Maintenance Laborer- Sewer Maintenance

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

Job summary

Oakland County is hiring for an on-site maintenance role focused on sewer, water, and storm drain systems. You will assist skilled staff in inspections, repairs, and operations to keep essential infrastructure safe and reliable.

You'll gain field experience, work in teams, and follow safety practices while supporting after-hours emergencies and routine duties. This is a hands-on public infrastructure position with growth potential.

Qualifications

• Valid CDL Group A with N endorsement for air brakes; employed before end of probation if not already held.
• Must maintain CDL during employment as specified by unit assignment.
• Experience with sewer, water, and storm drain maintenance is preferred.
• Ability to operate and assist with inspection and repair tasks safely.
• Capable of lifting heavy components and working in confined spaces.

Responsibilities

• Assist inspection, maintenance, and repair of sewer, water, and storm drain systems.
• Load/unload trucks with equipment, tools, materials, and supplies.
• Operate sewer cleaning and video inspection equipment; assist with cameras.
• Support maintenance of meters, basins, manholes, pipes, and related facilities.
• Record work performed using county software; assist on-call emergencies after hours.
• Work in confined spaces and outdoors, following safety protocols.

Skills

CDL Group A with N endorsement

Safety procedures

Teamwork

Recordkeeping

Education

CDL Group A endorsement (N) for air brakes

Tools

Video TV inspection equipment

Hand and power tools

Hoist

Pipelines & manhole equipment

Job description

Overview & BenefitsOakland 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. Apply today and help shape the future of Oakland County, where we are All Ways Moving Forward.For more information about Oakland County benefits and employee perks, please visit:https://www.oakgov.com/government/human-resources/benefits/new-hireGeneral Summary$45,226- $57,475This position is onsite.Are you someone who enjoys physical, hands-on work and being part of a team that keeps essential public systems running? In this role, you’ll assist skilled maintenance staff in supporting the County’s sanitary sewer, water, and storm drain systems. You’ll gain valuable field experience while helping maintain infrastructure that protects public health and the environment.What You’ll DoAssist higher-level maintenance personnel with inspection, maintenance, and repair of sewer, water, and storm drain systemsLift access covers and remove debris from pipelines, open drains, and catch basinsHelp operate sewer cleaning and video inspection equipmentAssist with repairs and maintenance of manholes, pipes, and related facilitiesSupport water metering and sewage sampling activities, including assisting with electronic meter maintenanceUse hand tools to mix mortar and cement, dig and level earth, and sand and paint surfacesDrive trucks to transport work crews, tools, and materialsClean and prepare job sites, remove debris, and maintain tools and equipmentLift heavy materials regularly, such as iron access covers and cement ringsWork in confined or below-ground spaces as requiredFollow safety procedures, stay alert to hazards, and use safe work practicesKeep written records of work performed and use Countywide or department-specific software to complete assignmentsServe on an on-call rotation and respond to after-hours emergencies, including storms, power outages, and equipment failuresWhy You’ll Love ItWork outdoors and stay active in a hands-on, team-based environmentGain valuable experience in public infrastructure maintenanceLearn from experienced maintenance professionals while building trade-related skillsPlay an important role in keeping essential water and sewer systems operating safelyBuild a stable career in public service with opportunities for growth and overtimeMinimum QualificationsEXPERIENCE, TRAINING, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIESREQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONSWhen assigned to the following units, must possess a valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Group "A" designation, with “N” endorsement for air brakes:Sewer MaintenanceConstruction Drain MaintenancePump MaintenanceWater MaintenanceNOTE : 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 RecoverySystems ControlRetention Treatment BasinsCross ConnectionPass the complete examination, including the employment medical, established for this classification.Successfully complete the six-month probationary period.SPECIAL REQUIREMENTSMust 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 EXERCISEDUsually none, although may provide instruction, assistance, and check the work of part-time, seasonal, and new employees.ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONSWITHIN SEWER MAINTENANCE UNITAssists 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-digs, 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 REQUIREMENTSAbility to communicate to accurately convey information. Ability to operator a motor vehicle and/or be a passenger.WORKING CONDITIONSWork 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 QUALIFICATIONSPhysical 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 QualificationsUnion*BU55 - International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers: Water Resources Commission (IBEW)*If applicableEEO StatementWe 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 StatementOakland 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. If you have the skills and qualifications for the position, we encourage you to apply. All candidates are evaluated based on their ability to meet the job requirements, legal obligations and thrive in our organization. All ways, MOVING FORWARD.