Wastewater Plant Technician

Requires successful completion of a background investigation, physical examination, and drug screening (including marijuana/THC) as a condition of employment with the City of Joplin.

Primary Purpose 
Under general supervision; performs a variety of skilled work to repair and maintain wastewater lift stations, wastewater treatment equipment and facilities. 

Essential Job Functions 
Management reserves the rights to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.  Regular and consistent attendance for the assigned work schedule is essential. 

1. Repairs and performs preventative maintenance on wastewater treatment facilities including lift station equipment, pumps, valves, and manual and automated control devices.
2. Checks reported equipment malfunctions at lift stations and wastewater treatment plant facilities.
3. Troubleshoots equipment problems, parts, materials, and tools or equipment needed to make necessary repairs.
4. Assists Plant Operators and maintenance staff to complete necessary repairs.
5. Upgrades or retrofits a variety of electrical control devices and related equipment.
6. Performs general building maintenance and repair work including painting; performs landscaping responsibilities.
7. Operates wastewater treatment plant as a backup operator, as needed.
8. Contributes effectively to the Public Works Department, communicates effectively with co-workers, both within the department as well as outside the department.  Maintains satisfactory attendance to ensure duties are performed without negatively impacting co-workers or delivery of service to the public.

Other Duties 

• Attends and participates effectively at section meetings.
• Maintains the confidentiality of files, records, reports as required by law, City policy, and procedures.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications 
Knowledge of:  General principles and practices of wastewater treatment; State and Federal regulations, standards, and criteria regarding discharge of effluent; State and Federal regulations, standards, and guidelines regarding wastewater treatment and treatment plant operations; standard laboratory tests conducted to monitor amounts of solids and pH of raw sewage and treated effluent; State and Federal recordkeeping and reporting requirements for wastewater treatment plant operations; general building and grounds maintenance and repair practices; procedures and techniques for maintaining and repairing a variety of pumps and control devices used in wastewater treatment operations/facilities; Microsoft Office Suite. 

Skill in:  Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with other staff; following complex oral and written instructions, procedures, and guidelines; operating, maintaining, and repairing wastewater treatment plant equipment; conducting basic laboratory tests related to wastewater treatment plant operations.

Education: High school diploma or GED equivalent required. 

Experience:  Two years of full-time work experience in industrial maintenance. Prior experience in electrical, Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition Systems (SCADA) computer controls, hydraulics, welding, and HVAC is also preferred.  

Licenses and Certifications:  Possess and maintain a valid state issued driver’s license and a Missouri Class D Wastewater Operator’s Certificate is required.  A Class C Wastewater Operator’s Certificate is desirable, but not required. 

Physical Demands Requirements and Working Conditions 
This position works in both indoor and outdoor environments. Must possess the ability to operate a motor vehicle; strength, stamina, and mobility to perform light to heavy physical work in confined spaces; operate a variety of hand and power tools and equipment; vision to read printed manuals, materials, and work instructions; hearing and speech to communicate in-person and over the telephone or radio. Finger and hand dexterity is needed to safely operate equipment and tools.  Employees regularly stand and walk.  Positions in this classification bend, stoop, kneel, and reach when completing tasks at ground level and overhead.  Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, crawl, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to 100 pounds, with the use of proper equipment. 
Employees work predominantly in an outdoor environment and are exposed to a variety of extreme weather conditions, exposed to loud noise levels, fumes, toxic chemicals, odors, and airborne particles; may work in cramped spaces and conditions with poor lighting and ventilation; susceptible to mechanical hazards associated with equipment and moving mechanical parts, and other hazards due to risk of electrical shock and vibration.