Water Department Trainee

Job Type: Full-time, Entry-level with Training
Department: Public Works
Reports to: Chief Water Operator

About This Opportunity

Join the City of Gaylord’s essential infrastructure team as a Water Department Trainee! This entry-level position offers comprehensive hands-on training in municipal drinking water management while contributing to the public health of our community. Due to the critical nature of working with drinking water, this position does require state certification and a background check.

In this position, you will gain valuable experience in water treatment processes, equipment maintenance, and regulatory compliance while working alongside experienced professionals in a supportive learning environment.

What You’ll Do

  1. Travels assigned routes and takes readings of utility meter dials; records reading on meter cards or inputs data into hand-held micro-computing device or laptop to provide needed information for utility billing or related action; notes any unusual changes in consumption, location or malfunctions such as leaks or damaged meters.
  2. Inspects meters and connections for defects, damage, and unauthorized connection or use; reports findings to supervisor.
  3. Rechecks readings as needed to determine abnormal consumption patterns and analyze possible causes for fluctuation in consumption.
  4. Assists with water service maintenance, operation and construction activities.
  5. Inspects and repairs pressure relief valves, water storage tanks, and meters, at frequent intervals to insure that all aspects of the systems are functioning properly.
  6. Assists with the installation of new water and sewer lines, installation and relocation of fire hydrants and meters, and maintenance of existing water supply and distribution systems.
  7. Responds to complaints regarding water leaks, pressure loss or no water; evaluates situation, determines if liability lies with the City or the property owner; explains findings to property owners and notifies appropriate water and sewer crew if necessary.
  8. Contacts residents and business owners in area where services will be discontinued and explains when services will be shut off and how soon it will be turned back on.
  9. Ensures the proper maintenance of equipment and tools by cleaning and checking equipment and tools after use.
  10. Inspects and assists in the control and use of supplies and equipment used in the maintenance, construction and repair of water lines, and other department facilities to ensure that all equipment is in proper working order.
  11. Locates existing water mains and leads in accordance with City’s participation in the Miss Digg program.
  12. Assists in getting water to customer during winter freeze ups.

Complete Job Description: Water Trainee Job Description 2026

What We’re Looking For

Required:

  • High school diploma or GED
  • Valid Michigan driver’s license. Preferred: CDL Class B w/air brakes, or the ability to obtain one within 6 months of hire
  • Strong comupter skills, mechanical aptitude, and problem-solving skills
  • Basic to intermediate math skills including percentages, ratios, and chemistry calculations
  • Commitment to safety and environmental compliance
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively
  • Physical ability to lift up to 100 pounds and work in various conditions

Preferred Experience:

  • 1-2 years in related industrial, maintenance, or technical field
  • Technical experience in environmental science
  • Municipal utilities or public works experience

Training & Development

  • Comprehensive on-the-job training program
  • Support for required certifications including:
    • Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) within 6 months
    • EGLE Drinking Water Certification S-4 and D-4 within 12-18 months, with continual progress to eventually obtain S-2 and D-2 certification
  • Continuing education opportunities

Schedule & Benefits

  • Standard full-time schedule with weekend rotation
  • Emergency call-out rotation participation
  • Competitive salary and benefits package
  • Professional development support
  • The City offers Blue Cross Blue Shield Heath Insurance Options with vision and dental coverage
  • Life Insurance, Long Term Disability and AD&D Insurance
  • Aflac Supplemental Insurance Options
  • MERS Hybrid and Nationwide 457b Retirement programs
  • Paid vacation, holiday, and sick leave

Special Requirements

  • Must reside within City of Gaylord or within 20 miles of city limits
  • Must pass pre-employment physical and drug screening and be entered into the random drug testing pool.
  • Must pass background check
  • Available for emergency response and occasional overtime

Work Environment

This role involves both indoor and outdoor work in various weather conditions. You’ll work with mechanical equipment, laboratory instruments, and in confined spaces. The position requires physical stamina for climbing, working in confined spaces, and exposure to industrial environments.

Ready to Start Your Career in Municpial Drinking Water?

The City of Gaylord offers a supportive work environment, comprehensive training, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on our community’s environmental health and infrastructure. To apply, fill out an application below. Application deadline: Until filled. This is an hourly position that is part of the AFSCME bargaining unit.

Wages: Trainee: $24.30 per hour. $25.86 after 1 year.

Per the AFSCME collective bargaining agreement, wages will be increased commensurate with EGLE Drinking Water state certifications obtained.

For questions or assistance please call City Hall at 989-732-4060 and ask for Human Resources. The City of Gaylord is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Water Department Trainee

Application

Work Experience 1
Work Experience 2
Reference 1
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Resume Upload (PDF please)

AUTHORIZATION AND UNDERSTANDING: I understand that the City of Gaylord may thoroughly investigate my work and personal history and verify all data given on this application, on related papers, and in interviews. I authorize the military, all individuals, schools and firms named therein, except my current employer if so noted, to provide any information requested about me, and I release them from all liability for damage in providing this information. I also hereby waive any right under the Bullard-Plawecki Right to Know Act, 1978 PA 397, to receive written notice from the ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­City of Gaylord or any former or current employer, that disciplinary reports, letters of reprimand, or other disciplinary action taken against me while employed, will be or have been disclosed to a third person or entity. I hereby consent to having a physical and/or mental examination(s) and/or test(s) conducted by a physician or other professional of the Employer's choice, and understand that any offer of employment is conditioned upon the results of this examination(s) and/or test(s). I understand that to be employed I must be lawfully authorized to work in the United States, and I must show the employer documents that will prove this. All of the information on this application and made in conjunction with this application is correct and true to the best of my knowledge. I understand that any false or misleading statement made by me in connection with this application or the failure to disclose any material information will be grounds for immediate dismissal. I understand and agree that, if hired, my employment is for no definite period and may, regardless of the date of payment of my wages and salary, be terminated at any time, with or without cause, and without any prior notice at either my option or at the option of the employer, it being mutually understood and agreed that my relationship with the Employer is one of employment at will and no representative of the Employer has any authority to enter into any agreement for employment for any period of time or to make any agreement contrary to the foregoing. I also understand and agree that any and all fringe benefits that I may receive as a result of my employment with the Employer may be modified by the Employer, and do not vest by reason of my employment, continued employment or otherwise. I agree not to commence any action or suit relating to my employment with the Employer more than six (6) months after the date of termination of such employment, and to waive any statute of limitations to the contrary.

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