Austin Water Treatment Operations & Maintenance Technician Associate - Wastewater Treatment Plants (Day Shift)

Austin Water Treatment Operations & Maintenance Technician Associate - Wastewater Treatment Plants (Day Shift)

Under close supervision, this position performs routine tasks to provide operational and general maintenance support at a water or wastewater treatment plant, wastewater collection, water distribution systems facility, stormwater pump station, or remote stormwater facility, and work in teams to assist with more complex tasks. Performs in both operations and maintenance disciplines to develop competency in both disciplines.

Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

• Assists with process control tasks such as basic flow control, sampling, basic laboratory testing, normal operations of pumps and blowers, and adjusting chemical feeds.
• Assists with preventative maintenance tasks such as lubrication; changing equipment oil/fluids; and installing packing, bearings, and seals.
• Assists with predictive and corrective maintenance on specialized equipment such as pumps, blowers, clarifiers, and valves.
• Assists with routine rounds of the facilities to monitor treatment process and identify process anomalies or mechanical problems with plant equipment.
• Monitors data from SCADA systems and computerized control systems, instrument panels, and gauges in order to make basic process changes as directed.
• Maintains plant operations and maintenance records using log books, databases, and spreadsheets.
• Acts as member of Confined Space Entry Team and may serve as entrant or assistant.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of general maintenance processes and procedures.
• Knowledge of basic math including addition, subtraction, multiplication and division of whole numbers, decimalized numbers, fractions, and percents.
• Skill in using computers and related software.
• Skill in using hand tools and power tools.
• Skill in operating a motor vehicle and motorized equipment.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Ability to read and follow technical guidelines and standard operating procedures.
• Ability to take simple readings from meters, gauges, control panels, and testing and monitoring equipment.
• Ability to meet and maintain driver eligibility standards detailed in the City of Austin Driver Safety Program.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent, plus one (1) year of experience in a similar work environment such as stormwater pumpstations, process control, plant operations, construction, or in the operation, repair and maintenance of mechanical or industrial equipment.
• Thirty (30) semester hours of relevant formal education from an accredited institute may substitute for one (1) year of work experience.

Licenses and Certifications Required:

• Must obtain appropriate TCEQ License as specified by position within one (1) year of employment:
• Wastewater Treatment Plant: TCEQ Class D Wastewater Operator License.
• Must obtain the appropriate TCEQ Class C Wastewater Treatment Plant License before Class D License expires.
• May require a Valid Texas Commercial Driver's License with endorsements.
• Valid current Texas Class C Driver License.
• Must be able to become certified for Respiratory Protection and Confined-Space Entry Program within six (6) months of employment and maintain certification.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to work in environments that may have hazardous atmospheres.
• Ability to work in permit and non-permit confined spaces where there is limited or restricted means for entry and exit, or where the work activities may be hindered. Ability to safely wear anti-fall (SRL) body harness for confined space entry that supports up to 283 pounds.
• Ability to climb ladders and work at heights of up to 200 feet, and to work in confined spaces up to 100 feet deep.
• Ability to walk, stand, sit, bend, stoop, twist, push, pull, climb, kneel, crawl, and lift/carry up to fifty (50) pounds unassisted.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience operating and performing preventative maintenance, troubleshooting, repair and rebuilding of industrial equipment and machinery.
• Experience working in an industrial setting; which could include treatment plant, oil, gas or refinery, mining, automotive and heavy machinery repair.
• Experience performing facility operation and maintenance tasks related to process control and process optimization.
• Training or experience in plumbing or pipefitting.
• Training or experience in welding and metal fabrication.
• Experience using computerized work order system, basic computer navigation skills and ability to learn new software applications.