Maintenance Laborer - Water Maintenance

Oakland County•Pontiac, MI

8d•$46,922 - $59,631•Onsite

About The Position

The Maintenance Laborer assists skilled maintenance staff with the inspection, maintenance, and repair of Oakland County sanitary sewer, water, and storm drain systems. The role supports public infrastructure and water systems through field work, equipment operation, water metering, sewage sampling, job-site preparation, and maintenance of tools and facilities. Work takes place outdoors and may involve confined or below-ground spaces, exposure to varied weather, regular heavy lifting, and walking approximately 5–8 miles daily when reading water meters. The position also participates in an on-call rotation and responds to after-hours emergencies, including storms, power outages, and equipment failures. Within the Water System Maintenance Unit, duties include installing water meters and remote read-out devices; assisting with fire hydrant maintenance and repairs; testing the atmosphere of underground facilities before entry; assisting with waterline and appurtenance repairs; helping correct low-pressure conditions; opening and closing water system gate valves; and reading water meters electronically or by visually reading them at service locations. The job requires following safety procedures, maintaining written records, and using Countywide or department-specific software to complete assignments. This position is onsite. Employees assigned to Water Maintenance must maintain a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Group A with an N endorsement for air brakes. Employees who do not have the required CDL at application must obtain it by the end of the six-month probationary period, at Water Resources Commission expense. Candidates must pass the complete examination, including the employment medical, and successfully complete the six-month probationary period. The position usually exercises no supervision, though it may involve instructing, assisting, and checking the work of part-time, seasonal, and new employees.

Requirements

For assignment to Water Maintenance, possess and maintain a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Group A designation with an N endorsement for air brakes.
If the required CDL is not held at application, obtain it by the end of the six-month probationary period; the posting states this is at Water Resources Commission expense.
Pass the complete examination for the classification, including the employment medical.
Successfully complete the six-month probationary period.
Ability to communicate information accurately.
Ability to operate a motor vehicle and/or be a passenger.
Ability to safely work in confined or below-ground spaces as required.
Ability to follow safety procedures and remain alert to hazards.

Nice To Haves

Physical condition permitting extended lifting, standing, and walking; frequent movement of heavy objects; and work in disagreeable weather and confined or difficult locations.
Reasonable knowledge of and ability to practice standard safety techniques.
Reasonable knowledge 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 work and cooperate successfully both as part of a team and individually.

Responsibilities

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, 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.
Regularly lift heavy materials, including iron access covers and cement rings.
Work in confined or below-ground spaces as required.
Follow safety procedures, remain 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.
Install water meters and remote read-out devices in residences and commercial establishments using authorized methods and tools.
Assist in maintaining and winterizing fire hydrants, including disassembly, repair, and replacement of parts.
Test the atmosphere of underground lines and facilities before entering; safely enter gate wells and water main vaults.
Assist in repairing facility waterlines and appurtenances.
Assist in correcting low-pressure conditions by surging water service pipes and operating water shut-off valves.
Assist with opening and closing water system gate valves according to procedure or as directed.
Read water meters electronically or by visually reading meters at service addresses, including walking approximately 5–8 miles daily.
Communicate information accurately and operate a motor vehicle or travel as a passenger as required.
May provide instruction and assistance to, and check the work of, part-time, seasonal, and new employees.