Drain Operations and Maintenance Worker

Overview

Under the direction of the Drain Operations and Maintenance Lead Worker, performs inspections, maintenance, construction, and repair of county and inter-county drains and other structures under the responsibility of the Office of the Ingham County Drain Commissioner. Operates, maintains, and repairs department vehicles and equipment, including heavy equipment, used in departmental work. Responds to environmental incidents and flood emergencies. Applications are accepted until there are sufficient numbers of qualified applications or a qualified candidate has been identified.

The position could possibly close at any time.

• Inspects, maintains, constructs, and repairs county and inter-county drains and lake level structures to assure proper functioning in accordance with approved Drain Commissioner’s Standards, Drain Code, and Inland Lake Levels.
• Operates and transports to job sites vehicles and equipment necessary for drain operations and maintenance, including heavy equipment (vactor jet rodder, excavator, bulldozer, back-hoe), smaller equipment (chain saws, brush cutters, brush hogs), field survey equipment, pumps, and televising camera.
• Repairs and maintains department heavy and light vehicles and equipment for drain operations, including routine maintenance (tune-ups, oil and fluid changes), sharpening chains, welding, fabricating, and modifying equipment.
• Documents drain inspections, maintenance, construction, and repair work for departmental records, using cameras, computers, or other technology as directed by supervisor.
• Complies with State and Federal statutes related to drain operations and maintenance (e.g., Drain Code, Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control Act, Water Resources Protection, Inland Lakes and Streams and Wetlands Protection, Miss Dig Underground Facility Damage Prevention and Safety Act, Government Liability for Negligence Act, and Phase II of the Federal Clean Water Act).
• Performs emergency response involving drain operations and maintenance (flood emergencies and environmental pollution response).
• Interacts with private landowners and the public regarding drains and resolution of drainage problems incidental to operations and maintenance.
• May participate in 24-hour and weekend/holiday on-call emergency flood and environmental response system on a rotational basis.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Specialized or technical training equivalent to 12 college credit hours. Vocational training in welding and machine and vehicle maintenance preferred.

Three years of experience that includes operation of heavy equipment and vehicle maintenance and repair, and drain operation and maintenance or construction experience.
OR
High School diploma or equivalency with four years of experience that includes operation of heavy equipment and vehicle maintenance and repair, and drain operation and maintenance or construction experience.

• Possession of a valid State of Michigan Commercial Driver’s License. Certification of Commercial Pesticide Applicator preferred.
• Training within the first year of employment (if not already completed):
  Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control, Confined Space Entry, Trench Safety, Traffic Safety, Environmental Incident Response, MIOSHA Standards, CPR/First Aid, and other requirements under State and Federal statutes relevant to duties.
• Skills in computer use and software relevant to job functions are helpful.

Demonstrates effective communication skills by engaging respectfully and effectively with individuals of all backgrounds and perspectives to promote clarity, understanding, and collaboration.

• This position works in an outdoor environment with exposure to weather, noises, odors, temperatures, and other conditions that may be extreme.
• The role involves operating various vehicles and a range of tools, including power and non-power hand tools.
• There are potential hazards such as traffic, moving machinery, chemicals, and hazardous materials, and exposure to fumes or dust.
• Protective equipment is provided and required to minimize risks.

• Ability to sit, stand, walk, climb, balance, bend, stoop, crouch, kneel, crawl, lift, carry, push, pull, reach, grasp, handle, pinch, type, and perform repetitive wrist/hand movements.
• Regular stamina for standing, walking, climbing, and other activities; capability to exert more than 50 pounds of force.
• Medium visual acuity for operating machinery and performing tasks at arm’s reach.
• Ability to communicate in person and over the phone; ability to operate a PC/laptop and enter/retrieve information.
• Ability to handle varying and high levels of stress.

Reasonable accommodations will be made for otherwise qualified applicants unable to fulfill one or more requirements.