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Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners

Also called: Drain Cleaner, Septic Pump Truck Driver, Septic Tank Service Technician, Service Technician

What they do:

Clean and repair septic tanks, sewer lines, or drains. May patch walls and partitions of tank, replace damaged drain tile, or repair breaks in underground piping.

On the job, you would:
  • Communicate with supervisors and other workers, using equipment such as wireless phones, pagers, or radio telephones.
  • Drive trucks to transport crews, materials, and equipment.
  • Inspect manholes to locate sewer line stoppages.
On the job, you'll need:

Business

  • customer service
  • management

Transportation

  • movement of people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road

Engineering and Technology

  • mechanical

Arts and Humanities

  • English language

Basic Skills

  • thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem
  • listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions

Problem Solving

  • noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Hand and Finger Use

  • hold or move items with your hands
  • keep your arm or hand steady

Controlled Movement

  • quickly change the controls of a machine, car, truck or boat
  • use your arms and/or legs together while sitting, standing, or lying down

Verbal

  • listen and understand what people say
  • communicate by speaking

Visual Understanding

  • see hidden patterns

Realistic

People interested in this work like activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions.

  • Dependability
  • Attention to Detail
  • Integrity
  • Independence
  • Cooperation
  • Self Control

Spreadsheet software

  • Microsoft Excel

Accounting software

  • Intuit QuickBooks

Route navigation software

  • Route mapping software

Video courtesy of CareerOneStop.

Job Outlook

The job outlook for this position is Bright.

New job opportunities are very likely in the future. This career will grow rapidly in the next few years.

Median Annual Salary: $45,610

Education

High school diploma/GED or no high school diploma/GED is usually needed.

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