Wastewater Operator Trainee — Career Pipeline (Statewide Michigan)

Looking for a career — not just another job?

Michigan cities are hiring water and wastewater operators, and many of them can't find enough people. AMWOP is building a pipeline of motivated Michigan candidates to interview, vet, and present to municipalities that are hiring operators: the Detroit area and eastern Michigan, and communities across the state.

No wastewater experience? That's fine. Plenty of strong operators started with a high school diploma, a driver's license, and a willingness to learn a skilled trade.

The work

Wastewater operators keep Michigan's water clean. They run and maintain the treatment plants every city depends on — checking equipment, running tests, making adjustments, and keeping the plant operating safely. It is hands-on, essential public-service work. It cannot be outsourced, and every city in Michigan needs it done every day.

What you get through the AMWOP pipeline

• A real interview and vetting process that gets you ready to meet hiring municipalities
• Direct hire by the municipality — you would be the city's employee, not a temp
• A structured 12-month operator development program once you're hired, so you're supported through your first year instead of left to figure it out alone
• A path to Michigan EGLE operator certification, in a field where licensed operators are in demand statewide
• Municipal employment typically includes health benefits, retirement, paid holidays, and overtime opportunities (terms set by the hiring city)

What you need

• 18 or older, with a high school diploma or GED
• A valid Michigan driver's license
• Comfortable with physical, hands-on work, indoors and outdoors, in all weather
• Willing to study for state certification exams — exam preparation is what AMWOP does
• Able to pass the hiring municipality's standard screening

How it works

1. Apply to join the pipeline — it takes a few minutes
2. AMWOP interviews you and confirms you're ready
3. Qualified candidates complete a short aptitude assessment
4. You're presented to Michigan municipalities with operator openings
5. Once hired, your 12-month development program begins

Apply — Join the Pipeline

Questions: [email protected] · 586-846-7765

Joining the pipeline is free for candidates and is not a guarantee of employment; hiring decisions are made by the municipalities. AMWOP — America's Municipal Water Operator Pipeline.