Wastewater Maintenance Technician Trainee

Class Characteristics

Under close supervision, to learn and assist in the inspection, installation, maintenance, and repair of machinery and equipment in wastewater treatment plants and pump stations; to assist in preventative maintenance 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 series is primarily oriented to performing responsible inspection, installation, maintenance and repair activities at wastewater treatment plants. The Wastewater Maintenance Technician Trainee is an entry-level, training classification. Incumbents receive instruction and assist higher-level technicians in the maintenance and repair of machinery and equipment at a wastewater treatment plant and for the wastewater collection system pump stations.

The Wastewater Maintenance Technician Trainee differs from the Wastewater Maintenance Technician by performing less complex preventative maintenance and repair of wastewater treatment plant and pump station facilities and equipment in a learning capacity. The Wastewater Maintenance Technician Trainee learns to perform various maintenance activities including performing preventative maintenance, troubleshooting mechanical repairs, replacements and modifications of high-cost, complex mechanical equipment that is critical to treatment plant operations and protecting clean water.

Tyical Tasks

Duties may include but are not limited to the following:

1. Assists in the installation, inspection, maintenance and repair of specialized mechanical equipment and machinery, including valves, pumps, piping, boilers, compressors, conveyors, centrifuges, tanks, mixers, gear boxes, fans, bar screens, blowers, aeration systems, 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. Learns to install, inspect, maintain and repair building structures, systems and equipment, including heating, ventilating, air conditioning and water boiler systems.
3. Assists in and learns machinery diagnostics and troubleshooting, including evaluation of condition and performance of equipment and systems, and modifications and improvements.
4. Learns to accurately record, document, and track maintenance activities and operating conditions in the computerized maintenance management system (CMMS); assists in the maintenance of documentation and maintenance manuals.
5. Learns how to keep facility and equipment clean and hazard-free; uses safe work practices and follows established safety policies and procedures.
6. Assists in the evaluation of asset conditions to prioritize and schedule projects; learns to efficiently assess problems to recommend cost effective solutions; evaluates cost effectiveness of equipment replacement versus repair; maintains parts and supplies inventory.

Required Knowledge and Skills

Some knowledge of: Basic practices, procedures, equipment, and tools used in the installation, maintenance and repair of mechanical equipment, electronic instrumentation, and building systems; Basic wastewater treatment and operations; safe work practices in an industrial or wastewater setting; occupational and health safety practices, rules and regulations; basic math; English grammar, standard office equipment, use of computers, computer applications and mobile devices.

Some knowledge of: Practices, procedures and equipment used in the maintenance and repair of electrical equipment; basic principles and methods of wastewater collection, treatment and discharge.

Skill to: Receive direction and continuous feedback; complete projects within established budget and time guidelines; communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; read and understand technical operations and maintenance manuals, drawings and schematics; apply training and education to identify and correct mechanical malfunctions and failures, monitor instrumentation systems controlling chemical concentrations, digester heat and gas systems, sludge processing and other plant and collection system operations; learn how to remove disassemble, assemble and install machinery and equipment; safely operate steam cleaners, sand blasters, power tools, lathes, welders, drill presses, hand tools, and other shop equipment; understand and comply with regulations, 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; learn to operate computer software applications and programmable logic controllers used in wastewater systems.

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: None required.

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.

Other Information

The Wastewater Maintenance Technician Trainee is part of a promotional career path within Clackamas Water Environment Services. Incumbents in this classification may be promoted to a Wastewater Maintenance Technician upon successful completion of an approved training and development plan. Possession of the required knowledge, skills, and abilities at the higher level must be documented in the established promotional evaluation plan.

Classification No. 743
Established: 4/25
FLSA: Non-Exempt
EEO: 7