Apprentice Water Operator​/Maintainer

Salary: $20.34 - $22.55 Hourly
Location : Kalamazoo, MI
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 26-00019
Department: Public Services Harrison
Division: Public Services-Water Operations
Opening Date: 02/18/2026
Closing Date: 3/3/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

Description/Distinguishing Features

This is apprentice level work involving acquiring knowledge and skill in the operation and maintenance of the municipal water system. Operates one or more types of automotive equipment and performs a variety of manual tasks; does related work as required.

Work involves acquiring knowledge and skill in various activities of the municipal water system. Employees in this class are responsible for the safe and efficient operation of several types of vehicles and equipment. The position requires possession of a CDL either upon hire or within 1 year of employment. Ability to promote to a higher class for new employees is required within two years of hire.

Work will be inspected by a supervisor for quality and efficiency.
Examples of Duties

• Works with Water Division personnel to learn distribution, pumping, storage, treatment, operations, and maintenance procedures which are part of the operation and maintenance of the municipal water system.
• Assists in operating and monitoring the water supply SCADA system to assure proper operation of the water system.
• Assists in maintaining operation and maintenance records.
• Learns to and assists in the inspecting, monitoring, and servicing of treatment/pumping facilities, analyzes problems, makes repairs and/or refers repairs to appropriate personnel, works with staff called in to do work.
• Learns principles and procedures related to making emergency start-up and shutdown.
• Learns to identify and respond to potential or identified problems in pumping by analysis of SCADA system information and visual inspection; responds to customer calls concerning the public water supply system.

Essential Qualifications

• Completion of a high school diploma or G.E.D.
• Good knowledge of math and science.
• Good computer skills.
• Ability to make minor repairs, some knowledge of the Public Services Department activities.
• Must be able to stand, walk, drive, lift up to 75 lbs., push, pull, bend, reach, squat, see (clear vision near and/or far), and work with others or alone.
• Must be able to work with machinery and a variety of tools, may work in various lighting situations, high and low temperatures, wet and dry conditions, and noise, duct, and odor levels may fluctuate.
• Must be capable of entering and functioning in confined spaces safely.
• Must have good oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the general public; must have the ability and skills necessary to successfully complete the apprenticeship within two years of employment.
• Possession of a valid motor vehicle operator's license.
• Ability to obtain a CDL "A" endorsement with air brakes and Hazardous Materials Endorsement issued by the State of Michigan within 1 year of employment.
• Some knowledge of mechanical maintenance and repair practices.
• Preferably some knowledge of hydraulics and of the basic procedures and processes of water pumping, storage, treatment, and distribution.
• Good mechanical ability.

Acceptable Training and Experience

• Some experience in mechanical and electrical equipment operation and maintenance.
• Completion of standard high school course work in math, biology, chemistry, or the related sciences, plus ability to pass in-house competency test.
• And/or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the essential knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Employee must, as a condition of continued employment, pass the D-4 Drinking Water Operator Certification offered by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) after they are determined eligible to take the exam. The employee will be given up to two years from date of hire to pass the exam.

In house written exam required for this position.

The City of Kalamazoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive organization where different perspectives and experiences are…