What are the responsibilities and job description for the Wastewater O&M Technician (Upper Marlboro, 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, working at pumping stations, and facilities on assigned shift(s). Shift work, call back duty and possible mandatory overtime may be required. May perform tasks and shift operations under supervision of other Wastewater O&M Technician IIs and IIIs and may train less experienced personnel during shift operations or on major tasks.
Essential Functions
- Collects and analyzes samples of plant processes and receiving waters
- Operates and monitors 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, pumping stations etc
- Evaluates the performance of mechanical equipment and conveyance systems; Interprets conformance of test procedures to “Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater”
- Monitors biological and chemical treatment processes and makes adjustments as directed
- Handles material shipments and inventory and locates spare parts from inventory system
- Overhauls 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
- Climbs into tanks to include 30-foot depths using rigging equipment to lift equipment
- Conducts general plumbing repairs such as compression fitting replacement, pipe joining, and cutting for various pipe materials
- Makes basic repairs for pneumatic and hydraulic control systems on valves and process equipment
- Uses TEAMS/CMMS to create record data from parameters gathered, work orders and other administrative tasks such as accessing backlog, adding material to work orders, and finding parts in WSSC Water warehouses
- Operates WSSC Water motor vehicles and other specialized equipment such as forklift and tractor, as required
- Maintains records, performs calculations, and composes reports
- Inspects motors for heat, noise and vibration and performs motor lubrication and cleaning
- Calibrates UV sensors, isolates UV reactors, and changes UV lamps and quartz sleeves
- Uses the computer for data entry and process control
- Operates and maintains wastewater pumping stations at different locations outside the plant
- Conducts proper operation of wastewater solids handling processes
- Drives a vehicle to conduct WSSC Water business
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
- May be designated to be in charge of facility operations once license is obtained
- Performs other related duties as required
Work Environment And Physical Demands
- Must be able to walk stairs, climb ladders, and work in confined spaces and elevated locations
- 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
- Skilled 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
- Leve I: High School diploma or equivalent; 1 years experience working in a water and wastewater plant, water distribution system, or wastewater collections system operator or electrical/mechanical technician at a plant
- Level II: High School diploma or equivalent; 3 years of experience in operating and maintaining wastewater treatment plants and pumping stations
Performs routine and critical work in the operation and maintenance of wastewater treatment plant equipment, working at pumping stations, and facilities on assigned shift(s). Shift work, call back duty and possible mandatory overtime may be required. May perform tasks and shift operations under supervision of other Wastewater O&M Technician IIs and IIIs and may train less experienced personnel during shift operations or on major tasks.
Salary : $21 - $35