Job Details

The Apprentice Lift Station Maintenance Technician is an entry-level training position performing routine wastewater lift station operation and maintenance work.  An employee in this class is considered in training, for the class of Public Services Lift Station Technician I. The work is performed in accordance with procedures outlined by the Wastewater Lift Station Supervisory Staff. Through successful completion of the probationary period, on-the-job training, and self-study, a Public Services Lift Station Technician Apprentice is expected to acquire sufficient knowledge and skills in pump repairs, basic electrical controls, generator setup, bypass pump setup, emergency power outage response, the MWEA Maintenance Grade I exam, and the in-house Lift Station Technician test.

A qualified individual with a disability must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation. 

• Assists Public Services Lift Station Maintenance in routine operational, preventive maintenance, and demand maintenance duties.
• Cleans and maintains wastewater lift station equipment to facilitate flow of wastewater.
• Makes routine inspections of all City of Kalamazoo maintained lift stations.
• Identifies operational or maintenance problems.
• Performs snow removal and grounds maintenance at lift stations.
• Assists in making routine repairs to pumps, motors, and equipment.
• Performs routine janitorial and grounds maintenance duties.
• Keeps records as assigned.
• Works with Public Services staff to learn operation and maintenance procedures.
• Operates trucks in carrying tools, equipment, parts, and materials/supplies to and from a job site.
• Uses handheld computers, prepares simple work reports.
• Performs other related duties, as assigned.

• High School Diploma with a minimum of three (3) years of technical experience in a related field required.
• Must possess a valid and current CDL B License with Air Brakes and Tanker endorsements, or the ability to obtain one within six (6) months of placement in position.
• Knowledge and skill in the methods, tools and equipment utilized in maintaining, diagnosing, and repairing sewage lift stations.
• Good working knowledge of occupational hazards and related safety practices.
• Ability to understand and carry our oral and written instructions.
• Ability to perform duties in a timely manner.
• Must have good oral and written communication skills.
• Basic knowledge of computer operations; General knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to develop and nurture strong, productive relationships with all levels within the organization and the general public, respecting established processes and fostering an environment of mutual respect.
• Strong, clear communicator and excellent interpersonal skills; proven ability to effectively and positively communicate with the general public and all levels within the organization.
• Proactive and positive customer service skills with both internal and external customers.
• Excellent organizational, multi-tasking and prioritizing skills.
• Demonstrates a sense of urgency, prioritizes well, shows energy, responds to opportunities, instills urgency in others, and meets deadlines. 
• Previous knowledge and experience with plumbing practices, electrical systems, hydraulics, meter design and function, safety rules, regulations and practices.
• Strong knowledge of maintenance, construction and repair techniques, of industrial or municipal sewage lift stations; experience as a semi-skilled mechanic in the maintenance of Motors, pumps, and related equipment associated with industrial or municipal lift stations preferred.
• Demonstrated experience with trenching and shoring techniques, sanitary and storm systems.
• MIOSHA certification.
• Storm Water Certification (EGLE)
• Confined space training.
• Trenching and Shoring/Competent Person Certification.
• Traffic Regulation Certification.
• Ability to gather, analyze and interpret data.
• Ability to read maps and blueprints.
• Any additional certification as required by the respective focus area group.
• Ability to pass the entry level general aptitude test with a minimum score of 70%.

• Ability to pass a city-paid physical and a drug screen.
• Possess a valid Michigan driver’s license.
• Must be available to work overtime as assigned on an on call rotational basis.
• Employees hired in this classification will remain in the classification until they have obtained the Maintenance Grade I exam certification, Class B CDL License with air brakes and tanker endorsement, and any other requirements within the Lift Station Maintenance program.