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Water Production Operations & Maintenance Technician Trainee

City of Phoenix · Phoenix, AZ · 2 wk ago
Management$21.54–$30.31/hrFull-time

Join the City of Phoenix Water Services Department as a Water Production Operations & Maintenance (O&M) Technician Trainee and play a key role in operating and maintaining pumps and mechanical systems at treatment plants, pumping stations, and remote facilities across Phoenix. This position is essential to treatment plant and system operations, regulatory compliance, and environmental protection.

About the Role

As an O&M Technician Trainee, you will learn to operate and maintain pumps, motors, and mechanical equipment at water treatment plants, pumping stations, and remote facilities. You will work alongside experienced operators and mechanics, gaining exposure to:

  • Treatment plant and system operations
  • Equipment performance and troubleshooting
  • Water quality and regulatory requirements
  • Environmental best practices and sustainability
  • Daily plant operations and emergency response procedures

Training Program

Trainees participate in a 12-month structured training program designed to build technical knowledge and practical field experience, including:

  • On-the-job instruction at water and wastewater treatment facilities
  • Classroom learning covering environmental regulations, safety practices, and operational theory
  • Hands-on demonstrations, equipment rotations, and skill development
  • Close mentorship and support from seasoned Operations & Maintenance Technicians

Upon successful completion, trainees promote to the Operations & Maintenance Technician classification, offering:

  • A clear pathway to a skilled technical role with long-term advancement potential
  • Valuable cross-training in water operations, mechanical systems, or utility services
  • The opportunity to broaden your impact on essential City services
  • A supportive environment that invests in your learning and development
  • Skills applicable across multiple Water Services divisions

Ideal Candidate

  • Mechanical Troubleshooting: Ability to diagnose and repair mechanical systems and equipment.
  • Preventive Maintenance: Experience with routine inspections and maintenance schedules.
  • Tool Identification & Usage: Familiarity with hand tools and precision measuring equipment.

Pay

Pay Range: $21.54 to $30.31 per hour. Hiring Range: $21.54 to $28.86 per hour.

The pay range represents the entire compensation range for the position classification. The hiring range is an estimate of where offers may be made. Actual salary offers consider skills, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, training, and internal equity. Promotions, demotions, and lateral transfers are determined by changes to the pay grade digits.

Benefits

A comprehensive benefits package includes:

  • Traditional pension with employer and employee contributions
  • 401(a) and 457 plans with employer contributions
  • Choice of generous medical HMO, PPO, or HSA/HDHP plans
  • Monthly $150 City contribution to a Post-Employment Health Plan
  • Wellness incentive of up to $720 annually
  • Dental, vision, and life insurance options
  • Employer-paid long-term disability
  • Free Bus/light rail pass
  • Tuition reimbursement program up to $6,500 per year
  • Paid time off: 13.5 paid holidays, 12 vacation days, and 15 sick and personal leave days
  • Paid Parental Leave: up to 480 hours (12 weeks) for eligible employees
  • Federal Student Loan Forgiveness offered through Savi

Minimum Qualifications

  • Ability to learn treatment, collections, and distribution practices and procedures in English, including reading, writing, following oral instructions, and performing basic math calculations.
  • Selected candidates will complete the Office Proficiency Assessment Certification (OPAC) as part of the hiring process.
  • Acquisition of an Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) Grade 1 Operator certification in the appropriate discipline by the end of the 12-month Trainee period.
  • Maintaining Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) certification through refresher training and physical examination may be required as a condition of continued employment.

This is a 24/7 operation. You may be required to work evenings, nights, weekends, standby, and holidays. Vacation and shift assignments are determined by seniority.

Work performed requires:

  • Working outside in environmental extremes such as heat, cold, rain, air pollution, untreated water and wastewater, and dust.
  • Walking for prolonged periods, including over rough, uneven, or rocky surfaces.
  • The ability to move heavy objects (50 pounds or more) long distances.

All finalists are subject to a criminal background check. These positions require the use of personal or City vehicles on City business. Individuals must be physically capable of operating vehicles safely, possess a valid driver’s license, and have an acceptable driving record.

Preferred Qualifications

The minimum qualifications listed above, plus:

  • SCBA certification
  • ADEQ Grade 1 Water Treatment (or any other) certification
  • One year of water, wastewater, or industrial setting experience
  • College coursework (or AP high-school class) in and/or work-related experience with basic chemistry, biology, or general science

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