Apprentice Water Operator/Maintainer

City of Kalamazoo • Kalamazoo, MI

1d

About The Position

This is apprentice-level work focused on acquiring the knowledge and skills needed to operate and maintain the municipal water system. The employee operates one or more types of automotive equipment, performs manual tasks, and is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of several types of vehicles and equipment. Work is inspected by a supervisor for quality and efficiency. The employee must obtain a CDL within one year of hire and demonstrate the ability to advance to a higher class within two years of hire.

The apprentice works with Water Division personnel to learn water distribution, pumping, storage, treatment, operations, and maintenance procedures. Duties include assisting with the water supply SCADA system, records, and facility inspection and servicing; learning to analyze and respond to system problems; making or referring repairs; responding to customer calls; and learning emergency startup and shutdown procedures.

Continued employment is conditional on passing the D-4 Drinking Water Operator Certification offered by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy after becoming eligible to take the exam. The employee has up to two years from the date of hire to pass. An in-house written exam is also required.

Requirements

• Completion of a high school diploma or GED.
• Good knowledge of mathematics and science.
• Good computer skills.
• Ability to make minor repairs and some knowledge of Public Services Department activities.
• Ability to stand, walk, drive, lift up to 75 pounds, push, pull, bend, reach, squat, and see clearly at near and/or far distances.
• Ability to work with others or alone and to enter and function safely in confined spaces.
• Ability to work with machinery and a variety of tools in varying lighting, temperature, wet or dry conditions, and fluctuating noise, dust, and odor levels.
• Good oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the general public.
• Ability to successfully complete the apprenticeship within two years of employment.
• Valid motor vehicle operator's license.
• Ability to obtain a State of Michigan CDL A endorsement with air brakes and Hazardous Materials Endorsement within one year of employment.
• Some experience in mechanical and electrical equipment operation and maintenance.
• Completion of standard high school coursework in mathematics, biology, chemistry, or related sciences, plus ability to pass an in-house competency test; or an equivalent combination of experience and training.
• Pass the D-4 Drinking Water Operator Certification offered by Michigan EGLE within two years of hire, after becoming eligible to take the exam.
• Pass an in-house written exam.

Nice To Haves

• Some knowledge of mechanical maintenance and repair practices.
• Some knowledge of hydraulics and the basic procedures and processes of water pumping, storage, treatment, and distribution.
• Good mechanical ability.

Responsibilities

• Work with Water Division personnel to learn procedures for water distribution, pumping, storage, treatment, operations, and maintenance.
• Assist in operating and monitoring the water supply SCADA system to ensure proper water-system operation.
• Assist in maintaining operation and maintenance records.
• Learn to inspect, monitor, and service treatment and pumping facilities.
• Analyze problems, make repairs or refer them to appropriate personnel, and work with staff called in to perform work.
• Learn principles and procedures for emergency startup and shutdown.
• Identify and respond to potential or existing pumping problems through SCADA system analysis and visual inspection.
• Respond to customer calls concerning the public water supply system.
• Safely and efficiently operate vehicles and equipment and perform related manual tasks.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED