What are the responsibilities and job description for the Water Treatment Plant Maintenance Worker position at ONONDAGA COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY?
OCWA – Central New York’s Water Authority is currently seeking candidates for a Water Treatment Plant Maintenance Worker to join the Lake Ontario Water Treatment Plant.
The work involves responsibility for assisting skilled water system and treatment plant maintenance positions by performing a wide variety of semi-skilled tasks while learning the more skilled aspects of the work. Employees in this class, in learning and perfecting their craft skills, may perform journey level installation, maintenance and repair activities under supervision of, or after receiving detailed instructions from, higher level employees. The nature of the work does not require planning, design, supervision, or layout of work or diagnosis of malfunctions. However, employees in this class may function as lead worker by directing a small number of subordinates in performing unskilled and laboring tasks concerned with mechanical maintenance. The nature of the work may require employees in this class to operate motor vehicles and power-driven equipment, including heavy equipment. Does related work as required. Civil Service Job # 60635
THIS POSTING IS FOR A CURRENT VACANCY AND THE EMPLOYER INTENDS TO FILL THIS POSITION BY 09/27/2026.
OCWA continually strives to provide our customers with clean, reliable water in an efficient and affordable manner. As a result, we have earned top rankings in national performance benchmarks for labor efficiency, debt per customer, and affordability. These competitive rankings illustrate our dedication to providing you with the highest quality water at the lowest possible price. OCWA employees work as a team to ensure that our customers and community consistently get the highest quality of service. OCWA employees are proud of where they work and the communities they serve.
Position is Monday - Friday 7:00 am - 3:30 pm
TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES
Assists more skilled employees in the installation, maintenance and repair of water system infrastructure, water treatment plant, chemical and pumping station process and building systems, including mechanical equipment, process piping, controls and related appurtenance by using a variety of tools and equipment in the performance of small project, repair and planned maintenance tasks.
Performs, under the general supervision of a higher level employee and by reading plans, diagrams, and specification, installation, maintenance, and repair work, such as installation, maintenance and repair of meter pit components, filtration equipment, pumps, valves, motors, compressors, chemical feed equipment, blowers, conveyors, and related machinery used in a water treatment plant, as well as installation, maintenance, and repair of process and system piping.
May act as lead worker in directing a small number of subordinates in performing unskilled and laboring tasks concerned with mechanical maintenance.
Fulfills reporting requirements relating to work performed and materials used.
Learns and perfects craft skills to perform journey level activities associated with water plant and other related water system infrastructure installation, maintenance, and repair.
Clean up of work area and associated facilities.
FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS
Working knowledge of methods, materials, tools and equipment used in installation, maintenance and repair activities of building and water plant related systems, pumping and process equipment.
Ability to track and report task related time and materials through a computerized maintenance management system (CMMS).
Skill in the use of a variety of hand and powered tools and motorized equipment.
Ability to read and understand plans, diagrams, and specifications.
Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
Ability to perform moderate to heavy manual labor.
As Assigned:
Ability to lead activities of subordinates.
Ability to operate a motor vehicle and various equipment such as mowers, tractors, dump trucks and wheel loaders.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Promotional:
Two (2) years of permanent non competitive class status in the title of Maintenance Worker I.
Open Competitive:
- Three (3) years of work experience, or its part-time equivalent, in maintenance and repair which relates to water treatment plant or industrial process and mechanical equipment (such as pumps, valves, air compressors) and/or other water or wastewater system infrastructure and equipment; or,
- Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university with an associate's degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology or related field and one (1) year of work experience, or its part-time equivalent, in maintenance and repair which relates to water treatment plant or industrial process and mechanical equipment (such as pumps, valves, air compressors) and/or other water or wastewater system infrastructure and equipment; or,
- A one (1) year certification from a regionally accredited college or university in a mechanical, electrical or industrial trades curriculum or completion of a trades apprenticeship in a similar field and two (2) years of work experience, or its part-time equivalent as outlined in (B).
SPECIAL NECESSARY REQUIREMENT
When required to operate motor vehicles, employees must possess a valid non-CDL or CDL with appropriate endorsements as required by the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles for the class of vehicle(s) being operated.
The Onondaga County Water Authority is a civil service agency under the jurisdiction of the Onondaga County Department of Personnel. Hiring is in accordance with Onondaga County and New York State civil service regulations.
Many of the positions at OCWA are “competitive,” which means that the applicant must have successfully completed a competitive examination given by the Onondaga County Department of Personnel and appear on an eligibility list derived from the examination. Notices of upcoming exams and eligibility requirements can be found on Onondaga County’s web site or by contacting the Personnel Office directly.
OUR MISSION: To provide safe, reliable and affordable water to residents, businesses and industries in Central New York in a manner protective of water resources and the environment.
OUR VISION: To be an innovative water industry leader for the 21st Century.
OUR SUSTAINABILITY PROMISE THROUGH STEWARDSHIP: Part of the reason that OCWA is able to deliver water so efficiently is that we believe in using our resources responsibly. That is why we continue to build toward a sustainable future through a strong infrastructure and reinvestment program.
- Some water utilities have a goal of reinvesting as little as 2% of their budgeted annual revenues in the renewal and replacement of their infrastructure. By contrast, OCWA in 2025 reinvested 24% back into our assets.
YOUR CONTRIBUTION AS AN EMPLOYEE IS AN IMPORTANT ROLE FOR OUR GREATER OCWA COMMUNITY!
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OCWA provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, age, disability, arrest record, genetic predisposition, marital status, military or veteran status, familial status, domestic violence victim status, gender identity, or any other legally protected status.
Salary : $25