Fresh Listing

Posted: March 31, 2026 (1 day ago)

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Utility Operator / Maintainer

City of Grand Rapids

Environmental Services

Fresh

Location

Grand Rapids, Michigan, 49503-2206

Salary

$62,931 - $75,407

per year

Closes

April 12, 2026

Job Description

Summary

This job involves operating and maintaining wastewater and water treatment facilities, including equipment like pumps and tanks, while ensuring everything runs smoothly and meets environmental rules.

It also includes training newer staff and handling emergencies at the plant. A good fit would be someone with hands-on experience in water systems who enjoys technical work and leading a team.

Key Requirements

  • High School diploma or GED equivalent
  • Two years of experience in water/wastewater treatment systems (or equivalent combination of education and training)
  • State of Michigan EGLE Wastewater Treatment Operator Class C license
  • Confined space training
  • Lock out/Tag out training
  • Forklift/High-low certification
  • Crane Operator license

Full Job Description

The purpose of this job is to ensure proper and effective operation and maintenance of a wastewater treatment plant, water treatment plant, collection, and/or distribution system. Performs under the general direction of a supervisor. Guides and trains to less experienced utility staff.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

  • Acts as a lead worker; assists in training new employees; communicates and guides job tasks
  • Operates the Water Resource Recovery Facility's equipment to manage bio solids processing, handling and final disposal; complies with all state and federal regulatory requirements
  • Maintains and repairs equipment within the Water Resource Recovery Facility, including pumps, valves, sluice gates, piping, gearboxes and settling tanks
  • Records and logs data from operator rounds and maintenance work into the current computerized maintenance program and electronics log book
  • Performs preventive maintenance and/or repair on buildings, equipment and plumbing systems
  • Calibrates equipment, replaces worn parts and conducts exercising operations of emergency equipment
  • Establishes methods and arranges monitoring routes for collecting and recording consistent, reliable vibration analysis data
  • Operates equipment to move materials, supplies, equipment and collected debris as needed
  • Responds to emergency or unusual situations at the plant, pumping stations and other facilities as needed
  • Maintains work area and equipment in a clean and orderly condition
  • Performs related work as required

Requirements

Required Education and Experience

  • High School diploma (or GED equivalent)
--AND--
  • Two (2) years of experience related to water/wastewater treatment systems
--OR--
  • Any equivalent combination of training, education, and experience that provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities

Required Licenses or Certifications

  • State of Michigan EGLE Wastewater Treatment Operator Class C license
  • Confined space and Lock out/Tag out training
  • Forklift/High-low certification
  • Crane Operator license
  • Bio solids Management certification
  • Water Resource Recovery certification

Additional Information


We Offer:

  • Medical, Dental, and Vision starting on Day 1
  • 6% employee 401a contribution with employer matching (6% or 7% based on bargaining unit)
  • Employee & Employer contributions to Retiree Health Savings Account
  • Voluntary benefits such as term life insurance, flexible spending accounts, accidental insurance, disability insurance, and deferred compensation plan options
  • Twelve Paid Holidays
  • Paid Vacation and Sick Time
  • Paid Parking (if applicable)
  • Employee Home Ownership Incentive
  • Tuition Reimbursement and professional development opportunities
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Employee Assistance Program with free mental health counseling
  • Comprehensive Wellness program with a health and wellness incentive
  • Employee Discounts and Perks

20250819125244_Values Poster.jpg

Should an applicant need any disability related accommodation or other consideration in the application or selection process, please notify the human resources department upon submittal of application

The City of Grand Rapids does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy or gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.

Please Note:
This position is subject to the provisions of the applicable collective bargaining agreement and all relevant civil service rules. For additional information, links to union agreement and Civil Service Rules are provided below.

Collective Bargaining Agreements

Civil Service Rules

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Posted on NEOGOV: 3/31/2026 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 4/1/2026

Source: NEOGOV | ID: neogov-grandrapids-5289569