Plant Assistant

This is a Natural Progression position. Satisfactory completion of the assigned duties and responsibilities results in appointment to Plant Assistant II. This is manual and some semiskilled work in the care and maintenance of Water Resource Recovery Facility and grounds.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

• Maintains grounds by cutting grass, trimming shrubs, removing snow, removing trash and other debris, edging, seeding, fertilizing, trimming trees and removal, and lawn watering.
• Cleans tanks, equipment, drains, buildings, tunnels, dry wells and wet wells using a variety of equipment including high pressure water, steam cleaning, augers and scrubbers.
• Operates snow plows, trucks and blowers as needed; removes ice and snow from roadways, driveways and sidewalks.
• Transports emergency power generators to pumping stations and places on-line; transports pumps and other equipment to Wastewater Treatment facilities and to other City departments.
• Assists plant maintenance personnel and plant operations personnel.
• Works as top person in confined space entry.
• Enters confined spaces, tests atmosphere, sets up ventilation, tripod, harness and lifeline.
• Removes and loads sludge into containers using front end loader, backhoe and bobcat.
• Operates equipment including 26,000 GVW truck, 35,000 GVW truck, boom truck, front end loader, backhoe, bobcat, fork lift and tractors.
• Assists plant painter with sandblasting projects.
• Assists plant painter with general plant painting projects.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

• Completion of tenth grade

--AND--

• Two (2) years of experience in general building and grounds maintenance and repair work

--OR--

• Any equivalent combination of training and experience

• Commercial driver’s license (CDL) or the ability to obtain one within six (6) months of hire

• Medical, Dental, and Vision starting on Day 1
• 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

If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to our Leaves and Accommodations Analyst, Amanda Kaulback. Email akaulback@grand-rapids.mi.us or HRemployment benefits or by phone at .

The City of Grand Rapids does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy or gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.

This position is subject to the provisions of the applicable collective bargaining agreement and all relevant civil service rules. For additional information, links to union agreement and Civil Service Rules are provided below.

Collective Bargaining Agreements

Civil Service Rules