Wastewater O&M Technician

About the role

Provides day-to-day monitoring and basic plant and pump/booster station operations, routine lab tests and basic corrective and preventative maintenance activities.

Primary Duties/Responsibilities

• Operates equipment manually and through instrumentation panels, computer terminals and programmable logic control units following process control procedures.
• Maintains operating conditions, records observations and data in shift log.
• Detects and resolves basic operational issues and implements corrective actions based on procedures.
• Performs routine CLAIR (cleaning, lubrication, adjustment, inspection and minor repair) on machines and related equipment.
• Reports and documents work performed and updates relevant databases.
• Notifies supervisors of operational problems promptly.
• Captures water, wastewater, industrial waste, groundwater, sludge, residuals and/or gas samples according to schedule.
• Carries out field tests (chemical, physical and biological) to adjust chemical dosages for processes and odor control units.
• Prepares chemical solutions, monitors supplies and suggests restocking.
• Executes routine lab tests and compiles reports according to procedures.
• Calibrates portable meters like dissolved oxygen, pH, H2S, percent oxygen, lower explosive limit.
• Learns to troubleshoot and repair mechanical issues.
• Disassembles equipment to access and repair faulty parts using hand tools, power tools and precision measuring devices.
• Reassembles and tests equipment to ensure safe and efficient operation.
• Troubleshoots hydraulic, pneumatic and electronic equipment and instrumentation.
• Operates vehicles, mobile equipment and material handling equipment for operational and maintenance purposes.

Work Environment

Spend 100% of time in operations environment. Typically spend 25 - 35% of time exposed to outdoor and sometimes inclement weather. Company service vehicles are used as required. Travels 1 - 2 times per year for company-provided training. May be required to travel up to five consecutive days. May serve rotational 24-hour emergency on-call.

Possible Work Hazards

Exposed to possible operations hazards including fumes, dust, toxic and caustic chemicals, noise, rotating machinery, high pressure and hot and cold temperatures, slippery surfaces, water and electrical hazards.

Qualifications

• High school or GED with ability to read, write and comprehend English (operational, process, safety and quality instructions) and carry out verbal and written instructions.
• Six months to two years of experience in a related position with experience in a similar environment preferred.
• Experience using material handling equipment, pressure gauges and precision measuring instruments.
• Experience using power, pneumatic, hydraulic and hand tools and shop tools such as drill press, band saw, bench grinder, torque wrench preferred.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations.
• Vocational training and mechanical aptitude preferred, with ability to read, interpret and record data from meters, gauges, scales, panels, computer consoles and other equipment.
• Ability to diagnose basic and routine process and mechanical problems and take remedial corrective action.
• Basic computer skills and ability to operate programs for process control, the Computer Maintenance Management System, and laboratory/industrial pretreatment QA/QC.
• Consistently demonstrates ability to learn and independently perform assigned duties and meet or exceed production and quality goals.
• Ability to work in a team environment and willingness to assume additional or new responsibilities readily.
• Able to serve rotational 24-hour emergency on-call if required by site.

Required Certification/Licenses/Training

• Minimum water/wastewater license as required by regulatory agency at site.
• Valid driver's license and safe driving record.
• Employee Orientation, Departmental Operating Procedures, Safety, OSHA and Quality Training.
• HAZWOPER (Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response) Level I and II First Responder Certification if required by site.
• Minimum water / wastewater operator state certification.
• Proficiency in the care and use of all site-specific, facility-required PPE (Personal Protection Equipment), including respirators, gas detectors, confined space equipment, etc.
• Forklift Certification if required by site.
• Training in operation of mechanical drives, hydraulic pumps and valves, pneumatics, electronics and control systems.
• Obtain HVAC, Electrician, Plumber's or other trade License if assigned to that area.

Additional Information

• Pay Range: $30.00 to $40.00 per hour.
• Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package including paid time off policies, health, dental, vision, life insurance, savings accounts, tuition reimbursement, paid volunteering and more. Participation in an employer-sponsored 401(k) plan for retirement.
• Equal Opportunity Employer.