O&M Technician I

Job Description

Position Purpose: 

Provides day-to-day monitoring and basic plant and pump/booster station operations, lab tests and corrective, predictive and preventative maintenance activities.

Primary Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Operates equipment manually and through instrumentation panels, computer terminals and programmable logic control units following process control procedures. Monitors and observes operating conditions, records observations and data in shift log. Diagnoses basic operational problems and takes corrective action per procedure.
• Performs CLAIR (cleaning, lubrication, adjustment, inspection and minor repair) on machines and related equipment which may include pumps, engines, centrifuges, generators, valves, gates, mixers, conveyors, blowers, dryers, chemical feed, odor control, disinfection equipment, vacuum filters and belt presses. Reports and documents results of work performed and enters into appropriate database. Promptly reports any operational problems with machines or equipment to Lead or Supervisor.
• Troubleshoot mechanical, hydraulic or pneumatic equipment to determine repairs needed. Dismantles equipment to gain access to and repairs defective parts using hand tools, power tools and precision measuring and testing devices. Re-assembles and tests equipment ensuring safe and efficient operating condition is restored.
• Collects water, wastewater, industrial waste, groundwater, sludge, residuals and/or gas samples according to schedule. Performs field tests (chemical, physical and biological) in order to pace chemical dosages for process and odor control units. Prepares chemical solutions, monitors supplies and recommends reorder.
• Performs lab tests and prepares reports per procedure. Analyzes parameters including pH, alkalinity, volatile acids, dissolved oxygen, organic material, residues, biochemical oxygen demand, coliform bacteria, nutrients, chlorine residuals and other tests as required. 
• Performs maintenance on lab and field equipment and instrumentation, including pH meters, specific ion meters, analytical balances, furnaces, incubators, ovens, titrators, autoclaves, calculators and automatic samplers. 
• Changes and cleans probes, magnetic strips, floats and sensors on instrumentation. 
• Performs instrument calibration, including resetting of set points as assigned.
• Performs facility maintenance and repair and may replace or install light bulbs, fluorescent tubes, damaged glass, windows, doors, partitions, ceiling or floor tiles, door locks, carpet, and/or paint.  Performs manual labor including cleaning equipment, facilities and grounds as required and properly disposes of waste according to safety and environmental policies.  Operates vehicles, mobile equipment and material handling equipment for operational and maintenance purposes.
• May fabricate devices and assemblies from steel, plastic and wood.  May weld, thread pipe and solder using gas and electric equipment.
• May assist with maintaining parts, spares and maintenance inventory.
• May assist in other areas of plant as directed. 

Work Environment:

• Spends 100% of the time in operations environment. 
• Typically spends 25 – 35% of time exposed to outdoor and sometimes inclement weather. 
• Company service vehicles are used as required. 
• Travels 1 – 2 times per year for company provided training. 
• May be required to travel up to five consecutive days. 
• May serve rotational 24-hour emergency on-call.
• Possible Work Hazards: May be exposed to possible operations hazards including fumes, dust, toxic and caustic chemicals, noise, rotating machinery, high pressure and hot and cold temperatures, slippery surfaces, water and electrical hazards.

Qualifications

Education/Experience/Background: 

• High school or GED with the ability to read, write and comprehend English (operational, process, safety and quality instructions) and be able to carry out verbal and written instructions.
• Two to five years of experience in a related position in a similar environment with ability to comprehend complex specifications, blueprints and manuals.
• Experience using power, pneumatic, hydraulic and hand tools and shop tools such as drill press, band saw, bench grinder, torque wrench.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities: 

• Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations.
• Must demonstrate proficiency in the care and use of all site specific, facility required PPE (Personal Protection Equipment), including respirators, gas detectors, confined space equipment, etc.)
• Must consistently demonstrate the ability to perform all assigned tasks in an accurate and timely manner.
• Must demonstrate ability to efficiently maintain, install and repair a variety of equipment which may include pumps, engines, generators, valves, gates, mixers, conveyors, blowers, chemical feed, odor control, disinfection equipment, vacuum filters and belt presses.
• Must demonstrate ability to use precision measuring devices and testing equipment and have the ability to perform intermediate level lab tests.
• Knowledge of HOA (Hand – Off – Auto) operational controls and how settings apply to operational control scheme.
• Must have the ability to diagnose mechanical and process problems in multiple unit processes, troubleshoot mechanical, electro-mechanical, hydraulic or pneumatic equipment and take corrective action within policy and procedure limitations.
• Good verbal and written communication skills are necessary. 
• Must demonstrate proficiency with computer programs for process control, Computer Maintenance Management System and laboratory / industrial pretreatment QA/QC.
• Must be able to serve rotation 24-hour emergency on-call if required by site.
• Must demonstrate ability to work in a team environment and willingness to assume additional or new responsibilities readily.

Required Certification/Licenses/Training: 

• Some vocational training and mechanical aptitude required, with the ability to read, interpret and record data from meters, gauges, scales, panels, computer consoles and other equipment.
• Minimum water/wastewater license as required by regulatory agency at site.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license (commercial license is desirable) and a safe driving record.
• Employee Orientation, Departmental Operating Procedures, Safety, OSHA and Quality Training.
• HAZWOPER (Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response) Level I and II First Responder Certification if required by site. 
• Work toward higher level water / wastewater treatment certification. 
• Advanced training in operation of mechanical drives, hydraulic pumps and valves, pneumatics, electronics and control systems. 
• Obtain or maintain HVAC or Electrician, Plumber’s or other trade License if assigned to that area. 
• Note: Tech will not perform duties unless properly licensed.
• Training in the use of energy management systems as needed.  Forklift Certification if required by site.
• May perform more advanced functions as part of training and development.

Physical Requirements:

• Amount of time spent – Standing 25%, Walking 75% for as many as five miles per shift.
• Requires close visual and hearing observation to detect non-conformance and machine malfunction.
• Constantly uses hands to finger, handle or feel and frequently reaches with hands and arms. 
• Works in various positions; works on ladders, catwalks, and supports at heights of 50 feet above the ground; and works with hands extended above and below head and body up to 40 minutes using hand tools weighing up to 15 pounds. 
• Must be able to lift and carry 50 pounds (occasionally 60 pounds) distances of 10 feet. 
• Occasional stooping, bending or kneeling and entering confined spaces.