Maintenance Laborer- Sewer Maintenance

Oakland County, Michigan Government; Waterford Charter Township (MI); On-site; USD 45,226 - 57,475; Full time

Job summary

Oakland County is seeking a hands-on Maintenance Technician to assist in the inspection, maintenance, and repair of sewer, water, and storm drain systems. You will lift covers, remove debris, operate video inspection equipment, and support meter maintenance while working with a team on a daily basis.

Must have a valid CDL Group A with N endorsement or obtain it within six months; willingness to work outdoors, drive trucks, and respond to after-hours emergencies is essential.

Qualifications

• Valid CDL Group A with N endorsement is required or must be obtained within six months per unit assignment.
• Ability to follow safety procedures and work in outdoor environments.
• Experience with maintenance of sewer, water, and storm drain systems is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Assist maintenance personnel with inspection, maintenance, and repair of sewer, water, and storm drain systems.
• Lift access covers and debris; operate sewer cleaning and video inspection equipment.
• Support with repairs of manholes, pipes, and related facilities.
• Assist with water metering and sewage sampling activities; maintain electronic meters.
• Drive trucks to transport crews, tools, and materials; keep work sites clean.

Skills

Safety procedures

Manual labor

Teamwork

Education

CDL required (Group A) with N endorsement

Tools

Sewer inspection equipment

Power tools

Vehicle operation equipment

Job description

Overview & Benefits

Oakland County is more than just a workplace. It is a place where you can make a real difference. As one of Michigan’s leading public service organizations, we are committed to strengthening communities, delivering essential services, and improving the quality of life for nearly 1.3 million residents.

When you join our team, you become part of a mission-driven workforce guided by integrity, innovation, and a passion for public service. We offer competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and the opportunity to do meaningful work that matters. For more information about Oakland County benefits and employee perks, please visit: https://www.oakgov.com/government/human-resources/benefits/new-hire

General Summary

$45,226- $57,475

This position is onsite.

What You’ll Do

• Assist higher-level maintenance personnel with inspection, maintenance, and repair of sewer, water, and storm drain systems
• Lift access covers and remove debris from pipelines, open drains, and catch basins
• Help operate sewer cleaning and video inspection equipment
• Assist with repairs and maintenance of manholes, pipes, and related facilities
• Support water metering and sewage sampling activities, including assisting with electronic meter maintenance
• Use hand tools to mix mortar and cement, dig and level earth, and sand and paint surfaces
• Drive trucks to transport work crews, tools, and materials
• Clean and prepare job sites, remove debris, and maintain tools and equipment
• Lift heavy materials regularly, such as iron access covers and cement rings
• Work in confined or below-ground spaces as required
• Follow safety procedures, stay alert to hazards, and use safe work practices
• Keep written records of work performed and use Countywide or department-specific software to complete assignments
• Serve on an on-call rotation and respond to after-hours emergencies, including storms, power outages, and equipment failures

Why You’ll Love It

• Work outdoors and stay active in a hands-on, team-based environment
• Gain valuable experience in public infrastructure maintenance
• Learn from experienced maintenance professionals while building trade-related skills
• Play an important role in keeping essential water and sewer systems operating safely
• Build a stable career in public service with opportunities for growth and overtime

Minimum Qualifications

EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Required Minimum Qualifications

When assigned to the following units, must possess a valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Group "A" designation, with "N" endorsement for air brakes:

• Sewer Maintenance
• Construction Drain Maintenance
• Pump Maintenance
• Water Maintenance

NOTE: Employees without the required CDL at time of application must obtain it by the end of the six-month probationary period, at WRC expense.

When assigned to the following units, must possess a valid motor vehicle operator's or chauffeur's license:

• Water Resource Recovery
• Systems Control
• Retention Treatment Basins
• Cross Connection

Pass the complete examination, including the employment medical, established for this classification.

Successfully complete the six-month probationary period.

Special Requirements

Must maintain a valid operator's or Commercial Driver's License (CDL) as specified by unit assignment under required minimum qualifications listed above in Section A.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

Usually none, although may provide instruction, assistance, and check the work of part-time, seasonal, and new employees.

Essential Job Functions

WITHIN SEWER MAINTENANCE UNIT

Assists in the inspection of storm drains, water lines, and sanitary sewer facilities. Cuts and removes brush and trees from open drains to restore effective flow of storm water. Removes accumulated dirt and debris from open and closed drains, catch basins and drain openings, either manually or by assisting in the use of power equipment.

Loads and unloads maintenance trucks with equipment, tools, machinery, and supplies needed for daily assignments. Items include brick, sacks of dry cement, mortar (94 lbs.), dirt, cement rings, and other tools and safety equipment. Hand carries and stacks materials, supplies, and equipment.

Tests the atmosphere of underground lines and facilities before entering them. Safely enters sewer manholes and water main vaults and removes collected sewage debris using tools such as a bucket on a rope.

Assists higher level staff in facility maintenance activities. Mows grass, removes brush, hand-dig, and provides other work as needed.

Uses tools and equipment as needed to raise or lower manholes to grade by lifting manhole cover (125 lbs.) and frame (240 lbs.) off the manhole. Uses a hoist or assists crew members stand up a 6-inch concrete adjusting ring (up to 360 lbs.) and roll it from the truck to the manhole. Lifts and places the 6-inch concrete adjusting ring on the manhole, replacing the manhole frame and cover on the new concrete adjusting ring. Tightens down nuts using hand and power tools.

Assists in repairing lawns and landscaping to previous state after making sewer repairs. Replaces sod and fill dirt using hand shovels, rakes, and other hand tools.

Assists higher level Maintenance Mechanics with video TV inspection. This operation includes locating and removing access covers with pick or shovel, testing the atmosphere before entering, placing the camera into the line, and pulling or directing it through using a mechanical or remote-control device.

Maintains the County storm Water Resources Commissioner retention basins, equipment, and surrounding facilities. Assists maintenance staff in the effective removal of debris using tools and powered equipment.

Operates authorized power equipment used in maintenance activities including trucks, bulldozers, backhoes, bucket machines, power rodders, chain saws and other related equipment under the supervision of higher-level maintenance staff.

May use welding equipment to fabricate bar screens and other parts and to repair equipment as directed.

Maintains, operates after training, and assists in the repair of equipment such as front-end loader and dump truck and large electric pumps.

Essential Mental & Physical Requirements

Ability to communicate to accurately convey information. Ability to operator a motor vehicle and/or be a passenger.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is performed in a normal office environment and in an outdoor environment with exposure to heat, cold, and other weather elements.

May be required to perform duties in confined spaces, or work areas above or below ground.

May participate in activities that require driving or being a passenger in an automobile or bus.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The primary purpose of this job description is to set a fair and equitable salary range for this job classification. Generally, only those key duties necessary for proper job evaluation and/or labor market analysis have been included. Other duties and responsibilities will be assigned by the supervisor.

Additional Desirable Qualifications

Physical condition that will permit lifting, standing, and/or walking for extended periods, frequent moving of heavy objects, working in disagreeable weather conditions and confined/difficult locations.

Reasonable knowledge of and ability to practice standard safety techniques.

Reasonable knowledge of the use of elementary hand and power tools.

Reasonable ability to perform routine, repetitive, and/or manual tasks.

Reasonable ability to follow standardized oral and written instructions.

Reasonable ability to successfully work and cooperate both in a team effort and individually.

Additional Minimum Qualifications

Union*

BU55 - International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers: Water Resources Commission (IBEW)

• If applicable

EEO Statement

We are committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity and will not discriminate against an applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances.

Inclusion Statement

Oakland County is committed to welcoming applicants from all backgrounds, including those with prior convictions, as we believe in providing equal opportunities for all. We value the unique perspectives and experiences each individual brings to our team and are dedicated to fostering an inclusive, supportive workplace. All candidates are evaluated based on their ability to meet the job requirements, legal obligations and thrive in our organization. All ways, MOVING FORWARD.