Technician, Maintenance & Relief Operator

Primary Role

The Technician, Maintenance & Relief Operator supports plant operations by performing basic equipment maintenance, assisting with routine inspections, and learning essential treatment processes. This role develops foundational skills in plant operation, safety practices, and mechanical troubleshooting while working under close guidance. At times, required to operate the treatment plant in a way that meets all state and federal regulatory requirements.

Key Accountabilities

• Troubleshoot, install, operate, maintain, inspect, repair, and perform preventive maintenance duties on the equipment at the treatment plants including, but not limited to, pumps, blowers, motors, chemical feed equipment, screens, mixers, filters, flow meters, gauges, valves, wash water processing equipment and related instrumentation and control equipment.
• Calibrates and adjusts chemical feed and process equipment including instrumentation and control systems.
• Monitor the treatment plant and adjust as necessary to control their operations.
• Perform sampling, testing, and laboratory analysis to monitor process and determine compliance with Federal, State, and American Water’s standards.
• Perform necessary emergency operating procedures and take proper corrective action for continuous effective operation of the treatment plants.
• Maintain all necessary records, tools, and work equipment.
• Perform maintenance and custodial duties.
• Perform light construction projects as needed including carpentry, plumbing, painting, electrical, masonry, etc.
• Specifies and initiates orders for parts and supplies.
• Assume duties of Plant Operator in the Operator's absence.
• Perform delivery, loading, unloading, and placing of water/wastewater treatment chemicals into storage, including chemical receiving and inventory.
• Maintain grounds, buildings, roadways, screens, reservoirs, and rights-of-way.
• Responsible for daily well run and all associated processes on weekends or whenever assigned.
• Responsible for maintaining and troubleshooting sewage collection system and/or water distribution system.
• All other duties as assigned.

Knowledge/Skills

• Ability to learn and understand the operation of pumps, valves, motors, and other mechanical equipment related to plant operation and maintenance.
• Basic awareness of water/wastewater treatment principles and process objectives.
• Knowledge of required safety procedures (PPE, lockout/tagout, confined space entry, electrical safety).
• Knowledge of emergency response protocols for plant systems, equipment failures, or chemical incidents.
• Must understand the working principle behind a computerized maintenance management program.
• Awareness of applicable state and federal water/wastewater regulations and the importance of compliance.
• Effective quantitative and analytical skills; attention to detail. Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to clearly communicate operational changes, equipment issues, and safety concerns.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with operations, maintenance, and external contractors.
• Ability to read and interpret technical manuals, schematics, engineering drawings, and equipment specifications.
• Basic understanding of piping systems, hydraulics, pneumatics, and electrical safety.
• Ability to recognize abnormal equipment conditions and report or troubleshoot mechanical issues under supervision.
• Technical Proficiency: Good working knowledge of computer programs, databases, and software.
• Ability to perform sampling and basic laboratory tests under direction.
• Skill in safe handling, storage, and transfer of hazardous chemicals.
• Ability to respond to alarms and emergency conditions by following established procedures and supervisor direction.

Experience/Education

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Technical school coursework in industrial maintenance, mechanical systems, electrical systems, or a related field preferred
• 0-2 years’ experience in mechanical, industrial, environmental, or utility work.
• Experience in servicing, maintaining, and repairing a wide variety of machinery and equipment preferred.
• Prior water or wastewater treatment experience is desirable.

Certifications/Licenses

• Valid driver's license
• Water Treatment WT5 License – must be able to obtain license within 2 years

Work Schedule/ Environment

• Monday - Friday 7:30am - 4pm
• While on relief operator, would work 1st, 2nd or 3rd shift; depends on the need; must be able to be flexible
• Work performed in both indoor and outdoor environments, including exposure to chemicals, odors, noise, and varying weather conditions.
• Potential exposure to dust, pollen, chemicals, and sewage.
• The ability to wear appropriate personal protective equipment is required.
• May be required to work in buildings, in pits, manholes, on scaffoldings or in confined spaces.
• May be exposed to possible operations hazards including fumes and caustic chemicals, heavy machinery, high pressure, slippery surfaces, water/wastewater hazards and electrical equipment.
• Must be able to perform essential functions and meet the physical requirements of the position including ability to stand, climb stairs, and/ or walk and/or sit for long periods of time.
• Ability to safely lift, carry, push, pull, and move tools, equipment, and materials up to 80 lbs. as required.
• Involves crouching, stooping, and kneeling for extended or repeated periods.
• Must be able to safely drive a company vehicle for extended or intermittent periods in varying conditions.
• Frequently enters and exits vehicles.
• Overtime, rotating shifts, weekends, holidays, and/or on-call assignments required depending on operational needs.