Collections System Maintenance Technician

The City of Missoula is seeking a dedicated and hands-on Collections System Maintenance Technician to join our Public Works and Mobility team. In this essential role, you’ll help keep our wastewater collection system functioning safely and efficiently by using specialized equipment like high-pressure jetting trucks, vacuum pump trucks, and video inspection tools. Every day brings a new challenge — whether it’s inspecting sewer lines, performing repairs, or responding to urgent issues that keep our city running smoothly.

This is more than just a maintenance job — it’s a career opportunity with stability, purpose, and room to grow. If you’re mechanically inclined, enjoy solving problems, and take pride in doing work that protects public health and the environment, we want to hear from you. The City of Missoula offers excellent benefits, a supportive team environment, and the chance to develop in-demand technical skills. Join us in maintaining the critical infrastructure that supports the community we all call home.

Pension Contribution Options:
This union position starts at $36.80/hour, with employees choosing from two pension contribution tiers through the Central Pension Fund of the International Union of Operating Engineers. This pension is in addition to the state-mandated public employees' pension.

• Tier 1 Pension – $2.75 per compensable hour contributed in lieu of wages. Breakdown: $36.80/hour CBA Base - $2.75/hour pension = $34.05/hourly wage 

• Tier 2 Pension – $5.25 per compensable hour contributed in lieu of wages. Breakdown: $36.80/hour CBA Base - $5.25/hour pension = $31.55/hourly wage

This structure allows employees to select the contribution level that best supports their long-term retirement goals.

• Maintain gravity sewer collection system by cleaning with high pressure jetting truck; inspect gravity sewer mains using a video camera.
• Remove debris from below grade structures with a vacuum pump truck.
• Perform dye tests to verify sewer connections.
• Locate and collection system lines and sewer accesses; repair sewer accesses and wet wells.
• Install and repair components of lift pump stations.
• Clean and repair Sewage Tank Effluent Pump systems.
• Other duties as assigned, based on training and qualifications. 

• Knowledge of wastewater collection systems including cleaning and repair methods, gravity sewers, forced mains, and Sewage Tank Effluent Pump systems.
• Knowledge of and ability to promote Public Works safety considerations, City safety policies, and OSHA standards and guidelines.
• Skill in utilizing computers, various software and databases, and SCADS systems, with the ability to learn job-specific applications and equipment.
• Skill in safely operating various tools, heavy equipment, vehicles, and other machinery in the maintenance of wastewater collection systems.
• Skill in communicating, in person and writing, with the proven ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with diverse individuals.
• Ability to read and interpret maps, blueprints, and sketches.
• Ability to resolve conflicts with facilitating outcomes while maintaining a calm demeanor.
• Ability to learn wastewater collection system repairs and maintenance.
• Ability to learn departmental and City of Missoula practices and procedures.

Working Conditions:

• Position requires the ability to lift 75 lbs. or less.
• Work environment may include exposure to occupational hazards, chemicals, biohazards, construction hazards, and physical risks, including adverse weather and working in confined spaces or high traffic areas, which require following basic safety precautions.
• Position requires a rotation of standby/on-call shifts to respond to emergencies outside regular hours.
• Position is subject to random drug and alcohol testing as required by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

• Any combination of training and experience equivalent to two (2) years’ experience in general industrial maintenance, heavy equipment operation, or another relevant field. 
• Must have a valid Montana commercial driver’s license** with a verified acceptable driving record, or the ability to obtain within 30 days of hire. 

**As of January 6, 2020, employers of CDL drivers must query the Clearinghouse to verify that a current or prospective driver is not prohibited from operating CMVs or performing other safety sensitive functions.  CDL Drivers must now be registered with the FMCSA Clearinghouse.  For more information, please visit the website at https://clearinghouse.fmcsa.dot.gov.

The City of Missoula does not sponsor employment visas (e.g., F-1, H-1B, TM). Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis at the time of application.