Distribution and Collection Specialist Apprenticeship

Colorado Springs Utilities•Colorado Springs, CO

14d•$30 - $42•Onsite

About The Position

The Distribution and Collection Specialist Apprenticeship at Colorado Springs Utilities prepares you to become a journey-level Distribution and Collection Specialist, supporting our water and wastewater distribution, transmission, and collection systems. This 3.5-year-long Department of Labor-registered apprenticeship combines on-the-job and instructional learning and training as you progress through each step of the program. By the time you complete your apprenticeship, you will have also obtained your Colorado Wastewater Collections I and II Certifications. The starting pay rate for the apprenticeship is $30.25 with pay increases as you progress through each step of the program. The pay schedule is as follows: Year 1 - Step 1 ($30.25) & Step 2 ($31.51) Year 2 - Step 3 ($33.19) & Step 4 ($34.87) Year 3 - Step 5 ($38.23) & Step 6 ($39.07) Year 4 - Step 7 ($39.91) Journey/Turnout ($42.01) Please note that you may be required to work overtime hours and be available for emergency after-hours callouts based on business needs. Additionally, stand-by time (7 days per week) may be expected approximately 12 months into the apprenticeship. Additionally, while in the apprenticeship, you will not be eligible to apply for other employment opportunities at Colorado Springs Utilities. Upon completing the apprenticeship, you will have the experience and knowledge to: Maintain, repair, and troubleshoot wastewater systems and pipelines through the use of high-velocity jet-vac equipment Operate wastewater manhole and water valve box adjustment equipment Install, repair, remove, and replace gravity pipelines Operate wastewater pumping, flushing, and transporting equipment Operate manhole rehabilitation equipment Operate closed-circuit television (CCTV) equipment Troubleshoot and analyze problems and issues in the collection system and make corrective changes Maintain, calibrate, and operate equipment Inspect, test, and prepare confined spaces for safe entry Maintain records and prepare reports

Requirements

Possession of a high school diploma or GED is required - a high school diploma or GED is required to be eligible to take the state exams to earn your Wastewater Collections Certifications
Ability to comply with construction and maintenance safety regulations and standard operating procedures
Possession of a valid, unrestricted driver's license is required
Possession of a Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL), or the ability to obtain within one year, is required

Nice To Haves

Experience in construction or performing manual labor and mechanical skills is valued

Responsibilities

Maintain, repair, and troubleshoot wastewater systems and pipelines through the use of high-velocity jet-vac equipment
Operate wastewater manhole and water valve box adjustment equipment
Install, repair, remove, and replace gravity pipelines
Operate wastewater pumping, flushing, and transporting equipment
Operate manhole rehabilitation equipment
Operate closed-circuit television (CCTV) equipment
Troubleshoot and analyze problems and issues in the collection system and make corrective changes
Maintain, calibrate, and operate equipment
Inspect, test, and prepare confined spaces for safe entry
Maintain records and prepare reports

Benefits

Vacation – Start with 13 days annually, increasing to 24 days with tenure
Personal Leave –3 days per year
Paid Holidays –12 paid holidays per year
Sick Leave – 12 days per year for personal or family health needs
Vacation Buy – Option to purchase up to 40 additional hours annually
Medical Plans: Three comprehensive options, including a $0 premium High-Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) with Health Savings Account (HSA) eligibility
Zero Health: Access to hundreds of medical services at no cost
Dental & Vision: Two dental plans and one vision plan
Family Building-Benefits: Support for fertility, preservation, adoption, and surrogacy
Wellness Program: A voluntary program that rewards you for prioritizing self-care! If you're enrolled in a our medical plan, you and your spouse can earn up to $600 in HRA or HSA contributions by completing healthy activities
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA): Pre-tax contributions for healthcare and dependent care expenses
Health Savings Account (HSA): Available with HDHP
Pension Plan: Colorado PERA provides retirement benefits and peace of mind
Supplemental Retirement Plans: PERAPlus 401(k), MissionSquare Roth IRA, and 457 plans
Disability Coverage: Short-Term and Long-Term Disability insurance available
Life Insurance: Employer-paid coverage with optional supplemental plans
Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential support for mental health, stress, legal, financial, and work-life balance
Tuition Reimbursement: Up to $5,250 annually to support continued education
Public Service Loan Forgiveness: As a qualifying employer, your student loan payments may be eligible for loan forgiveness