W/WW Apprentice - Water Reclamation Operator Mechanic

Gainesville Regional Utilities; Gainesville (FL); On-site; USD 25,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

Gainesville Regional Utilities (GRU) is seeking motivated individuals for the W/WW Apprentice position in the Water/Wastewater Department. This entry-level role provides a structured PTTP pathway with progressive pay increases over a 3–5 year program, starting at $18.00 per hour and potential for higher rates with CDL or experience.

Successful completion leads to advanced operator mechanic roles in GRU facilities.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Six months experience in manual labor or utility-related work preferred.
• Completion of GRU’s Utility Academy may substitute experience.

Responsibilities

• Perform heavy manual labor on water and wastewater systems.
• Assist in installation, repair, and maintenance of equipment.
• Maintain cleanliness of work areas and tools.
• Support in emergency responses after hours and on-call as required.
• Participate in safety and training programs.

Skills

Manual labor

Hand tools

Physical fitness

Teamwork

Safety awareness

Education

High school diploma

Bootcamp/utility academy

Tools

Pneumatic tools

Water/wastewater equipment

Job description

Career Opportunities: W/WW Apprentice - Water Reclamation Operator Mechanic (811)

Application Deadline: Applications must be received by 11:59pm EDT, October 11, 2026..

Gainesville Regional Utilities (GRU) Water/Wastewater (W/WW) Department is seeking motivated and hands-on candidates for our Water/Wastewater Apprentice position.This role is designed as an entry point into GRU’s Progression Through Training Program (PTTP), providing a structured pathway to develop the technical skills and certifications required to advance into a Water Reclamations Operator Mechanic role. The starting pay for apprentices with no prior experience is $18.00 per hour. Candidates with a CDL and/or relevant operations experience may qualify for a higher starting rate. Through the PTTP, employees will receive structured training and development opportunities with progressive pay increases over the course of the 3–5-year program. Water Reclamation Operator Mechanics can expect to earn $32+ per hour upon succesful completion of the program.

Through a combination of on-the-job training, classroom instruction, and hands-on experience, apprentices will gain exposure to wastewater treatment operations, maintenance of plant and lift station equipment, and regulatory compliance standards. Upon successful completion of the PTTP, employees will transition into the Water Reclamations Operator Mechanic classification, performing skilled technical work in the operation and maintenance of wastewater treatment facilities and equipment.

FLSA Exemption Status

Non-Exempt

Summary

This is entry level, manual labor in the water /wastewater systems.

Positions allocated to this classification report to a designated supervisor and work under direct supervision. Work in this class is distinguished from higher classes by its lack of technical skills and from lower classes by its emphasis on learning water or wastewater operations and maintenance.

Examples of Work

This section of the job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of duties and responsibilities of the position. The omission of a specific job function does not absolve an employee from being required to perform additional tasks incidental to or inherent in the job. Performance of lower level duties may be required.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Performs heavy manual labor on water and wastewater systems. Assists in the installation of valves, piping and other water and wastewater equipment as needed.
• Uses hand tool, pneumatic tools, and other manual water and wastewater equipment. Assists in the installation, repair, and maintenance of water and wastewater equipment as needed.
• Performs manual labor for work site cleanup and shop organization in assigned area.
• Erects barricades, traffic control devices and various safety apparatus on work.
• Cleans, maintains, and stores tools on trucks and trailers.
• Assists in cutting, forming, and pouring concrete associated with water and wastewater construction work.
• Under direct supervision of an Entry Supervisor, enters water and wastewater structures determined to be safe, including but not limited to manholes, meter pits, and vaults, to perform tasks such as removal of debris and other foreign matter.
• Performs basic physical tasks such as painting, cleaning, and other duties as assigned.
• Performs limited operation of heavy construction equipment under direct supervision
• Will be required to respond under emergency conditions, including after hours.
• Attends work on a continuous and regular basis.

NON-ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Cleans work area.
• May enter data onto work order.
• May perform duties of higher classifications during employee absence.
• May be required to transport, mix, handle or use hazardous materials (other than cans of gasoline, batteries, pumping fuel or access to normal janitorial cleaning materials) or may be responsible for facilities or equipment carrying current, fluids or gas that could endanger the public or other employees.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Education And Experience

• Graduation from high school or possession of an acceptable equivalency diploma.
• Six (6) months experience performing manual farm, construction, pipefitting, or utility related work, or an equivalent combination of training and experience is preferred.
• Successful completion of GRU’s Utility Academy may be substituted for experience.
• Must complete all GRU Progression-Through-Training Program (PTTP) requirements for the apprentice position within twelve (12) months of date of employment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of tools and equipment used in maintenance, repair or construction work.
• Knowledge of plumbing, pipefitting, mechanical and electrical systems
• Skill in manual tasks.
• Skill in operating hand tools.
• Ability to learn water and wastewater maintenance and operations of facilities.
• Ability to work effectively with co-workers and the general public.
• Ability to successfully complete a Field Skills Test conducted prior to in-person interview.

Physical & Environmental Requirements

To perform this job successfully, an individual must possess certain physical abilities & be able to withstand work related environmental conditions.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Work requires physical strength and agility sufficient to safely perform heavy lifting, pushing, pulling, climbing, standing, squatting, & use of all manual & electric tools required to complete all work assignments.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Work may require exposure to hazardous conditions & noxious chemicals requiring the use of personal protective equipment.
• Work may require exposure to prolonged high noise levels requiring the use of personal protective equipment.
• Work may require performance of tasks outdoors under varying climatic conditions.
• Work may require performance of tasks in extreme heat & confined areas requiring the use of special equipment.
• Use of respiratory protective equipment may require the employee to be clean-shaven.
• Must participate in GRU craft training program for the trainee position and progress to Service Operator, Apprentice with the maximum period established within progression-through-training program, as may be revised from time to time, in order to retain employment.

Contributes to a Positive Work Environment