Utility Services Tech

Lakes Area Sewer Authority
Marcellus, MI

Nature of work:

Full-time work related to inspections, MISS DIG utility locating, laboratory services, and oversight of underground public construction projects (in conjunction with Authority engineer).  Also assist with administrative inquiries, easements, specialty projects and permit enforcement.  Also, assisting with after-hours call duties as needed or directed by the Field Services Manager. Work performed under the general direction of the Field Services Manager and/or the Office Manager with 80% of work performed unsupervised.  Requires rotational on-call duties in support of the Field Services Manager and Maintenance Services Field Tech. 

Examples of work:

-  Utility locating for MISS DIG/ PA 174 compliance.

-  Drafting / drawing sketches and updating plans.

-  Construction and connection inspections.

-  Operating push camera for sewer pipe inspections.

-  Operating Trimble GPS device for asset inventory and location.

-  Aid Office Manager regarding homeowner complaints, inquiries, or investigations.

-  Aid Office Manager with physical inspections and public relations.

-  Field inspection of sewer system, projects, and easements.

-  Retrieve and enter data into Computer Maintenance Management System, Geographic Information System (GIS), or other digital tools utilized by the system.

-  Perform janitorial duties of work areas.

-  Perform yard work of work areas.

-  Perform other reasonably related duties as assigned.

-  Upon receiving necessary training and/or credentials, assist and/or lead laboratory operations.

 Required knowledge and abilities:

-  Ability to understand and work from sketches, blueprints, and drawings.

-  Ability to write legibly and to draw accurately.

-  Ability to perform while unsupervised.

-  Possible physical requirement of bending, climbing, and lifting.

-  Ability to become MISS DIG Certified.

 Minimum Qualifications:

-  Demonstrable blueprint interpretation ability.

-  High school graduation or equivalent.

-  Possession of current Michigan driver’s license.

-  Basic computer skills.

-  Basic safety skills.

 Desirable Qualifications:

-  Ongoing pursuit of or possession of a MI “B” Wastewater License, or greater

-  Ongoing pursuit of or possession of CDL class B license with tanker endorsement.

-  Knowledge of plumbing or underground construction experience.

-  Construction methods and knowledge of sewer hookups.

-  Public works or public relations experience.

-  Aspire to take responsible charge and redundant support of tasks outlined in the Field Services Manager and OMR Field Service Tech job descriptions.

Annualized Wage Range - $45,000-$75,000 (hourly wage position)


Lakes Area Sewer Authority Job Opportunities


1.       The organization:

The Lakes Area Sewer Authority (LASA) is a municipal sewer utility located in southeast Van Buren County and northeast Cass County, Michigan and was established in 2007 pursuant to Michigan Public Act 233 of 1955, as amended.  LASA was incorporated by Porter Township, Van Buren County and Marcellus and Volinia Townships, Cass County to operate, maintain, and administer the wastewater system serving several lake communities.  LASA is comprised of and managed by a 7-member board with appointees from each member Township.

 

2.       The system:

The LASA wastewater system consists of a conventional gravity collection system, interconnecting forcemain transmission system, and extended aeration wastewater treatment plant.  The system currently serves Finch, Fish, Gravel and West Saddlebag Lakes and its approximate 900 REUs.  Plans are being prepared to extend the system in 2027 to Bankson Lake and its approximate 180 REUs.  The system is also setup to serve in the future the Village of Marcellus (emergency basis) and several other nearby lake communities.

 

3.       The opportunities:

Up to this point in time, the day-to-day operations of the system have been performed by contracted operations firms.  In a strategic shift, LASA is taking these services in-house for a variety of reasons.  As of the date of this posting, the Field Services Manager position (lead operations management position) has been filled by an operator who is both licensed to operate the facility and has direct previous experience running the LASA system.  To properly support this position, LASA is seeking applicants to fill the roles of OMR Field Service Tech and Utility Services Tech.  See attached job descriptions for details of these positions.  Please note that although filled, the Field Services Manager job description is also provided to applicants to better understand the organizational structure, and individual and overlapping duties, of the entire operations team.

 

4.       The area:

The LASA system is located in a rural setting south of the Village of Lawton, east of the City of Dowagiac, west of US-131, and north of US-12.  The landscape boasts many recreational opportunities and a small-town atmosphere all within a stones-throw of other sizable communities.

 

5.       The reasons to join our team!:

All three operations job opportunities are key roles to LASA’s long-term strategic aims, each providing growth potential, increasing levels of responsibility, and corresponding compensation adjustments based on job performance over time.

 

LASA aspires to be an employer of choice supporting both the professional and personnel development of all employees.  This will be accomplished through a team atmosphere that emphasizes a high degree of responsibility, self-direction, open/frequent/timely communication amongst team members, and a general pursuit of excellence and effort in all we do.  Appropriate work-life balance, community and civic involvement, continued education, and a learner and growth-oriented mindset are supported and encouraged commensurate with an employee’s individual aspirations.

 

LASA is an equal employment opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination/harassment in all aspects of employment, ensuring fair consideration for all applicants and employees.

 

6.       Who to contact:

Interested applicants should direct cover letters, resumes and questions to:

 

Mr. Harry Laski 

LASA Board Trustee representing Porter Township and the Ops Committee Chairperson

Email:  laskih@aol.com

 

7.       Attachments:

1.       Field Services Manager Job Description.pdf (for reference purposes only–this role has been filled)

2.       OMR Field Service Tech Job Description.pdf

3.       Utility Services Tech Job Description.pdf