P-140-26, Water Plant Mechanic – Providence Water Supply Board

City of Providence; Providence (RI); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Providence seeks a Water Plant Mechanic for the Providence Water Supply Board to operate and maintain a water treatment plant, major distribution lines, and pumping stations. Responsibilities include routine maintenance, equipment repairs, and record-keeping.

The role requires the ability to work in confined spaces, pass respirator fit tests, and comply with safety procedures while supporting water system operations.

Qualifications

• High school graduate or equivalent.
• Must possess and maintain a valid State Driver’s License.
• Ability to operate a forklift and other water treatment equipment.
• Ability to work with water treatment chemicals and operate related equipment.
• Ability to access confined spaces and climb heights.
• Experience with hand tools and water treatment-related equipment.

Responsibilities

• Performs general maintenance including painting, lubrication, mechanical repairs and janitorial duties at a water treatment plant.
• Cleans boilers, chemical feeder machines, filters and pipelines.
• Maintains and operates pumps, generators, and related equipment.
• Diagnoses and repairs mechanical equipment used in the water system.
• Maintains large pumps, valves, and related infrastructure.
• Operates gas or electric powered equipment and completes work orders and records.
• Must be able to pass fit testing for respirators and perform essential job functions.

Skills

Forklift operation

General mechanical skills

Reading instructions

Confined spaces awareness

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Water treatment equipment

Pumps and valves

Hand tools

Job description

P-140-26, Water Plant Mechanic – Providence Water Supply Board

Job Type: Union

Job No.: P-140-26

Department: Water Supply Board

Posting Dates: 10/22/2026 – 11/05/2026

The City of Providence welcomes and encourages diversity in our workforce at all levels of the organization. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit hiring discrimination of any type. All City hiring decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Job Summary

Under supervision of up-line management, performs manual and mechanical work in the operation and maintenance of a water treatment plant and related facilities, major distribution lines, and pumping stations; and related work as required.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Performs general maintenance including, but not limited to, painting lubrication, mechanical repairs, cleaning of basins and settling lagoons, and janitorial work at a water treatment plant and related facilities, pumping stations and other structures, chemical-transfer equipment, and major aqueduct facilities.
• Cleans boilers, chemical feeder machines, filters, pipeline structures, and other related equipment associated with water treatment transmission.
• Maintains and operates chemical transfer equipment, pumps, saws, drills, vehicles, trucks, pipe-fitting equipment, and all other vehicles, equipment, and tools associated with the water treatment plant maintenance program and associated facilities.
• Diagnoses, troubleshoots, and repairs or replaces mechanical equipment utilized in the water system.
• Maintains large pumps, generators, turbines, valve-gate structures, boilers, gates, fencing, and physical appurtenance to facilities.
• Operates gas or electric powered equipment.
• Prepares and completes all relevant work orders. Responsible for related electronic and paper record keeping.
• Must be able to enter confined spaces, manholes (as small as 24 inches in diameter), deep vaults and tunnels and climb heights in excess of 20 feet.
• Adheres to all Providence Water safety procedures.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school graduate or equivalent.
• Must possess and maintain a valid State Driver’s License and is responsible to maintain all vehicles maintenance logs.
• Ability to operate a forklift, and other water treatment vehicles, equipment, and tools.
• Ability to work with water treatment chemicals and operate equipment used to incorporate chemicals in a water treatment system.
• Ability to work within facilities and areas specific to a water treatment facility including holding silos, large chemical machines, chambers, pits, aqueducts, pipe galleries, hydroelectric station compartments, and other areas common to a water treatment system.
• Skill and ability to make minor plumbing repairs, not at a journeyman level, and repairs to water treatment equipment.
• Experience in the operation of hand tools, gasoline operated equipment, electronically operated tools, forklift, and other water treatment related equipment.
• Ability to understand and carry out written and oral instructions.
• Ability to prepare and complete daily reports.
• General knowledge of pump and pump maintenance, pump station operation, chemical feed pumps, valve operations and maintenance, operation and maintenance of pump stations, fundamentals of blueprint reading, and fundamentals of water system hydraulics.
• Must be able to pass all requirements and conditions to be fit tested to wear the appropriate job required respirator.
• Must be able to perform all essential functions of the job.

Training Requirements

Upon Appointment:

• Customer Service Training.
• Sexual Harassment, Sensitivity, and Diversity Training.
• Successful completion of OSHA 10 Hour training within one (1) year of appointment.
• Successful completion of Hazmat certification training within one (1) year of appointment.
• Successful completion of First Aid/CPR training within one (1) year of appointment.
• Successful completion of Confined Space training within one (1) year of appointment.
• Successful completion of forklift training program within one (1) year of appointment.

Sustainment:

• Participation in customer service training every 24 months.
• Must maintain a valid State Driver’s License.
• Must maintain Hazmat certification.
• Must maintain First Aid/CPR certification.
• Must be able to pass all requirements and conditions to be fit tested to wear the appropriate job required respirator.
• Must complete periodic Confined Space training.
• Must maintain forklift certification.

The term “limited” means that the successful candidate will perform the job for an undetermined length of time. The position may or may not become permanent.