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Utility Technician Trainee Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Utility Technician Trainee information

What is a utility technician trainee?

Utility Technician Trainees are entry-level workers who assist in the installation, maintenance, and repair of utility systems such as water, gas, or electricity. They work under the supervision of experienced technicians to learn the skills needed for the job, including reading technical diagrams, operating equipment, and adhering to safety protocols. These trainees often participate in on-the-job training programs and may eventually advance to become full utility technicians after gaining sufficient experience and knowledge.

What tasks and responsibilities can I expect during my first year as a utility technician trainee?

As a Utility Technician Trainee, you'll typically start by assisting experienced technicians with routine maintenance, inspections, and basic repairs on utility systems such as water, gas, or electrical lines. You'll learn to operate various tools and equipment safely while gradually taking on more complex assignments under supervision. Expect to spend time both in the field and in classroom or on-the-job training sessions to become familiar with safety protocols, regulations, and standard operating procedures. Collaboration with senior technicians and other team members is common, and you'll gain experience responding to service calls and troubleshooting issues as your skills develop.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a utility technician trainee?

To thrive as a Utility Technician Trainee, you need a basic understanding of mechanical and electrical systems, a high school diploma or equivalent, and a willingness to learn industry safety standards. Familiarity with hand and power tools, utility mapping software, and safety certifications like OSHA 10 are typically expected. Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication help trainees excel in dynamic, safety-critical environments. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring operational efficiency, safety compliance, and smooth service delivery in utility operations.

What is the difference between Utility Technician Trainee vs Utility Technician?

AspectUtility Technician TraineeUtility Technician
Required CertificationsOften none initially; on-the-job training providedMay require certifications such as CDL or specialized licenses
Work EnvironmentTraining sites, utility plants, fieldworkOperational utility facilities, field and plant environments
Employer & Industry UsageEntry-level training role in utilities industryFull-time operational role in utilities sector
Search & Comparison IntentYes, for entry-level training infoYes, for full role details

The Utility Technician Trainee is an entry-level position focused on training and gaining skills, often without requiring certifications initially. The Utility Technician is a fully qualified role responsible for maintaining and operating utility systems. The trainee role prepares individuals for the technician position, which involves more responsibilities and certifications.

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Utility Technician Trainee jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Utility Technician Trainee job openings:

Infographic showing various Utility Technician Trainee job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Public Works Sanitary Utilities Field Trainee

A2

Ann Arbor, MI • On-site

$19.15/hr

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

Here is your opportunity to get your foot in the door at the City of Ann Arbor. As a trainee you will receive on the job training including obtaining your CDL. Trainees will transition into a regular role upon successful completion of classroom and field training. Here is your chance to work with one of the 'best places to live' in the US. Apply today!
Starting Hourly Rate: $19.15
Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 6:30am - 2:30pm.
Nature of Work: To learn, develop and apply technical skills used for street maintenance, utility work and collecting solid waste including operating light to heavy equipment.
Trainee will learn and master the following skills required to perform as a Level I Public Works Technician - Infrastructure Systems.
Essential Duties:
  • Use electronic mapping and routine applications to navigate routes or to job sites.
  • Take-apart and rebuild mechanical system components using the correct tools and/or machinery.
  • Exercise independent problem solving, which includes troubleshooting, diagnosing, and determining a defined course of action for effective repairs.
  • Attend, participate and complete various safety courses.
  • Obtain a CDL-A with N endorsement (within 9 months of hire)
  • Learn MISS DIG procedures and interpret markings.
  • Use Cityworks work order management software to track work activities.
  • Train to safely operate light to heavy equipment and tools to maintain and repair streets, including filling potholes, plowing, salting, sanding, milling and base preparation, paving, sweeping, grading, and crack sealing.
  • Learn to install, repair and maintain water mains, water services, hydrants, valves and curb boxes.
  • Learn to install, repair and maintain sanitary sewer and stormwater collection systems.
  • Train to collect solid waste, including trash, recycling and compost.

Related Work:
  • Perform accident and storm damage clean-up.
  • Safely and properly use various hand tools, power tools and test instruments.
  • Perform minor equipment and tool maintenance and repair.
  • Monitor utility system flow to ensure that water and sewage systems are functioning properly.
  • Perform other related work as assigned.

Required Qualifications at Hire:
  • High School Diploma or G.E.D. Equivalent
  • Driver's License

Required Qualifications after 2 Months of Hire:
Must be able to demonstrate proficiency in the following after 2 months of hire: map reading/navigation, mechanical aptitude, communications and customer relations, safe work practices, MISS DIG, equipment and material knowledge, technology/computer operations and daily reporting.
*Candidate is required to obtain a CDL-A with N endorsement within 9 months of hire. The City will pay for the CDL training. Employee will be completing the CDL training during the 9 month trainee program and this will be a condition of employment to move to full-time regular employment.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Previous experience in underground utility construction.
  • Basic knowledge of mechanical practices, simple tools and equipment including preventative maintenance

Physical Requirements:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.
The physical ability to drive, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, reach, stand, walk, push, pull, lift, grasp, feel, talk, hear, see and perform repetitive motions. The work requires the ability to operate hand and foot controls on machinery and equipment.
The physical ability to safely operate light to heavy equipment and tools as listed in the Public Works - Infrastructure Systems Job Progression outline. The physical ability to safely utilize hand tools and/or mechanical or manual equipment.
The physical ability to safely utilize hand tools and/or mechanical or manual equipment. The trainee will be required to wear various level of personal protection equipment which may include a hard hat, safety glasses, safety boots, harness, etc.
The trainee may be exposed to hazardous physical conditions (including but not limited to confined spaces, heights, mechanical parts, electrical currents, vibration, noise levels above 85 decibels, etc.), poor atmospheric conditions (including but not limited to fumes, odors, dusts, gases, poor ventilation, respiratory health hazards), inadequate lighting, and intense
noise. In addition, the work will require seasonal exposure to extreme (both hot and cold) weather conditions, including snow and ice. The trainee may be required to work with various chemicals. The trainee may be exposed to domestic and wild animals.
The work may involve working in or near road work or construction zones.
The physical ability to ascend and descend ladders to access work areas and enter and exit from confined spaces. The trainee may be working from heights. The work may often involve the ability to perform routine heavy lifting and carrying up to 50 lbs. and occasional heavy lifting of up to 100 lbs. The trainee may be expected to walk on rough, uneven terrain, as well as wet and slippery surfaces. The work requires the ability to distinguish colors and hear audible alarms. The trainee may be required to use a respirator, and to participate in necessary respiratory protection program, as well as audiometric testing. Trainee may be exposed to blood borne pathogens.
The work often involves the ability to perform routine moderate lifting and carrying up to 50 lbs. such as compost bags.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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About A2

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Specialized design services

Company size

1 - 10 Employees

Headquarters location

NY, US

Year founded

1985