Water/Wastewater Operations & Maintenance Technician

Central States Water Resources; Baton Rouge (LA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Central States Water Resources is seeking an O&M Technician to inspect, maintain, troubleshoot, repair, and install mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic equipment at water and wastewater facilities and pump stations.

The role requires strong mechanical aptitude, meticulous attention to safety procedures, and the ability to travel frequently (often >75%) to perform service and installation tasks. Experience with CMMS is preferred.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Vocational training in mechanical fields preferred.
• 10+ years of related experience in a similar environment preferred/required based on position level.
• Ability to read, understand, and follow operational, process, safety, and quality instructions.
• Valid driver’s license and safe driving record required.

Responsibilities

• Inspect, troubleshoot, repair, maintain, and install plant and pump station equipment.
• Diagnose mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic problems and determine corrective action.
• Work with pumps, engines, generators, valves, gates, mixers, conveyors, blowers, and other equipment.
• Perform preventive and corrective maintenance, lubrication, adjustments, and testing.
• Inspect meters, gauges, controls, instrument panels, and CMMS systems.
• Maintain records and travel frequently to perform repairs and installations.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Problem solving

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Reading blueprints

Education

High school diploma or GED

Vocational training

Tools

CMMS

Job description

Position Summary

The O&M Technician is responsible for inspecting, maintaining, troubleshooting, repairing, and installing mechanical, electrical, electromechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic equipment at water and wastewater treatment plants and pump stations.

Position Summary

The O&M Technician is responsible for inspecting, maintaining, troubleshooting, repairing, and installing mechanical, electrical, electromechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic equipment at water and wastewater treatment plants and pump stations.

This position requires strong mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and the ability to work independently while following established safety, operational, and environmental procedures. The O&M Technician may also serve as a lead and assist with training less experienced maintenance personnel.

Major Job Duties

• Inspect, troubleshoot, repair, maintain, and install plant and pump station equipment.
• Diagnose mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic equipment problems and determine appropriate corrective action.
• Work with equipment including pumps, engines, generators, valves, gates, mixers, conveyors, blowers, dryers, chemical feed and odor control equipment, centrifuges, gearboxes, and other treatment equipment.
• Perform preventive and corrective maintenance, lubrication, adjustments, and equipment testing.
• Inspect flow meters, gauges, pressures, controls, instrument panels, computer terminals, and programmable logic control systems.
• Perform instrument calibration for portable meters, including dissolved oxygen, pH, H2S, percent oxygen, and lower explosive limit meters.
• Dismantle, repair, reassemble, and test equipment to ensure safe and efficient operation.
• Use hand tools, power tools, precision measuring equipment, and testing devices.
• Fabricate equipment and assemblies as needed; welding, pipe threading, and soldering may be required.
• Identify equipment malfunctions and report significant issues or variances to the appropriate supervisor.
• Perform general facility and grounds maintenance, cleaning, and waste disposal in accordance with safety and environmental requirements.
• Maintain accurate records and operate a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS).
• Travel frequently to perform equipment repairs, replacements, maintenance, and fabrication.
• Assist with maintenance inventory, parts, and spares as needed.
• Assist with orienting and training new or less experienced maintenance personnel.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Personal Attributes

• Strong mechanical and technical aptitude
• Problem-solving and troubleshooting skills
• Attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Organized and dependable
• Ability to follow established procedures and safety requirements
• Ability to work effectively under pressure
• Willingness to take on additional responsibilities
• Strong safety awareness

Education, Experience & Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Vocational training and strong mechanical aptitude required.
• 10+ years of related experience in a similar environment preferred/required based on position level.
• Ability to read, understand, and follow operational, process, safety, and quality instructions.
• Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations.
• Ability to read and interpret specifications, blueprints, manuals, meters, gauges, panels, and other technical information.
• Experience maintaining, installing, and repairing mechanical, electromechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic equipment.
• Ability to use required PPE, including respirators, gas detectors, and confined-space equipment.
• Experience with CMMS or computerized maintenance management systems.
• Valid driver's license and safe driving record required.
• Commercial driver's license and heavy equipment operator license are desirable.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Work is performed primarily in an operations environment, including water and wastewater treatment facilities and pump stations.
• Frequent travel is required, with travel for the position expected to exceed 75%.
• May work outdoors and in inclement weather.
• Exposure to fumes, dust, chemicals, noise, rotating machinery, high-pressure equipment, extreme temperatures, slippery surfaces, water, and electrical hazards may occur.
• Ability to walk, stand, climb ladders and catwalks, and work at elevated heights.
• Ability to work in confined spaces when required.
• Ability to frequently use hand tools and work with hands extended above and below the head and body.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds regularly and occasionally up to 60 pounds.

Training

Employees receive orientation, departmental operating procedures, safety, OSHA, and quality training. Additional training and development may be provided to support advancement into more complex functions.