What are the responsibilities and job description for the Water/Wastewater Plant Maintenance position at Brookings Municipal Utilities?
Job Title: Water/Wastewater Plant Maintenance
Department: Water/Wastewater
Reports To: Water/Wastewater Plant Supervisor
FLSA Status: Nonexempt
Wage Scale Designation: Dependent upon Certification Level
General Statement of Duties
Under the supervision of the Water/Wastewater Plant Supervisor, this position is responsible for ensuring continuous, safe, and efficient operation of water and wastewater treatment facilities through skilled mechanical maintenance, equipment repair, and facility upkeep.
Typical Duties and Responsibilities
Inspect, repair, and maintain all plant equipment and machinery including but not limited to; pumps, valves, boilers, controls, UV disinfection, dewatering, fine screens, aeration system, generator, disk filters, etc.
- Receive daily work assignments, guidance, and technical direction from the Water/Wastewater Maintenance Foreman while maintaining a direct reporting relationship to the Water/Wastewater Plant Supervisor.
- Clean processing tanks, walkways, and equipment using hoses, brushes and approved chemical solutions.
- Remove precipitates such as grit and sludge from sumps, catch basins and grit chambers.
- Open and close gates and valves based on gauge readings and equipment indicators.
- Perform buildings and grounds maintenance, including performing snow and ice control and removal.
- Calibrate and adjust equipment such as belts, meters, pumps, valves and motors.
- Maintains safety equipment such as gas leak detectors, gas relief valves and air ventilation system.
- Utilize company designated devices, equipment, and software platforms to record and maintain reports and records, including documenting all repairs and service.
- Adhere to all Brookings Municipal Utilities policies and procedures, including safety policies and recognized industry standards.
- Performs standby duties including plant readings, inspections and emergency call responses.
- Maintain assigned vehicles.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
To perform this position successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
Education and/or Experience
- High School Diploma or G.E.D.
- Knowledge of basic math, electricity, plumbing procedures, and practices.
- Possesses mechanical aptitude and ability to troubleshoot pumps, valves, motors, and related systems. Ability to read and interpret charts, gauges and lab results.
- Ability to interpret technical diagrams, schematics, and equipment manuals.
- Competence with hand tools, power tools, and diagnostic equipment.
- Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
- Strong communication skills and ability to work collaboratively with co-workers.
Language Skills
- Ability to read and comprehend simple to complex instructions, short correspondence, and memos.
- Effective verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers.
Certification, Testing and Examination
- Possession of a valid driver’s license.
- Possession or the ability to obtain a South Dakota Class B CDL with air breaks and tanker endorsement within 180 days of hire.
- Possession or the ability to obtain a Class I, II, or III Wastewater Treatment Plant and or Water Treatment Plant Operator license.
- Other such testing as deemed necessary by Brookings Municipal Utilities / Swiftel.
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 position.
- Frequently required to stand; walk; sit; speak; hear; use hands handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms.
- Frequently required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, bend, crouch, or crawl.
- Required to actively listen and communicate with supervisor, peers, and the public.
- Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distant vision, and peripheral vision.
- Excellent hand/eye coordination is required for this position.
- Employee is occasionally required to lift, carry and push/pull up to 70lbs.
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position.
- While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently exposed to outside weather conditions.
- Normal indoor conditions of heat, humidity and dust.
- Position involves regular contact with other employees and members of the public.
- Position involves frequent exposure to contaminants (such as pollutants, gases, dust or odors).
- The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate with occasional exposure to loud noise levels.
Typical Performance Requirements
The performance standards described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee performing the essential functions of this position. These are largely based on industry standards for the position.
- Employee is expected to meet performance standards communicated by the supervisor.
- Employee is required to adhere to the guidelines presented in the Personnel Policy Manual and Safety Manual.
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign the duties and responsibilities of this job at any time.
4/3/2026
Date Approved