What are the responsibilities and job description for the Trades Apprentice position at St. Lucie County Florida?
Job Summary
We are excited to announce St. Lucie County BOCC has implemented a trades apprentice program and are offering opportunities in three (3) specialties: Electrical, Plumbing and Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning (HVAC).
If you are interested in pursuing a career in one of these trades, you can join the County's team, gain hands on experience, and attend a County sponsored educational program for your trade. Successful apprentices will be eligible for career progression upon successful completion of their education program.
Apprentices will work under the direct supervision of skilled tradespeople to learn the essential tasks and responsibilities associated with their chosen trade.
Essential Job Functions
Key Responsibilities:
HVAC Apprentice:
- Assist in the installation, maintenance, and repair of HVAC systems, including heating, cooling, and ventilation units.
- Perform basic troubleshooting and diagnostic procedures under the guidance of a senior technician.
- Follow system schematics and manuals to ensure proper installation and maintenance.
- Conduct routine inspections and maintenance to ensure systems are operating at optimal levels.
- Operate and maintain tools and equipment safely.
- Assist with the installation and repair of electrical systems, including wiring, outlets, switches, and lighting.
- Work alongside licensed electricians to install, troubleshoot, and maintain electrical systems in residential, commercial, and industrial settings.
- Learn to read and interpret blueprints, wiring diagrams, and technical specifications.
- Adhere to local and national electrical codes, ensuring compliance with safety regulations.
- Maintain proper tools and equipment for safe use in all tasks.
- Assist in the installation and repair of plumbing systems, including water supply, drainage, and gas systems.
- Perform maintenance tasks such as unclogging drains, repairing leaks, and replacing fixtures.
- Help install pipes, fittings, and fixtures in accordance with project specifications and building codes.
- Follow safety procedures while operating tools and equipment.
- Assist in the preparation and organization of job sites and materials needed for plumbing tasks.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Ability to work on roofs, in attics and from ladders. Good balance, eye/hand coordination, near/far vision, and good hearing. Use of both hands and finger dexterity. Frequent heavy lifting up to up to 75 pounds. Frequent light carrying (30lbs or less). Reaching above shoulders, kneeling bending, and squatting.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS AND WORK HAZARDS: Duties require work in both climate-controlled indoor environments and outdoor locations exposed to varying weather conditions. The role may involve exposure to noise, dust, chemicals, and mechanical equipment. Employees may encounter extreme temperatures, especially when working outdoors or in unconditioned spaces. The position may require working on rooftops and from ladders, scaffolding, or other elevated surfaces. Use of tools, refrigerants and chemicals used in all the trades will vary by position. Working may involve exposure to high and low voltage electricity and operational HVAC/R equipment.
SAFETY EQUIPMENT & PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE): Employees are required to adhere to all safety protocols and utilize appropriate safety equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE) provided to ensure a safe working environment. Specific requirements include:
- Mandatory PPE: Employees must wear designated PPE, which may include safety goggles, gloves, hard hats, hearing protection, and respiratory masks, depending on the tasks performed.
- Safety Training: All employees will receive training on the proper use and maintenance of safety equipment and PPE to minimize risks and ensure compliance with safety regulations.
- Inspection and Maintenance: Employees are responsible for regularly inspecting their PPE for wear and tear, and reporting any damaged equipment to their supervisor for replacement.
- Emergency Equipment: Familiarity with the location and use of emergency equipment, such as fire extinguishers, first aid kits, and eyewash stations, is required.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:
This job description is not intended to be and should not be construed as an all-inclusive list of all the responsibilities, skills or working conditions associated with the position. While it is intended to accurately reflect the position activities and requirements, Management reserves the right to modify, add or remove duties and assign other duties as necessary that are a logical assignment to the position.
EMERGENCY RESPONSE/RECOVERY ACTIVITIES:
County employees are considered essential personnel in providing and continuing services to our community during and following a disaster, such as a hurricane, or in other emergency situations. As a requirement of County employment, County employees are subject to being required to remain at work during an event, respond to a recall immediately following an event and/or immediately reporting to work when an all clear is declared by the County Administrator. During these types of events, County employees may temporarily be assigned to work and perform duties outside the normal scope of their position, location, and work schedule to fit the needs of the County and its citizens.
ADA STATEMENT:
A qualified employee or applicant with a disability may be afforded a reasonable accommodation to perform the essential job functions of a position in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
EEO STATEMENT:
St. Lucie County BOCC is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected characteristic. We encourage all qualified candidates to apply.
Qualifications
Qualifications:
- High school diploma or GED.
- Must maintain enrollment in a qualified trades school program throughout the duration of apprenticeship with the County.
- Ability to learn quickly and adapt to on-the-job training.
- Good communication skills to interact with team members and clients.
- Ability to work in a variety of physical conditions (e.g., confined spaces, ladders, weather variations).
- Mechanical aptitude with a basic understanding of hand tools, power tools, and safety equipment.
- Basic level of computer proficiency necessary to use email and perform data entry.
- Ability to follow instructions, maintain attention to detail, and work as part of a team.
- Ability to learn basic mathematical, grammatical and communication skills necessary to perform the duties, responsibilities, and requirements of this apprenticeship program.
- Dependability and punctuality including a consistent attendance record and commitment to the apprenticeship.
- Willingness to receive constructive feedback and work toward improving skill set needed for a successful career in the chosen trade.
Additional Information
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This is a union position