Canal Maintenance Operator

City of Sunrise; Town of Florida (NY); On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Sunrise is seeking a skilled crew member to spray and remove aquatic vegetation from canals and ditches, operate boats and spray equipment, and maintain records of activities and chemicals.

This full-time role requires a Florida pesticide license (Aquatic 5A) or the ability to obtain it within six months, along with a valid driver’s license and safety awareness. Experience with pumps and field maintenance is valued.

Qualifications

• License Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services - Category 5A (Aquatic) or obtain within six months of hire.
• Certification preferred: FSA Stormwater Operator - Level 1.
• License: FDACS – Category 6 (Right-of-Way Pest control) preferred.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license with a satisfactory driving record.
• Must obtain a Florida driver’s license prior to hire.

Responsibilities

• Sprays and removes weeds, hyacinths, and other noxious water vegetation from canals, ditches, and canal banks.
• Operates spray boat and other equipment used in the control of aquatic weeds.
• Operates harvesting equipment used in the control of aquatic weeds.
• Prepares and maintains reports of activities and crew operations; maintains records of equipment and chemicals used.
• Contacts property owners and others regarding spraying and treating aquatic vegetation.
• Conducts on-the-job training of new employees in spray procedures and chemical handling.
• Removes litter, dead animals, and debris from canal heads and catch basins.
• Helps locate and clean drains and assist in canal maintenance.
• Assists in cutting trees on canal banks and maintaining chemical inventories.
• Keeps logs on daily chemical usage and orders supplies as needed.
• Assists pump station mechanic with maintenance tasks as needed.

Skills

Pumps operation

Spray equipment operation

Boat operation

Driver's license

Education

High school diploma

Tools

FDACS license 5A Aquatic

FSA Stormwater Operator Level 1

FDACS Category 6 Right-of-Way Pest control

Job description

ABOUT OUR CITY

The City of Sunrise is more than a workplace — it’s a community built on our Three Pillars: Customer Service, Collaboration, and Transparency.We’re committed to creating an environment where innovation thrives, teamwork is celebrated, and every employee has the opportunity to grow and make a lasting impact.

As a full-service municipality and one of South Florida’s premier cities, Sunrise offers competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, professional development opportunities, and a strong culture of recognition. Whether you’re helping residents, shaping policy, or improving city operations, you’ll be part of a team that’s passionate about service excellence and community pride.

We take pride in being home to the back-to-back NHL Stanley Cup Champion Florida Panthers, a vibrant arts and entertainment district, and a diverse community that truly embodies what it means to Live, Work, and Playin Sunrise.

Effective January 2026, the City is has launched an Alternative Work Scheduledesigned to further support employee work-life balance — providing eligible staff with two three-day weekends per monththrough an every-other-Friday-off model. This initiative reflects our continued focus on flexibility and employee well-being.

NATURE OF WORK

This classification involves spraying and removing vegetation and other litter from City canals and ditches. An employee in this position handles required chemical and herbicides following safety guidelines; sprays and removes weeds, noxious water vegetation, litters, and dead animals; and operates boats, harvesting equipment, pumps, and other related equipment. This position also maintains records/inventory and orders replenishing of supplies.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Sprays and removes weeds, hyacinths, and other noxious water vegetation from canals, ditches, and canal banks. Mixes chemicals to be used in spraying operation; places emulsified chemicals on or near the bottom of the canal.
• Operates spray boat and other equipment used in the controlling of aquatic weeds.
• Operates harvesting equipment used in the controlling of aquatic weeds.
• Prepares and maintains reports of activities and crew operations; maintains records of equipment and chemicals used.
• Contacts property owner and other persons in reference to spraying and treating noxious aquatic plant life.
• Conducts on-the-job training of new employees assigned to spray crew; instructs in the use of spray equipment and the proper handling of chemicals.
• Removes litter, dead animals, materials, and debris from canal heads, culverts, and catch basins.
• Helps operators to locate and clean drains throughout the City.
• Helps cut trees on the canal banks.
• Maintains inventory of chemicals used.
• Maintains records of vehicle and spray equipment maintenance.
• Keeps logs on daily chemical usage; and orders more as needed.
• Assists pump station mechanic with pump station maintenance as needed.
• Performs related work as required.

EDUCATION

• High school or vocational school diploma or GED.

EXPERIENCE

• Basic work experience in the operation of pumps, motors, or spray equipment in the application of herbicides and canal maintenance operations.
• License required: Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services - Category 5A (Aquatic). (Or obtain with six months of hire).
• Certification preferred: FSA Stormwater Operator - Level 1.
• License Preferred: FDACS – Category 6 (Right-of-Way Pest control)
• Must possess a valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.
• Must obtain a valid Florida driver’s license prior to hire.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Must have the use of sensory skills in order to effectively communicate and interact with other employees and the public through personal contact, the use of the telephone and/or other City-issued technology devices.
• Physical capability to effectively use and operate City assigned motorized vehicles, manual or power tools.
• Ability to climb, balance, bend, stoop, squat, kneel, crouch, crawl, reach, push and/or pull, twist and make repetitive hand movements.
• Ability to walk, stand and sit for prolonged periods of time.
• Ability to work outdoors under varying temperatures, inclement weather and/or other adverse conditions.
• Ability to load, carry, lift, push and/or pull objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to climb and descend stairways and ship ladders at unusual heights of up to 40 feet.
• Ability to hear within normal audio range, with or without correction.
• Ability to see in the normal visual range with or without correction. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
• Ability to withstand exposure to the following conditions without stress: excessive noise, unpleasant odors, chemicals/other environmental substances, blood borne pathogens.
• Perform work at locations with exposure over, in and around water, which may not be accessible to the physically handicapped.
• Must have the ability to swim

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of the various types of chemicals used in the spraying of aquatic weeds and other noxious water vegetation.
• Knowledge of the equipment used in the spraying of aquatic weeds and other related vegetation.
• Knowledge of the occupational hazards and necessary safety precautions applicable to spray work.
• Knowledge of boat towing and trailering
• Skill in using department software.
• Ability to keep simple records and make reports.
• Ability to recognize various types of aquatic weeds and related vegetation.
• Ability to make arithmetic computations accurately.
• Ability to understand and transmit oral and written instructions.
• Ability to generate strength and agility sufficient to work long hours out-of-doors and under adverse weather conditions.
• Support the culture of safety within the Department.
• Follow safe work practices to eliminate & mitigate hazardous conditions & behaviors at the work environment.