Wastewater Maintenance Mechanic II

Wastewater Maintenance Technician

Leads, supports and 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.

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; exposure to odors and sewage mists. Protective clothing includes 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 officer.

Heavy physical work that includes lifting and/or carrying up to 100 pounds; climbing, crawling, kneeling, stooping and working in confined, restrictive environments, at times using a 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.

Required overtime and standby duty. May be required to work weekends, holidays and nights. Position involves competing demands, performing multiple tasks, working to deadlines, work beyond normal business hours, and responding to customer issues. 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 the minimum requirements. Meeting or exceeding the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an invitation to participate in the process. Full-Time; Regular; Non-Exempt; Union-Represented This position is a grade BC13.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Leads and performs the repair and maintenance of 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, evaluates, 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; monitors work orders and assignments, supports lower level mechanics, and maintains logs of work completed.
• Maintains plant odor control equipment at odor control sites to ensure efficiency and effectiveness of city sewer system.
• Serves as a liaison between plant and maintenance staff; provides training; assigns and reviews work; directs work activities to ensure standard operating procedures.
• 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.
• Provides performance feedback, trains, and instructs employees to meet established goals and objectives; participates in staff evaluations with designated supervisor to provide impartial feedback regarding performance; assures that staff maintain safety standards and adhere to policies and procedures for efficient and safe operations.
• Reviews, maintains, and updates records in various formats, mediums, and automated systems to ensure data integrity and adherence to internal controls, practices, policies; demonstrates continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality seamless services.

Minimum Qualifications

High School Diploma or GED AND three (3) 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.

Valid driver's license is required for positions assigned to wastewater plant maintenance. Valid Class B commercial driver's license is required for positions assigned to wastewater collections maintenance. Position requires an acceptable driving record in accordance with City of Las Cruces policies.

NM Level II Wastewater Certification required. NM Level III Wastewater Certification must be obtained within one year of date of hire.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of: Wastewater treatment plant or wastewater system processes and equipment; tools and equipment involved in the servicing, repair, and construction of a wastewater plant or wastewater systems; compost operations; state EPA and federal OSHA regulations; wastewater treatment plant or system operations permit requirements and hazards involved in facility/systems operation; chemicals used in plant or system operations and in treatment of odors in wastewater collections; 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 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; work in confined/restrictive environments, use SCBA equipment, and pass annual confined-space physical; maintain constant alertness and concentration.

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.