Utility Technician Trainee - Wastewater Collection Division

About This Position
Utility Technician Trainees in the Water Department learn the skills required to perform water service repairs in the water distribution system and wastewater service repairs in the wastewater collection system through City education and training programs and on‑the‑job training. Trainees receive guidance from a Senior Utility Technician and their duties increase in scope and difficulty over a 12‑month structured program.

Wastewater Collection Division
The division consists of Administration, Operations and Maintenance, Closed Circuit Television, and Lift Station Sections with 112 full‑time employees. It is responsible for 4,928 miles of sewer main, over 106,000 manholes and cleanouts, and 425,319 sewer tap connections within a 540 square‑mile service area.

• Operate, maintain, and repair the City’s wastewater collection system, including gravity mains, force mains, manholes, pumps, and metering stations.
• Use manual operations such as hand tools, power tools, and machine equipment to maintain infrastructure.
• Work in confined spaces and climb ladders to enter or exit manholes or trenches.

• Possession of an Arizona Department of Environmental Quality Grade 1 certification in Wastewater Collection within 12 months of hire.
• Possession of a Class A Commercial Driver License Instructional Permit within 6 months of hire, and a Class A Commercial Driver License within 12 months of hire.
• Demonstrated ability to perform water or wastewater utility work, as shown by prior experience, training, or examination.
• Ability to perform work with raw sewage and chemicals using normal protective equipment.
• Ability to work in small, cramped spaces such as trenches and to climb ladders for manhole access.
• Read and interpret in English.
• Pass required background checks.

• Traditional pension with employer and employee contributions.
• 401(a) and 457 plans with employer contributions.
• Choice of medical HMO, PPO, or HSA/HDHP plans.
• Medical enrollment includes a monthly $150 City contribution to a Post‑Employment Health Plan.
• Wellness incentive up to $720 annually.
• Dental, vision, and life insurance options.
• Employer paid long‑term disability.
• Free bus/light rail pass.
• Tuition reimbursement program up to $6,500 per year.
• Paid time off: 13.5 paid holidays, 12 vacation days, and 15 sick and personal leave days.
• Paid parental leave up to 480 hours (12 weeks) for birth, adoption, or foster care placement during a 12‑month period.
• Federal Student Loan Forgiveness through Savi.

Pay range: $19.07 – $28.17 per hour.

Hiring range: $19.07 – $23.18 per hour.

• Working outside in a variety of environmental extremes such as heat, cold, rain, air pollution, and dust.
• Working around spiders, scorpions, snakes, cockroaches, and bees.
• Performing heavy manual labor for extended periods in a construction‑type environment.
• Moving heavy objects 50 pounds or more over short distances and repetitive bending during an eight‑hour shift.
• Traveling across rough, uneven, or rocky surfaces at excavation sites.

Recruitment closes May 31, 2026.

City of Phoenix is an equal opportunity employer.

Ameri Corps, Peace Corps, and other national service alumni who meet the required qualifications are encouraged to apply.