Wastewater Plant Maint Tech I

City of Columbia, SC; Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Columbia, SC is seeking a skilled maintenance technician to inspect, repair and maintain the wastewater treatment plant and lift stations, performing preventive maintenance on mechanical, electrical and related equipment.

The role requires physical stamina, willingness to on-call 24 hours for emergency response, and adherence to safety and city procedures; on-site work with varying conditions, and documentation of work records.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Minimum one year of relevant prior experience.
• Valid SC Class D Driver’s License; Class B CDL with tanker endorsement is required or obtainable within 9 months.
• Must obtain D-level operator certifications (Biological WWTP and Collection System) within 36 months or 18 months from promotion.
• Must enroll and complete Plant Maintenance Technician Apprenticeship within 18 months.

Responsibilities

• Inspects, maintains and repairs wastewater plant and lift station equipment.
• Performs preventive maintenance on mechanical, electrical, hydraulic and pneumatic equipment; keeps records.
• Inspects, troubleshoots and repairs equipment.
• Assists with construction and installation projects.
• Performs general building and grounds maintenance.
• Prepares and maintains accurate work records.
• Responds to customer inquiries and public concerns.
• On-call 24 hours for emergency response; may work additional hours, weekends and holidays.

Skills

Algebra & problem-solving

Microsoft Office

Data entry / record keeping

Mechanical and equipment operation

Reading technical instructions

Team guidance

Education

High school diploma or GED

South Carolina Class D Driver’s License

South Carolina Class B CDL (with tanker endorsement) or ability to obtain within 9 months

D Level Biological Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator certification

D Level Wastewater Collection System Operator certification

Plant Maintenance Technician Apprenticeship Program enrollment/completion within 18 months

Job description

Description

This position performs skilled work in the inspection, maintenance and repair of the City’s wastewater treatment plant and/or sanitary sewer lift stations, and related equipment and facilities; and performs other skilled and semi-skilled work as required. This class works according to set procedures under close supervision.

The work is considered heavy in nature and involves walking, standing, climbing, balancing, stooping, crouching, crawling, reaching, and constantly lifting, pushing or raising objects, exerting between 35 to 50 pounds of force on a recurring basis and 100 pounds of force on a frequent basis. The work requires the following physical abilities to perform the essential job functions: balancing, climbing, crawling, crouching, fingering, handling, hearing, kneeling, lifting, mental acuity, pulling, pushing, reaching, repetitive motion, speaking, standing, stooping, talking, visual acuity, and walking.

Work environment may involve exposure to bright/dim light, dusts and pollen, extreme heat and/or cold, wet or humid conditions, extreme noise levels, vibration, fumes and/or noxious odors, traffic, moving machinery, electrical shock, heights, disease/pathogens, toxic/caustic chemicals, confined spaces; and is dynamic that requires sensitivity to change and responsiveness to changing goals, priorities, and needs.

Essential Job Functions

• Inspects, maintains and repairs equipment and systems associated with the City’s wastewater treatment plant and lift stations;
• Performs preventive maintenance on mechanical, electrical, electronic, hydraulic and pneumatic plant equipment as scheduled; maintains related records;
• Inspects, troubleshoots and repairs equipment;
• Assists with construction and installation projects as assigned;
• Performs general building and grounds maintenance and repair work as required;
• Prepares and maintains accurate work records;
• Performs all duties in accordance with applicable policies, procedures, regulations, and standards of quality and safety;
• Receives and responds to inquiries, concerns, complaints and requests for assistance from customers and the general public regarding areas of responsibility;
• Attends meetings, training, etc., as appropriate to enhance job knowledge and skills;
• Works on call 24 hours per day for emergency response. Must also be able to be on call on a rotating basis, as needed, and must be able to work additional hours, weekends, holidays, etc., as needed in order to accomplish assigned work; and
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO PERFORM WORK:

• High school diploma or GED;
• One (1) year of relevant prior experience;
• Valid South Carolina Class “D” Driver’s License;
• Must possess a South Carolina Class “B” Commercial Driver’s License (with tanker endorsement), or be able to obtain within nine (9) months from date of hire or promotion;
• Must possess a “D” Level Biological Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator certification AND “D” Level Wastewater Collection System Operator certification, or be able to obtain required certifications within 36 months from date of hire, OR 18 months from date of promotion;

• Will be required to complete the necessary requirements in the Plant Maintenance Technician Apprenticeship Program within 18 months from date of promotion.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of basic algebra involving variables and formulas and/or basic geometry involving plane and solid figures, circumferences, areas and volumes;
• Knowledge of personal computer equipment with skill in the use of Microsoft Office preferred, utilizing Outlook and word processing software programs; skill in doing entry, spreadsheet and database software programs preferred;
• Ability to copy, transcribe, enter or post data or information;
• Ability to speak or signal to people to convey or exchange information of a general nature;
• Ability to lead, operate or repair complex machinery or equipment that requires extended training and experience, such as public utility equipment and systems, heavy equipment and vehicles; may involve installation and testing. Involves operations of limited scope;
• Ability to perform skilled work involving rules/systems with almost constant problem-solving;
• Ability to read technical instructions, procedures, manuals and charts to solve practical problems; composing routine reports and specialized reports, forms and business letters with proper format; speaking compound sentences using normal grammar and word form;
• Ability to perform clerical, manual or technical tasks prescribed by standard practices but which may require computation, the use of several procedures, and the use of independent judgments with obvious choices; requires normal attention for accurate results; and
• Ability to guide others, requiring a few decisions affecting a few co-workers; works in a stable environment with clear and uncomplicated written/oral instructions but with some variations from the routine.