Operations Maintenance Specialist 1 - Water/Wastewater Treatment

Job Description

Position Purpose: 

Responsible to maintain & operate the City of Portage’s 21 well sites, 56 lift stations, street sweeping,
grounds keeping, leaf collection, sewer cleaning and maintenance, storm sewer cleaning and maintenance,
catch basin cleaning and maintenance, snow plowing, meter reading and all other tasks associated with the
collection and distribution systems.

Primary Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Diagnoses basic WTP equipment & Wastewater pump station operational problems and takes corrective action; communicates status, changes, and abnormalities in operating areas.
• Follows process control procedures for assigned areas; verifies and reports suspected malfunctions and variances to supervisor.
• Inspects and troubleshoots equipment using tools and gauges of the trade; obtains necessary parts through established procedures.
• Monitors and observes operating conditions; records observations and data in area shift log.
• Operates equipment manually and through instrument panels, computer terminals, and programmable logic control units in an assigned area.
• Performs field tests (chemical, physical, and biological) in order to pace chemical dosages for process and odor control units or alter unit processes.
• Researches, sets up, and carries out (under supervision) testing programs as assigned.
• Collects water samples using applicable standard methods.
• Participates in the development of written standard operating procedures (SOP’s)
• Trains peers and subordinates as requested.
• Walks meter reading routes while wearing steel toe boots, safety glasses, and hard hat while carrying several pounds of meter reading equipment, additional weight carried is seasonal based on climate.
• Performs grounds keeping tasks such as mowing, trimming, leaves, chain sawing, brush removal Maintenance Component of Position:
• Installs new or replacement mechanical systems and equipment; and prepares labor and material estimates.
• Operates vehicles and equipment for facility operational and maintenance purposes.
• Performs basic troubleshooting of equipment, recommends solutions and, fills out work orders.
• Performs cleanup and housekeeping tasks for work area, tools, equipment, facilities, and grounds.
• Performs limited to moderately complex preventive maintenance of equipment such as tightening loose fittings, checking/replenishing fluids and lubricating equipment; advises supervisors of need for further maintenance
• Performs mechanically related activities specified by work order; and vibration analysis and other nondestructive testing.
• Performs routine lubrication of equipment and motors, and replaces oil reserves.
• Enters confined spaces such as manholes, wet wells, vaults, catch basins, excavations, etc.

Qualifications

Education/Experience/Background: 

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Prefer 2 years’ experience, in a municipal public works environment.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities: 

• Working knowledge of the standard practices, common tools, materials, occupational hazards, and safety precautions of the trade, as acquired through two years of on-the-job training.
• Ability to safely operate material handling equipment; and to safely use trade tools and equipment to inspect, or maintain equipment.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships and teamwork with other employees.
• Working ability of computer programs for maintenance management, preferred.
• Good reading, math, writing, scientific, and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to read blueprints, specifications, and vendor instructions.

Required Certification/Licenses/Training: 

• Has or has ability to obtain Class B CDL with Air Brake and Tanker Endorsement in state of Michigan.
• Prefer State of Michigan S4 and D4 water system licenses.

Physical Requirements: 

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear.
• The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; climb stairs or ladders; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and taste or smell.
• The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include the ability to distinguish color, close vision and distance vision.

Additional Information

Benefits: Our employees are covered by comprehensive benefits packages including paid time off policies; health, dental, vision, and life insurance; retirement plans, savings accounts; tuition reimbursement; paid volunteering and more.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer! All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

Disclaimer: The salary, other compensation, and benefits information is accurate as of the date of this posting. The Company reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.