VAC Truck Operator

St. Johns County residents enjoy a healthy quality of life with many perks including one of the top rated public school systems in the State of Florida, miles of beach shoreline, peaceful estuary scenery of the St. Johns River, long established agriculture and equestrian scene, and the nation’s oldest city, historic St. Augustine. In 2019 St. Johns County was ranked the 10th fastest growing county in the United States showcasing that there is truly something for everyone in St. Johns County!

St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners is seeking qualified Vacuum Truck Operators to join our well‑established Road & Bridge Division, headquartered in beautiful St. Augustine, Florida.
As one of the fastest‑growing counties in the nation, St. Johns County continues to invest in safe, reliable, and efficient infrastructure for residents, businesses, and visitors.

St. Johns County offers participation in the Florida Retirement System (FRS), fourteen paid holidays each year, plus two weeks of paid vacation and two weeks of paid sick time. Uniforms and all PPE are provided, as well as a boot allowance. Training and certifications are strongly supported and provided for by the division.

About Road & Bridge
The Road & Bridge Division is responsible for maintaining county roadways, bridges, and drainage systems. Work includes roadway and pothole repair, sidewalk construction, drainage pipe and structure maintenance, ditch excavation, tree trimming and removal, roadside mowing, and other essential infrastructure tasks. Safety is our top priority, and employees work cooperatively as part of maintenance crews to complete work in a safe, effective, and professional manner.

Vacuum Truck Operators support Road & Bridge’s stormwater and drainage operations by safely and efficiently operating Vac‑Con or similar high‑capacity vacuum and jetting equipment. They perform essential tasks such as cleaning and clearing drainage pipes, culverts, inlets, and swales; removing sediment and debris; restoring proper stormwater flow; and assisting with emergency response during heavy rain events. Operators also perform manual labor as needed, conduct routine equipment inspections, maintain accurate work documentation, and contribute to the overall safety, effectiveness, and professionalism of the division.

Position Overview
The Vacuum Truck Operator works independently and as part of a crew to maintain St. Johns County’s roadway and drainage systems. Operators must competently operate a Vac‑Con or similar high‑capacity vacuum and jetting unit to clean, clear, and maintain stormwater infrastructure including pipes, culverts, inlets, and swales. Work performed to support the division’s overall stormwater and roadway preservation efforts.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

- Follows safety guidelines and installs safe work zones; flags traffic.

- Operates a vacuum truck to clean piped storm drainage systems.

- Inspects and maintains vacuum truck.

- Assists supervisors in the scheduling of vacuum truck maintenance.

- Assists with manual labor associated with road and drainage maintenance and construction.

- Operates dump truck and related equipment.

- Attends safety, administrative, and training classes.

- Responds to after-hours emergencies.

- Maintains a full-time presence on the job.

- Performs other duties as assigned.

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

- High school diploma or equivalent recognized certification.

- A minimum of two (2) years of experience in the operation of vacuum trucks, heavy equipment, or related equipment used in roadway drainage, or utility maintenance. Relevant experience obtained through an apprenticeship or internship may be considered toward meeting the experience requirement.

- Must possess and maintain a valid Florida Commercial Driver’s License class B with an N-tanker endorsement.

- Must be able to safely operate a vacuum truck related equipment in field conditions, including confined spaces, high-traffic areas, and adverse weather.

- Must possess strong interpersonal and communication skills to effectively serve the public, coordinate with crew members, and follow supervisor direction.

- Must be able to comprehend, speak and write the English language.

- Must be able to operate a computer.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS

- Knowledge of departmental and county policies and procedures, including safety rules and regulations.

- Knowledge of vehicle and equipment maintenance and operation procedures.

- Knowledge of road construction materials, principles, tools and practices.

- Skill in the operation of a variety of vehicles and motorized equipment.

- Skill in the use of assigned tools.

- Skill in oral and written communication.

ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS

- Working Conditions may include some exposure to environmental changes (e.g., outdoor weather and/or field conditions, warehouses, garages, etc.), extreme noises, odors, heights and/or dust.

- Risk/Safety Conditions: This position has some exposure or risk to physical health and/or physical safety (e.g., exposure to environmentally hazardous material, assault and battery, heavy equipment, communicable diseases, etc.). This position may require the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and may include completing and successfully passing medical evaluations or clearances.

- Physical Activity may include sitting, walking, lifting heavy objects up to 25lbs, kneeling, crouching, reaching, or standing.

Salary Range:
$44,366.40 - $59,800.00

Salary is determined based on your experience and education. If selected for this role, a comprehensive compensation review will be completed prior to extending an offer.

Please include detailed information about your experience and education in your application materials.

Compensation Grade:
BCC PG12
Department:
Road and Bridges
Location:
2740 Industry Center Road
St. Augustine, FL 32084

St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners is a drug free workplace and equal opportunity employer. All employment actions are taken without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, handicap, disability, marital status, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information.

VETERANS’ PREFERENCE .  Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, candidates eligible for Veterans’ Preference will receive preference in employment for Career Service vacancies and are encouraged to apply.  Certain service members may be eligible to receive waivers for postsecondary educational requirements.  Candidates claiming Veterans’ Preference must attach supporting documentation with each submission that includes character of service (for example, DD Form 214 Member Copy #4) along with any other documentation as required by Rule 55A-7, Florida Administrative Code.  Veterans’ Preference documentation requirements are available by clicking here.  All documentation is due by the close of the vacancy announcement.

An applicant eligible for Veteran's Preference who believes he or she was not afforded employment preferences in accordance with Florida law may file a complaint requesting an investigation with the Florida department of veterans affairs. Veteran's Preference Coordinator, 11351 Ulmerton Road, Suite 311, Largo, FL 33778. A complaint must be filed within 60 calendar days from the date that the notice of hiring decision is received by the applicant or within three calendar months of the date of the application is filed within the employer if no notice is given. If no notice is given, it is the responsibility of the preferred applicant to contact the employer to determine if the position has been filled.