Maintenance Laborer- Water Maintenance

Overview & Benefits

Oakland County is a public service organization that strengthens communities and improves the quality of life for nearly 1.3 million residents. As a member of our team, you will help maintain the county’s essential water, sewer, and storm drain systems while gaining valuable field experience.

Pay range: $45,226 – $57,475

Location:

onsite

• Assist 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, construction, drain, pump, or water maintenance units. Must obtain CDL within six months if not currently held.
• Valid motor vehicle operator’s or chauffeur’s license when assigned to water resource recovery systems, control retention treatment basins, or cross connection units.
• Pass the complete examination, including the employment medical, established for this classification.
• Successfully complete the six‑month probationary period.

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

• Installs water meters and remote read‑out devices in residential and commercial establishments using authorized methods.
• Assists in maintaining fire hydrants, including winterizing, pumping, repairing, and replacing components.
• Tests the atmosphere of underground lines and facilities before entering them.
• Safely enters gate wells and water main vaults.
• Assists in repair of facility waterlines and appurtenances.
• Corrects low‑pressure conditions by surging water service pipes and operating valves.
• Assists with opening and closing water system gate valves.
• Reads water meters using electronic devices or visual reading converted to electronic output at customer locations.
• Includes walking approximately 5–8 miles daily.

Ability to communicate accurately, operate a motor vehicle, and perform tasks that require lifting, standing, or walking for extended periods, including frequent moving of heavy objects in adverse weather and confined spaces.

Work performed in outdoor and confined space environments with exposure to heat, cold, and other weather elements. May require driving or traveling by vehicle.

• Physical condition permitting lifting, standing, and walking for extended periods, including moving heavy objects in disagreeable weather and confined/difficult locations.
• Reasonable knowledge of standard safety techniques and use of hand/power tools.
• Ability to perform routine, repetitive, and manual tasks.
• Ability to follow standardized oral and written instructions.
• Ability to work cooperatively in a team and independently.

Oakland County is committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity and will not discriminate against an applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state or local laws.