Construction Trainee Jobs in Kansas (NOW HIRING)

A career with Johnson County Government is more than just a job, it is an opportunity to serve a diverse and expanding community in meaningful ways. We challenge ourselves to be a different kind of government because we care deeply about our community and each other. Committed to our shared values, we provide excellent public service, seeking always to improve ourselves and our organization. We offer wonderful benefits, retirement plans, wellness incentives, a great organizational culture, and much more! If you're searching for something more than just a job, something akin to a calling, then consider the challenge and opportunity of being a member of Johnson County Government!

First review of applications will be March 11, 2026. 

You have a career path with us! Our Collections System Division of Johnson County Wastewater has implemented an advancement program to permit movement through promotions within levels of the Collections system infrastructure maintenance department to support skill development and career advancement. A minimum of 1 year of experience and ability to show proficiency within your position to advance to the next level through our documented progression program. Credit may be given to those people who have experience in these areas with other organizations. You may start at the Line Repair Construction Trainee (Job Grade 12.12 ) level until you get your CDL license but once you get it within six months, you would progress to the next level position of Line Repair and Construction Crew Member I (Job Grade 13.13 ), which includes a rate of pay increase for each promotion. If you meet the minimum requirement and depending on how quickly you may want to progress through our program, you could advance to the Line Repair Crew Member II (Job Grade 14.14) and then the Line Repair Crew Member III (Job Grade 15.15).

Primary Duties: 

• Under general supervision, completes a variety of manual labor, semi-skilled, and skilled tasks in the repair and construction of the wastewater collection system; operates equipment and completes tasks during the excavation of sanitary sewer lines, force mains, and manholes; uses general construction and equipment knowledge to make independent decisions regarding methods, materials, and equipment needed in the completion of assigned line repair and construction tasks; completes work site restoration tasks such as installation of a variety of erosion control and landscape materials as well as pavement repair; sets up traffic controls and completes traffic control tasks such as flagging.
• Operates a variety of vehicles, light, medium, and heavy duty equipment, and tools, including backhoe, skid-steer, dump trucks, operates and installs trenching devices such as trench boxes, jacks, and ladders; follows established safety protocols for completion of safety sensitive work, such as wearing required personal protective equipment and following guidelines and directions for confined space entries, shoring, and excavation; responds to emergency and afterhours calls for service to assist with routine and non-routine emergency requests.
• Completes routine preventative maintenance as well as preventative maintenance of a more complex nature; responds to customer service inquiries and escalates more complex questions or concerns to a crew leader or supervisor.

High school diploma or equivalent; one year of experience in the operation of heavy equipment; one year of experience in general construction; a Class A CDL with air brake endorsement (obtained within 6 months of employment); and an acceptable driving record are required.

One year of experience in water or wastewater system construction or repair is preferred.

Johnson County Government requires reference/background screening for all positions.  Specified criteria may vary by Department/Agency.

Physical, Environmental, and Special Working Conditions:Excessive standing and/or walkingExposure to extreme temperatures.Exposure to fumes and/or chemicals.Exposure to heights.Exposure to loud noises.Lifting and carrying: 80 lbs.Exposure to raw sewage.On call/stand-by work required.Safety sensitive job.Weather essential job.  Department and county essential.All County employees may be called upon to assist other departments in a declared emergency situation.Uniform required.Exposure to confined spaces.Push/pull 75 lbs.Climbing, bending, crouching, kneeling, balancing

This position will require the use of personal protective and other safety related tools or protocols in accordance with job functions which may include safety glasses, safety boots, gloves, and other items.