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. We offer competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and the opportunity to do meaningful work that matters.

Salary: $45,226 – $57,475

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Group "A" with "N" endorsement for air brakes when assigned to Sewer Maintenance, Construction Drain Maintenance, Pump Maintenance, or Water Maintenance.
• Valid motor vehicle operator’s or chauffeur’s license when assigned to Water Resource Recovery, Systems Control, Retention Treatment Basins, or Cross Connection.
• Must obtain required CDL within six months of hire if not possessed at time of application.
• Pass a complete examination, including the employment medical exam, established for this classification.
• Successfully complete the six‑month probationary period.

Must maintain a valid operator’s or Commercial Driver's License (CDL) as required by unit assignment.

• Installs water meters (75 lbs.) and remote read‑out devices in residences and commercial establishments.
• Assists in maintaining fire hydrants, including winterizing them, repairing by disassembling, and replacing parts 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, removing the water meter, installing hose, and operating the water shut‑off valve.
• Assists with opening and closing water system gate valves as directed.
• Reads water meters with an electronic device at each service address or visually provides readouts at the customer’s premises.
• Walks approximately 5–8 miles daily.

Ability to communicate accurately; ability to operate a motor vehicle and/or be a passenger.

Work…