Wastewater Maintenance Mechanic I

Wastewater Plant Maintenance Mechanic

Performs the maintenance and repair of wastewater treatment plant or wastewater systems equipment, lift stations, pumps, motors, and associated piping to ensure efficient services to users and minimize malfunctions.

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS

Position works approximately 15% inside and 85% outside with exposure to all weather conditions, mechanical, explosive, electrical hazards and burns; works with chemicals, gas burners, acids and bases and hydrogen sulfide; Exposed to unpleasant odors, chemical fumes, and sewage water mists high in bacteria and odor. Work will include confined space work and use of a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). All protective clothing and devices are required, including SCBA, face shields, eye protectors, hard hat, steel toe shoes, chemical protection aprons, hearing protection, gloves, and any other deemed necessary by the plant or safety office.

PHYSICAL FACTORS

Heavy physical work that includes lifting and/or carrying up to 100 pounds; climbing, crawling, crouching, bending, kneeling, stooping and working in confined, restrictive environments, reaching above shoulder height; at times using a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA); visual and color acuity for fine motor/pump alignment and working in proximity to live electrical wiring; hearing engine/motor sounds in problem identification.

WORK SITUATION FACTORS

Position requires standby status for emergency response; may involve working a 10-hour and 12-hour day shift; must be able to pass annual confined-space physical. Regular attendance is an essential function of this job to ensure continuity of services. Position is subject to drug testing in accordance with applicable State and Federal regulations and City of Las Cruces policies.

FIRST CONSIDERATION WILL BE GIVEN TO CURRENT CITY OF LAS CRUCES EMPLOYEES WHO MEET ALL MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Meeting or exceeding the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an invitation to participate in the process.

Position will be advertised as continuous until filled, with periodic review of applications. Full-Time; Regular; Non-Exempt; Union-Represented

This position is a pay grade BC08.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Repairs and maintains wastewater plant or systems equipment; performs work on vactor trucks, lift stations, pumps, motors, valves, piping, Genset, blowers, compressors, and related equipment using standard and specialized hand tools.
• Provides preventive maintenance of all Lift Station equipment as needed to prevent breakdown of equipment; responsible for all Vactor truck repairs that can be completed in house to avoid downtime of Vactor truck.
• Operates and uses Vactor truck to make repairs at lift stations to avoid spills and get equipment back in service.
• Pulls and inspects lift station pumps, fabricates tools and parts to keep equipment operating, and assists other crews in sewer line or manhole repairs and installs.
• Performs preventive maintenance on equipment using a work order system.
• Maintains plant odor control equipment at odor control sites to ensure efficiency and effectiveness of city sewer system.
• Maintains work order files and logs; purchases and procures parts and supplies; contacts and communicates with vendors, local supply houses, and other sales people to obtain quotes and determine specific parts needs.
• Performs maintenance on buildings, including door repairs, painting, and related work.
• Works with crews in repairing broken sewer lines or installing new sewer services.

Minimum Qualifications

Equivalent to a high school diploma AND two (2) years of experience in wastewater plant maintenance OR wastewater system maintenance (dependent on assignment) is required. A combination of education, experience, and training may be applied in accordance with City of Las Cruces policy.

LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS

Valid driver's license is required for WW Plant Maintenance Mechanic. Valid Class B commercial driver's license is required for the WW Collections Maintenance Mechanic. NM Level II Wastewater Certification required. NM Level III Wastewater Certification must be obtained within one year of date of hire. Position requires an acceptable driving record in accordance with City of Las Cruces policies.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of: Tools and equipment involved in the servicing, repair and construction of wastewater plants; compost operations; state EPA and federal OSHA regulations; wastewater treatment operations permit requirements and hazards involved in facility operation, chemicals used in plant operations and in treatment of odors in wastewater collections. Principles, practices, techniques, activities, rules, and regulations related to the operations and functions of the position and services provided; current principles of record keeping and records management; principles and practices of effective research methods and data analysis, customer service, and problem resolution techniques; occupational and environmental safety and health hazards, and safety practices; safe and effective use and maintenance of related tools, materials, and equipment; current methods and standards for preparing effective business correspondence; correct English usage, grammar, composition, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary; business and personal computers and related software applications; City organization, operations, policies, and procedures to effectively perform the required functions and duties of the position.

Ability to: Perform technical reading and writing; maintain constant alertness and concentration; work in confined spaces, wear and use SCBA equipment, and pass annual confined-space physical; respond appropriately to emergency situations; make sound judgment calls and decisions during malfunctions or other emergencies; perform a variety of duties and responsibilities and assess and prioritize multiple tasks, projects, and demands to meet deadlines; ensure appropriate levels of customer service to achieve expectations and meet objectives; read, understand, and assure compliance with a variety of policies, procedures, rules, standards, and regulations governing related activities and functions; collect applicable information and maintain accurate and timely records; maintain confidentiality of information and data; communicate effectively orally and in writing and use interpersonal skills to sufficiently exchange or convey information and receive work direction; prepare and present accurate and reliable information and reports; establish and maintain effective and appropriate working relationships with employees, other agencies, and the public; safely and effectively operate relevant tools, equipment, and motorized vehicles; navigate across even and uneven surfaces; timely and accurately enter data and update records using various mediums and formats; take initiative and exercise sound independent judgment within established procedural guidelines and carry out primary responsibilities in accordance with all governing regulations, statutes, and procedures to ensure achievement of goals and objectives.

Skills in: reading, understanding, and applying relevant rules, ordinances, codes, regulations, policies, and procedures; effectively managing assignments; responding to inquiries timely and within the scope of delegated authority; responding appropriately, maintaining objectivity and freedom from prejudice, and exercising sound judgment and understanding in all interactions; effectively working independently, or as a team member, in various environments with changing priorities; preparing and presenting various reports, documents, forms, and correspondence; researching information, analyzing data, maintaining accurate records, and updating information in various mediums and formats; operating a personal computer with installed generic and specialized software; preparing and presenting information in a clear and concise manner; demonstrating appropriate and effective interpersonal communication and conflict resolution skills; performing highly effective support in assigned areas.