Water Operator I

City of Newberry; Newberry (FL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

FRS (Florida Retirement System)

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Paid leave & holidays

Paid parental leave

Tuition reimbursement

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

The City of Newberry seeks a Water Operator I to support operation, maintenance, and repair of the water distribution system. This hands-on role involves field work, operating heavy equipment, and responding to routine and emergency system needs to ensure safe, reliable water service for the community.

Qualifications include a Florida Class C Water Distribution License and at least two years in related field work.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Valid Florida Class C Water Distribution License required.
• Minimum of two years in pipeline repair, water distribution, meter work, or related field.
• Ability to operate heavy equipment safely and effectively.
• Able to perform physically demanding outdoor work.

Responsibilities

• Maintain, repair, and support waterline, valve, and hydrant infrastructure.
• Identify and resolve leaks, pressure issues, and system deficiencies.
• Operate backhoes, excavators, trenchers and related equipment.
• Support infrastructure projects with excavation, pipe installation, and restoration.
• Complete work orders and keep accurate maintenance records.
• Respond to after-hours emergencies and coordinate with City staff and contractors.

Skills

Water distribution

Heavy equipment operation

Physical stamina

Driver's license

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Florida Class C Water Distribution License

Tools

Backhoes / Excavators

Trenchers

Job description

Application Deadline:

Friday, September 11, 2026

The City reserves the right to underfill this position.

The City reserves the right to close this posting early based on the applicant pool.

The City of Newberry is seeking a skilled Water Operator I to support the operation, maintenance, and repair of the City’s water distribution system. This position performs hands‑on field work, operates heavy equipment, responds to routine and emergency system needs, and helps ensure safe and reliable water service throughout our community.

Why Newberry?

At Newberry, people matter. We believe our greatest asset is our employees, and we've built a culture where collaboration is valued, innovation is encouraged, and every employee has an opportunity to make a meaningful impact.

Guided by our core values of Teamwork, Respect, Accountability, Innovation, Leadership, and Superior Service (TRAILS), we're committed to delivering exceptional service while preserving the small‑town character that makes Newberry unique.

Our Department

The Water Department keeps Newberry flowing—providing safe, reliable drinking water to more than 3,000 customers each day. Our team operates and maintains four wells and approximately 54 miles of water mains while supporting a growing community through system maintenance, repairs, upgrades, and new infrastructure.

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Florida Retirement System (FRS)
• Health, dental, vision, and life insurance
• Paid leave and holidays
• Paid parental leave
• Tuition reimbursement
• Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

Please upload copies of any current licenses and certifications with your application, including your Water Distribution License, CDL, and MOT certification, if applicable.

Required

• Valid Florida Driver’s License or equivalent from another state
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience in pipeline repair, water distribution, meter work, or a related field.
• Valid Florida Class “C” Water Distribution License
• Ability to operate heavy equipment safely and effectively.
• Ability to perform physically demanding work in outdoor and field environments.

Preferred

• Florida Class B Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), or ability to obtain
• Maintenance of Traffic (MOT) Intermediate Certification, or ability to obtain.
• Experience operating backhoes, excavators, trenchers, and related heavy equipment.
• Knowledge of water distribution systems, pipeline installation, repair techniques, and underground utilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain, repair, and support the installation of water lines, valves, meters, hydrants, and other distribution system infrastructure.
• Identify and resolve leaks, pressure issues, system deficiencies, and other routine or emergency water system problems.
• Operate backhoes, excavators, trenchers, and other heavy equipment used for water system maintenance and construction.
• Support infrastructure projects through excavation, pipe installation, system repairs, and restoration of asphalt, concrete, and sod.
• Complete work orders and maintain accurate records of system maintenance, materials, equipment, and infrastructure updates.
• Respond to customer service needs and after‑hours emergencies while maintaining safe work practices and coordinating with City staff, contractors, and the public.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

This position requires physically demanding field work to support the operation and maintenance of the City’s water distribution system. Employees should be comfortable working outdoors, operating machinery and heavy equipment, and performing physical tasks throughout the day.

• Frequently stand, walk, bend, kneel, crouch, climb, lift, and perform other physical labor.
• Lift and carry up to approximately 100 pounds with assistance as needed.
• Operate heavy machinery and equipment, including backhoes, excavators, trenchers, and related equipment.
• Work outdoors in varying weather conditions and around traffic, noise, hazardous materials, confined spaces, and pressurized systems.
• Participate in an on‑call rotation and respond to after‑hours emergencies, including nights, weekends, and holidays as required

Learn More about Newberry

City Website

Water Department

Employment Information

The City of Newberry is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Drug‑Free Workplace. Reasonable accommodations will be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Eligible veterans and eligible spouses may receive preference in accordance with Florida law.

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of all applicable pre‑employment requirements, including background screening, employment verification, and any other screenings required by law or City policy.

This job posting is intended to provide a general overview of the position and is not intended to include every duty, responsibility, or qualification. The City reserves the right to modify or assign duties as needed to meet operational requirements.