Austin Water Treatment Operations & Maintenance Technician Associate - Water Treatment Plants

City of Austin; Davis (CA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Austin seeks a motivated entry-level operator for water and wastewater facilities. Under close supervision you will assist with process control tasks, routine rounds, and basic maintenance to support treatment operations.

You will develop competency in both operations and maintenance disciplines while following safety and regulatory guidelines. The role requires a high school diploma or equivalent, basic math, and the ability to read procedures; licensing within a year may be required.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent plus one year of experience in a similar work environment.
• Thirty semester hours may substitute for one year of work experience.
• Must obtain TCEQ license within one year, with related driver and safety requirements.
• Able to operate a variety of mechanical and electrical equipment in industrial settings.

Responsibilities

• Assists with basic process control tasks such as flow, sampling, and basic lab tests.
• Assists with preventive maintenance including lubrication and oil changes.
• Assists with predictive and corrective maintenance on pumps, blowers, and valves.
• Performs routine rounds to monitor treatment processes and equipment conditions.
• Monitors SCADA data and other instruments to make basic process changes.
• Maintains operation and maintenance records in log books and databases.
• May serve as entrant or assistant on Confined Space Entry Team.

Skills

General maintenance

Basic math

Computer skills

Hand tools

Power tools

Vehicle operation

Ability to follow instructions

Reading guidelines

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

SCADA systems

CMMS

Meters and gauges

Job description

About This Position ABOUT AUSTIN WATER: For more than 100 years, Austin Water has provided safe, reliable, high-quality and affordable water services to our customers. Today, we serve more than 1 million people across 544 square miles in the Austin metropolitan area. Austin Water consistently ranks among the best in the country when it comes to water quality. We also treat, return, and recycle wastewater in ways that protect environmental resources. Austin Water exceeds federal and state requirements for clean water and environmental compliance at our water and wastewater treatment plants.

Job Description

Purpose: Under close supervision, this position performs routine tasks to provide operational and general maintenance support at a water or wastewater treatment plant, wastewater collection, water distribution systems facility, stormwater pump station, or remote stormwater facility, and work in teams to assist with more complex tasks. Performs in both operations and maintenance disciplines to develop competency in both disciplines.

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities

• Assists with process control tasks such as basic flow control, sampling, basic laboratory testing, normal operations of pumps and blowers, and adjusting chemical feeds.
• Assists with preventative maintenance tasks such as lubrication; changing equipment oil/fluids; and installing packing, bearings, and seals.
• Assists with predictive and corrective maintenance on specialized equipment such as pumps, blowers, clarifiers, and valves.
• Assists with routine rounds of the facilities to monitor treatment process and identify process anomalies or mechanical problems with plant equipment.
• Monitors data from SCADA systems and computerized control systems, instrument panels, and gauges in order to make basic process changes as directed.
• Maintains plant operations and maintenance records using log books, databases, and spreadsheets.
• Acts as member of Confined Space Entry Team and may serve as entrant or assistant.

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised

None.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of general maintenance processes and procedures.
• Knowledge of basic math including addition, subtraction, multiplication and division of whole numbers, decimalized numbers, fractions, and percents.
• Skill in using computers and related software.
• Skill in using hand tools and power tools.
• Skill in operating a motor vehicle and motorized equipment.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Ability to read and follow technical guidelines and standard operating procedures.
• Ability to take simple readings from meters, gauges, control panels, and testing and monitoring equipment.
• Ability to meet and maintain driver eligibility standards detailed in the City of Austin Driver Safety Program.

Minimum Qualifications

Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent, plus one (1) year of experience in a similar work environment such as stormwater pumpstations, process control, plant operations, construction, or in the operation, repair and maintenance of mechanical or industrial equipment. Thirty (30) semester hours of relevant formal education from an accredited institute may substitute for one (1) year of work experience.

Licenses and Certifications Required

Must obtain appropriate TCEQ License as specified by position within one (1) year of employment: Water Treatment Plant: TCEQ Class D Water Operator License. Must obtain the appropriate TCEQ Class C Water/Wastewater, Water Distribution or Class II Wastewater Collection System License before Class D License expires. May require a Valid Texas Commercial Driver's License with endorsements. Valid current Texas Class C Driver License. Must be able to become certified for Respiratory Protection and Confined‑Space Entry Program within six (6) months of employment and maintain certification.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in environments that may have hazardous atmospheres.
• Ability to work in permit and non‑permit confined spaces where there is limited or restricted means for entry and exit, or where the work activities may be hindered.
• Ability to safely wear anti‑fall (SRL) body harness for confined space entry that supports up to 283 pounds.
• Ability to climb ladders and work at heights of up to 200 feet, and to work in confined spaces up to 100 feet deep.
• Ability to walk, stand, sit, bend, stoop, twist, push, pull, climb, kneel, crawl, and lift/carry up to fifty (50) pounds unassisted.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience maintaining and repairing mechanical industrial equipment including hydraulic systems.
• Previous pumping distribution or water treatment experience in a municipal water system.
• Experience using Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) for work order and asset management, basic computer navigation skills, and the ability to learn new software applications.