Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator/Mechanic

Ideal Candidate:

We are currently seeking a dependable and skilled Operator/Mechanic to support operations at our Wastewater Treatment Plant. This position will have a strong focus on equipment maintenance and reliability. The ideal candidate will have mechanical aptitude and a proactive approach to preventive maintenance and troubleshooting.

The position is open until filled, applications will be reviewed as they are received. The anticipated hiring range for this position is $49,193.19 - $56,450.32, with a full salary range of $49,193.19 - $67,045.27. A 2.5% increase is anticipated for October 1, 2025.

The Position:

Under the direction of the Wastewater Treatment Plant Supervisor, operate and maintain the sludge processing and the disposal equipment of the Wastewater Treatment Plant and pump stations for an assigned shift; perform laboratory testing duties; learn and conduct laboratory testing techniques to assure proper treatment of wastewater; assure plant operations comply with local, State and federal discharge limits; protect the health and safety of personnel, the public and the environment; perform preventive grounds and building maintenance duties.

While this position will be expected to preform all of the duties of a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator (listed below), the Primary Responsibilities for this position will include:

• Operate and monitor equipment and systems within the wastewater treatment facility.

• Perform routine and preventive maintenance tasks, including but not limited to:

• Changing filters, oil, and grease

• Rebuilding pumps and related components

• Inspecting mechanical systems for wear or damage

• Maintain accurate records of maintenance and inventory using MaintainX software.

• Track and manage parts inventory to ensure necessary components are available.

• Assist with identifying equipment issues and perform or coordinate necessary repairs.

• Follow all safety, environmental, and operational procedures and protocols.

• Support overall plant performance and regulatory compliance by ensuring reliable operation of all systems.

Essential Functions:

Operate and monitor wastewater treatment processes to maintain compliance with state and federal regulations;

operate plant equipment including band screens, grit vortexes, clariers, belt pressand screw press dewatering units,

dissolved air floatation thickener, digesters, UV disinfection units, standby generators, Aeration basins, blowers,

pumps, motors, electrical controls, piping, valves, and boilers; interpret process related data and advise staff of

corrective action needed.

Perform preventative and routine maintenance on plant equipment including inspection, lubrication, adjustment, and replacement of parts as part of a defined maintenance program. Install new equipment, repair and/or replace existing equipment including setting, plumbing, and basic wiring duties. Weld and fabricate tools and equipment. Perform electronic instrumentation and control programming and troubleshooting. Assist other plant staff in technical and/or labor intensive projects. Perform grounds and building maintenance including mowing lawns, snow removal, general housekeeping, painting buildings, and equipment, and maintain work areas.

Safely operate dump trucks within the facility and on public streets; operate front-end loader to load dump truck.

Safely operate forklift to load and unload materials and supplies for the treatment plant operation.

Perform related duties as assigned.Minimum Qualifications:

Any combination equivalent to graduation from high school and one year wastewater treatment plant experience or mechanical experience. Must possess a valid Idaho Class B Commercial Driver's License with an air brake endorsement, or the ability to obtain one within 18 months. Must possess a valid Idaho Wastewater Treatment Operator License, or the ability to obtain one within 18 months.

Familiarity with pump systems, motors, and related mechanical components preferred.

Knowledge & Abilities:

Operation and maintenance of pumps, electric motors, piping equipment, chemical feed, sludge dewatering, disinfection, boilers, and other equipment common to the wastewater treatment facilities.

Operation and maintenance of automated level, flow, pressure, and motor speed instrumentation and control, including integration in a SCADA system.

Modern wastewater treatment practices, solids handling, hydraulic principles, wastewater process regulations, and effluent discharge standards.

The application of mathematics, physics, chemistry, and biology in wastewater treatment.

Mechanical and piping systems including classification of pipe, joints, valves. Traps, gauges, and meters.

Methods and precautions of handling, storing, and labeling industrial chemicals, including applicable Right to Know Laws.

Proper sampling, handling, preservation, and chain of custody procedures.

Laboratory equipment, reagents, standards, and test methodology.

Record-keeping techniques, including inventory control.

Operation of a computer terminal and various software programs including, but not limited to, Microsoft Word and Excel.

Health and safety regulations.

Operate the wastewater treatment plant and pump stations to ensure compliance with Federal, State, and local laws, regulations, and standards

Read, interpret, and properly respond to system process variables and laboratory test results.

Accurately perform daily laboratory analyses in accordance with standard operating procedures and Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater.

Complete accurate written and/or electronic operational records, reports, and logs.

Meet defined project schedules and time lines.

Operate, maintain, and repair pumps, electric motors, motor controls, piping equipment, chemical feed, sludge dewatering, disinfection, and other equipment common to the utility industry.

Operate a variety of hand tools, machinery, vehicles, and equipment common to the utility industry.

Recognize and respond quickly to operational abnormalities and emergencies.

Locate manufacturer names, model numbers, and serial numbers on equipment for entry into an asset management system.

Participate and conceptualize new processes and equipment related to additions and expansion of the plant.

Perform plant maintenance and housekeeping work.

Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.

Attend work on a regular and dependable basis.

Effectively communicate information, instructions, and assignments either orally or in writing, and perform delegated work assignments without close supervision.

Supervise and/or train new or less experienced operators.

Work safely and in compliance with Federal and State laws, as well as city and department policies.

Respond to after hour and emergency callouts.

Participate in and standby rotation with other plant staff, maintaining a 30 minute or less response time from home.

Promote communication and respect with all internal and external customers.

Practice new safety concepts and procedures implemented by the city's risk manager.

Complete 0.6 CEUs to maintain wastewater license.

Obtain and keep currant a CPR/AED certification.

Ability to be fit tested for SCBA or similar respiratory PPE

Working Conditions:

Wastewater Treatment Plant and Pump Station work environments and driving to perform work are subject to adverse weather conditions.

Physical activities required include manual dexterity to operate and service equipment, tools and instrumentation; sitting or standing for extended periods of time, walking on metal grates and wet floors, climbing stairs and ladders, bending at the waist, lifting up to 60 pounds, walking over rough or uneven surfaces, pulling, pushing or carrying. Hearing and speech suitable for normal workplace exchange of information.

Incumbents are exposed to extreme temperatures, noise, toxic gases, fumes, and chemicals, exposure to poisonous and caustic laboratory chemicals, exposed to raw sewage in the form of visual, physical, or odors, working in confined or restrictive chambers and spaces, electrical shock hazards, and working on ladders and above ground level.