Field Services Technician (Meter Ops/M&R/LSLR) (TO CREATE A WAITLIST)

City of Detroit; Michigan; On-site; USD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The Field Service Technician role with City of Detroit involves installing, starting up, testing, and repairing water mains, hydrants, catch basins, and sewerage systems across the service area. The technician troubleshoots, calibrates meters, and maintains field tools while ensuring accurate data entry and safety compliance.

Responsibilities include conducting inspections, performing maintenance on field equipment, and supporting crew tasks such as two-man dig operations and leak crew

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Reasonable knowledge of tools, methods, materials and practices for repairing heavy machinery and equipment.
• One year experience in repairing and assembling water meters preferred.
• Meet requirements to advance to Field Services Technician Level 2 within four years.

Responsibilities

• Repair broken water mains and hydrants.
• Assist Box crews in repairs.
• Perform turn-ons/turn-offs for installation, repair or shutoff of equipment.
• Complete water service repair digs and meter testing/calibration.
• Investigate meter problems and refer complex issues as needed.

Skills

Troubleshooting

Meters testing

Field equipment operation

Data entry

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

MIU installations

Dump truck operation

Backhoe operation

Vactor use

Job description

This is not a Civil Service Position. DWSD employees are subject to provisions of Court Orders entered in United States District Court, Eastern District of Michigan, Southern Division, Case No. 77-71100 with regard to certain terms and conditions of employment. DWSD does not honor reversion rights for internal candidates.

Applicants for open positions at the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. The Detroit Water and Sewerage Department is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

SUMMARY

The Field Service Technician performs installations, service start-ups, and investigative tests; troubleshoots repairs and maintains water mains, hydrants, catch basins and sewerage systems at multiple locations throughout the area. The Field Services Technician repairs and maintains tools and other equipment associated with such installations. This position performs various tasks in cleaning, repairing, testing and adjusting a variety of large and small complex meters for residential and industrial services. This position also will effectively identify problems as they occur and take appropriate steps to solve them or refer more complex issues to others.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Repair broken water mains.
• Repair hydrants throughout the service area.
• Assist Box crews in providing repairs.
• Perform turn-on and turn-off services for installation, repair or shutoff of various equipment and devices.
• Complete water service repair digs.
• Track and perform routine Gate maintenance.
• Initiate and complete investigations.
• Actively participate on Two Man Dig Crew, (three-yard dump, mini excavator).
• Start as an extra person on the Leak Crew, with proficiency in all aspects of the Leak Crew job duties after this time period (dump truck, backhoe, repairing mains, shoring, etc.).
• Box Crew Turn-on/Turn-off.
• Change and install 5/8 inch to 10-inch meters.
• Perform testing and calibration of meters.
• Perform work on stop boxes.
• Investigate problems with meters.
• Make adjustments to meter components.
• Perform Meter Interface Units (MIU) installations, wiring, programming and troubleshooting.
• Operate field laptop as the primary method for receiving, updating and closing work orders.
• Must have ability to work outside in inclement weather.
• Follow security and safety policies and procedures in carrying out work duties.
• Wear personal protective equipment (PPE).
• A valid Michigan Commercial Driver’s License with an Airbrake endorsement (CDL-A) and the ability to drive a motor vehicle on all terrain.
• Provide on the job training.

RELATED JOB FUNCTIONS

• Perform yard duties to provide tools and supplies at multiple locations.
• Complete scheduled Preventative Maintenance on tools and equipment.
• Maintain vehicle inventory.
• Perform related work duties as assigned.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

KNOWLEDGE OF

• Computerized Maintenance Management System, to create, plan, schedule, and close work orders
• Methods, materials, tools, equipment and methods used in the installation, repair, maintenance and construction of water distribution and wastewater collections systems
• Geographical layout of southeastern Michigan and street locations
• Bracing and shoring in accordance with MIOSHA standards
• Basic bricklaying
• Basic Geographic Information Systems
• Basic plumbing; change out curb stop
• General safety (confined space)
• TV Truck Fundamentals
• Set camera for inspection

SKILL TO

• Utilize job related equipment (dump truck, backhoe, vactor, etc.)
• Effectively query and generate work orders and maintain and update various databases and automated records
• Identify problems and troubleshoot accordingly
• Use basic technology

ABILITY TO

• Operate hand tools; pneumatic tools and other construction related equipment
• Operate trucks and other motorized equipment used on water and sewer system maintenance and construction
• Collect and analyze process and performance data used to diagnose, repair and perform preventivemaintenance of equipment
• Complete arithmetic computations
• Read and interpret schematics
• Understand and follow verbal and written instructions
• Maintain effective working relationships with others
• Replace and repair major equipment
• Direct team activities or work as a team member
• Maintain regular and reliable attendance
• Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing
• Understand and follow verbal and written instructions
• Communicate frequently with team members and other units across the Department about process,equipment or potential problems
• Develop proficiency in unit specific operations and software
• Effectively utilize appropriate security and safety equipment and procedures
• Actively participate on Two Man Dig Crew, three (3) months, (Three-yard dump, mini excavator)
• Starts as an extra person on the Leak Crew for six (6) months, needs to be proficient on all aspects of the Leak Crew job duties after this time period (dump truck, backhoe, repairing mains, shoring, etc.)
• Box Crew/Turn-on/Turn-off of various equipment and devices, three (3) months
• Hydrant Crew, three (3) months (hydrant truck)
• Catch Basin Crew, three (3) months (brick truck)
• Vactor Crew; six (6) to twelve (12) months training, (vactor)
• Identify problems and complete repairs of Catch basins, Sewers, Water Mains and Hydrants as necessary
• Perform televised sewer work to complete repairs
• Change and install 5/8 inch to 10 inch meters
• Perform testing and calibration of meters
• Perform work on stop boxes
• Investigate problems with meters
• Make adjustments to meter components
• Perform Meter Interface Units (MIU) installations, wiring, programming and troubleshooting
• Operate field laptop as the primary method for receiving, updating and closing work orders
• Perform related work duties as assigned

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• High School Diploma or GED
• Reasonable knowledge of tools, methods, materials and practices used in repairing heavy machinery and equipment including some familiarity with methods and equipment used in moving heavy objects
• One (1) year of experience in repairing and assembling water meters and meter parts and accessories preferred
• Meet all the requirements to advance to Field Services Technician Level 2 within four (4) years of level 1 designation

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.

This position requires the ability to climb ladders, scaffolding, work in confined spaces, elevated locations and descend underground, lift a minimum of ninety-five (95) pounds, walk, stand, or work for long periods of time, demonstrate normal color perception, hear audible alarms, detect abnormal equipment sounds, visually inspect equipment and processes at any time of the day or night. Employees will be required to wear respiratory protection and other personal protective equipment; perform in confined space, elevated and underground work. Employees will also be required to pass a biomechanical physical and vision test, yearly baseline physical and fit test for respirator/Self Contained Breathing Apparatus. While performing the duties of this position, employees are regularly required to use hands to handle, feel or operate equipment.

Environmental Working Requirements

Work is performed in the shop and field. Work may be performed near open water, systems with hazardous chemicals that are acidic, highly corrosive, and heat producing and potentially explosive. Work may be performed in confined spaces, hazardous areas that require respiratory protection and personal protective equipment (PPE), and under slippery and wet conditions.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• VALID MICHIGAN DRIVER'S LICENSE
• Valid Commercial Driver’s License with “A” Endorsement preferred
• Subject to random drug and alcohol testing

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to the class. Incumbents may be required to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this specification. Specific job duties may vary from position to position. Employees in this class are required to undergo alcohol and drug screening and are subject to a criminal background investigation.