Apprentice Water Production Maintenance Mechanic - Well Driller

Lansing Board of Water & Light; Lansing (MI); On-site; USD 62,000 - 69,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

11 paid holidays

Medical benefits

Retirement plan

Employee development

Job summary

Lansing Board of Water & Light offers a path through an apprenticeship program to develop journey worker capabilities in water production equipment maintenance, including pumps, basins, and wellfield systems. The role combines hands-on training with safety-focused learning and the chance to advance within a major utility.

Applicants should be prepared for shift work, including afternoons or midnights, weekends, and holidays, and expect to learn to operate service rigs and read wells with flow

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Pre‑Apprenticeship Pool requirement: Math Level 4, Reading Level 4, Writing Level 4.
• Well Driller license required.

Responsibilities

• Learns to repair plant equipment using hand tools, blueprints, and manuals.
• Learns to operate machining equipment including lathes, mill, drill presses; reads micrometers.
• Performs maintenance of pumps, pipes, basins, and wellfield equipment.
• Works shifts including possible afternoons or midnights; may work weekends/holidays to meet customer demands.
• Follows safety protocols and attends required safety trainings.

Skills

Math Level 4

Reading Level 4

Writing Level 4

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Hand tools

Blueprints

Instruction manuals

Lathes

Milling machine

Drill presses

Micrometers

Job description

Thank you for your interest in the BWL. We think you'll find it a rewarding and nurturing place to grow your career.

Starting Salary Range: $45.05 - $50.35

General Summary Of Duties

Through independent study, attendance in prescribed vocational courses, and hands-on process experience (as outlined in the apprenticeship program) the employee must demonstrate steady progress in acquisition of journey worker capabilities to perform all Water Production equipment maintenance, including centrifugal pumps, air compressors, chemical feeders, threading pipes, basin maintenance, and performing maintenance of wellfield equipment.

Essential Functions

• Learns to utilize hand tools, blueprints, and instructional manuals to repair plant equipment including alignment, welding, threading, assembling and fabricating.
• Learns to use machining equipment including lathes, mill, index drill and drill presses, and read micrometers.
• Learns to utilize fire hoses; haul chains/sprockets; and have knowledge of valving to clean and maintain basins.
• Learns to change oil in pumps, air compressors, etc.
• Learns to set up and take down well rig by assembling components on top of rig platform secured with safety harness.
• Learns to pull, overhaul, and set well equipment from pit/well. Disassembles, repairs, maintains, and reinstalls utilizing mechanics' tools, hydrolift, and well rigs. Learns to test operating wells and re-installed wells.
• Takes readings and analyzes results to determine proper valve settings.
• Job requires the ability to work shifts including possible afternoon or midnight shifts and the ability to work weekends and holidays to accommodate customer demands and workload requirements. Will be required to learn to run service rig and well rigs, drive truck to well site, and learn to read wells utilizing flow meter and air compressor. Visually inspects wells for any problems.
• Performs other related duties as assigned or necessitated by job responsibilities.
• Required to follow BWL Safety Manual and wear personal protective equipment as required.
• Attends training for safety awareness or skills improvement as required by supervisor, BWL or governmental agency such as MIOSHA.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS: KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Pre‑Apprenticeship Pool requirement: Math Level 4, Reading Level 4, Writing Level 4.
• Well Driller license required.

Commercial Drivers License

A valid MI Driver's License with acceptable driving record is required. Candidates in this role must eventually obtain a Commercial Driver's License (CDL), so eligibility is required at time of hire. Internal applicants must currently possess valid MI CDL with required endorsements or at minimum, pass DOT physical exam and State of MI written portion of CDL examination within 15 days of transfer. Individuals will be subject to DOT requirements in accordance with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMSCA), including random testing for controlled substances and alcohol.

Physical Requirements

Must be able to climb ladders and work from heights. Pushes, pulls, bends, stoops, lifts, twists, walks and moves in confined spaces. Lifts and positions heavy equipment, i.e., pumps, pipes, well drilling rods, etc. Lifts/carries 50-75 lbs. from floor to shoulder level to position materials. Must be able to read pump settings, manuals, and blueprints. Must be able to observe from 20 feet to monitor scrapper chain movements within basins. Must be able to hear and distinguish noises such as bearings, air leakage, etc. Must be able to work shifts and overtime. Must be respirator certified and able to work from heights and in confined spaces.

Working Conditions

Extreme variations in temperature, noise, dust, and dampness in plants. Exposed to all outdoor weather conditions. Works with explosive materials such as dynamite and associated non-toxic fumes. Works around treatment plant chemicals such as fluoride, chlorine, soda ash and lime. Possible exposure to lead and asbestos. Must work rotational standby duty.

Why Should You Apply?

• Competitive wages, employee development, and opportunity for professional growth.
• Robust time off benefits including vacation, free choice, sick leave, parental leave and 11 paid holidays.
• Comprehensive benefits package offered including medical, prescription, dental, life insurance, long-term disability, employee assistance program.
• Voluntary benefits including vision, supplemental and dependent life insurance, flexible spending, AFLAC options, LifeLock anti-theft, long term care, tuition reimbursement, and BWL's Home Purchase Plan – Forgivable $5,000 loan for purchase of a home in Lansing.
• Retirement programs including 401(a) Defined Contribution Plan (DC) (100% company paid up to 9.5 % of base salary for BU positions and up to 13% of base salary for NBU positions), 457 Deferred Compensation matches up to $2,500 per year.
• Post retirement benefits offered at the respective level of coverage, co-pays and health care premium, at the same level as active employees.
• Two fitness centers located on site open 24/7, work life balance program, employee assistance program, free parking and much more!

About BWL

The Board of Water & Light serves Lansing, Michigan, and surrounding areas with electricity, water, and steam. Lansing's city charter vests the BWL with full and exclusive management of water, steam, and electric services for or the city. The American Public Power Association has honored the Lansing Board of Water & Light as one of the country's best publicly-owned utilities.

The Location:

Lansing lies at the heart of the Great Lakes State and offers all the beauty and splendor of the four seasons. A haven for swimming, boating, fishing, snowmobiling, golf, and hunting, mid-Michigan is also just a couple hours from premier skiing and one of the most beautiful freshwater lakeshores in the world on our Lake Michigan Coast. Lansing itself is only minutes and miles away from two of the nation’s premier universities, Michigan State University and the University of Michigan, and boasts miles of walking, running, biking trails, Potter Park Zoo, professional sports, the arts, and fine dining.

THE BOARD OF WATER & LIGHT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER