess and maintain a valid Florida Class "A" Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with a Tanker Endorsement or obtain a Class "A" Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) with General Knowledge, Combination Vehicle, Air Brakes, and Tanker endorsements prior to a conditional offer of employment. The full CDL must be obtained within 120 days of the hire date.

Equivalent combinations of education, training, and experience may be considered in meeting the minimum qualifications for this position.
More
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Tech II - III:

Ability to effectively oversee and train others.

Knowledge of, or ability to quickly learn, wastewater treatment and pumping equipment, reclaimed water distribution and/or wastewater collection principles and practices of maintenance, repair or construction of same.

Knowledge of, or ability to quickly learn, occupational safety and health precautions associated with confined space operations; underground trenches and excavations; heavy equipment operation; mechanical and chemical equipment repair; electrical and internal combustion driven machinery; hazardous chemical and fluids handling.

Ability to read, write and speak English; ability to understand and follow oral or written directions communicated in English.

Ability to distinguish colors and sounds.

Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.

Ability to climb and descend steps, ladders, etc.

Ability to kneel, bend, stoop, crawl, reach, push, pull and perform other physical requirements commensurate with demands of position.

Manual dexterity to operate hand and power tools.

Ability to perform strenuous work in varying and adverse weather conditions; traverse uneven or rugged terrain; and safely operate equipment under varying conditions, i.e., rough, uneven, slippery, etc.

Ability to work in small, confined structures underground and in the presence of raw sanitary sewage where applicable.

Skill in the operation and maintenance of tools and equipment assigned.
Veterans Preference

In accordance with Florida Statute 295.07, F.S., Chapter 55A-7, priority consideration in employment will be given to eligible veterans and spouses of disabled veterans. Applicants claiming preference must provide a DD Form 214 or other acceptable documentation with their application. We are committed to honoring the service and sacrifices of our veterans and their families.

EEO/ADA Statement

Manatee County Government is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you require any accommodations to participate in the recruitment process, please contact Human Resources at View phone number on click.appcast.io.

Drug-Free Workplace

Manatee County Government is a drug-free workplace in accordance with Federal and Florida Law.

Emergency Response/Recovery Activities

All employees may be required to work before, during, or after an emergency. During an emergency, employees may 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.
Full Time Positions

Employee Assistance Program (EAP):

• ComPsych- offers all employees and their family members with emotional, financial, legal, and work/life balance support.
• LAMP counselors available for personal support including emotional, substance abuse, marital, and financial issues.
• Five (5) free visits annually for employees and covered family members.

Wellbeing Benefits:

• Wellness/Health Coaches (5 Free per year)
• On-site Fitness Centers for you and your dependents with 24/7 access
• Personal Training (5 Free per year)
• Pharmacy Technician
• Group Fitness Classes
• Musculoskeletal Physical Therapy Management
• Diabetes Care Program
• Registered Dietician (5 Free per year)
• Massages with licensed therapist (small copay)

Miscellaneous Benefits:

• Workers' Compensation
• Training/Seminars
• Premium Pay Differentials/Career Ladders
• Government employee discounts at many retailers and attractions
• Access to Manatee County Library Services (books, digital services, tools, museum passes).

Paid Time Off:

• 12 Paid Holidays including New Year's Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
• Three (3) Personal Holidays
• Personal Sick Leave
• Family Sick Leave
• Sick Leave Bank (Donated Hours)
• Professional Medical Appointment Leave
• Bereavement Leave
• Military Leave
• Military Training Leave
• FMLA

Vacation Award: Applies to employees regularly scheduled to work 8 hours per day/40 hours per week.
Years of Service Vacation Days
0-5 16.25 days
6-10 19.50 days
11+ 22.75 days

• Eligible employees may earn an additional 2 days of vacation through participation in the Manatee Thrives program

Insurance:

• Award-winning Health Plan with deductibles as low as $0.
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Prescription Insurance
• Life Insurance (6 times salary at low cost)
• Long-term and Short-term Disability Insurance

Retirement:

• Florida Retirement System (FRS) with Pension Plan and Investment Plan options.
• 457b Tax Deferred and ROTH account options through Voya.
• FRS Webinars
• Free financial guidance with licensed, non-commissioned financial planner

Career Wellness:

• Professional Leadership Programs
• Instructor-Led and eLearning Training
• Premium Pay Differentials/Career Ladders
• Career Counseling
• Toastmasters
• Networking Membership (Manatee Chamber of Commerce, Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance)
• Employee Recognition Programs with monetary and time-off awards

Education Benefits:

• Tuition Reimbursement eligible after six (6) months of Public Service, including GED reimbursement.
• Continuing Education support through Training/Seminars and Premium Pay Differentials/Career Ladder.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

Flexible Spending Account:

• Options for Health Care and Dependent Care Spending Accounts providing pre-tax savings.

Permanent Part Time - Benefits

Employee Assistance Program (EAP):
• ComPsych - offers all employees and their family members with emotional, financial, legal, and work/life balance support.
• LAMP counselors available for personal support including emotional, substance abuse, marital, and financial issues.
Miscellaneous Benefits:
• Workers' Compensation
• Training/Seminars
• Fitness Center Access for employee only
• FRS options
• Premium Pay Differentials/Career Ladders
• Government employee discounts at many retailers and attractions
• Access to Manatee County Library Services (books, digital services, tools, museum passes).
Paid Time Off:
• 12 Paid Holidays including New Year's Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
• Three (3) Personal Holidays
• Paid Time Off and Leaves of Absence are based on an 8 hrs./day 80/hrs.
per pay-period basis, any work schedule less that this will be earned on
a pro-rated basis
01



VERY IMPORTANT - When answering supplemental questions about experience, education or certification, please be sure the information is reflected in the Education, Work Experience and Certificates and Licenses sections of your application.


Must include Monthly Salary, Name of Employer, Location, Phone Number and Duties for each employer in Work Experience.
Note: "See Resume" is not acceptable.


Identify all gaps not related to medical reasons.

• I acknowledge the above statement

02


If you are claiming Veteran's Preference, please check category of eligibility

• A disabled veteran who is eligible for receiving compensation under public law administered by Department of Veteran's Affairs and Department of Defense
• The spouse of a veteran who cannot qualify for employment because of total and permanent service-connected disability, or spouse of a veteran missing in action, captured or forcefully detained by a foreign power
• A wartime veteran who has served at least 1 day during a wartime period (active duty for training may not be eligible)
• An un-remarried widow or widower of a Veteran who died of a service-connected disability
• The mother, father, legal guardian, or un-remarried widow or widower of a service member who died as a result of military service under combat-related conditions as verified by the U.S. Department of Defense
• A current member of any reserve component for the United States Armed Forces or the Florida National Guard
• A veteran with a "Honorable" discharge (Active duty for training may not be allowed for eligibility)
• Not claiming Veteran's Preference

03


Which level of education have you achieved?

• No high school equivalency
• High school graduate/equivalent
• Associates degree
• Bachelors degree
• Masters degree

04


Are you able to participate in a rotating Stand-By/On-Call schedule?

• Yes
• No

05


Do you posses a valid Class "A "CDL? If not, you must obtain a FLORIDA Class "A" Commercial Driver's License (CDL) PERMIT prior to employment and obtain a valid FLORIDA Class "A" CDL within six (6) months of hire?

• Yes, I can obtain within the above timeframe
• No, I can not obtain within the above timeframe
• I possess a valid Florida CDL Class A

06


Do you have experience, skills, and abilities to troubleshoot and repair components associated with underground Utilities?

• Yes
• No

07


Do you have experience or knowledge in motor, pump, gearbox, and valve replacement associated with Water Distribution systems, Sewer Collection systems, or Water Reclamation Facilities?

• Yes
• No

08


Do you have experience with ground excavation and heavy equipment operation?

• Yes
• No

09


What previous roles have you held that you believe qualify you for this position?
Required Question