DOW Skillbridge-Public Works Apprenticeship

Our Public Works crew keeps the city's water, wastewater, streets, and parks running for every resident and business.In a small city, Public Works staff do a bit of everything. As a SkillBridge intern you will work alongside our crew on real daily operations, learn how a municipal utility system is run and regulated, and build toward Texas licensing that leads to a civilian career. Service members with backgrounds in engineering, utilities, construction, equipment operation, logistics, or facilities maintenance are especially encouraged to apply, but no specific MOS/AFSC/rating is required.

ABOUT THE JOB

What You'll DoUnder the supervision of experienced Public Works staff, the intern will rotate through these areas:• Water distribution: assist with main and service-line repairs, meter reading and installation, valve exercising, fire hydrant flushing, and line locates.• Water production and treatment: learn well and pump-station operations, chlorine residual sampling, and TCEQ-required monitoring and recordkeeping.• Wastewater collection and treatment: assist with lift-station checks, sewer line cleaning, and plant operations and sampling.• Streets and drainage: support pothole patching, street sign maintenance, drainage clearing, and right-of-way mowing.• Parks and facilities: help maintain parks, city buildings, and grounds.• Equipment and fleet: operate and perform preventive maintenance on city trucks and equipment such as a backhoe, skid steer, and mower (after training and authorization).• Safety and administration: take part in safety meetings, traffic control and trench-safety practices, work orders, inventory, and project records.• Emergency response: assist with main breaks, storms, and other service interruptions as needed.

RESPONSIBILITIES✨

• Assist with main and service-line repairs, meter reading and installation, valve exercising, fire hydrant flushing, and line locates in water distribution.
• Learn well and pump-station operations, chlorine residual sampling, and TCEQ-required monitoring and recordkeeping in water production and treatment.
• Support lift-station checks, sewer line cleaning, and plant operations and sampling in wastewater collection and treatment.
• Help with pothole patching, street sign maintenance, drainage clearing, and right-of-way mowing in streets and drainage.
• Maintain parks, city buildings, and grounds in parks and facilities.
• Operate and perform preventive maintenance on city trucks and equipment such as a backhoe, skid steer, and mower after training and authorization in equipment and fleet management.
• Participate in safety meetings, traffic control and trench-safety practices, work orders, inventory, and project records in safety and administration.
• Assist with main breaks, storms, and other service interruptions during emergency response.

QUALIFICATIONS✨

• SkillBridge eligibility as per DoD Instruction 1322.29.
• Active-duty service member or eligible Guard/Reserve member with at least 180 days of continuous active service.
• Within 180 days of separation or retirement date for the full internship period.
• Written approval from unit commander.
• Completion of Transition Assistance Program (TAP) and any ethics or other requirements set by your Service.
• Valid driver's license and an acceptable driving record; Texas license required by the start of permanent employment.
• Ability to perform outdoor physical work in West Texas heat and cold, lift up to 50 lbs, and work in trenches, confined spaces, and around traffic with proper training.
• Willingness to learn, follow safety procedures, and work as part of a small team.
• Interest in earning a TCEQ Class D Water Operator or Wastewater Operator license.
• Commercial driver's license (CDL) or interest in obtaining one.

ADDITIONAL ELIGIBILITY

Eligibility and QualificationsSkillBridge eligibility (set by DoD Instruction 1322.29 and your Service):• Active-duty service member (or eligible Guard/Reserve member) with at least 180 days of continuous active service.• Within 180 days of your separation or retirement date for the full internship period.• Written approval from your unit commander (typically the first O-4/field-grade commander in your chain of command).• Completion of Transition Assistance Program (TAP) and any ethics or other requirements set by your Service.• Understanding that your command may end participation at any time if mission requirements dictate.Required:• Valid driver's license and an acceptable driving record; Texas license required by the start of permanent employment.• Able to perform outdoor physical work in West Texas heat and cold, lift up to 50 lbs, and work in trenches, confined spaces, and around traffic with proper training.• Willingness to learn, follow safety procedures, and work as part of a small team.Preferred:• Military experience in engineering, utilities, construction, heavy equipment, motor transport, or facilities maintenance.• Interest in earning a TCEQ Class D Water Operator or Wastewater Operator license.• Commercial driver's license (CDL) or interest in obtaining one.

TARGET MOCS

12N, 12W, 12H, 12V, 12C, BU, SW, 002594, 001165, 002688, 3E0X1, 3E2X1, B13A, B08A

BENEFITS✨

• Hands-on experience across every part of a municipal public works operation.
• Training hours and guidance toward TCEQ Class D Water and/or Wastewater Operator licensing.
• Safety training such as trench safety, confined space, traffic control, and equipment operation.
• A supervisor and mentor who will help translate military skills to civilian public service.
• Consideration for a full-time City of Sonora Public Works position upon successful completion of the program.

OTHER

What You'll Gain• Hands-on experience across every part of a municipal public works operation.• Training hours and guidance toward TCEQ Class D Water and/or Wastewater Operator licensing.• Safety training such as trench safety, confined space, traffic control, and equipment operation.• A supervisor and mentor who will help you translate your military skills to civilian public service.• Consideration for a full-time City of Sonora Public Works position when one is open and you successfully complete the program. Employment after SkillBridge is not guaranteed.