What are the responsibilities and job description for the Wastewater O&M Technician (Laurel, MD) position at WSSC Water?
The Wastewater Operations & Maintenance (O&M) Technician performs routine and critical work in the operation and maintenance of wastewater treatment plant equipment and facilities for assigned shift(s).
Essential Functions
- Assists with or performs collecting and analyzing samples of plant processes and receiving waters
- Assists with or performs operating and monitoring equipment and processes with potential exposure to chemical, biological, electrical, thermal, noise and radioactive hazards.
- Operates and maintains equipment in facilities for cleaning, lubrication, for items such as centrifuges, incinerators, belt presses, gravity belt thickeners, augers, mixers, etc.
- Assists with or performs evaluating the performance of mechanical equipment and conveyance systems; interprets conformance of test procedures to “Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater"
- Assists with or performs monitoring biological and chemical treatment processes and makes adjustments as directed.
- Handles material shipments and inventory; locates spare parts listed in the inventory system.
- Assists with or performs overhauling specialty valves or swaps out valves in the plant
Utilizes drawings, blueprints, plans, and references materials to locate pumping stations, valves, process equipment, electrical substations, chemical storage, feed facilities and underground piping. - With or performs collecting and analyzing samples of plant processes and receiving waters.
- Climbs into tanks to include 30-foot depths using rigging equipment to lift equipment.
- Assists with or performs general plumbing repairs such as compression fitting replacement, pipe joining, and cutting for various pipe materials.
- Performs basic repairs on valves and process equipment for pneumatic and hydraulic control systems.
- Uses TEAMS/CMMS to create record data from parameters gathered, work orders and various administrative tasks such as accessing backlog, adding material to work orders, and finding parts in WSSC Water warehouses.
- Operates WSSC Water motor vehicles and specialized equipment such as forklift and tractor, as required.
- Maintains records, performs calculations, and composes reports.
- Assists with or performs inspecting motors for heat, noise and vibration and performs motor lubrication and cleaning.
- Conducts proper operation of wastewater solids handling processes.
Other Functions
- May shovel and plow snow
- Operates and maintains remote facilities
- Enters and performs O&M tasks in confined spaces
- Performs major housekeeping
- Responsible for keeping supervisors informed relative to facility status
- Performs other related duties as required
Work Environment And Physical Demands
- Must be able to walk stairs, climb ladders, work in confined spaces and elevated location.
- Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs. and effectively utilize appropriate safety equipment and procedures.
- Must be able to visually inspect equipment and processes at any time of the day or night (contact lenses not permitted on the job).
Required Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities
- Skill in performing routine mathematical calculations and chemical analyses
- Ability to differentiate between normal and abnormal conditions of equipment and processes
- Ability to follow verbal and written instructions
- Knowledge of basic mathematics skills which include arithmetic functions, area calculations and estimation
- Knowledge of state regulations and basic wastewater regulations related to SSOs, overflows and discharge permits
- Skill in hand tools and power tools use
- Ability to maintain clear written records of activities and effectively communicate information verbally
- Ability to climb ladders, work in confined spaces, and work in elevated locations
- Ability to lift a minimum of 50 pounds, and effectively utilize appropriate safety equipment and procedures
- Ability to demonstrate normal color perception, hear audible alarms and detect abnormal equipment sounds
- Ability to visually inspect equipment and processes at any time of the day or night (contact lenses not permitted on the job)
- Ability and willingness to learn processes and associated sciences (math, chemistry, biology)
- Ability to work independently and as a part of a team
- Basic computer skills using Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and entering plant process data into computer software
Minimum Education, Experience Requirements
Entry Level:
- High School diploma or equivalent
Level I:
- High School Diploma or equivalent; and
- 1 years of water and wastewater plant, water distribution system or wastewater collections system operator or electrical/mechanical experience at a plant
Level II:
- High School Diploma or equivalent; and
- 3 years experience operating and maintaining wastewater treatment plants and pumping stations
Salary : $22 - $37