Apprentice Municipal Worker - Sewer Collections

City of Kalamazoo; Kalamazoo (MI); On-site; USD 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking municipality as an apprentice in the wastewater collection system. This role involves hands-on maintenance, operation of vehicles, and collaboration with skilled professionals. You'll gain valuable experience while assisting with essential services that keep the community running smoothly. Ideal for those eager to learn and grow in a supportive environment, this position offers a pathway to a fulfilling career in public services. If you have a passion for community work and are ready to take on physical challenges, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of municipality construction and maintenance principles.
• Ability to perform minor repairs on vehicles and equipment.

Responsibilities

• Assisting with cleaning and maintenance of the wastewater collection system.
• Operating trucks for transporting materials and performing minor repairs.
• Collaborating with Public Services staff to learn maintenance procedures.

Skills

Municipality construction principles

Traffic laws and regulations

Minor equipment repairs

Public Services knowledge

Oral and written communication

Establishing working relationships

Ability to complete apprenticeship

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Handheld computers

Job description

This is apprentice-level work involving the maintenance and construction of the wastewater-sanitary collection/storm water collection system and performs related work as required. Operates one or more types of automotive equipment and performs a variety of manual tasks; does related work as required.

Responsibilities include:

1. Assisting Vactor-Jet Operators with the cleaning and maintenance of the wastewater collection system, including residential root intrusion removal, and assisting CCTV-Sewer Surveyors;
2. Operating trucks for transporting materials such as sand, stone, gravel, and supplies;
3. Carrying tools, equipment, parts, and materials to and from job sites;
4. Performing minor repairs on vehicles and equipment, and repairing streets, roads, sewers, water lines, and mains, as well as operating related machinery;
5. Maintaining streets, sidewalks, traffic signs, structures, and water systems;
6. Placing barricades and traffic delineators;
7. Using handheld computers to prepare simple work reports;
8. Performing snow removal and street sweeping;
9. Reading maps and managing emergency system shutdowns;
10. Performing manual labor related to hydrants and water system connections;
11. Collaborating with Public Services staff to learn about water distribution and maintenance procedures;
12. Reading water meters and recording readings.

Physical and Environmental Requirements:

Work involves standing, walking, driving, lifting (up to 90 lbs), pushing or pulling, bending, reaching, squatting, reading, writing, hearing, talking, seeing (near and far), and working alone or with others. Work conditions may include machinery operation, various lighting, high and low temperatures, wet/dry conditions, noise, dust, and odors. Must be capable of entering confined spaces safely, working in open excavations, and using trenching and shoring techniques.

Knowledge, Skills, and Qualifications:

• Some knowledge of municipality construction and maintenance principles;
• Some knowledge of traffic laws and regulations;
• Ability to perform minor equipment repairs;
• Knowledge of Public Services Department activities;
• Good oral and written communication skills;
• Ability to establish effective working relationships with the public;
• Ability to complete the apprenticeship within three years;
• High school diploma or GED required;
• Valid motor vehicle operator's license required; CDL 'B' endorsement with air brakes preferred or ability to obtain within six months.

A written test will be provided for this position. Equivalent experience and training that provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities will also be considered.

The City of Kalamazoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply, including those with transferable experience from less traditional backgrounds.