PLANT MECHANIC III
Class Title: PLANT MECHANIC III
Class Code: 20000789
Salary: $62,482.37 - $104,137.49 annually
Definition and Distinguishing Characteristics
Definition: Under general supervision, serves as a highly skilled lead plant mechanic for special projects and the preventative, predictive, and corrective mechanical maintenance of operating equipment for a large 24/7 wastewater treatment plant or geographically dispersed pumping stations and flow metering stations throughout the County; and performs related duties as required.
Distinguishing Characteristics: This class is master and lead level plant mechanic.
Illustrative Duties
- Performs master and lead level work on highly complex mechanical maintenance on plant treatment and pumping station process equipment;
- Executes major mechanical repairs and overhauls, including rebuilding plant and pumping station machinery and equipment;
- Performs and leads preventative and corrective maintenance;
- Determines requirement for repairs through visual inspection and conducting of tests;
- Identifies parts required from equipment diagrams, as-built drawings and repair parts lists;
- Procures repair parts and materials for mechanical repairs and replacements;
- Utilizes Computerized Maintenance Management system and/or Enterprise Asset Management system to prioritize, monitor, create and close out work orders;
- Assists the Plant Maintenance Supervisor in analyzing causes of equipment failures, repair action required and in establishing priorities;
- Performs minor plumbing and electrical work;
- Performs general maintenance tasks such as wet well cleaning, grounds keeping and routine building maintenance;
- Maintains records of work required, work performed, and time and materials required;
- Serves as lead mechanic when one or more Plant Mechanics and helpers are assigned to a large, complex repair or overhaul job;
- Oversees the work of more junior mechanics as well as daily training of the less experienced mechanics and provides input to supervisor for performance appraisals;
- Responsible for compliance with safety standards and regulations on the assigned shift and work station;
- Effectively communicates with customers, employees and supervisors;
- Engages in safe working practices and complies with safety programs and guidelines;
- Monitors and reports unsafe working conditions;
- Complies with safety competencies.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Thorough knowledge of the methods, tools and equipment used in mechanical maintenance and repair work;
- Thorough knowledge of maintenance and repair procedures used in wastewater treatment, pumping station and flow metering equipment;
- Thorough knowledge of occupational hazards and applicable safety practices;
- Ability to observe plant equipment and determine whether it is operating effectively;
- Thorough knowledge of procurement and supply policies and procedures;
- Thorough knowledge of Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition systems (SCADA), Computerized Maintenance Systems (CMMS) and Enterprise Asset Management systems (EAM);
- Ability to use computers;
- Ability to read equipment diagrams and as-built drawings;
- Ability to observe plant, pumping station, or flow metering equipment and determine whether it is operating effectively;
- Ability to diagnose and repair a wide variety of mechanical equipment;
- Ability to make prompt and sound decisions in emergencies arising from electrical power failures, motor and pump failures and accidents involving release of toxic chemicals;
- Ability to read, understand, and follow manufacturers' service and repair manuals;
- Ability to keep records and write work‑related reports;
- Ability to lead and instruct subordinates;
- Ability to comprehend and comply to safety practices;
- Ability to maintain effective relationships with customers, employees and supervisors.
Employment Standards / Licenses / Certification / Necessary Special Requirements
- Employment Standards: Any combination of education, training, and experience equivalent to the following: Graduation from high school, or a GED issued by a state department of education, or completion of a registered apprenticeship program; plus, five years of experience in the maintenance and repair of pumps, motors and other wastewater equipment.
- Certificates and Licenses Required: A valid driver's license.
- Necessary Special Requirements: Pre‑employment physical and annual thereafter, a criminal background check and driving record check. Subject to 24‑hour call back and must, therefore, be able to work emergency overtime. Subject to working in adverse weather conditions and may be exposed to raw waste or environments generating methane gas.
Bonus Eligibility
Positions within this classification that are general merit may be eligible for a one‑time hiring incentive bonus for new county employees only. This bonus program requires a signed payback agreement between the department and employee.
EEO Statement
Fairfax County Government prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, political affiliation, or military status in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce.
Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Benefits
Fairfax County offers a comprehensive benefits program for merit positions, including:
- Medical/Vision/Dental Insurance Coverage
- Group Term Life Insurance
- Long Term Disability
- LiveWell Program
- Flexible Spending Programs
- Paid Leave (annual, sick, parental, volunteer activity, and more!)
- Paid Holidays
- Contributory Retirement Plan
- Deferred Compensation
- Employee Assistance Program
- Employees' Child Care Center
- Continuous Learning Opportunities
Non‑Merit positions: scheduled to work a minimum 1,040 hours and no more than 1,560 hours in a calendar year.
- Medical/Vision/Dental Insurance Coverage
- Flexible Spending Program
- Deferred Compensation
Temporary: scheduled to work a maximum of 900 hours in a calendar year.
Funding and Loan Forgiveness
Fairfax County Government is a qualifying employer under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.