Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Infrastructure Mechanic

🎯 Role Definition

An Infrastructure Mechanic is a skilled trades professional responsible for the installation, inspection, maintenance, repair and renovation of municipal and industrial infrastructure systems — including water and wastewater systems, storm drains, roadways, bridges, mechanical utilities, underground piping, and associated mechanical/electrical equipment. The Infrastructure Mechanic applies mechanical, electrical and civil trades skills to troubleshoot system failures, execute preventive maintenance programs, operate heavy equipment, read blueprints and technical diagrams, and ensure all work complies with safety, regulatory and quality standards (OSHA, DOT, NFPA, local codes). This role requires hands-on field work, precise diagnostics, proactive asset management using CMMS/GIS tools, and close coordination with engineering and operations teams.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Maintenance Technician / Facilities Technician
Utility Technician / Water & Wastewater Operator I
Heavy Equipment Operator or Truck Driver with mechanical experience

Advancement To:

Senior Infrastructure Mechanic / Lead Mechanic
Infrastructure Supervisor / Crew Leader
Maintenance Manager or Utilities Operations Supervisor
Project Manager for Municipal or Civil Construction Programs

Lateral Moves:

Pipefitter / Plumber (Commercial/Industrial)
Electrician or Controls Technician
HVAC/Refrigeration Technician

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Perform comprehensive preventive and corrective maintenance on underground and above-ground infrastructure systems, including water mains, sanitary sewers, stormwater systems, valves, pumps, lift stations and associated electrical controls, documenting all work in the CMMS for asset lifecycle management.
Diagnose mechanical and electrical failures on pumps, motors, gearboxes and variable frequency drives (VFDs), using multimeters, clamp meters, vibration analysis, and thermal imaging, and execute repairs or coordinate vendor support to restore service within established SLA targets.
Excavation, shoring, and trenching for pipeline repair and installation: set up safe work zones, install trench boxes/shoring, perform pipe bedding and backfill, and compact trenches to DOT and project specifications while supervising subcontractor activities as needed.
Operate and maintain heavy equipment (backhoe, excavator, loader, skid steer, dump truck) for infrastructure repairs and construction tasks, perform daily equipment inspections, and complete pre/post-shift checklists to ensure safe operation and minimize downtime.
Install, align, and weld metallic pipelines and fittings (SMAW/GMAW/GTAW where required), perform pipefitting tasks including cutting, threading, joining, and pressure testing piping systems to ensure leak-free operation and compliance with engineering specifications.
Perform routine and seasonal pavement, sidewalk and roadway repairs related to infrastructure work, including saw-cutting, patching, cold planing, curb/gutter repair, and coordination with traffic control to maintain public safety and minimize disruptions.
Troubleshoot and repair control systems, PLCs, sensors, float switches and SCADA-connected equipment, coordinate configuration updates or I/O repairs with automation technicians, and verify that telemetry and alarm systems are operational.
Conduct scheduled inspections and condition assessments of bridges, culverts, retaining structures, and mechanical assets, writing detailed inspection reports with prioritized recommendations and cost estimates for capital improvement planning.
Replace and adjust valves, hydrants, backflow preventers, and meters; perform calibration and testing; keep accurate records of valve exercising programs and meter changes in asset databases for regulatory reporting.
Respond to emergency infrastructure incidents (main breaks, sewage overflows, pump failures, sinkholes) 24/7 as assigned: isolate affected assets, implement containment and traffic control procedures, repair or coordinate emergency repairs, and complete incident reports for compliance and insurance purposes.
Fabricate and modify metal components in the shop and field to support custom repairs, using layout tools, grinders, presses and welding equipment while adhering to blueprint tolerances and material specifications.
Execute confined space entry tasks for manhole and vault work, following permit-required confined space procedures, atmospheric testing, ventilation, harnessing and attendant protocols to ensure worker safety and regulatory compliance.
Perform electrical wiring, conduit installation and motor control troubleshooting up to code-required competencies; coordinate complex electrical repairs with licensed electricians when work exceeds trade authority or jurisdictional requirements.
Support installation and maintenance of stormwater BMPs (best management practices), erosion control and roadside drainage; inspect and clean catch basins, culverts, ditches and riprap to maintain hydraulic capacity and regulatory compliance.
Perform pipe rehabilitation work including lining, sliplining, cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) coordination, and spot repairs, working with inspection reports (CCTV) to scope repairs and validate workmanship through post-installation testing.
Maintain accurate daily logs, work orders, parts usage records and expense documentation; submit purchase requisitions for critical parts, track inventory levels of spare parts and lubricants, and optimize consumables to support cost-effective maintenance operations.
Read and interpret engineering drawings, as-built drawings, manufacturer manuals and technical specifications to execute installation and repairs to plan, coordinate changes with project engineers, and document as-built conditions upon completion.
Enforce and promote safety best practices including lockout/tagout, confined space, fall protection, PPE usage, and participate in safety meetings and training; lead toolbox talks and mentor junior staff on hazard recognition and mitigation.
Coordinate with public works, utility providers, developers and contractors for scheduled outages, service interruptions and infrastructure projects; obtain necessary permits and notify impacted stakeholders and the public per agency or municipal requirements.
Implement and improve preventive maintenance schedules and reliability-centered maintenance tasks within the CMMS, analyze failure trends, propose cost-effective capital upgrades, and support budget development with lifecycle cost analysis and spare-parts forecasting.
Perform load testing, alignment and balancing of rotating equipment, perform oil analysis and vibration trend monitoring, and schedule predictive maintenance interventions to prevent catastrophic failures and extend equipment life.
Assist with small capital projects from planning through closeout: set line and grade, perform layout, make field modifications, coordinate inspections, and manage punch lists until final acceptance by engineering.
Maintain facility and vehicle cleanliness and readiness: complete pre-trip inspections, perform minor vehicle repairs, maintain fuel and lubrication records, and arrange heavy vehicle maintenance with fleet services when required.
Train, mentor and cross-train apprentices and junior mechanics on mechanical trades, permit systems, safety procedures, and CMMS usage to build bench strength and succession planning within the infrastructure team.
Review and apply federal, state and municipal regulations (EPA, DOT, state environmental agencies) for permitting, spill response and reporting; prepare documentation required for regulatory inspections and audits.

Secondary Functions

Support capital program budgeting and material take-offs by providing field-based quantities, condition assessments and time estimates that improve project scoping and reduce change orders.
Assist engineering and project management teams with constructability reviews, value engineering suggestions, and on-site verification of existing conditions to reduce design conflicts and accelerate project delivery.
Participate in continuous improvement initiatives by recommending process refinements, parts standardization, and vendor consolidation to reduce mean time to repair (MTTR) and spare parts costs.
Maintain and update geographic information system (GIS) asset layers by validating asset coordinates and attributes during field work to improve outage response times and mapping accuracy.
Provide after-hours on-call coverage on a rotating basis, ensuring timely response to community-critical incidents and participating in post-incident debriefs to capture lessons learned.
Facilitate community interface for infrastructure projects by responding to resident inquiries, explaining scope and duration of repairs, and coordinating temporary service accommodations when required.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Advanced mechanical troubleshooting of pumps, compressors, gearboxes, and rotating equipment; ability to perform shaft alignment, bearing replacement and coupling adjustments.
Proficiency in hydraulic and pneumatic systems: diagnostic, repair, seal replacement, and component rebuilding.
Welding and metal fabrication skills (SMAW/GMAW/TIG where applicable), pipefitting, flange assembly and pressure joint techniques.
Concrete repair and formwork for structures, manholes, valve boxes and curb/sidewalk restoration.
Electrical wiring, motor starter installation, motor control center (MCC) basics, and familiarity with VFD operation and troubleshooting.
Experience using CMMS platforms (e.g., IBM Maximo, Infor EAM, Cityworks) for work order creation, scheduling, inventory control and maintenance history tracking.
Ability to read and interpret blueprints, as-built drawings, schematics, PID diagrams and manufacturer manuals.
Confined space entry certification and execution of permit-required confined space procedures; atmospheric monitoring and rescue coordination.
Competent operation of heavy equipment (mini-excavator, backhoe, loader, dump truck) and skilled in safe traffic control setup (flagging, signage, lane shifts).
Skilled in trenching and shoring practices, erosion control installation and compliance with DOT/municipal excavation standards.
Experience with CCTV inspection of sewers, pipe lining coordination and interpreting inspection videos for defect classification.
Proficiency in use of diagnostic test equipment: multimeter, clamp meter, vibration analyzer, thermal camera and pressure gauges.
Knowledge of safety standards and codes: OSHA 1910/1926, NFPA 70E, DOT regulations, and EPA wastewater constraints.
Basic GIS and GPS data collection for asset verification and location tagging.
Familiarity with preventive and predictive maintenance techniques including oil analysis, vibration trend monitoring and thermography.

Soft Skills

Strong problem-solving and analytical thinking to diagnose complex, multi-discipline infrastructure failures.
Clear verbal and written communication skills for reporting, permit documentation and coordination with engineers, vendors and the public.
Team leadership and mentoring ability to upskill apprentices and coordinate multi-craft crews under pressure.
Time management and prioritization: manage multiple work orders, emergency responses and project tasks while maintaining quality and safety.
Customer-service orientation when interacting with residents, stakeholders and internal customers to maintain public trust during outages or repairs.
Adaptability and resilience working outdoors in varied weather conditions and in emergency response situations.
Attention to detail for accurate recording of work orders, parts usage and regulatory reporting.
Collaborative mindset to work across disciplines (electrical, civil, controls) and with external contractors to achieve project goals.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED with trade-school certificates or equivalent hands-on experience in mechanical or utility trades.

Preferred Education:

Associate degree, technical diploma, or certificate in Mechanical Technology, Electrical Technology, Construction Trades, or Water/Wastewater Technology.
Completion of an accredited apprenticeship program in a relevant trade (pipefitting, heavy equipment, welding or mechanical maintenance).

Relevant Fields of Study:

Mechanical Technology / Industrial Maintenance
Civil Construction / Utility Construction
Welding & Fabrication
Electrical or Controls Technology
Water/Wastewater Treatment Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 2–7 years of hands-on experience in municipal, industrial, or utility infrastructure maintenance, with increasing responsibility for diagnostics and repair of mechanical/electrical systems.

Preferred:

3–5+ years specifically in water/wastewater, stormwater, road or public works infrastructure maintenance.
Experience operating and maintaining heavy equipment and documenting work in a CMMS.
Certifications such as OSHA 10/30, Confined Space Entry, CPR/First Aid, CDL Class B (preferred), and trade-related certifications (welding, electrical, pump maintenance) are strongly preferred.