JOB:Public Service Department Skilled Operator

Public Service Department Skilled Operator

Employer
Charter Township of Union Michigan

Closing Date

December 29, 2025

Compensation

Pay Scale: $25.97/hour - $28.57/hour (mid-point)

Work Hours

Full-time: Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Weekends/Overtime as needed

Benefits 

MERS 401(a) Defined Contribution Retirement Plan, 457 Plan, BCBS Health Care, Dental, Life/LTD, Vision, Section 125 Flex Medical & Dependent Care Reimbursement, Paid Holidays, Paid Vacation, Sick & Personal Leave  

Description

The Charter Township of Union is seeking an energetic, and team-oriented individual to join its Public Services Department team as a full-time Skilled Operator. This position is under the supervision of the Public Works Foreman. An individual in this position functions as a senior worker and heavy equipment operator, displaying well-developed skills in the performance of public works tasks. Performs maintenance and repairs for the Township’s water distribution system and wastewater collection system, as well as landscaping and snow removal for Township properties.

Requirements

Education equivalent to completion of twelfth (12th) grade a supplemented by training in heavy equipment operation with five or more years of progressively more responsible experience in public works maintenance and repair. Functions as a crew leader/senior worker in projects involving other workers. Operates equipment such as backhoe, front-end loader, Vactor and other heavy equipment. Must possess a minimum of a Class B CDL with air brakes. Thorough knowledge of the safety practices and procedures applied to utility maintenance and public works projects. Considerable knowledge of the tools, materials, and equipment used in the installation, maintenance, and repair of water and sewer lines and other related infrastructure. Skilled in the operation and maintenance of assigned vehicles, equipment, and tools. Ability to read maps and blueprints. Ability to establish effective working relationships and use good judgment, initiative and resourcefulness when dealing with contractors, other governmental agencies, industrial/commercial contacts, and the public. Ability to use word processing and database software at a modest level for accessing and recording data and correspondence. Ability to respond to emergency situations, 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. Valid driver’s license and safe driving record required.

To Apply

 Submit completed application, cover letter, and resume to: Kim Smith, Public Services Director, Charter Township of Union, 5228 South Isabella Road, Mount Pleasant, MI 48858, or email ksmith@uniontownshipmi.com.

Applications and position information can be found on the Township’s website:  https://www.uniontownshipmi.com/services/manager/employment-opportunities/

"The Charter Township of Union is an equal opportunity provider, and employer."

CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF UNION JOB DESCRIPTION SKILLED OPERATOR  

Supervised By: Public Works Foreman  
Supervises: Functions as a crew leader for particular assigned jobs
Position Status: Regular, Full-Time
FLSA Status: Non-exempt

Position Summary:  

Under the supervision of the Public Works Foreman, functions as a senior worker and heavy equipment operator, displaying well-developed skills in the performance of public works tasks. Performs maintenance and repairs for the Township’s water distribution system and wastewater collection system, as well as landscaping and snow removal for Township properties.

Essential Job Functions:
An employee in this position may be called upon to do any or all of the following essential functions.  These examples do not include all of the duties which the employee may be expected to perform.  To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily.

1. Functions as a crew leader/senior worker in projects involving other workers. Operates equipment such as backhoe, front-end loader, Vactor and other heavy equipment.
2. Performs a variety of regular and routine preventive maintenance repair tasks for the sewage conveyance and water distribution systems including lift station maintenance, sewer jetting, valve and hydrant exercise, MISS DIG staking and other tasks.
3. Inspects, installs, replaces and adjusts water meters, remote readers, valves, hydrants, and other related equipment.
4. Performs emergency repairs to the water and sewer systems or works with contractors on specialized repairs.  
5. Performs repairs or upgrades to water service lines and mains. Operates and performs road boring.  
6. Installs, reads and maintains water meters and associated components.
7. Completes general maintenance and minor upkeep/repairs on equipment. 
8. Performs site restoration for properties in which water or sewer work has been performed.
9. Cuts grass and performs landscaping tasks on Township property and plows and shovels snow in the winter. Operates hydro seeder and tractor.
10. Tows heavy equipment and materials to various site locations.
11. Works on-call in accordance with the requirements of a shared schedule as determined by the Public Works Foreman.
12. Attends trainings and seminars as assigned by the Township.
13. Performs other duties as directed.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Minimum Qualifications:
The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, abilities and minimum qualifications necessary to perform the essential functions of the position.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the job.

Requirements include the following: 

• High school diploma supplemented by training in heavy equipment operation.
• Must possess a minimum of a Class B CDL with air brakes.
• Five or more years of progressively more responsible experience in public works maintenance and repair.
• The Township, at its discretion, may consider an alternative combination of formal education and work experience.
• Thorough knowledge of safety procedures and precautions involved in equipment operation and public works maintenance work.
• Thorough knowledge of the tools, materials and equipment used in the repair and maintenance of water and sewer systems and public works more generally.
• Skill in the operation of assigned vehicles, equipment and power tools including a variety of heavy equipment pieces. 
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and use good judgment, initiative and resourcefulness when dealing with Township officials, professional contacts and the public. 
• Ability to respond to public works emergencies 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 
• Ability to use word processing and database software at a modest level for accessing and recording data and correspondence.                                                                    
• In addition to the above requirements, all Township positions require the ability to read, write, speak and understand the English language as necessary for the position; the ability to follow written and oral instructions; and the ability to courteously serve the public.  Township employees are also expected to possess and maintain a record of orderly, law-abiding citizenship, sobriety, integrity and loyalty as it pertains to and reflects upon their employment with the Township.  

Physical Demands and Work Environment:
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to communicate with others in person and by phone or radio, and travel to other locations.  The employee’s environment can range from the maintenance facility to strenuous job site situations.  Physical demands, therefore, range from sitting in a vehicle to the significant physical exertion associated with completing public works maintenance, repair and construction projects.  

The employee is frequently required to use sight, physical strength and manual dexterity to complete projects, and may be frequently exposed to outside weather conditions, toxic or caustic chemicals, tools, machinery and vibration, and other physically demanding situations. The noise level in the work environment can range from moderate to very loud. 

The Charter Township of Union provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.