Utility Aide - Operations

City of Grand RapidsWater Resource Recovery Facility 1300 Market Ave SW Grand Rapids, MI
Onsite

About The Position

This is an entry-level training position in a technical utility field, designed for high school graduates and college students to gain experience in the water and wastewater industries. It provides a broad range of skills leading to licensure qualification in the State of Michigan. Duties include performing lower-level work in wastewater and/or water distribution systems, assisting various staff to acquire basic knowledge of system operations. Successful completion of provided training programs to establish core competencies in both systems is expected. Work is performed under close guidance and supervision.

Requirements

  • High school diploma (or GED equivalent)
  • Michigan driver's license

Responsibilities

  • Provides assistance with maintaining the wastewater treatment plant, water treatment plant, collection, and/or the water distribution system as assigned.
  • Participates in work duties and technical tasks with both above and below ground utilities; assists with providing maintenance and repair to water, water distribution, sanitary and storm water sewer pipelines and appurtenances.
  • Performs general routine maintenance on collection systems, water distribution piping, specialized heavy equipment, cleaning and cutting tools, entity locating devices, as well as on smaller equipment used to access remotely located utilities.
  • Provides customer service assistance as needed for the 24-hour operations, including handling lower-level customer complaints and/or concerns.
  • Assists with identifying and assessing water and/or sewer problems and evaluating the degree or extent of damage; applies departmental techniques and methods for using the necessary tools and equipment to do the work, such as computer detection and monitoring systems.
  • Operates a variety of laboratory equipment; records measurements and other data.
  • Conducts a variety of tests on water in various stages of treatment to ensure environmental standards and/or drinking water regulations are met; tests sludge and other treatment parameters; collects samples; prepares reagents, standards, and test solutions used in the testing process.
  • Cleans, maintains, and stores equipment, tools, and instruments; washes sample containers; cleans and dusts laboratory equipment, countertops, and glassware.
  • Participates in developing and implementing an industrial pretreatment program.
  • Participates in developing and implementing a water cross-connection control program.
  • Performs responsible technical work inspecting and regulating water pollution problems.
  • Performs related work as required.

Benefits

  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • 6% employee 401a contribution with employer matching (6% or 7% based on bargaining unit)
  • Employee & Employer contributions to Retiree Health Savings Account
  • Voluntary benefits such as term life insurance, flexible spending accounts, accidental insurance, disability insurance, and deferred compensation plan options
  • Twelve Paid Holidays
  • Paid Vacation and Sick Time
  • Paid Parking (if applicable)
  • Employee Home Ownership Incentive
  • Tuition Reimbursement and professional development opportunities
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Employee Assistance Program with free mental health counseling
  • Comprehensive Wellness program with a health and wellness incentive
  • Employee Discounts and Perks
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