Posting DetailsPosition Information Functional Title Water O&M Technician Recruitment Category Type Standard Functional Category Production Grade CL.10 FLSA Status Non-Exempt Requisition Number 25-0090 Number of Vacancies 1 Job Level Non-Management Job Code N/A Job Description SummaryOrganization Name Patuxent WFP Reports to Chief Water Plant Operator Full or Part Time Full Time If Part Time how many hours per weekRegular or Temporary Regular Position End Date (if temporary)Work Schedule Rotating Work Shifts:
- Monday- Friday, 7:00 AM - 3:00 PM
- Sunday - Wednesday, (2) 11:00 PM - 11:00 AM shift and (2) 11:00 PM - 7:00 AM shift
- Wednesday - Saturday, (2) 11:00 PM - 11:00 AM shift and (2) 11:00 PM - 7:00 AM shift
- Sunday - Wednesday, (2) 11:00 AM - 11 PM shift and (2) 3:00 PM - 11:00 PM shift
- Wednesday - Saturday, (2) 11:00 AM - 11 PM shift and (2) 3:00 PM - 11:00 PM shift
Position Location Laurel Position Summary Information General Summary The Water Operations & Maintenance (O&M) Technician performs routine and critical work to support the operation and maintenance of water treatment plant equipment and facilities.Essential Functions Entry Level:
- Assists with the collection and analysis of samples during plant processes and receiving waters
- Assists with operating and monitoring equipment and processes, with potential exposure
- to chemical, electrical, thermal and noise and hazards
- Assists with operating and maintaining equipment in facilities such as filters, chemical feeders, belt presses, gravity thickeners, augers, mixers, etc.
- Assists with evaluating the performance of mechanical equipment and conveyance systems
- Assists with interpreting conformance of test procedures to Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater
- Monitors Chemical Treatment Processes and make adjustments as directed
- Assists with handling material shipments and inventory, and locates spare parts from inventory system
- Assists with overhauling specialty valves or swap out valves in the plant
- Climbs into basins to include 30-foot depths, using rigging equipment to lift equipment
- Assists with conducting general plumbing repairs such as compression fitting replacement, pipe joining, and cutting for various pipe materials
- Assists with making basic repairs to pneumatic and hydraulic control systems on valves andprocess 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 assists in preparing reports
- Inspects motors for heat, noise, 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
- Conducts proper operation of solids dewatering processes during off shifts
Level I:
- Performs periodic tests (and calculates daily averages) for chlorine, pH and turbidity
- Adjusts water treatment chemical dosages as directed by more senior O&M Technicians and records actions
- Draws samples of water for laboratory analysis; performs routine chemical analyses of water undergoing treatment in accordance with regulatory requirements
- Unloads and changes chlorine tanks; inspects chlorine building; connects cylinders to main manifold line and checks for leaks
- Receives and monitors chemical deliveries and interacts with delivery driver for water treatment chemicals, including polyaluminum chloride, hydrofluosilicic acid, sulfuric acid, lime, phosphoric acid, potassium permanganate, powdered activated carbon, ferric chloride, sodium carbonate, polymers, sulfur dioxide, and sodium bisulfite
- Monitors raw, settled, filter effluent, treated water turbidity and filter backwash processes
- Starts and stops large pumps
- Makes minor repairs to pumps and purification equipment
- Maintains communication with control center
- Performs weekly and monthly preventive maintenance for process equipment, in accordance with established schedule including cleaning, lubrication, and oil/grease changes
- Assists in identifying factors that could cause water treatment process upsets, particularly during abnormal conditions.
Level II:
- Performs all entry-level and Level I functions noted above
- Coordinates work of and trains less experienced personnel during shift operations or during the performance of major tasks
- Closely monitors and controls water treatment processes and equipment through SCADA system Human Machine Interface (HMI)
- Coordinates water treatment chemical deliveries to ensure offloading to appropriate storage tanks with adequate capacities including such chemicals as polyaluminum chloride, hydrofluosilicic acid, sulfuric acid, lime phosphoric acid, potassium permanganate, powdered activated carbon, ferric chloride, sodium carbonate, polymers, sulfur dioxide and sodium bisulfite
- Oversees the unloading and change out of chlorine cylinders; inspects chlorine building; loads; connects cylinders to main manifold line and checks for leaks while ensuing appropriate safety equipment is in use at all times
- Troubleshoots abnormal conveyance system and treatment process operations and conditions
- Performs preventive action to avoid process upsets caused by unusual circumstances, loss of power, and abnormal plant operations
Level III:
- Trains Level I and II Technicians in performing job related skills
- Adjusts water treatment chemical dosages while giving appropriate consideration to both water quality and budgetary implications
- Closely monitors water treatment processes, trends and equipment through SCADA system Human Machine Interface (HMI) and anticipates water quality issues, making the necessary process adjustments to avert problems
- Optimizes plant operations for efficient energy management
- Instructs Level I & II Water O&M Technicians in operating practices and techniques, safety rules and accident prevention measures
- Develops facility operational procedures that avoid process upsets based on a variety of conditions and threats
- Formulates procedures for assessment of Level I and Level II skills in the Career Ladder Program as directed and participates in the assessment of candidates for Level I and Level II skills
- May be required to act as the Section Manager in the event of the absence of the incumbent
- Drives a vehicle to conduct WSSC Water business.
Other Functions Entry Level:
- Performs considerable amount of work outdoors in all types of weather including shoveling and plowing snow
- Enters and performs O&M tasks in confined spaces
- Performs major housekeeping
- Keeps supervisors informed relative to facility status
- Performs other related duties as required
Level I:
- Performs laboratory sampling, testing and analysis to ensure compliance with state and federal water quality standards
- Maintains records, fills in reports; contributes to a daily log of plant operations
- Cleans intake with trash rake
- Conducts general plumbing repairs such as compression fitting replacement, pipe joining, and cutting for various pipe materials
- Operates and maintains pumping stations with general understanding of pump and pump station configuration, lubrication, and equipment
- Monitors disinfection processes, UV systems, chlorine system, and recognizes alarm conditions
- Calibrates process control equipment and instrumentation such as lab equipment, pH meters, turbidity meters, chlorine analyzers, and DO meters
- Operates chemical feed system for coagulants and other chemical application systems
- Enters data into computer to update records and uses the computer to aid in monitoring and controlling plant processes
Level II:
- In the absence of the superintendent or the operator in charge, makes operational decisions based on directives from the superintendent, operator in charge or standard operating procedures
- Regulates valves, observes flow gauges, and performs calculations
- Maintains handwritten and computerized records, fills in reports, and keeps a daily log of plant operations
- Performs extensive repairs to pumps and purification equipment and repairs pneumatic and hydraulic control systems
- Operates and maintains process control instrumentation
- Operates and troubleshoots process equipment for valve operation, pump start, backwash flow rates, and gravity filters
- Monitors, calibrates and maintains chemical feed systems including disinfection processes, UV systems, chlorinators and chlorinator vacuum systems
- Uses TEAMS/CMMS to perform administrative tasks such as closing out work orders, maintenance and routine work requests
Level III:
- Maintains active communication with the Control Center particularly during atypical Plant or system operation
- Oversees the effective operations of UV systems and ensures proper maintenance is performed
- Verifies sufficient UV reactors are in service both based on hydraulics and UV disinfection requirements
- Enters data into computer to update records and uses the computerized SCADA system to monitor and control plant processes
- Analyzes and prioritizes scheduled tasks for plant operations
- Plans and leads special plant tours such as those for WSSC Water employees, elected officials, consultants for educational events
Work Environment And Physical Demands Must be able to do the following:
- Climb ladders and elevated storage tanks, perform scaffolding, work in confined and elevated spaces, and descend underground
- Lift objects up to 50 pounds
- Demonstrate normal color perception, hear audible alarms and sounds to detect abnormal equipment conditions
- Visually inspect equipment and processes at anytime of the day or night (contact lenses are not permitted on the job)
- Effectively utilize appropriate safety equipment and procedures
- Work with potential exposure to chemical, biological, electrical, thermal, noise, radioactive hazards and all weather conditions
Required Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities Entry Level:
- Ability to follow verbal and written instructions
- Knowledge of basic mathematics skills which include arithmetic functions, area calculationsand estimation
- Ability to use hand tools and power tool
- Ability to maintain clear written records of activities and effectively communicate informationverbally
- 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 abnormalequipment sounds
- Ability to visually inspect equipment and processes at any time of the day or night
- 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
- Ability to enter plant process data into computer software.
Level I:
- Knowledge of water treatment process and procedures involving water quality issues, water characteristics, chemical handling, and operating conditions
- Ability to understand the function and servicing of mechanical equipment, piping, valves and other related equipment used in the water treatment process
- Ability to understand and follow verbal and written instructions
- Ability to recognize normal and abnormal conditions of equipment and process
- Ability to perform routine mathematical calculations and chemical analysis
- Ability to effectively convey information both verbally and in writing as well as maintain legible written records
- Skill in the use of tools and correcting minor operational problems in electrical and mechanical systems and equipment
- Knowledge and understanding of drawings, schematics, specifications, and reference materials
- Basic computer skills using Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and the ability to use enterprise computer programs
Level II
- Extensive knowledge of water treatment process and procedures involving chemical dosing, water characteristics, and UV operation
- Knowledge of the function and servicing of mechanical equipment
- Ability to gain knowledge of WSSC Water's Distribution System and the effect of abnormal conditions on the treatment plant
- Ability to understand and effectively give direction both verbally and written
- Ability to recognize normal and abnormal conditions of equipment and process
- Ability to perform routine mathematical calculations and chemical analysis
- Ability to generate reports and update station log books, diaries, and inspections
- Ability to effectively convey information both verbally and in writing
- Ability to demonstrate normal color perception, and to hear audible alarms and abnormal equipment noises
- Ability to visually inspect equipment and processes any time of day or night
- Knowledge of processes and associated sciences (math, chemistry, biology)
- Intermediate level proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook
- Ability to use enterprise computer programs
Level III:
- Ability to quickly recognize and abate abnormal conditions for equipment and treatment processes
- Ability to perform non-routine mathematical calculations and chemical analysis
- Ability to write legibly and to maintain clear written records
- Ability to effectively give clear and concise information and direction verbally
- Ability to identify and manage emergency conditions within a major water plant and appropriately respond to conditions in the water distribution system that can impact the plant
- Ability and willingness to learn processes and associated sciences (math, chemistry, biology).
Minimum Education, Experience Requirements Entry-Level:
- High School diploma (or equivalent)
Level I:
- High School diploma (or equivalent) and 1+ years experience servicing mechanical equipment
Level II:
- High School diploma (or equivalent)
- 3+ years experience as an operator at a Water Treatment Class 4 Plant in Maryland or equivalent experience as an operator in another state
Level III:
- High School diploma (or equivalent)
- 4+ years experience as an operator at a Water Treatment Class 4 Plant in Maryland or equivalent experience as an operator in another state
Additional Requirements
- Possession of a valid driver's license with no more than 4 points and the ability to obtain and maintain a WSSC Water driver's permit within 90 days of hire or transfer date
- Employees in this position are designated or considered emergency personnel; therefore, the employee must report to work as scheduled or as directed by their supervisor when WSSC Water declares an event that requires emergency personnel to report to work
- This is a 24-hour operation, must be able to work off shifts
Preferences
- College courses in chemistry, biology, mathematics or related subjects
- Mechanical and/or plumbing experience
- Experience as a lead worker or shift supervisor
Salary $26.46 - $52.73 per hourPosting Detail Information EEO Statement AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERIt is the policy of the Commission to select new employees and to promote current employees without regard to race, sexual orientation, sex, religion, national origin, marital status, or handicap. The Commission does not discriminate against qualified individuals with a disability and will make reasonable accommodation for any disability that does not result in undue hardship for the Commission.Close Date 11/08/2024 Open Until Filled No Special Instructions to ApplicantsAdditional Information All applicants selected will be subject to drug screening and a background check/verification.