Operations & Maintenance Tech I

Job description

Position Purpose

Provides day-to-day monitoring and basic plant and pump/booster station operations, routine lab tests and basic corrective 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 routine CLAIR (cleaning, lubrication, adjustment, inspection and minor repair) on machines and related equipment which may include pumps, valves, mixers, conveyors, blowers, dryers, chemical feed, vacuum filters and filter presses.

Reports and documents result of work performed and enters into the appropriate database. Promptly reports any operational problems with machines or equipment to Lead or Supervisor. Collects water, wastewater, and industrial waste according to the schedule. Performs field tests (chemical, physical, and biological) to pace chemical dosages for process and odor control units. Prepares chemical solutions, monitors supplies and recommends reorder.

Performs routine lab tests and prepares reports per procedure. Performs routine instrument calibration for portable meters including, but not limited to, dissolved oxygen, pH, H2S, percent oxygen, lower explosive limit. Learn to inspect and mechanically troubleshoot to determine repairs needed. 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. Performs some facility maintenance and repair.

Work Environment

Spends 100% of the time in the operations environment. Typically spends 25 – 35% of time exposed to outdoor and sometimes inclement weather.

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.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations. Some vocational training and mechanical aptitude preferred, with the ability to read, interpret and record data from meters, gauges, scales, panels, computer consoles and other equipment. Must have basic computer skills and have ability to operate programs for process control, the Computer Maintenance Management System, and laboratory/industrial pretreatment QA/QC. Must consistently demonstrate the ability to learn and independently perform assigned duties and meet or exceed production and quality goals.

Must demonstrate ability to work in a team environment and willingness to assume additional or new responsibilities readily. Must be able to serve a rotational 24-hour emergency on-call if required by site.

Required Certification/Licenses/Training

Minimum water/wastewater license as required by regulatory agency at site. (Will be trained on site) If you have a small community potable water certification or an Illinois K license, it is a positive. Must possess a valid driver’s license and a safe driving record. Employee Orientation, Departmental Operating Procedures, Safety, OSHA and Quality Training. Forklift Certification (On site training) Training in operation of mechanical drives, hydraulic pumps and valves, pneumatics, electronics and control systems.

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.