Service Authority - Utility Mechanic Apprentice - No Experience

Utility Mechanic Apprentice

Amherst County Service Authority (ACSA) is seeking a Utility Mechanic Apprentice to join our water and sewer operations team. This is an entry-level, hands-on position designed for someone who wants to learn the water and sewer utility trade and build a career in essential public infrastructure. No previous water or sewer experience is required.

If you've operated equipment on a farm, worked in a mechanic shop, helped with construction, maintained machinery, or similar, we'd like to hear from you!

What You'll Learn and Do

As a Utility Mechanic Apprentice, you will learn to:

Install and maintain water and sewer mains, service lines, valves, fire hydrants, and other utility infrastructure.

Assist with installing water and sewer services, meters, backflow preventers, cleanouts, and related equipment.

Learn to safely operate trucks, light and heavy equipment, hand tools, and power tools.

Assist with the maintenance, repair, and replacement of water and sewer infrastructure.

Assist with water meter, hydrant, valve, and sewer cleanout maintenance.

Help maintain water and sewer easements and ACSA properties, including mowing and tree removal.

Load and unload materials, tools, equipment, and treatment chemicals.

Perform routine cleanup and maintain accurate records of work performed.

Work alongside experienced Utility Mechanics and supervisors to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to advance in the utility field.

Learn and follow proper safety procedures and safe work practices.

No Experience Required

Previous water or sewer utility experience is not required. We are looking for candidates who are dependable, willing to learn, responsible, comfortable working outdoors, and interested in developing skilled trade experience. Experience with equipment or mechanical work is a plus.

What You'll Need

Ability to read and write English.

Current, valid Virginia driver's license.

Ability to safely use basic hand tools and light power tools.

Willingness and ability to learn utility construction, maintenance, equipment operation, and safety procedures.

Ability to obtain VDOT Traffic Control Flagger certification within one year of employment.

Ability to obtain First Aid and CPR certification within one year of employment.

Ability to obtain a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) within two years of employment.

Education

High school diploma or GED is preferred, but not required.

This Job May Be a Good Fit for You If You...

Like working with your hands and learning how things work.

Have experience operating tractors, machinery, trucks, or other equipment.

Have worked on a farm, in a garage, mechanic shop, construction, landscaping, or a similar environment.

Don't mind getting dirty and working outdoors.

Are dependable and willing to learn new skills.

Enjoy working as part of a team.

Want to build a career in a skilled trade or public utility.

The Work Environment

This is a physically active, outdoor position. Work may involve bending, stooping, lifting, and repeated lifting of 50 pounds or more, particularly during pipe installation and material handling. Utility Mechanics and Apprentices may work in conditions involving heat, cold, rain, darkness, dirt, grease, sewage, chemicals, noise, vibrations, water and wastewater, vegetation, insects, and other outdoor hazards. The position also involves learning to safely operate power tools, equipment, and vehicles.

On-Call Responsibilities

Utility Mechanic Apprentices will participate in the ACSA emergency response rotation and may be required to respond to water and sewer emergencies 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including nights, weekends, holidays, and periods of severe weather.

A Career, Not Just a Job

The Utility Mechanic Apprentice position is an opportunity to learn a skilled trade while getting paid to gain hands-on experience. You'll work alongside experienced utility professionals, develop equipment and mechanical skills, learn the fundamentals of water and sewer infrastructure, and build the knowledge needed to advance within the ACSA.

If you're mechanically inclined, willing to learn, and ready to work, you may have more experience than you think.

Position: Utility Mechanic Apprentice Employer: Amherst County Service Authority FLSA Status: Non-Exempt