Utility Mechanic - Water Operations

Performs responsible technical work in the maintenance and repair of mechanical, hydraulic and electronic machinery and equipment associated with the City’s wastewater collection system and sewer lift stations.

Distinguishing Features of the Class

An employee in this class performs mechanical work in the inspection, maintenance, and repair of large and specialized equipment and systems associated with the City’s wastewater infrastructure and sewer lift station stations. Work involves troubleshooting and repairing a variety of pumps, motors, valves, piping, control systems and other equipment including electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, and some electronic (SCADA) work. Work also includes preventive maintenance; systems monitoring; inspecting and maintaining sewer lines, manholes and related infrastructure; assisting in jetting, rodding, and televising sewer lines to locate and clear blockages or identify defects; and responding to emergency situations such as blockages, overflows, or equipment malfunctions. Work requires a knowledge of trade skills in electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, electronic, and plumbing areas. The employee is subject to hazards associated with wastewater and mechanical operations including working in both inside and outside environments, in extreme hot and cold weather, and exposure to various hazards such as loud noises, vibrations, moving mechanical parts, electrical current, working on scaffolding, exposure to chemicals fumes, odors, dusts, mists, gases, poor ventilation, and oils. Work is subject to the final OSHA standards on blood borne pathogens.  Work is performed under regular supervision.  Work is evaluated in terms of effectiveness in returning equipment to proper operating conditions within given time schedules and overall effectiveness of system performance.

Performs technical skilled work to ensure all lift stations remain fully operational to prevent sanitary sewer overflows.

Inspects, troubleshoots, maintains, and repairs all mechanical, plumbing, electrical, and structural components of sewer lift equipment including pumps, motors, valves, gauges, hydraulic systems, belt presses, piping, electrical controls, and other equipment.

Performs regular preventive maintenance on pumps, motors, valves, and associated controls to ensure efficient operations; inspects water pumping stations; lubricates bearings and gear boxes; checks and replaces filters; packs pumps; calibration of lift station components, and other preventive maintenance activities.

Monitors system performance through SCADA systems, gauges, and manual readings.

Troubleshoots and repairs pump failures, electrical malfunctions, and sensor/control issues.

Replaces faulty or worn parts or components such as seals, bearings, impellers and float switches.

Cleans wet wells, removes debris, and ensures proper flow and pump function.

Tests and maintains backup power systems including generators and automatic transfer switches.

Monitors lift station performance and records operational data including flow readings, pump run times, and operational data.

Maintains and services electrical generators for emergency power sources during outages.

Replaces or rebuilds pumps, seals, and bearings as needed.

Assists staff with the maintenance and repair of the wastewater collection system; inspects, maintains and repairs sewer mains, manholes, service laterals, and related infrastructure. 

Operates camera equipment to inspect sewer lines; operates sewer vacuum, flush truck and jet machines to clear and clean sewer lines and manholes; assists with smoke testing and flow monitoring. 

Assists staff with minor pipe repairs and assists with line breaks or collapses.

Prepares and maintains accurate records of all inspections, maintenance work, repair activities, and part usage.

Responds to after-hours maintenance and emergency repairs of utility plan equipment. 

Operates utility trucks, vacuum/jet equipment, lifting devices, portable pumps, generators, and related light and medium equipment to perform maintenance and repairs to equipment. 

Ensures compliance with all City and OSHA safety regulations and procedures; uses personal protective equipment (PPE).

Performs related duties as required.

Provides assistance to other divisions or departments as needed.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of the installation, repair, and maintenance of the mechanical, plumbing, and hydraulic components of pumping stations and plants.

Knowledge of the occupational hazards and necessary safety precautions of the work, including hazardous atmospheres, confined spaces, bloodborne pathogens, and lockout/tagout for electric and mechanical equipment 

Knowledge of the operations and operating characteristics of water and wastewater treatment plants and pumping stations.

Knowledge of the operation of technology to the operation and maintenance of related equipment.

Knowledge of electrical and electronic maintenance and repair of related equipment including programmable logic controls and SCADA systems.

Skill in the use and care of related hand and power tools and equipment.

Ability to make arithmetic computations using whole numbers, fractions, and decimals.

Ability to compute rates, ratios, and percentages.

Ability to perform routine housekeeping and minor building and grounds maintenance

Ability to detect malfunctioning of pumps and motors by observation, sound, and chart readings, and to take proper remedial action.

Ability to diagnose electrical and control system issues.

Ability to read, follow, and understand Safety Data Sheets, equipment manuals, policy and procedures manuals, safety manual and instructions, flow charts and daily logs, schematic drawings, blueprints, and written and oral instructions.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers and supervisor.

Ability to prepare and maintain accurate records and prepare reports.

Desirable Education and Experience

Graduation from high school or equivalent and experience in mechanical maintenance and repairs to pumps, motors, hydraulics, electrical and electronic repairs, or community college course work in electrical, electronic, mechanical, and plumbing trades; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Special Requirements

Possession of a valid Class B commercial North Carolina driver’s license.

Possession of a Grade II Collections certification or the ability to obtain in a timeframe determined by the City.

Possession of a Grade C Distribution certification or the ability to obtain in a timeframe determined by the City.

Must be able to physically perform the basic life operational functions of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, hearing, and repetitive motions.

Must be able to perform heavy work exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally; and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently; and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly. Must possess the visual acuity to operate machines and equipment including close inspection of moving and small parts, using measurement devices, perform assembly and fabrication of parts, prepare maintenance records, and operate a computer terminal, read reports and manuals