Plant Technician or Operator - Wastewater Treatment Plant (Hiring Incentive: $1,000)

Position Summary

Applicants may be hired as either Plant Maintenance Technician or Plant Operator, contingent upon their qualifications, education and prior experience. Pay Plan: Receive D license, promote to Plant Operator Receive C license, 5% increase Receive B license, 7% increase We're excited to offer a hiring incentive of $1,000 for these roles! This incentive is available only to new hires and does not apply to current employees. Plant Maintenance Technician Position Summary: The Plant Maintenance Technician (Operator in Training) supports the operations and maintenance of Water and Wastewater Plants, pump and lift stations, and distribution and collection systems. This entry-level position focuses on providing essential maintenance services to ensure the continuous and efficient operation of plant facilities. Distinguishing Characteristics: Under direct supervision, performs entry-level professional duties such as preparing recurring reports and analyzing, interpreting, and summarizing data. Employees at this level initially work under close supervision while performing duties and learning the procedures related to the assigned area of responsibility. Plant Operator Position Summary: Operates and maintains water or wastewater plants, performing assigned duties necessary to repair, replace, and maintain mechanical, electronic, control, and instrumentation equipment related to water and wastewater treatment facilities, including Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems to ensure the effective operation of the facilities and distribution systems.

Distinguishing Characteristics: Under general supervision, performs full-level manual labor or mechanical duties. Employees at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies within the work unit.

Essential Functions

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job. Plant Maintenance Technician Assist with Routine Maintenance: Support routine maintenance tasks including repairs, cleaning, and inspections of buildings, structures, equipment, fans, and blowers. Learn and assist in making mechanical repairs and adjustments under supervision. Operational Support: Assist in operating and monitoring processing equipment and machinery under the direction of Plant Operators or supervisors. Follow instructions to ensure equipment operates efficiently and safely. Maintenance Record-Keeping: Assist in maintaining maintenance records, work orders, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and equipment maintenance logs. Learn to document maintenance activities accurately. Emergency Response Assistance: Support senior technicians or operators in responding to hazardous chemical leaks (chlorine, ammonia, sulfur dioxide) as per safety protocols. Assist in emergency response procedures and use of safety equipment under supervision. Plant Operator Operates and monitors all processing equipment and machinery. Initiates changes in operation as determined through calculations and monitoring of processing variables, test procedures, and independent judgement of varying factors. Effects routine maintenance (repairs and cleaning) of all buildings/structures, equipment, fans, and blowers; including but not limited to conducting routine inspections, making mechanical repairs/adjustments and overhauling pumps, reduction hear, and variable speed drive units. Maintains computerized operational control of lift stations. Collects samples and performs various laboratory tests and analysis required for effective operation of the wastewater treatment facility. Responds to and takes appropriate action in relation to hazardous chemical leaks (chlorine, sulfur dioxide), which require the use of an oxygen breathing apparatus. Performs all other related duties as assigned.

Position Qualifications

Plant Maintenance Technician Education: High School Diploma or GED required. Experience: 1 year of work experience in a facilities maintenance or mechanical repairs field preferred. Demonstrated mechanical knowledge and competency strongly preferred. Licenses and Certifications: None. Field related vocational training, certifications in mechanical fields strongly preferred. A high school diploma or GED equivalent is required for this position and may not be substituted. Beyond this requirement, any combination of related education, experience, certifications, and licenses that will enable a candidate to successfully perform the essential functions of the job is an acceptable substitute for the remaining specified education and experience requirements. Conditions of Employment: Must submit to and pass a pre-employment drug test, physical exam, and job performance assessment. Must possess a valid State of Texas Driver's License Class "C" (or higher) and maintain a good driving record as defined by City policy. Other Requirements: Must obtain a Class D Wastewater license from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) within 6 months from the date of hire. Willingness to pursue additional relevant licenses as required. REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES Knowledge of: Basic mechanical skills and a willingness to learn maintenance procedures and techniques on the job. Knowledge of electricity, including pump and motor functions, blower operations, drive mechanisms, and belt maintenance; chemistry and mathematical principles applicable to maintenance tasks; computer operations and software applications. Skilled in: Learning and applying basic knowledge of wastewater treatment processes, equipment, controls, instrumentation, and hydraulics; interpreting basic charts, flow diagrams, maintenance manuals, and instructions; assisting in mechanical repairs under supervision; working independently with minimal supervision; responding appropriately in emergency situations when required; distinguishing different colors for reading and interpreting lab equipment and fluids; exhibiting the skills necessary to operate assigned tools and equipment safely and properly; effectively handling sensitive situations requiring courtesy, persuasion, and tact; showing consideration for and maintaining good relations with others; evaluating situations and making accurate decisions; using personal computer including Microsoft Office, e-mail and the internet; accepting responsibility for his/her actions; performing work accurately and thoroughly; following instructions, safety practices, and standard operating procedures in performing assigned tasks; communicating effectively, clearly, and concisely both orally and in writing; being punctual and attending work regularly; and working effectively with people regardless of their race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, veteran' s status, genetics, or job type. Plant Operator Education: High School diploma or GED. Experience: One (1) year of experience in water treatment, electrical, mechanical, technical, general utility construction, or a related field. Preference will be given to applicants with water or wastewater treatment "trainee" experience or applicants already holding a Class C or B Water or wastewater Certificate of Competency. Any combination of related, education, experience, certifications, and licenses that will result in a candidate successfully performing the essential functions of the job is an acceptable substitute for the above specified education and experience requirements. Licenses and Certifications: Must obtain Class D Water or wastewater Certificate of Competency from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) as applicable, within 6 months from date of hire. Must obtain a Class C Water or wastewater Certificate of Competency from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) as applicable, within 2 years from date of hire. Conditions of Employment: Must submit to and pass a criminal background, pre-employment drug test, pre-placement medical examination, and job placement assessment (JPA). Must possess a valid State of Texas Driver's License Class "C" and good driving record as defined by City policy. An applicant who does not possess a Texas Driver's License or proper class will be allowed ten (10) working days after a job offer is made to obtain proper licensing. Other Requirements: This position is subject to emergency operations. The individual holding this position will be required to work as usual or as needed: during emergency operations, in preparation for prolonged emergency operations and/ or during recovery from prolonged emergency operations as directed by his/her direct supervisor, Department Head or designee, or the City Manager or designee. REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES Knowledge of: Basic electricity, pump and motor, blower, drive, belt, and other operation equipment maintenance needs; basic electrical, plumbing, and mechanical properties; basic chemistry and mathematical principles; basic water purification equipment processes, controls, hydraulics, and instrumentation; computerized maintenance management software; and process control equipment involved in Water and Wastewater. Skill in: Learning and applying basic knowledge of water purification equipment processes, controls, instrumentation, and hydraulics; interpreting charts, flow diagrams, maintenance manuals, and instructions; performing mechanical repairs, including gas/electric welding; working effectively with general supervision; effectively communicating with the public giving and receiving information and answering inquiries related to area of responsibility; using a personal computer including Microsoft Office, Open Office or similar word processing program, e-mail, and the internet; accepting responsibility for his/her actions; performing work accurately and thoroughly; following instructions, safety practices, and standard operating procedures in performing assigned tasks; communicating effectively, clearly, and concisely both orally and in writing; being punctual and attending work regularly; and working effectively with people regardless of their race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, veteran' s status, genetics, or job type. Physical Demands and Working Conditions : Must possess mobility to work in the field; strength, stamina, and mobility to climb and descend stairs, and to operate a motor vehicle and visit various City sites. Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; ability to distinguish different colors to read and interpret lab equipment and fluids; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone or radio. The job involves fieldwork requiring frequent walking, hiking, and/or climbing in and through operational areas to identify situations, problems, or hazards. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate the above-mentioned tools and equipment. Positions in this classification bend, stoop, kneel, reach, climb to perform work and inspect work sites, and push, and