Plant Mechanic

Under close supervision of the Supervisor, Plant Maintenance, or an experienced plant mechanic, performs a variety of semi-skilled corrective and preventive industrial mechanical maintenance work in the maintenance, repair and operation of specialized equipment in a water treatment plant. Maintains treatment plant building and grounds. This position is considered essential personnel by Fairfax Water.

Examples of Duties:
Performs a variety of semi-skilled maintenance tasks by:

• Assisting higher-level plant mechanics in maintaining, repairing, troubleshooting, installing, modifying, overhauling and assembling plant processing equipment to include pumps, flocculation equipment, mixers, speed reducers, gear boxes, chain and belt drives, chemical feed systems, valve actuators and other equipment.
• Assisting with plumbing, pipefitting, and welding tasks and performing general maintenance and repair work on building structures and grounds utilizing hand and power tools.
• Assisting in preventive and condition-based maintenance tasks to include inspecting and lubricating plant equipment and machinery in accordance with the maintenance schedule.
• Handling, transporting and removing hazardous materials according to proper safety procedures.
• Supporting operations, electrical, HVAC and Instrumentation departments as required.
• Providing information as required to complete computerized records of work required, work performed, materials used and costs, in a detailed and timely manner.

Maintains grounds and maintenance facilities by:

• Removing snow and other grounds related clean up tasks when necessary.
• Performing custodial functions as required in assigned work areas.
• Assisting in keeping maintenance vehicles, tools, equipment, and assigned work areas clean and orderly.
• Assisting in minor maintenance to vehicles.
• Operating various equipment and machinery to include backhoes, forklifts, dump trucks, hand and power tools, snow plows, snow blowers, gauges and safety equipment.
• Performs other duties as assigned or required.

To Qualify for Plant Mechanic (I) You must have the following qualifications:

• Graduation from high school or GED and a minimum of one-year related mechanical maintenance experience in to include but not limited to:Pump maintenance and repair.
• Mechanical maintenance and repair (engine, generator, automotive, building systems, etc.)
• Plumbing installation and repair
• In lieu of mechanical maintenance experience, candidates with:
  • 2-years of high school Career and Technical Education in Automotive Technology or HVAC or
  • 1-year Certificate in a Science, Technology, Engineering or Math (STEM) discipline may be considered.
• Aptitude for performing general mechanical tasks.
• Knowledge of the methods, materials, tools and equipment used in plant maintenance.
• Familiarity with occupational hazards, accident prevention techniques, and personal protective equipment associated with mechanical work and hazardous chemicals.
• Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations and use precision measuring devices.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to read, understand and follow manufacturer's service repair manuals and materials safety data sheet.
• Ability to operate heavy construction machinery and hand and power tools in a skillful and safe manner.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, supervisors, contractors and the general public
• Must pass a controlled substance (drug) test for employment. This position is also subject to random testing after hire.

To Qualify for Plant Mechanic (II) You must have the following additional qualifications:

• Graduation from high school or GED with minimum two years working as a Plant Mechanic I in a water or wastewater treatment plant environment or any equivalent combination of education, industrial mechanical maintenance experience and knowledge.
• Good knowledge of methods, tools, materials, and equipment used in plant maintenance.
• Familiarity with occupational hazards, accident prevention techniques and personal protective equipment associated with mechanical work, environments and hazardous chemicals (i.e. chlorine, ammonia, ozone, strong acids and bases, industrial solvents, liquid oxygen and combustible gases).
• Basic knowledge of hydraulics. Basic knowledge of the use of computers and the ability to use SAP, Microsoft Word and Excel, and SharePoint. Aptitude for performing general mechanical tasks.
• Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations and use precision measuring devices.
• Ability to follow and give oral and written instructions. Ability to read, understand and follow manufacturer's service repair manuals and materials safety data sheets.
• Ability to operate heavy construction machinery, hand and power tools in a skillful and safe manner.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, supervisors, contractors and the public.
• Possession of a valid driver's license and good driving record. Possession of or ability to obtain a Commercial Driver's License, as required.
• Completion of a Coast Guard approved boating safety course within one year.
• Ability to work overtime and standby as required and to perform work at other Fairfax Water facilities other than the principal location.
• Ability to work unscheduled hours during emergency and/or unusual situations (24-hours/7 days a week).
• Willingness to learn and perform skilled mechanical tasks up to and including those of a Plant Mechanic II performance level as a means of increasing knowledge of the mechanical trade and developing the necessary skills required for advancement.
• Must pass a respiratory physical for respirator and self-contained breathing apparatus use and a respiratory fit test. Must maintain personal grooming standards for effective use of the equipment.
• Working conditions may include - Exposure to noise, odors, heat, cold, dust, fumes, vapors or mist, hazardous materials and conditions.

Supplemental Information:
Ability to lift up to 75 pounds.
Ability to perform manual physical labor that may include long periods of standing, bending, twisting, stooping and climbing.
Ability to work in confined spaces and work at height.
Ability to climb ladders, steps, and scaffolding.
Ability to wear a respirator.