Job Description

Distribution and Collection Specialist Apprenticeship

The Distribution and Collection Specialist Apprenticeship at Colorado Springs Utilities prepares you to become a journey-level Distribution and Collection Specialist, supporting our water and wastewater distribution, transmission, and collection systems. This 3.5-year-long Department of Labor-registered apprenticeship combines on-the-job and instructional learning and training as you progress through each step of the program. By the time you complete your apprenticeship, you will have also obtained your Colorado Wastewater Collections I and II Certifications.

The starting pay rate for the apprenticeship is $30.25 with pay increases as you progress through each step of the program. The pay schedule is as follows:

• Year 1 - Step 1 ($30.25) & Step 2 ($31.51)
• Year 2 - Step 3 ($33.19) & Step 4 ($34.87)
• Year 3 - Step 5 ($38.23) & Step 6 ($39.07)
• Year 4 - Step 7 ($39.91)
• Journey/Turnout ($42.01)

Please note that you may be required to work overtime hours and be available for emergency after-hours callouts based on business needs. Additionally, stand-by time (7 days per week) may be expected approximately 12 months into the apprenticeship. Additionally, while in the apprenticeship, you will not be eligible to apply for other employment opportunities at Colorado Springs Utilities.

Upon completing the apprenticeship, you will have the experience and knowledge to:

• Maintain, repair, and troubleshoot wastewater systems and pipelines through the use of high-velocity jet-vac equipment
• Operate wastewater manhole and water valve box adjustment equipment
• Install, repair, remove, and replace gravity pipelines
• Operate wastewater pumping, flushing, and transporting equipment
• Operate manhole rehabilitation equipment
• Operate closed-circuit television (CCTV) equipment
• Troubleshoot and analyze problems and issues in the collection system and make corrective changes
• Maintain, calibrate, and operate equipment
• Inspect, test, and prepare confined spaces for safe entry
• Maintain records and prepare reports

Who You Are:

• Experience in construction or performing manual labor and mechanical skills is valued
• Possession of a high school diploma or GED is required - a high school diploma or GED is required to be eligible to take the state exams to earn your Wastewater Collections Certifications
• Ability to comply with construction and maintenance safety regulations and standard operating procedures
• Possession of a valid, unrestricted driver's license is required
• Possession of a Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL), or the ability to obtain within one year, is required

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• Exerts in excess of 100 lbs. of force occasionally, and/or in excess of 50 lbs. of force frequently, and/or in excess of 20 lbs. of force constantly to move objects. Physical Demand requirements are in excess of those for Heavy Work.
• Positions in this class typically require climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions. Incumbents may be subjected to moving mechanical parts, vibrations, fumes, odors, dusts, gases, poor ventilation, chemicals, oils, extreme temperatures, workspace restrictions and intense noises.

Our Commitment to Our Employees

Our people are the heart and soul of Colorado Springs Utilities. They keep the lights on, gas flowing, water coming in, and wastewater leaving. We don't just say people are important – we prove it! That’s why we are honored to invest in protecting the health and financial security of our employees and their families through our rich benefits program.

Time Off to Recharge

• Vacation – Start with 13 days annually, increasing to 24 days with tenure
• Personal Leave –3 days per year
• Paid Holidays –12 paid holidays per year
• Sick Leave – 12 days per year for personal or family health needs
• Vacation Buy – Option to purchase up to 40 additional hours annually

Health & Wellness – Benefits elected are effective the first of the following month

• Medical Plans: Three comprehensive options, including a $0 premium High-Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) with Health Savings Account (HSA) eligibility
• Zero Health: Access to hundreds of medical services at no cost
• Dental & Vision: Two dental plans and one vision plan
• Family Building-Benefits: Support for fertility, preservation, adoption, and surrogacy
• Wellness Program: A voluntary program that rewards you for prioritizing self-care! If you're enrolled in a our medical plan, you and your spouse can earn up to $600 in HRA or HSA contributions by completing healthy activities
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA): Pre-tax contributions for healthcare and dependent care expenses
• Health Savings Account (HSA): Available with HDHP

Financial & Retirement Security

• Pension Plan: Colorado PERA provides retirement benefits and peace of mind
• Supplemental Retirement Plans: PERAPlus 401(k), MissionSquare Roth IRA, and 457 plans
• Disability Coverage: Short-Term and Long-Term Disability insurance available
• Life Insurance: Employer-paid coverage with optional supplemental plans

Additional Support

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential support for mental health, stress, legal, financial, and work-life balance
• Tuition Reimbursement: Up to $5,250 annually to support continued education
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness: As a qualifying employer, your student loan payments may be eligible for loan forgiveness