Maintenance Laborer - Water Maintenance

Oakland County•Pontiac, MI

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Maintenance Laborer assists skilled maintenance staff with inspection, maintenance, and repair of Oakland County sanitary sewer, water, and storm drain systems. For the Water Maintenance unit, duties include installing and reading water meters, maintaining fire hydrants, assisting with waterline and facility repairs, operating valves, and helping address low-pressure conditions. The work involves using hand and power tools, driving trucks, keeping records, and supporting water metering and sewage sampling activities. The position is onsite and includes outdoor, physically demanding field work, with occasional work in confined or below-ground spaces. Employees serve on an on-call rotation and respond to after-hours emergencies, including storms, power outages, and equipment failures.

Requirements

For assignment to the Water Maintenance unit, possess a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Group A designation with an N endorsement for air brakes; applicants without the required CDL must obtain it by the end of the six-month probationary period, at Water Resources Commission expense.
Pass the complete examination for the classification, including the employment medical examination.
Successfully complete the six-month probationary period.
Maintain a valid operator’s or Commercial Driver’s License as specified by unit assignment.
Ability to communicate accurately and to operate a motor vehicle and/or be a passenger.
Ability to lift, stand, and walk for extended periods; frequently move heavy objects; and work in adverse 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 manual tasks; follow standardized oral and written instructions; and work cooperatively both in 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 activities, including 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.
Install water meters and remote read-out devices in residences and commercial establishments using authorized methods and tools.
Assist with maintaining and winterizing fire hydrants, including disassembly and replacement of parts.
Test the atmosphere of underground lines and facilities before entering; safely enter gate wells and water main vaults.
Assist in repairs to facility waterlines and appurtenances.
Assist in correcting low-pressure conditions by surging water service pipes using meters, hoses, tools, and shut-off valves.
Assist with opening and closing water system gate valves according to procedure or direction.
Read water meters electronically at service addresses or visually inside customer establishments and transfer readings to an electronic device.
Walk approximately 5–8 miles daily.
Communicate information accurately and operate or ride in a motor vehicle as needed.