Apprentice Water Technician - OUC

OUC - The Reliable One, an industry leader and the second largest municipal utility in Florida committed to serving the community and the environment, is presently seeking an Apprentice Water Technician to join the Electric & Water Distribution division. At OUC, we don’t just work – we’re building a bright future of innovation and transformation for future generations.

We are seeking a highly reliable apprentice who prioritizes service and safety, thrives in an outdoor work environment, and is enthusiastic about acquiring new skills to contribute to our vision of being a leading provider of innovative solutions. This entry-level, one-year apprentice position within a craft area job ladder offers a blend of classroom instruction, hands-on crew work opportunities, and a pathway to progress to journeymen-level work as a Water Technician I.

In this capacity, you will develop practical experience by mastering various facets of constructing and maintaining a potable water distribution system, encompassing tasks such as pipe laying, water services, fire hydrant installation, and metering.
The individual in this position is expected to work a 4/10 schedule from 6:00 am to 4:30 pm (Monday through Thursday or Tuesday through Friday), with an on-call rotation (7 days) every 5 weeks.

OUC is an industry leader and the second largest municipal utility in Florida committed to innovation, sustainability, and our community, OUC’s mission is to provide exceptional value to our customers and community by delivering sustainable and reliable services and solutions.

Join a team of visionary Change Agents, Strategists, and Community Ambassadors who understand the vital role of diverse experiences in powering creativity and industry transformation. At OUC, each position contributes to the success and achievement of our goals. Click here to learn more about what we do.

The ideal candidate will have:

• High school diploma or GED
• Must possess a current and valid Florida Driver’s License
• Successful completion of OUC’s Pre-Apprenticeship Program (preferred);
• At least 1 month of experience performing outside construction work (required);
• Must possess a current and valid Florida Driver’s License;
• Must have the ability to obtain a Florida Class A Commercial Driver’s License Learners permit within 3 months of hire (required) AND obtain a Florida Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) within 18 months of hire (required)
• Ability to perform physical activities and/or perform work in extreme weather conditions
• Familiarity with materials, equipment, and water utility work methods (preferred)
• Familiarity with water, plumbing or mechanical systems (preferred)
• Use of the following equipment: (preferred)
• Trucks (e.g. 56000 GVRW, crew/dump trucks)
• Hydraulic equipment
• Mechanical tools/devices associated with water utility work

OUC offers a very competitive compensation and benefits package. Our Total Rewards package includes, to cite a few:

• Competitive compensation
• Low-cost medical, dental, and vision benefits and paid life insurance premiums with no probationary period.
• OUC’s Hybrid Retirement Program includes a fully-funded cash balance account, defined contribution with employer matching along with a health reimbursement account
• Generous paid vacation, holidays, and sick time
• Paid parental leave
• Educational Assistance Program, to include tuition reimbursement, paid memberships in professional associations, paid conference and training opportunities
• Wellness incentives and free access to all on-site OUC fitness facilities 
• Access to family-oriented recreational areas
• Paid Conference and Training Opportunities
• Free downtown parking

Click here to view our Benefits Summary.

Salary Range: Starting at $18.53 per hour (Estimated $38,554 annually) with a structured step progression system and performance-based pay increases every 6 months up to $20.66 per hour (Estimated $42,985 annually)

Location: 3800 Gardenia Ave, Orlando, FL 32839

Please see below a complete job description for this role.

Job Purpose:     

This is an entry level, apprentice position in a craft area job ladder with potential to advance to journeymen (Water Technician I) level work. This employee will have the opportunity to learn and train in all aspects of the construction and maintenance of a potable water distribution system which includes pipe laying, water services, fire hydrants and metering.

Primary Functions:         

• Participate in a training program, which consists of most facets of water distribution work, both construction and maintenance skill sets; this training program will include, but is not limited to, distribution, as designated by the supervisor;
• Participate in classroom studies, visual and audio programs, practical applications and other exercises as designated by the supervisor;
• Prepare materials and assist in construction / installation of water mains, services, meters, fire hydrants, valves,
• Prepare materials and assist in underground construction of various facets of the water distribution system including; mains, services, fire hydrants, metering and backflow assemblies,
• Operate, in alignment with OUC’s requirements, all manner of crew truck’s, dump trucks, vacuum trailer, hydraulic / pneumatic equipment and mechanical tools/devices associated with water distribution work;
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Technical Requirements:             

• Familiarity with, but not limited to, the following:
  • Knowledge of: mathematics to include graphic arithmetic, principles of mechanical concepts, reading comprehension
  • Use of materials, equipment, and water utility work methods (preferred);
  • Water / plumbing or mechanical systems (preferred);
• Use of the following equipment: (preferred)
  • Trucks (e.g. 56000 GVWR, crew/dump trucks)
  • Hydraulic equipment
  • Mechanical power tools/devices associated with water utility work
• Abilities to include:
  • Understanding and implementing directions and demonstrating an eagerness to learn;
  • Completion of pre-requisite FDEP Level 3 Water Distribution Operator course;
  • Wear and use various Personal Protection (PPE) and safety equipment (breathing apparatus, etc.)

Education/ Certification/ Years of Experience Requirements:      

• High school diploma or GED;
• Successful completion of OUC’s Pre-Apprenticeship Program (preferred);
• At least 1 month of experience performing outside construction work (required);
• Must possess a current and valid Florida Driver’s License;
• Completion of Florida Class A Commercial Driver’s License Learners permit within 3 months of hire (required);
• Completion of Florida Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) within 18 months of hire (required).

Working Conditions:      

This job involves Very Frequently working in excavations and confined areas. This job involves frequent exposure to extreme weather conditions and insects. This job may involve Occasional exposure to noxious fumes and excessive noise. Employees are expected to work overtime and respond to call out for work, frequently on very short notice, at all hours, on weekends/holidays and in all manner of inclement weather.

Physical Requirements:

This job consists of Very Frequent standing, lifting up to twenty (20) lbs, bending/stooping, speaking, and hearing. and working for extended periods in below grade in open excavations or enclosed spaces are very frequently required. This job consists of frequent walking, lifting up to forty (40) lbs, pushing, pulling, digging, kneeling and/or crawling. This job consists of Occasional sitting, lifting over 50 (50+) lbs, and may involve Occasional writing.

OUC–The Reliable One is an Equal Opportunity Employer who is committed through responsible management policies to recruit, hire, promote, train, transfer, compensate, and administer all other personnel actions without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, marital status, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information and any other factor prohibited under applicable federal, state, and local civil rights laws, rules, and regulations.

EOE M/F/Vets/Disabled