Utility Technician Trainee

An employee in this class is responsible for performing various manual and semi-skilled tasks of average difficulty in construction, maintenance, and repair at Water Distribution, Collections, or Stormwater Divisions. Employees operate power tools and small equipment. Under guidance, the employee exercises minimal initiative and independent judgment in performing assigned tasks. Employees may only remain in this class for up to one year while working towards the mandatory requirement to become a Utility Technician I.  Some positions might require the employee to perform tasks of a hazardous nature and to work shifts. Work is reviewed while in progress and upon completion through observations and results obtained.

Performs manual and semi-skilled laboring tasks related to construction, repair, and maintenance; cuts out streets and driveways; excavates to facilitate manual repair, backfills and compacts excavated areas; installs erosion control material (rip rap, sandbags) (Stormwater only).

Locates utilities on the job or digs out utilities by hand with guidance. Performs simple measurements; interprets gauge and meter readings.

Receives parts and materials from warehouse personnel.

Transports materials, tools and equipment to and from job sites; setups and removes warning signs and traffic control devices with guidance.

Assists with cleaning and upkeep of vehicles and maintains checklist; cleans work area.

Operates the following: electronic utility locators; hand and power tools; small equipment such as walk behind rollers, tampers, saws; fire hydrants; gas detector equipment; and air compressors and generators.

Performs related work as required.

Some knowledge of: proper safety practices; proper use of hand signals for equipment operations; gas detector equipment; pipe sizes and materials; confined space; directional flow of collection systems or water distribution systems; communications equipment.

Ability to: read and write; understand and follow oral and written instructions; read and interpret road map; drive and work safely; perform work requiring physical strength; work in confined spaces; operate small equipment; work in a team atmosphere; be a selfstarter, try new ideas and acquire skill flexibility; communicate effectively; deal with and resolve conflict within a team; be courteous under pressure; establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers and general public.

Skill in: the use and care of basic hand and power tools; the use of small equipment; driving trucks.

Graduation from an accredited high school, technical or vocational school; or, if already employed at Water Distribution, Collections or Stormwater must meet Trainee level of the skills matrix.

• Possession of a valid Florida Commercial driver’s license, Class "A" (with tanker endorsement) (for Collections and Stormwater). 

• Possession of a valid Florida Commercial driver’s license, Class “B” (for Water Distribution Only).  

• All skills required for Utility Technician I must be obtained within one year.

Evaluation of education and experience. Drug testing is included in all pre-employment processing.

Employees may be required to work rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, holidays and overtime as needed. During periods when the Mayor issues an emergency declaration for the City of Tampa, all employees may be required to work in preparation, response or recovery activities related to the stated emergency.

HELPFUL HINTS FOR COMPLETING YOUR APPLICATION: Please register before you begin the application process. This will enable you to view and re-use information from previously submitted applications to complete and submit any future applications. Please make certain your application is complete and the information you provide clearly demonstrates that you possess the minimum job qualifications as stated in the job announcement. Resumes can be submitted in support of an application, but not in lieu of an application. Resumes and copies of certifications or other required documents may be attached to your online application.