Wastewater Maintenance Technician

Class Characteristics

Under direction, to inspect, install, maintain and repair the machinery and equipment in wastewater treatment plants and pump stations; to participate as a member of a work team in the maintenance and repair of wastewater facilities; and to do other work as required.

Distinguishing Characteristics

Clackamas Water Environment Services (WES) produces clean water, protects water quality, and recovers renewable resources via the provision of wastewater services, stormwater management, and environmental education. Through the management of various resource recovery facilities, pumping stations, and compliance initiatives throughout the district, WES protects public health and supports the vitality of the communities serviced, the natural environment, and economy.

The Wastewater Maintenance Technician is the journey-level classification in the Wastewater Maintenance series and is responsible for independently performing the inspection, installation, maintenance and repair of various machinery, equipment and systems within wastewater treatment plants or for the wastewater collection system pump stations. Incumbents also participate in work planning, training, and problem solving as part of a self-directed work team.

The Wastewater Maintenance Technician differs from the Mechanic (DTD) which performs automotive and truck maintenance and repair. It is further distinguished from the Wastewater Maintenance Coordinator, which is the advanced classification of the series responsible for the coordination and monitoring of maintenance and repair activities within wastewater treatment plants and/or pumpstations and acts as a formal lead worker within an assigned work unit.

Tyical Tasks

Duties may include but are not limited to the following:

1. Installs, inspects, maintains and repairs specialized mechanical equipment and machinery used in the conveyance and treatment of wastewater including but not limited to valves, pumps, piping, compressors, conveyors, centrifuges, tanks, mixers, gear boxes, fans, bar screens, blowers, aeration systems, clarifiers and disinfection systems and related equipment; examines, adjusts, lubricates and paints machinery and equipment; replaces worn and broken parts; fabricates and modifies parts and tools.
2. Installs, inspects, maintains and repairs building structures, systems and equipment, including heating, ventilating, air conditioning and water boiler systems.
3. Reviews machinery diagnostics and performs troubleshooting, including evaluation of condition and performance of equipment and systems, and implements modifications and improvements.
4. Participates in the development and implementation of a maintenance, repair and replacement program; evaluates asset condition to recommend and schedule projects; assists in defining equipment and tools required, labor needs and the operational impacts of identified maintenance needs; evaluates cost effectiveness of equipment replacement versus repair; maintains parts and supplies inventory.
5. Accurately records, documents and tracks maintenance activities and operating conditions in the computerized maintenance management system (CMMS); prepares and maintains preventative maintenance manuals.
6. Serves as project or team leader on special assignments and review team members' work Independently determine appropriate sequences, methods, techniques and procedures; serves as work group representative or contact person for limited remodeling, repair and improvement projects for wastewater facilities and mechanical systems; trains lower-level mechanics, WES Assistants, WES Technicians and new and temporary employees; may provide group safety training; demonstrates safe working practices.
7. Provides construction support for Capital Improvement Projects as assigned, including reviewing design, furnishing site-specific information, and participating in project commissioning activities.
8. Provides public and customer service support to County operations and other municipalities; responds to complaints and inquiries; conducts facility tours and public information meetings; answers technical questions and explains wastewater collection and treatment systems.

Required Knowledge and Skills

Working knowledge of: Principles and concepts of self-directed work teams; practices, procedures and equipment used in the maintenance and repair of mechanical equipment, building systems, electrical equipment and electronic instruments; basic methods and techniques of painting, carpentry, welding, metal fabrication, plumbing, pipe fitting, and electrical and electronic systems; operation and maintenance of programmable logic controller systems; Federal, State and local rules and regulations applicable to safety and environmental compliance, basic principles and methods of wastewater collection, treatment and discharge; basic math; English grammar, spelling and punctuation; computer software applications and programmable logic controllers used in wastewater systems.

Skill to: Receive direction and continuous feedback; complete projects within established budget and time guidelines; incorporate team participation in decision making; promote individual agreement and group consensus on issues and problems; communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; read and understand technical operations and maintenance manuals, drawings and schematics; identity and correct mechanical and electrical system malfunctions and failures; identify problems with instrumentation systems controlling chemical concentrations, digester heat and gas systems, sludge processing and other plant and collection system operations; remove, disassemble, assemble and install machinery and equipment; calculate gear and drive belt ratios, belt lengths and pulley diameters; safely operate steam cleaners, sand blasters, power tools, lathes, welders, drill presses, hand tools and other shop equipment; understand and comply with regulatory and department safety and environmental rules and practices; prepare and maintain accurate records; establish and maintain effective working relationships with contractors, vendors, County employees and the public.

Working Conditions

Duties require physical labor, including walking, reaching, squatting, kneeling, bending, balancing, climbing, shoveling, fine motor control, and ability to lift up to 50 pounds, carry, and push/pull up to 70 pounds. Duties also involve exposure to bacteria, viruses and toxins in wastewater, chemicals, exhaust fumes and dust, loud noises, and vibration. Some duties involve exposure to adverse weather conditions and hazardous locations, such as streets, live sewers, confined underground areas and elevated platforms.

Incumbents may perform after hours emergency response on a call-out basis.

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum qualifications are used as a guide for establishing the minimum experience, education, licensure, and/or certifications required for employment in the classification. The following minimum qualifications are established for this classification. Additional minimum qualifications and special conditions may apply to a specific position within this classification and will be stated on the job announcement.

Experience: A minimum of two (2) years of related experience that would provide the required knowledge and skills to perform the responsibilities of this position.

Licenses/Certifications: None required.

Pre-Employment Requirements

Driving is required for County business on a regular basis or to accomplish work. Incumbents must possess a valid driver's license, and possess and maintain an acceptable driving record throughout the course of employment.

Employment is contingent upon passing a post-offer physical assessment. Accommodation requests will be reviewed on an individual basis in compliance with State and Federal legislation.

Edited: 6/16

Classification No. 787
Established: 8/83
Revised: 7/94, 5/25
Retitled: 2/15, 5/25 
FLSA: Non-Exempt
EEO: 7