Maintenance Mechanic - Wastewater Treatment Plant

GENERAL SUMMARY:  Under direction, perform maintenance of treatment plant to ensure continual safe and efficient operation; maintain sewer pipes and manholes; maintain pump stations.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• NORMAL MAINTENANCE OF TREATMENT PLANT: Fix and rebuild equipment (e.g., welding tanks, fixing drive shafts, large pumps, air compressors, generator, snow blower, pressure washer, lawn mower, camera truck, hoses); use a high level understanding of the plant process in order to prioritize and strategize maintenance; find parts (sourcing and ordering, dealing with vendors, find prices, availability and compatibility), fabricate parts that can’t be found; weld and fabricate structures; maintain large pumps in working order (check oil, check and replace sealant); maintain gear boxes (grease, fix when broken); clean garage and grounds; perform building maintenance (replace lights, tile floors, paint walls, polish and wax floors, replace ballasts for lights); maintain underground pipes; check that pumps are on, sealed, and pumping daily; check bar screen daily; check comminuter; check blowers,  oil level and hours run on pumps; check pumps for leaks; check and rinse the utility screen; clean the bar screen (rake off debris, clean out rags if pump isn’t working properly); distribute work orders and maintain the work order databases.

• In addition, may perform one or more of the following duties and tasks:

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   • MAINTENANCE AT PUMP STATIONS: Examine Echo Graphs computer system (create reports for superintendent); problem solve pipe leaks based on the echo graphs data; check pumps; change oil; record hours in use; run generators to make sure they are working; add chemicals as needed.
   
   
   
   

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   • TELEVISE SEWERS: Record sewer conditions for maintenance; manage and maintain a database of records regarding televised sewer recordings (use database information to respond to sewer repair requests); convert VHS recordings to CD or DVD for customers using video equipment; clean sewer lines (operate TV and grouter equipment remotely, clean, televise, and grout pipes, maintain database recording sewer problems and solutions, clean pipes using high pressure hydraulic jet cleaner); televise storm sewers for public works ; operate mobile television and flusher truck to conduct internal inspection of sewer lines; inspect manholes, eliminate obstructions (e.g. roots, grease and other deposits) clean and repair manholes, update sewer maps and manhole charts; locate lines to be inspected using map, locate and identify infiltration points and sewer defects to determine extent of sewer line damage; prepare description of each sewer defect and record pertinent data, including exact location of defect; photograph pictures of serious or unusual irregularities, using camera.
   
   
   
   

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   • INTERACT WITH VENDORS AND RESIDENTS: Obtain equipment, replacement parts, and chemicals from vendors; respond to calls from residents with backups, communicate what the problem is and take action to fix the prob
   
   
   
   

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   • MIX CHEMICALS: Mix chemicals required for plant processes (must use safety equipment – apron, rubber gloves, respirator, goggles, face shield).
   
   
   
   

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   • WORK IN MANHOLES: Confined space training; monitor gas levels in manhole by using a pump and put in a ventilator if needed; assist other agencies when they go into manholes constantly talk with the guy in the hole to make sure he is alert; CPR/first aid training.
   
   
   
   

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   • RESPOND TO EMERGENCIES: Respond to pump station alarms (reset the breakers after power outages); take care of emergency sewer problems (back-ups).
   
   
   
   

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   • ET CETERA: Perform various winter responsibilities (drain hoses, take hoses off line when necessary; erect building over bar screen, put on heat tracing to make certain pipes don’t freeze, thaw pipes with utility water blast, snow plow, change oil from summer to winter oil); lock out tag out training (make sure to lock and tag equipment when working on it); mark location for Pennsylvania One call system   (put green arrows on street so contractor or utility knows where the pipes are); respond to emergency Pennsylvania One calls
   
   
   
   

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   • CROSS TRAINING: Participate in on-the-job or structured training to increase knowledge and experience in plant operations; stay abreast of changing development in plant operation methods and safety practices.
   
   
   
   

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   • WORK SCHEDULE: May be necessary to work weekends, holidays, and after normal business hours.  Must be willing to work a flexible schedule.  Must be able to respond to on-call emergencies within 45 minutes
   
   
   
   

JOB SPECIFICATIONS:

*indicates developed after employment

Education/Employment:

Any combination of education and experience which indicates possession of the skills, knowledge and abilities listed below. An example of acceptable qualifications for this position is previous experience with mechanical and engine repair.  Previous industrial mechanical and/or electrical maintenance repair experience preferred.  Valid PA driver’s license.

The Borough may also hire less qualified mechanics who will complete on-the-job training and gradually perform the duties and responsibilities of Maintenance Mechanic as they gain knowledge and experience.  The Borough may hire maintenance mechanics who meet the following experience and knowledge requirements who will perform duties of maintenance mechanic under authorized direction:

Maintenance Mechanic Assistant I- Advanced level of knowledge (1-2 years treatment plant maintenance experience) and understanding of pumps, gearboxes, flow control equipment (operator interface, V.F.D.)

Maintenance Mechanic Assistant II – Developing basic level of knowledge; no previous treatment plant maintenance experience but 1-2 years maintenance experience in a related field or basic understanding of pumps, gearboxes, flow control equipment  (operator interface, V.F.D.)

Knowledge:

Thorough knowledge of sanitary and sewer lines maintenance practices and procedures. * Advanced knowledge of waste water or water treatment plant operating standards outlined in NPDES permit guidelines, municipal, state and federal regulations. * Thorough knowledge of safety practices and procedures. Thorough knowledge of department policies and procedures. * Thorough knowledge of plant equipment. *

Skills:

Operation of manual and pneumatic tools (e.g. air and gasoline tamper, air hammer, pick, shovel, masonry tools, jackhammer)

Operation of light, medium and heavy equipment  

Must be proficient with the use of computers to include email, word processing, calendars, file sharing

Abilities:

Ability to cooperate with co-workers as member of a team.

Ability to work independently but remain flexible in accordance with demands of schedule and work team to achieve unit objectives.

Ability to adhere to safety standards and recognize safety warnings and hazards.

Ability to demonstrate physical fitness, to include frequent weightlifting of up to 50 lbs., standing and walking for extended periods of time, bending and reaching; pushing and pulling

Ability to perform physical tasks in an industrial plant environment including but not limited to climbing ladders and performing confined space entries

Ability to initiate, conduct and audit confined space work permits and confined space entries

Ability to demonstrate clear vision and sound hearing to avoid possible hazards, including moving vehicles and equipment.

Ability to perform manual tasks or operate equipment for extended periods of time in possible adverse weather conditions.

Ability to demonstrate polite and courteous manner toward the general public.

Ability to react promptly and efficiently to emergencies.

Ability to apply knowledge and experience in maintenance to repair and maintain wastewater treatment equipment

Ability to interpret variety of written and oral instructions

Ability to perform ordinary arithmetical, algebraic, and geometric procedures in standard, practical applications

Ability to establish and maintain communications with superiors and employees, including training and operating instructions

Ability to prepare or assist in preparation of various maintenance reports, as required Ability to read technical manuals, drawings, specifications, blueprints and layouts

Ability to maintain clear records.  

Ability to enter confined spaces to include water tanks that are dark and damp and which may contain insects and/or other pests or rodents.

Ability to effectively communicate using email or other electronic communication devices.

Working Conditions

Work is frequently performed around hazardous machinery and can involve some threat to personal safety if safety standards are not observed. Work occasionally is performed in inclement weather or in confined spaces to include water tanks that are dank and damp and which may contain insects and/or other pests or rodents. Work involves responding to emergencies on a twenty-four hour basis and rotating on-call schedule.

DISCLAIMER:

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by a person assigned to this position. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive or all-inclusive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required to perform the job.