Maintenance Laborer - Water Maintenance

Overview & Benefits

Oakland County is more than just a workplace. It is a place where you can make a real difference. As one of Michigan’s leading public service organizations, we are committed to strengthening communities, delivering essential services, and improving the quality of life for nearly 1.3 million residents.

When you join our team, you become part of a mission-driven workforce guided by integrity, innovation, and a passion for public service. We offer competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and the opportunity to do meaningful work that matters. Apply today and help shape the future of Oakland County, where we are All Ways Moving Forward.

For more information about Oakland County benefits and employee perks, please visit:

General Summary

$46,922-$59,631
This position is onsite.

Are you someone who enjoys physical, hands-on work and being part of a team that keeps essential public systems running? In this role, you’ll assist skilled maintenance staff in supporting the County’s sanitary sewer, water, and storm drain systems. You’ll gain valuable field experience while helping maintain infrastructure that protects public health and the environment.

What You’ll Do
• 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 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
• Lift heavy materials regularly, such as iron access covers and cement rings
• Work in confined or below-ground spaces as required
• Follow safety procedures, stay 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

Why You’ll Love It
• Work outdoors and stay active in a hands-on, team-based environment
• Gain valuable experience in public infrastructure maintenance
• Learn from experienced maintenance professionals while building trade-related skills
• Play an important role in keeping essential water and sewer systems operating safely
• Build a stable career in public service with opportunities for growth and overtime

Minimum Qualifications

EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

1. When assigned to the following units, must possess a valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Group "A" designation, with “N” endorsement for air brakes:

• Sewer Maintenance
• Construction Drain Maintenance
• Pump Maintenance
• Water Maintenance

NOTE : Employees without the required CDL at time of application must obtain it by the end of the six-month probationary period, at WRC expense.

2. When assigned to the following units, must possess a valid motor vehicle operator’s or chauffeur’s license:

• Water Resource Recovery
• Systems Control
• Retention Treatment Basins
• Cross Connection

Pass the complete examination, including the employment medical, established for this classification.

Successfully complete the six-month probationary period.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Must maintain a valid operator’s or Commercial Driver's License (CDL) as specified by unit assignment under required minimum qualifications listed above in Section A.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

Usually none, although may provide instruction, assistance, and check the work of part-time, seasonal, and new employees.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

WITHIN WATER SYSTEM MAINTENANCE UNIT

Installs water meters (75 lbs.) and remote read-out devices in residence, and commercial establishments using authorized methods including the use of pipe wrenches, power, and hand tools.

Assists in maintaining fire hydrants, including winterizing them by pumping out water with a hand pump, repairing by disassembling the fire hydrant using pipe wrenches and other hand tools, and replacing by hand certain parts of the fire hydrant up to approximately 200 lbs.

Tests the atmosphere of underground lines and facilities before entering them. Safely enters gate wells and water main vaults.

Assists in the repair of facility waterlines and appurtenances.

Assists in correcting low-pressure conditions by surging the water service pipe by removing the water meter, using pipe wrenches and other hand tools, installing hose, and operating the water shut-off valve.

Assists with opening and closing water system gate valves according to procedure or as directed.

Reads water meters using an electronic device at each service address or by entering the customer's home or other establishment and visually reading the water meter and transforming that visual read to an electronic device. Includes walking approximately 5-8 miles daily.

ESSENTIAL MENTAL & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Ability to communicate to accurately convey information. Ability to operator a motor vehicle and/or be a passenger.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is performed in a normal office environment and in an outdoor environment with exposure to heat, cold, and other weather elements.

May be required to perform duties in confined spaces, or work areas above or below ground.

May participate in activities that require driving or being a passenger in an automobile or bus.

IMPORTANT NOTE : The primary purpose of this job description is to set a fair and equitable salary range for this job classification. Generally, only those key duties necessary for proper job evaluation and/or labor market analysis have been included. Other duties and responsibilities will be assigned by the supervisor.

ADDITIONAL DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Physical condition that will permit lifting, standing, and/or walking for extended periods, frequent moving of heavy objects, working in disagreeable weather conditions and confined/difficult locations.

Reasonable knowledge of and ability to practice standard safety techniques.

Reasonable knowledge of the use 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 successfully work and cooperate both in a team effort and individually.

Additional Minimum Qualifications

Union*

BU55 - International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers: Water Resources Commission (IBEW)

*If applicable

EEO Statement

We are committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity and will not discriminate against an applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances.

Inclusion Statement

Oakland County is committed to welcoming applicants from all backgrounds, including those with prior convictions, as we believe in providing equal opportunities for all. We value the unique perspectives and experiences each individual brings to our team and are dedicated to fostering an inclusive, supportive workplace. If you have the skills and qualifications for the position, we encourage you to apply. All candidates are evaluated based on their ability to meet the job requirements, legal obligations and thrive in our organization. All ways, MOVING FORWARD.