Lead O&M Technician III

Job Description

Position Purpose:

Provides day-to-day monitoring and basic plant and pump/booster station operations, lab tests and corrective, predictive and preventative maintenance activities. Is fully qualified to perform the most complex functions and may lead the work of others.

Primary Duties/Responsibilities:

• Operates equipment manually and through instrumentation panels, computer terminals and programmable logic control units following process control procedures. Monitors and observes operating conditions, records observations and data in shift log. Diagnoses basic operational problems and takes corrective action per procedure.
• Inspects and performs mechanical, electrical, hydraulic or pneumatic troubleshooting to determine repairs needed. Estimates time and material costs for assigned projects. Dismantles equipment to gain access to and repairs defective parts using hand tools, power tools and precision measuring and testing devices. May fabricate devices and assemblies from steel. May weld, thread pipe and solder using gas and electric equipment. Re-assembles and tests equipment ensuring safe and efficient operating condition is restored.
• Inspect flow meters, gauges, flow ratios, pressures and related controls on instrument panels, computer terminals and programmable logic control units and diagnoses basic operational problems. Takes corrective action per procedure in assigned area. Verifies and reports suspected malfunctions and variances to supervisor.
• Collects water, wastewater, industrial waste, groundwater, sludge, residuals and/or gas samples according to schedule. Performs field tests (chemical, physical and biological) in order to pace chemical dosages for process and odor control units. Prepares chemical solutions, monitors supplies and recommends reorder.
• Performs lab tests, regardless of complexity, and prepares reports per procedure. Analyzes parameters including pH, alkalinity, volatile acids, dissolved oxygen, organic material, residues, biochemical oxygen demand, coliform bacteria, nutrients, chlorine residuals and other tests as required.
• Perform preventative, predictive and corrective maintenance on lab and field equipment and instrumentation, including pH meters, specific ion meters, analytical balances, furnaces, incubators, ovens, titrators, autoclaves, calculators and automatic samplers.
• Changes and cleans probes, magnetic strips, floats and sensors on instrumentation.
• Performs instrument calibration, including resetting of set points as assigned. Promptly reports any operational problems with machines or equipment needing warranty or outside work to supervisor.
• Performs facility maintenance and repair and may replace or install light bulbs, fluorescent tubes, damaged glass, windows, doors, partitions, ceiling or floor tiles, door locks, carpet, and/or paint. Performs manual labor including cleaning equipment, facilities and grounds as required and properly disposes of waste according to safety and environmental policies. Operates vehicles, mobile equipment and material handling equipment for operational and maintenance purposes.
• May assist with maintaining parts, spares and maintenance inventory.
• May assist in other areas of plant as directed.
• May assist with orienting or training new or less experienced Maintenance personnel.

Qualifications

Education/Experience/Background:

• High school or GED with the ability to read, write and comprehend English (operational, process, safety and quality instructions) and be able to carry out verbal and written instructions.
• Some vocational training and mechanical aptitude required, with the ability to read, interpret and record data from meters, gauges, scales, panels, computer consoles and other equipment.
• At least five years of experience in a related position in a similar environment with ability to comprehend complex specifications, blueprints and manuals.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations.
• Must demonstrate proficiency in the care and use of all site specific, facility required PPE (Personal Protection Equipment), including respirators, gas detectors, confined space equipment, etc.)
• Must consistently demonstrate the ability to perform all assigned tasks in an organized, accurate and timely manner.
• Must demonstrate ability to efficiently maintain, install and repair any equipment or instrumentation used in the facility.
• Must have the ability to diagnose and respond to problems regardless of complexity, troubleshoot mechanical, electro-mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic and electronic equipment and instrumentation and take corrective action within policy and procedure limitations.
• Must demonstrate proficiency with precision measuring devices and testing equipment and have the ability to perform all assigned lab tests regardless of complexity.
• Demonstrates effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Must demonstrate proficiency with computer programs for process control, Computer Maintenance Management System and laboratory / industrial pretreatment QA/QC.
• Must demonstrate ability to work in a team environment and willingness to assume additional or new responsibilities readily.
• Must be able to serve rotational 24-hour emergency on-call if required by site.

Required Certification/Licenses/Training:

• Minimum water/wastewater III license as required by regulatory agency at site.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license (commercial license and heavy equipment operator license is desirable) and a safe driving record.
• Employee Orientation, Departmental Operating Procedures, Safety, OSHA and Quality Training.
• HAZWOPER (Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response) Level I and II First Responder Certification if required at site.
• Note: Tech will not perform duties unless properly licensed. Lead or team building, coaching, mentoring training. Forklift Certification if required by site. May perform more advanced functions as part of training and development.