Entry Level Apprentice Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

OUC - The Reliable One, 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 looking for an entry level apprentice who is committed to learning and climbing the craft job ladder which consists of most facets of water distribution while also honing construction and maintenance skill sets. OUC's Water Technician Apprentice, through ongoing training and development may progress into a more advanced role such as a Journeymen (Water Technician I).
In this role, you will prepare materials and assist in underground construction of various facets of the water distribution system including mains, services, fire hydrants, metering and backflow assemblies. You will operate crew trucks, dump trucks, vacuum trailer, hydraulic/pneumatic equipment and mechanical tools/devises associated with water distribution.
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:
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).

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

Click here to view our Benefits Summary.
Salary Range: Starting at $19.856 per hour (Estimated $41,300.48 annually) with a structured step progression system and performance-based pay increases every 6 months up to $22.138 per hour (Estimated $46,047.04 annually).
Location: 3800 Gardenia Ave. Orlando, FL 32839
Please see below a complete Job description for this position.
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
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application. This organization does not offer or sponsor employment visas for internship or full-time positions.