Maintenance Trainee

Maintenance Trainee Technician

Maintenance Department • Career Ladder Level 1 of 5

Department

Maintenance

Reports To

Lead Mechanic

FLSA Status

Non-exempt (hourly)

Supervises

None

Location

Field-based; NC and AL service areas

Schedule

Day shift plus on-call, overtime, and emergency response (24/7 operation)

About Integra Water Maintenance

Integra Water operates water and wastewater systems in North Carolina and Alabama that run 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Our customers count on safe drinking water and reliable wastewater service every hour of every day, and the Maintenance team keeps the equipment behind that service running. Safety is a core value: every team member has the authority and the obligation to stop work that is unsafe.

Position Summary

The Maintenance Trainee Technician is the entry point to Integra Water's maintenance career ladder. Working alongside experienced technicians, the Trainee learns to safely inspect, clean, maintain, and repair the equipment that keeps our water and wastewater systems running around the clock. This is a structured 6- to 12-month training role. The focus is safety, learning the systems, and earning the first operator certification.

How this level is different: Learns and assists. Works under direct supervision and does not perform repairs, enter confined spaces, or respond to alarms alone. Moves to Maintenance Technician 1 after completing the training program and earning the required certification.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Learning and Assisting

• Assist Maintenance Technicians with preventive and corrective maintenance on lift stations, grinder pumps, well systems, WWTP equipment, and related facilities.
• Perform routine tasks under direct supervision: cleaning wet wells and equipment, lubrication, visual inspections, grounds upkeep, and recording readings.
• Help pull, clean, and reinstall lift station and grinder pumps; learn to rebuild and install E/One grinder pumps (training provided).
• Learn to identify system components, read basic drawings and equipment manuals, and use hand tools, power tools, meters, and gas detectors correctly.

Safety

• •Complete required safety training, including lockout/tagout, confined space (entrant/attendant), trenching and excavation awareness, work zone traffic control, bloodborne pathogens, hydrogen sulfide awareness, and first aid/CPR.
• •Wear required PPE, follow all safety procedures, and stop and ask before doing anything that is unfamiliar or unsafe.
• •Report all incidents, near misses, and unsafe conditions to the Lead Mechanic immediately.

Response and Availability 

• Ride along with on-call technicians to learn alarm response, emergency repairs, and after-hours procedures.
• Be available for overtime, weather events, and emergencies as directed.

Records and Technology

• Learn to open, update, and close work orders in the computerized maintenance management system (MaintainX), complete vehicle inspections in Fleetio, and find assets in GIS.
• Learn to read SCADA screens and alarm information.

Teamwork and Customer Service

• Keep vehicles, tools, shop, and work sites clean, organized, and stocked.
• Treat customers, contractors, and coworkers professionally and courteously, and refer customer questions to the appropriate person.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• No prior utility experience required. Mechanical aptitude and a willingness to learn are expected; vocational coursework or experience in mechanics, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, construction, or equipment repair is a plus.
• Valid driver's license with a driving record that meets Integra's standards.

Licenses and Certifications

Required:

• Within 12 months of hire: NC Wastewater Collection System Operator Grade I (NC positions) or ADEM Wastewater Collection System Operator certification (AL positions). Integra supports exam preparation.
• Within 6 months of hire: OSHA 10-Hour Construction or General Industry (company provided).
• Basic math (fractions, decimals, measurements) and reading skills sufficient to follow written procedures and manuals.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Basic mechanical aptitude and comfort with hand and power tools.
• Willingness to learn new technology, including tablet and phone apps.
• Ability to follow instructions, ask questions, and accept coaching.
• Dependability: arrives on time, ready to work, and responds when called.

Requirements to Advance to the Next Level

• Complete the Trainee skills checklist, signed off by the Lead Mechanic.
• Earn the required collection system certification.
• Complete required safety training with no serious at-fault safety or driving incidents.
• Recommendation of the Lead Mechanic and approval of the Maintenance Manager.

Physical Requirements 

• Frequent standing, walking, kneeling, stooping, squatting, bending, reaching, and climbing ladders and stairs; work in wet wells, vaults, and excavations.
• Lift and carry up to 75 pounds and exert up to 100 pounds of force on a regular basis; heavier loads are handled with hoists, crane trucks, or team lifts.
• Use hands to grasp and operate hand and power tools with repetitive motion, grip strength, and fine dexterity.
• Normal or corrected visual acuity, depth perception, field of vision, and hearing sufficient to work safely around moving equipment and traffic.
• Wear and work in required personal protective equipment, which may include respirators, fall protection, chemical-resistant gear, and arc-rated clothing.

Working Conditions

• Work is performed outdoors and in the field in all weather, including extreme heat and cold, rain, and at night, as well as in shops, plants, and treatment facilities.
• Exposure to raw sewage and biological hazards, odors, noxious gases (including hydrogen sulfide), treatment chemicals, noise, vibration, dust, high-pressure fluids, energized electrical equipment, confined spaces, heights, trenches, traffic, animals, and insects.
• Required to work non-standard hours, overtime, weekends, and holidays, and to participate in the on-call rotation and respond to emergencies and storm events at any hour.
• Daily travel between sites in a company vehicle; must follow Integra's vehicle and driving safety program.

This is a safety-sensitive position. A post-offer fitness-for-duty evaluation, drug and alcohol testing, and a motor vehicle record check are required, consistent with company policy and applicable law. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.