Service Authority - Utility Mechanic Apprentice (Amherst, VA; Madison Heights, VA)

Amherst County Government; Amherst, Madison Heights (VA, VA); On-site; USD 35,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Amherst County Service Authority in Amherst, VA is hiring a Utility Mechanic Apprentice. This entry-level, hands-on role trains you to install and maintain water and sewer mains, meters, valves, hydrants, and related equipment, with no prior utility experience required.

You'll work alongside experienced mechanics, learn safety procedures, and develop skills toward a skilled trade in public infrastructure, with on-the-job training and opportunities for career growth.

Qualifications

• No prior utility experience required; training provided.
• Ability to read and write English.
• Current, valid Virginia driver's license.
• Willingness to learn utility construction, maintenance, equipment operation, and safety procedures.
• Ability to obtain VDOT Traffic Control Flagger certification within one year.
• Ability to obtain First Aid and CPR certification within one year.
• Ability to obtain a CDL within two years.

Responsibilities

• Learn to install and maintain water and sewer mains, service lines, valves, fire hydrants, and related infrastructure.
• Assist with installing water and sewer services, meters, backflow preventers, cleanouts, and related equipment.
• Learn to safely operate trucks, light and heavy equipment, hand tools, and power tools.
• Assist with the maintenance, repair, and replacement of water and sewer infrastructure.
• Record keeping of work performed and learning safety procedures.

Skills

Willingness to learn

Dependable

Team player

Manual dexterity

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Service Authority - Utility Mechanic Apprentice (Amherst, VA; Madison Heights, VA)

AMHERST COUNTY SERVICE AUTHORITY
NOW HIRING: UTILITY MECHANIC APPRENTICE
Starting Pay: $34,558+ to commensurate with relevant experience

No utility experience required — we will train you!

Amherst County Service Authority (ACSA) is seeking a Utility Mechanic Apprentice to join our water and sewer operations team.

This is an entry-level, hands-on position designed for someone who wants to learn the water and sewer utility trade and build a career in essential public infrastructure. No previous water or sewer experience is required.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN AND DO

As a Utility Mechanic Apprentice, you will learn to:

• Install and maintain water and sewer mains, service lines, valves, fire hydrants, and other utility infrastructure.
• Assist with installing water and sewer services, meters, backflow preventers, cleanouts, and related equipment.
• Learn to safely operate trucks, light and heavy equipment, hand tools, and power tools.
• Assist with the maintenance, repair, and replacement of water and sewer infrastructure.
• Assist with water meter, hydrant, valve, and sewer cleanout maintenance.
• Help maintain water and sewer easements and ACSA properties, including mowing and tree removal.
• Load and unload materials, tools, equipment, and treatment chemicals.
• Perform routine cleanup and maintain accurate records of work performed.
• Work alongside experienced Utility Mechanics and supervisors to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to advance in the utility field.
• Learn and follow proper safety procedures and safe work practices.

NO EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

Previous water or sewer utility experience is not required.

We are looking for candidates who are dependable, willing to learn, responsible, comfortable working outdoors, and interested in developing skilled trade experience.

Experience with equipment or mechanical work is a plus. This could include experience gained through:

• Farming or agricultural work
• Operating tractors or other heavy equipment
• Working in a mechanic or automotive shop
• Construction or maintenance work
• Landscaping or grounds maintenance
• Repairing or maintaining machinery
• Using hand and power tools

You don't have to know how to do the job on day one — we're looking for someone who is ready to learn.

WHAT YOU'LL NEED

Required:

• Ability to read and write English.
• Current, valid Virginia driver's license.
• Ability to safely use basic hand tools and light power tools.
• Willingness and ability to learn utility construction, maintenance, equipment operation, and safety procedures.
• Ability to obtain VDOT Traffic Control Flagger certification within one year of employment.
• Ability to obtain First Aid and CPR certification within one year of employment.
• Ability to obtain a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) within two years of employment.

EDUCATION

• High school diploma or GED is preferred, but not required.

THIS JOB MAY BE A GOOD FIT FOR YOU IF YOU…

• Like working with your hands and learning how things work.
• Have experience operating tractors, machinery, trucks, or other equipment.
• Have worked on a farm, in a garage, mechanic shop, construction, landscaping, or a similar environment.
• Don't mind getting dirty and working outdoors.
• Are dependable and willing to learn new skills.
• Enjoy working as part of a team.
• Want to build a career in a skilled trade or public utility.

THE WORK ENVIRONMENT

This is a physically active, outdoor position. Work may involve bending, stooping, lifting, and repeated lifting of 50 pounds or more, particularly during pipe installation and material handling.

Utility Mechanics and Apprentices may work in conditions involving heat, cold, rain, darkness, dirt, grease, sewage, chemicals, noise, vibrations, water and wastewater, vegetation, insects, and other outdoor hazards. The position also involves learning to safely operate power tools, equipment, and vehicles.

ON-CALL RESPONSIBILITIES

Utility Mechanic Apprentices will participate in the ACSA emergency response rotation and may be required to respond to water and sewer emergencies 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including nights, weekends, holidays, and periods of severe weather.

A CAREER, NOT JUST A JOB

The Utility Mechanic Apprentice position is an opportunity to learn a skilled trade while getting paid to gain hands-on experience.

You’ll work alongside experienced utility professionals, develop equipment and mechanical skills, learn the fundamentals of water and sewer infrastructure, and build the knowledge needed to advance within the ACSA.

Position: Utility Mechanic Apprentice

Employer: Amherst County Service Authority

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

This is a full time position

Visit Careers at Amherst County Government