Performs maintenance, repairs, and operations of City Wastewater Plant Systems in accordance with state EPA and federal OSHA regulations.

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS

Position functions approximately 25% inside and 75% outside where there is exposure to all weather elements; mechanical, explosive, and electrical hazards; burns associated with methane gas, large pumps, and motors; chemicals, gas burners, acids/basis, and hydrogen sulfide. Exposed to unpleasant odors, chemical fumes, and sewage water mists high in bacteria and odor. Work will include confined space work and use of a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). All protective clothing and devices are required, including SCBA, face shields, eye protectors, hard hat, steel toe shoes, chemical protection aprons, hearing protection, gloves, and any other deemed necessary by the plant or safety officer.

PHYSICAL FACTORS

Moderate to heavy physical work including balancing, bending, crouching, climbing, crawling, kneeling, stooping, reaching above shoulder height; visual and color acuity for fine motor/pump alignment and working in proximity to live electrical wiring; hearing of engine/motor sounds in problem identification; lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling up to 100 pounds.

WORK SITUATION FACTORS

Requires standby status for emergency response; may involve working a 10-hour and 12-hour day shift; must be able to pass annual confined-space physical. Regular attendance is an essential function of this job to ensure continuity of services. Position is subject to drug testing in accordance with applicable State and Federal regulations and City of Las Cruces policies.

 
FIRST CONSIDERATION WILL BE GIVEN TO CURRENT CITY OF LAS CRUCES EMPLOYEES WHO MEET ALL MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Meeting or exceeding the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an invitation to participate in the process.

This initial posting will be used to fill a full-time, contract position in the Utilities Department but may be utilized to fill other full-time, and/or contract vacancies.  

Full-Time; Contract

• Performs composting operations, including mixing beds; turning piles; running the belt press; and providing customers with compost.
• Monitors odor control sites; responds to complaints of odor control; calibrates injection pumps; records tank levels and pump calibration settings; cleans tank filters; inspects site man holes for discharge and chemical buildup.
• Conducts odors levels in collection systems; resets odor control pumps.
• Participates in plant process control; maintains daily logs; monitors equipment operations.
• Repairs and maintains plant equipment; checks and calibrates plant flow meters; performs plant building and facility maintenance.
• Responds to service complaints; troubleshoots problem; informs the customer of necessary actions.

Equivalent to a high school diploma PLUS three years of experience in wastewater system operations and maintenance. A combination of education, experience, and training may be applied in accordance with City of Las Cruces policy.

LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS

Valid driver’s license is required; current NM Level II Wastewater Certification is required; selected candidate must obtain NM Level III Wastewater Certification within one year from date of hire. Position requires an acceptable driving record in accordance with City of Las Cruces policies.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required: General knowledge of: Tools and equipment involved in the servicing, repair and construction of wastewater plants; compost operations; state EPA and federal OSHA regulations; wastewater treatment operations permit requirements and hazards involved in facility operation, chemicals used in plant operations and in treatment of odors in wastewater collections.

Ability to: Perform technical reading and writing; maintain constant alertness and concentration; work in confined spaces, wear and use SCBA equipment, and pass annual confined-space physical; respond appropriately to emergency situations; make sound judgment calls and decisions during malfunctions or other emergencies; maintain accurate records; commute in a City vehicle to various sites throughout the City and move about on uneven surfaces; interact respectfully with City staff and members of the public.

Skills in: Operating a personal computer with various installed generic and specialized software, two-way communication device, and process testing equipment; performing basic mathematical calculations.