Contractors looking to hire Benton Harbor residents for service line replacements

BENTON HARBOR, Mich. -- It’s going to take a lot of manpower to replace all of Benton Harbor’s lead service lines by next spring and that’s why contractors are opening up positions for residents to help. 

The city and state have enlisted Michigan Works! to connect residents who want to help with one of the five contractors replacing those lead pipes.

“The contractors want to hire local, the city has specifically asked to try and hire from the community,” said Mark O’Reilly, Director of Business Solutions at Michigan Works! 

Michigan Works! started getting the word out about job opportunities less than a week ago and they’ve already gotten nearly 100 applicants. 

“The idea is to make it as inclusive of a hiring process as possible,” said O’Reilly. “Individuals who have a criminal background, we’re actually strongly encouraging them to get involved.”  

Benton Harbor and Township residents are specifically who they’re looking to hire.

Pay ranges from $20 an hour as a laborer to $12 an hour for landscaping and clerical work. 

“Activities such as restoring yards, making concrete, monitoring traffic, putting up signs,” said O’Reilly.

While residents aren’t responsible for the water crisis, since the work has to be done, Michigan Works! said they should have the chance to be part of the solution and get some cash along the way.  

“The opportunity to get back into the workforce and do something truly transformative in their community,” said O’Reilly.

Residents can apply here on Michigan Works! website.