Plant Mechanic I - Utility Operations

Under general supervision, performs corrective and preventive maintenance on equipment and facilities used in water pumping stations, sewage lift stations, and wastewater treatment plants. Performs corrective maintenance on equipment associated with the operation of a wastewater treatment plant, sewage lift stations, and water pumping stations including pumps, valves, electric motors, compressors, blowers, fans, electrical switchgear, and control systems. Performs preventative maintenance on equipment as specified by manufacturers, including oil changes, greasing, fluid checks, adjusting belts/chains and alignments of couplings and mountings, and cleaning filters/screens. Maintains equipment history logs by recording run times, parts replaced, wear observations, and abnormal sounds or vibrations during operation. Diagnoses equipment failures using volt/ohm meters, megohmmeters, signal generators, vibration analyzers, and thermometers. Cleans and inspects equipment and machines for proper operation on a routine and scheduled basis. Applies protective coatings (paint, etc.) to equipment following surface prep and manufacturer specifications. Maintains a clean and efficient repair shop by organizing, storing, and cleaning tools and supplies used in equipment repair. Operates a variety of light to heavy construction equipment and tools not to include any that require a CDL. Performs housekeeping tasks for buildings, treatment tanks, and other items as needed. Informs supervisor of all problems, deviations, hazards, unfamiliar situations, and all work activities. Assists with other special projects and tasks as directed. Adheres to personnel, safety, and department policies and procedures. Assists other coworkers as needed. Performs other duties as assigned. Minimum Qualifications A high school diploma or General Equivalency Diploma (GED) is required. Must possess a valid Texas Class "C" Driver's License. Must be able to obtain a Class C Wastewater Operator's Certificate issued by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) within 18 months of hire. One (1) year of related equipment maintenance experience is required. Physical Abilities The physical abilities described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.• Must be able to talk, read, see, walk, hear, and follow oral and written directives. Must also have good hand-eye and foot coordination to operate and repair equipment and vehicles. Must be able to perform strenuous physical tasks, including exerting up to 100 lbs. of pressure; lifting, pushing, pulling, and carrying heavy equipment multiple times per day; shoveling; crawling; bending; kneeling; climbing; and operating vibrating machinery. Must be able to work indoors, underground, and outdoors, including in confined spaces such as pipes, culverts, manholes, and trenches. Must also be able to work on various terrains-level, slippery, sloping, unstable, or muddy-and under constant noise. Must tolerate adverse environmental conditions including inclement weather (rain, sleet, snow, heat, sun exposure), mechanical and electrical hazards, fumes, odors, dust/mist, chemical and toxic waste, and exposure to insects, noxious plants, and snakes. • Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Desired Qualifications Experience in wastewater treatment plant operations is preferred. Specific knowledge with wastewater treatment plant, sewage lift station, and high service water pumping station operation and maintenance functions is preferred. Knowledge/ Skills / Abilities Must have a working knowledge of pumps, compressors, blowers, conveyors, and other types of production equipment. Skilled in diagnosing mechanical and electrical failures using volt/ohm meters, megohmmeters, and ammeters. Must be familiar with the basic principles of operations for different electric motor types, their associated electrical switchgear, and related control systems. Ability to operate construction equipment and hand/power tools safely. Must be able to maintain an effective and pleasant working relationship with employees, contractors, and the general public. Willingness to work extended or varied shifts and respond within 30 minutes to emergency callbacks.