Wastewater Plant Maintenance Technician I

JOB SUMMARY

This is a semi-skilled position with the City’s Treatment Services Department. Under the direct supervision of senior maintenance personnel, this position is responsible for performing duties such as adjusting, installing, maintaining and repairing various electrical and mechanical portable and fixed equipment used to control, pump and treat wastewater that will meet state and federal requirements.

• Installs, maintains and repairs wastewater treatment equipment such as gates, pumps, valves, motors, electrical components, blowers, polymer feed equipment, lift stations and portable machinery.  
• Performs monitoring, troubleshooting, diagnosing and evaluating of equipment performance using proper testing equipment and tools.
• Performs needed adjustments to and ensure proper operation of equipment used for preliminary screening, primary/secondary solids removal, activated sludge, anaerobic digestion, ultra-violet disinfection and sludge disposal processes.
• Maintains facility grounds and performs general housekeeping of facilities, cleaning/wash-down process areas and maintains tools and portable equipment.
• Performs plumbing, rough carpentry, welding, painting, rustproofing or other mechanical duties necessary to maintain the integrity and aesthetics of equipment and facilities. 
• Completes assigned tasks in a timely fashion and documents work activities using work order systems.
• Receives shipments and maintains inventory of equipment, supplies, chemicals and spare parts to ensure compliant and efficient operation of wastewater treatment plant assets. 
• Safely operates City vehicles, trailers, tractors, skid loaders, telehandlers and other required equipment and tools, follows proper safety procedures, anticipates unsafe circumstances and responds accordingly to prevent accidents.
• Assumes the responsibilities of subordinates and senior maintenance personnel as directed by wastewater management.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge of: 

• The basic principles of industrial electrical and mechanical equipment maintenance.
• The operation and maintenance of process control equipment is commonly found in lift stations, wastewater treatment plants or other similar operations.
• Safe work practices, methods, materials and tools commonly used in lift stations, wastewater treatment plants or similar operations.
• Basic water utility mathematics and basic operation of personal computers, printers and associated computer software and hardware peripherals are desired.

Ability to:

• Safely and effectively operate and maintain the required equipment, machinery and tools to complete assigned tasks using required PPE.
• Communicate in English, clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.
• Follow detailed oral and written instructions and adhere to prescribed policies and procedures.
• Pay attention to details and maintain accurate records and documentation.
• Comprehend and make inferences from written material and instructions.
• Learn and maintain knowledge of wastewater treatment equipment operation and maintenance activities, reporting/recordkeeping activities and the ability to troubleshoot wastewater equipment.
• Lift and carry a minimum of 50 lbs. without assistance.
• Work varying shifts to include days, evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime, and on-call as assigned.
• Establish and maintain effective and harmonious working relationships with co-workers, supervisors, management, regulatory officials, citizens and others while performing job duties.

Experience and Education: Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required level of knowledge, skills and abilities will qualify.

Experience:

• One (1) year of previous work experience performing maintenance and repairs on pumps, motors, blowers or other related mechanical and electrical equipment and systems.
• Previous electrical and welding experience is highly desirable.
• Previous lift station and/or wastewater plant maintenance or related work experience is preferred.

Education:

• High School Diploma or equivalent as certified by proper authority is required.
• Any completed training approved by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) related to wastewater treatment operations is highly desirable.
• Technical trade school and/or certificate programs in industrial technologies such as electrical, machining, manufacturing or welding is highly desirable. 

Licenses/Certifications:

• Possession of a valid Class “C” or greater Motor Vehicle Operators License.
• Possession or ability to obtain a Class “D” wastewater treatment plant operator’s license is required within six (6) months from date of hire.
• Possession or ability to obtain a Class “C” wastewater treatment plant operator’s license is required within three (3) years from obtaining Class “D” license or date of hire.

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS 

Incumbents assigned to this position will be required to work varying shifts including days, evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime, and on-call as assigned.  Incumbents can reasonably expect to be exposed to all weather conditions and various hazardous substances such as biological and chemical agents on a routine basis.  Additionally, incumbents can expect exposure to various environmentally stressful conditions such as temperature extremes, moisture and humidity, ultraviolet radiation, occasional insect nuisances, odors, and noise.  Observation of pump and motor operation as well as other routine equipment and process monitoring requires the incumbent to be physically able to climb steps, stairs, and ladders and to bend, stoop, and stretch frequently on a daily basis.  Some work may take place in small, cramped, and confined areas.  Personal safety and chemical spill response procedures require that incumbents be physically capable of hearing audible alarms and sirens.     

* BASE SALARY IS COMPLIMENTED BY APPROPRIATE SHIFT INCENTIVE COMPENSATION

This position has been classified as a “safety-sensitive” position. All incumbents assigned to a “safety-sensitive” position shall be required to comply with all provisions of the City of Sherman, Texas Commercial Motor Vehicle Driver’s Drug and Alcohol Testing Program.