Master Mechanic (Pay Grade 23) AFSCME Local 1607

New-Castle-County-Government; Delaware; On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

New Castle County Government in Delaware seeks an experienced mechanical maintenance worker for wastewater pumping stations and treatment facilities. The role requires skilled maintenance, machine shop practices, and supervision/training of trades helpers.

Responsibilities include on-call responsiveness, equipment repairs, and ensuring safe operation, with emphasis on accuracy in work orders and asset management.

Qualifications

• Five years’ experience in mechanical maintenance in an industrial setting.
• High school diploma or GED; additional mechanical training preferred.
• Ability to read blueprints and understand mechanical drawings.

Responsibilities

• Repairs pumps, valves, and related controls.
• Uses hand and machine tools in maintenance tasks.
• Performs routine inspection and lubrication of equipment.
• Responds to on-call mechanical issues and alarms.
• Maintains work order and asset management records.

Skills

Mechanical maintenance

Machine shop work

Pumps & valves knowledge

Blueprint interpretation

Education

High school diploma

Job description

In accordance with the Merit System Rules and Regulations, an eligible list, which will be valid for a one-year period, and which will be used to fill vacancies during that period, is being established for this classification. Applicants on the eligible list will be certified in accordance with the Merit System and appropriate union contracts.

Candidates may submit online employment applications using the NEOGOV online application system available at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/nccde.

EXAMINATION PROCESS

The examination process for this posting may include an evaluation of training and experience, a written examination, a computerized exam, an oral board interview examination, a performance examination or any combination of the above in order to qualify applicants for placement on the eligible list. The eligible list will be used to fill vacancies that occur within the next year. The appropriate number of names on the eligible list as prescribed by Merit System Section 26.03.505 will be certified to the hiring department for consideration to fill the vacant position(s).

New employees are generally hired at the starting salary and may be eligible for merit increases each year upon receipt of a satisfactory performance evaluation, up to the maximum salary.

New Castle County is an Equal Opportunity Employer

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

An employee in this classification installs, maintains, inspects, and adjusts all mechanical equipment used in wastewater pumping stations, treatment facilities, and associated buildings. They also service other mechanical systems necessary for the operation and upkeep of wastewater infrastructure. This highly skilled work requires broad expertise, efficiency, and proficiency in mechanical practices, including excellent knowledge of machine shop operations and the effective use of specialized hand and machine tools essential for equipment maintenance. The employee maintains on-call availability, as assigned, to monitor telemetry alarms and respond to urgent mechanical issues, pump station alerts, and other critical operational needs requiring timely intervention during hours outside the normal shift, weekends, and holidays. In the field, they investigate problems and, when possible, take immediate corrective action. When on-the-spot correction is not feasible, they provide recommendations for repairing issues or improving the mechanical performance of plant equipment and buildings. The employee supervises, provides training, and instruction to personnel, including trades helpers, apprentices, and mechanics. The employee also supports the Facilities Maintenance Supervisor with coordination, quality control, and overall oversight of the work order and asset management system used by the Department of Public Works Plant Operations section. Work is performed under general supervision, with the employee expected to exercise significant independent judgment in carrying out assignments.

EXAMPLES OF WORK

• Repairs pumps, valves, electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic controls and equipment;
• Repairs engines, motors, compressors, meters, gear boxes, and other similar machinery;
• Uses hand, bench, and machine tools, such as micrometers, drills, taps, feeler gauges, drill press, lathe, milling machine, dial indicators, caliper, precision level, and other tools used in mechanical trades work;
• Performs highly skilled work in the machine shop to include models and templates;
• Checks on safe and efficient operation to include maintenance and lubrication schedules of all mechanical equipment;
• Maintains on-call availability, as assigned, to monitor telemetry alarms and respond to urgent mechanical issues, pump station alerts, and other critical operational needs requiring timely intervention during hours outside the normal shift, weekends, and holidays;
• Makes independent decisions on minor improvements;
• Ensures the functionality and accuracy of the Plant Operations work order/asset management system for pump station inspections, as well as corrective and preventative maintenance;
• Provides analysis and recommendation on data derived from the work order/asset management system;
• Keeps clean and orderly place of work and completes required reports;
• Promotes an ongoing attitude of dedication to excellent public service and ensures that external and internal customers are provided with the highest quality of service;
• Operates a data processing terminal, personal computer and other related equipment in the course of the work.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Extensive knowledge of practices, methods, tools, and materials used in the mechanical trades;
• Extensive knowledge of machine work; extensive knowledge of measuring systems used in mechanical trades, including fractions and their decimal equivalents, tap and drill sizes, tolerances in bearing service;
• Good knowledge of principles of the operation of pumps, compressors and valves;
• Ability to read and understand mechanical drawings and blueprints;
• Good knowledge of materials and their properties as needed in heat treating, welding, cutting, soldering, machining and forming as necessary;
• Thorough knowledge of occupational hazards connected with general maintenance operations in order to observe, initiate, and enforce appropriate safety measures;
• Ability to understand and carry out difficult oral and written instructions;
• Ability to communicate courteously and effectively, both verbally and in writing;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relations with co-workers;
• Ability to pass a Class III County physical examination and background check.

ACCEPTABLE EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING

• At least five years’ experience in mechanical maintenance work involving mechanical, electrical, plumbing, machine shop, and installing new equipment, preferably in an industrial plant;
• Completion of a standard high school course or GED certificate program, supplemented by courses in the mechanical trades; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Possession of a valid Delaware Class D driver's license or its equivalent.