Water Pollution Control Authority (WPCA)
plant operator/MECHANIC class 1
POSITION DESCRIPTION
GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES: The Plant Operator/Mechanic Class 1 performs unskilled, semi-skilled and skilled technical and mechanical work in the maintenance and repair of specialized machinery, equipment, vehicles and buildings. Work involves the safe and efficient operation of various types of equipment connected with the collection, treatment and disposal of industrial and residential sewage. Work includes the performance of routine laboratory tests and analysis, as well as the servicing and maintenance of a variety of plant equipment and the regular records of meters and gauges. Work is done under the supervision of department superiors, but a certain amount of independent thought and action is necessary. Work is reviewed through inspections, bacteriological and chemical tests, and by observation of plant effectiveness. The position requires the exercise of initiative and accuracy.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED: The Plant Operator/Mechanic Class 1 performs work under the general direction of the Chief Operator, or higher class operators, as needed, and the direct supervision of the Supervisor/Operator Foreman and general supervision of the First Selectman or designee, within guidelines established by the WPCA.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED: The Plant Operator Class/Mechanic 1 may supervise laborers, as required.
EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: (Illustrative Only, Not Exclusive)
Receives training and cross-training to perform essential duties.
Operates, maintains and repairs treatment facilities and equipment, including valves and gates, pumps, engines and generators, either manually or by remote control to control the flow and processing of wastewater, sludge, and effluent.
Under supervision, interprets meter and gauge readings and test results to determine processing requirements and monitors gauges, meters and control panels to observe variations in operating conditions.
Operates valves and gates either manually or by remote control, starts and stops pumps, engines and generators to control and adjust flow and treatment processes.
Performs specialized and complex chemical, bacteriological, physical tests, and analysis of raw partially treated and treated wastewater; and by-products to determine efficiency of plan processes to insure that plan effluent meets local, state, and federal requirements, under the supervision of the Supervisor/Operator Foreman.
Collects laboratory samples and follows routine procedures.
Evaluates and interprets test results, establishes test priorities, and prepares required reports.
Assembles data, maintains records, and assists in the preparation of periodic reports including monthly reports for DEEP.
Receives direct and indirect instructions regarding chemical requirements and adjustments, changes, or additions to various treatment processes.
Performs routine maintenance and custodial tasks in the care and upkeep of plant buildings and grounds.
Operates power generating equipment.
Extracts samples and performs routine laboratory tests and analysis.
Mechanic Functions:
Participates in preventative maintenance and minor repair work to vehicles and equipment.
Monitors gauges, meters and control panels.
Observes variations in operating conditions and interprets meter and gauge readings and test results.
Maintains assigned machinery, alarms, controls and auxiliary devices in the Water Pollution Control Facilities and wastewater collection system.
Performs preventative and emergency maintenance and repairs on vehicles, mechanical and electro-mechanical machinery and equipment.
Prepares, maintains and organizes records and history for assigned vehicles, machinery and equipment.
Operates all vehicles and equipment assigned to the Maintenance section, uses hand, bench and machine tools in the repair and maintenance of pumps and valves and other WPCA machinery and equipment.
Maintains buildings, structures, grounds and equipment, pump station and collection system.
Performs a variety of duties in the Collection System and Wastewater Treatment Plants including, but not limited to, the following:
· Lubricates equipment and checks for malfunctions;
· Replaces packing in pumps and valves;
· Replaces bearings in motors, pumps, and other equipment;
· Adjusts and cleans bar screens and weir plates;
· Cleans out pipes and performs other plumbing and pipe-fittings tasks, as required;
· Uses gas and arc welding equipment to heat, cut, braze or weld;
· Installs and sets up new equipment;
· Keeps maintenance records;
· Performs routine maintenance functions;
· Operates and maintains power generating equipment;
Tanker Truck Functions:
Performs a wide variety of skilled and unskilled maintenance tasks pertaining to the safe and efficient operation of the tanker truck.
Operates the tanker truck and performs all tanker truck duties including, but not limited to, piping sludge, cleaning of tanks and flushing of lines.
Cleans out pipes and performs other plumbing and pipe-fitting tasks.
Prepares and maintains records on sludge removal.
General Functions:
Responds to emergency or trouble calls, day or night. Performs on-call responsibilities, as assigned.
Participates in all safety and preventative maintenance programs.
Complies with Public Health Codes of the State of Connecticut.
Regular, on-site attendance is a requirement of this position.
Ability to work long hours, evenings and weekends, as required.
Ability to establish and maintain appropriate working relationships with Town Officials, public officials, residents, members of the general public, other departments, subordinates and co-workers.
The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.
OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS:
Performs related duties and responsibilities, as required.
QUALIFICATIONS PROFILE:
Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Knowledge of the functions and mechanics of pumps and other mechanical equipment.
Knowledge of the functions and mechanics of waste water treatment facilities, appurtenances, and related equipment necessary to maintain the same.
Basic knowledge of the processes involved in the collection, treatment, and disposal of industrial and residential sewage.
Knowledge of the practices and tools of the machinist, mechanic and plumbing trades, especially in their application in modern wastewater treatment.
Knowledge of hydraulics, air and vacuum systems.
Knowledge of the functions of valves, meters, pumps, instruments and other wastewater treatment equipment.
Knowledge of wastewater treatment as it affects the health, safety, and well-being of the community.
Basic knowledge of chemistry principles and practices including the use of chemicals and their interactions and danger signs; knowledge of dosage rates on chemical metering pumps.
Basic to Intermediate knowledge of mathematics applicable to the functions, mechanics, processes, practices and operation of wastewater treatment plants and/or sewer systems and facilities, and/or ability to increase knowledge of same.
Skilled in the use of a computer terminal or personal computer for word‑processing, data base or spreadsheet applications. Ability to learn new software programs.
Ability to inspect and troubleshoot operating mechanical and electrical equipment and to detect flaws and defects in operations.
Ability to read meters, gauges, and charts accurately and to keep and maintain required records.
Significant mechanical ability.
Ability to use a wide variety of power tools, metering equipment, air monitoring equipment, personal protective equipment and collection system maintenance equipment.
Ability to learn how to determine sludge withdrawal amounts and withdrawal speed to optimize sludge disposal.
Ability to understand and follow complex, oral and written instructions and to relay same to co-workers. Ability to process information including, but not limited to, compiling, categorizing, calculating or verifying information or data.
Ability to prioritize, organize and perform work independently; to act quickly; to adjust to quickly changing priorities in a sometimes stressful environment.
Ability to prepare and maintain accurate records, narrative and statistical reports; write concisely; express thoughts clearly and to develop ideas in a logical order.
Ability to work accurately with names, numbers, colors, and/or symbols.
Ability to be dependable and safety conscious; must motivated to accept schooling, training and cross-training when provided.
Education, Experience and Training:
Must possess a High School Diploma or GED Certification. Two (2) years prior experience as a laborer, maintainer, or mechanical or chemical trade or equivalent, is preferred.
Experience with the operation and maintenance of mechanical and electrical equipment. Sufficient work experience in the Water Pollution Control Plant to operate the plant under all conditions without constant supervision, in accordance with licensure classification. Must possess a Class I Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators Certification issued by the CT DEEP or must obtain an Operator 1 license within two (2) years of hire or promotion/transfer, if not previously required to obtain an Operator 1 license in accordance with applicable collective bargaining agreement. The time period for obtaining this license does not reset upon promotion/transfer, if previously subject to two (2) year period for licensure.
Additional Requirements:
Possession of a valid State of Connecticut motor vehicle operator’s license is required. Possession of a valid State of Connecticut motor vehicle operator’s license of at least a Class B Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with tanker and air brake endorsements is preferred but not required at the time of hire; however a Class B with tanker and air brake endorsements must be obtained within one (1) year of employment.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Considerable physical strength and stamina, sufficient to perform arduous manual work for extended periods of time, often under adverse climatic conditions, are required.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is constantly required to hear; speak; sit, stand and/or walk. The employee is frequently required to climb stairs and occasionally required to climb ladders or balance, bend, twist, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl, use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools, equipment or controls; and reach with hands and arms.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently works in outside weather conditions as well as various inside environments. Works near moving mechanical parts and in precarious places; is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, extreme cold, extreme heat, risk of electrical shock and vibration. The noise level in the work environment ranges from quiet to extremely loud, where hearing protective equipment is required.
The employee must be able to lift, move and manipulate up to 100 pounds and perform physical activities that require considerable use of arms and legs and moving the whole body such as lifting, stooping and handling manhole frames and covers.. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distant vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Hand-eye coordination is necessary to operate computers and various pieces of equipment.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently handles and moves large objects requiring specialized equipment. Employee must be capable of driving an automobile during the conduct of his/her duties.
The employee must be able to work harmoniously, cooperatively, and courteously with others at all times. An ability to adapt to varying work situations and establish and maintain harmonious working relationships with others is also required. With or without reasonable accommodation, employee must be able to perform all essential functions of the position and be free from mental and physical disorders that, even with reasonable accommodation, interfere with performance of duties as described. Employee must have the ability to maintain his/her composure with the public and coworkers in every day stressful and emergency situations.
This job description does not constitute an employment agreement or contract between the employer and the employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.
