Austin Water - Treatment Operations & Maintenance Technician Associate - Wastewater Treatment Plants

Austin Water Treatment Operations & Maintenance Technician AssociateAbout This PositionFor more than 100 years, Austin Water has provided safe, reliable, high-quality and affordable water services to our customers. Today, we serve more than 1 million people across 544 square miles in the Austin metropolitan area. Austin Water consistently ranks among the best in the country when it comes to water quality. We also treat, return, and recycle wastewater in ways that protect environmental resources. Austin Water exceeds federal and state requirements for clean water and environmental compliance at our water and wastewater treatment plants.Job DescriptionUnder 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.Duties, Functions and ResponsibilitiesEssential 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.Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:None.Knowledge, Skills, and AbilitiesMust possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.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 QualificationsGraduation 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 RequiredMust obtain appropriate TCEQ License as specified by position within one (1) year of employment:Wastewater Treatment Plant: TCEQ Class D Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator License.Must obtain the appropriate TCEQ Class C Wastewater 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 RequirementsAbility 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 QualificationsExperience 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.Notes to CandidateBenefits:Working with Austin Water provides a number of health and welfare benefits, such as medical, paid leave time, a great retirement plan, training opportunities and more – click HERE for more information. Additionally, this position offers a career progression plan, which provides a unique opportunity to promote without having to go through the competitive process. As employees go through on-the-job training to develop new skills and abilities and obtain the appropriate license, they are eligible to submit for Career Progression, which allows them to demonstrate knowledge and skills without having to interview for the promotion.For general information about a career as a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant System Operator, click HERE.Walnut Creek and South Austin Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) receive wastewater flow from Austin Water Utility's sanitary sewer collection system and treat it before returning it to the Colorado River. South Austin Regional WWTP is also a key facility in meeting Austin's reclaimed water needs for non-potable water. Hornsby Bend Biosolids Management Plant receives biosolids that are generated from the wastewater treatment process and further processes these solids to create compost for land application and public sales. Austin Water's Remote Facilities Division operates and maintains package plants that treat wastewater in residential, rural, and agricultural areas in and around the Austin area.Position Overview:The Austin Water Treatment Operations & Maintenance Technician Associate is responsible for performing wastewater treatment plant operations and maintenance tasks, which include but are not limited to:Operations: operating process control systems that monitor and control treatment plant processes, managing chemical dosage in water basins, testing water samples, and recording and reporting water samples results.Maintenance: performing mechanical work on plant equipment and machines, such as preventative and scheduled maintenance, diagnostic and corrective maintenance, new equipment installation and equipment rebuilds.Pay Range: $24.19 – $27.94 per hourRetention Incentive Bonus:This position may be eligible for an Incentive Bonus of up to $3,000!$500 after 90 days.$500 after 180 days.$1,000 after 1 year.$1,000 after 2 years.Position(s) may be filled at one of the following locations:South Austin Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant 1017 Fallwell Lane, Del Valle, Texas 78617Remote Facilities Primary Hub 10621 Blue Bluff Rd, Manor, Texas 78653 Assigned to various locationsHornsby Bend Biosolids Management Plant 2210 S FM 973, Austin, Texas 78725Walnut Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant 7113 FM 696, Austin, Texas 78724THIS IS A NIGHT SHIFT POSITION:Days and Hours (Operations): Sunday to Saturday - 6:00 p.m.