Optical Associate Jobs in Fort Pierce, FL (NOW HIRING)

Salary: See Position Description
Location : Utility Systems Department, 1001 SE Prineville Street, Port St Lucie Florida 34983, FL
Job Type: FULL-TIME
Job Number: 202603158
Department: UTILITY SYSTEMS DEPARTMENT
Opening Date: 02/06/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
POSITION SUMMARY
The City of Port St. Lucie is an equal opportunity employer.
This position requires the applicant to successfully pass a drug screening.
Please note that this is an external job posting intended for non-city employees. If you are a current city employee applying through this posting, your application will not be reviewed with other internal candidates. In order to be considered with internal candidates, please apply on the internal posting by clicking HERE
The annual salary range for this role is $75,511.28 - $117,042.90, depending on qualifications.
Responsible technical skilled work in the construction and inspection of the City of Port St. Lucie potable water, wastewater, reclaimed water, and fiber optic communication assets while assuring the compliance with Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) regulations as well as other state, federal, and local requirements. Provides plan review and permitting, including but not limited to, FDEP requirements and the state delegated construction permitting program. Facilitates the development of public trust and confidence in the City and its Utility.
This position is considered an "Essential Position" for the purpose of Emergency Management. Emergency duties will be assigned as needed. This position requires 24 hours a day, 7 days per week availability during City of Port St Lucie emergencies, as determined by City Administrators, Emergency Manager or City Officials.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
The following duties are illustrative for this position. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Keeps the mission, vision and values of the City of Port St. Lucie and Utility Systems Department at the forefront of decision making and action; builds strategic and collaborative relationships and interacts with others in a way that builds confidence and trust; provides excellent customer service by taking action to accomplish objectives, maintaining high levels of work and productivity by generating innovative solutions to work situations.
• Oversees the design and construction of utility infrastructure on behalf of the Utility Systems Department.
• Participates in planning sessions with Department leadership, contributing insights into future water, sewer, and reuse needs.
• Guides design and construction projects through the City's procurement process, preparing agenda items, change orders, amendments, and task work orders as needed.
• Manages design, construction, technical reports, and permitting from project kickoff to closeout. Maintains focus on project goals, timelines, and budgets. Oversees construction inspections to ensure compliance with City, state, and federal regulations.
• Assists in grant applications, management, budgeting, and closeout as necessary.
• Facilitates planning, design, construction, and permitting efforts across other divisions, including Distribution and Collection, Water and Wastewater Treatment Plants, Maintenance, etc.
• Provides mentorship to Project Coordinators within the Capital Improvements Division.
• Manage records and reporting for all aspects of the City's water and wastewater system assets, including compliance reporting for construction permits as delegated by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP).
• Conducts project closeout activities, including review of record drawings, warranties, permit certifications, final pay applications, retainage releases, punch lists, and asset inventories.
• Serves as a resource to engineers, contractors, City staff, vendors, and the public regarding ongoing projects and activities.
• Assists in preparing presentations for City Council, Planning & Zoning Board, and other municipal or public agencies as required.
• Other duties as may be assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree and a minimum of one (1) year of relative experience required; or graduation from an accredited college or university with an associate's degree and a minimum of two (2) years of relative experience and/or training required. Minimum of four (4) years of progressively responsible experience in the field of utility construction required, preferably including installation, inspection, and coordination or management roles. A minimum of three (3) years of electronic plan review, markup, and programming experience preferred. Experience managing a high volume of complex projects is preferred.
A comparable amount of training, education, or experience may be substituted for the minimum qualifications
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Comprehensive knowledge of water and sewer construction methods, relevant laws, and industry standards from multiple perspectives: field installation, inspection, and management.
• Familiarity with permitting and regulatory requirements from agencies such as FDOT, FDEP, and SFWMD.
• Understanding of basic engineering principles, construction standards/specifications, and inspection techniques.
• Proficiency in software applications including Outlook, Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Bluebeam ReVu.
• Knowledge of scheduling and budget monitoring principles.
• Familiarity with City and departmental policies and procedures.
• Ability to prepare technical reports, cost estimates, and construction documentation within tight deadlines.
• Ability to present project concepts and proposals effectively to internal staff, City Council, public agencies, and the public.
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, prepare take-off materials and as-built drawings, and enforce construction standards.
• Ability to inspect construction sites for compliance with approved plans, permits, and City codes.
• Ability to maintain accurate records in accordance with retention guidelines.
• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with staff, consultants, officials, and the public.
• Demonstrates a positive attitude and models respect for individuals, teams, and the organization.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees and the public.
• Ability to communicate effectively in writing and orally.
• Ability to focus on the positive in every situation.
• Ability to model respect for individuals, teams, and the organization.
• Ability to stay centered when challenged.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.

• Ability to follow through on assigned tasks and maintain trust and confidence within the department and community.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, talk, hear, and use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The employee is frequently required to walk and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand and stoop, kneel, and crouch. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and ability to adjust focus.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to outside weather conditions that may be adverse and extreme (heat, humidity, cold, rain, etc.). The employee is frequently exposed to noise, dust, fumes, airborne particles, uneven surfaces, heights, and stressful situations.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud.
Documentation Requirements
Please Read Carefully
Applicants, including City of Port St Lucie employees, must upload and submit attached copies of their education credentials with the employment application. Please be sure to attach all required documents to your employment application each time you apply. Uploaded documents remain in your online profile, but they will not attach automatically, and you will be deemed ineligible without the proper documentation.
ALL DOCUMENTS SUBMITTED MUST BE CLEAR, LEGIBLE, AND IN PROPER FORMAT.
THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENT(S) ARE REQUIRED AT THE TIME OF APPLICATION AND ARE ACCEPTABLE FORMS OF PROOF:

1. Proof of education in the form of a diploma, degree, or transcripts. Foreign diplomas/degrees must be submitted with a credential evaluation report from an approved credential evaluation agency*. Translations of diplomas/degrees are not accepted. Audit/Academic reports are not accepted as substitutions for college transcripts.
2. Driver's License: A Valid Driver's License from any state (Equivalent to a State of Florida Class E) may be utilized upon application; however, within thirty (30) days from the date of hire, a State of Florida Driver's License (Class E or higher) must be presented.

*Approved Credential Evaluation Agencies:
Credential evaluation reports showing the United States equivalency for academic credentials earned in other countries may be provided by:

• An accredited four-year college or university in the United States, OR
• A current member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES), OR
• A current member of the Association of International Credential Evaluators (AICE), OR
• A recognized Professional Organization

For an additional list of approved credential evaluation agencies, visit the
It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure that all required documents submitted with the employment application are in a format that is acceptable, clear, and legible for eligibility determination or risk being disqualified.
Applicants, including City of Port St Lucie employees, must completely detail their work experience on the employment application or risk being disqualified. Resumes will not be reviewed in place of the employment application.
It is the applicant's responsibility to update their online profile with personal data, work experience, education, and certifications when submitting application(s); failure to do so may result in disqualification.
12 paid holidays per year
Vacation Leave:
1-3 years- 10 days
4-9 years- 15 days
10-19 years- 20 days
20+ years- 25 days
PT employees accrue depending on hours worked
Personal Days:
2 days for non-exempt employees per year
3 days for exempt employees per year
Sick Time:
FT employees accrue 8 hours per month
PT employees accrue 4 hours per month
Retirement Plan:
The City contributes an amount equal to 11.4% of an eligible employee's biweekly earnings into a 401(a) Defined Contribution Plan. Employee contributes 1%.
457 Deferred Compensation Plan and Roth IRA
$50,000 Basic Term Life Insurance
$50,000 Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance
Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
Health, Vision and Dental Insurance
Optional Benefits:
Tuition Reimbursement
Flexible Spending Account
Wellness Program
Health Reimbursement Account
Employee Assistance Plan
Supplemental Life
Legal insurance
The of City Port St. Lucie provides a wide array of benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. For additional details on benefits offer by the City of Port St. Lucie, see the link below.
01
This position is posted on the external career site intended for applicants who are not currently employed by the City of Port St. Lucie. Are you currently an internal employee of the City of Port St Lucie? Note: If you are a current employee, please exit this application and apply through the internal career portal to ensure proper processing.

• Yes, I am a current employee
• No, I am not a current employee

02
Do you have a high school diploma or equivalent GED? A high school diploma or GED must be presented at time of employment.

• Yes
• No

03
Describe your highest level of education and type of degree.
04
Do you have a valid driver's license? Please note: If you have an out-of-state driver's license, you will be required to obtain a valid Florida driver's license within 30 days from the date of hire

• Yes
• No

05
Do you have at least two (2) years of