Austin Water Treatment Operations & Maintenance Technician Associate - Wastewater Treatment Plants (Day Shift) Austin Water

City of Austin

4d • Onsite

About The Position

Austin Water is hiring an associate-level technician to perform routine operational and general maintenance work at wastewater treatment plants under close supervision. The role develops competency in both operations and maintenance and works as part of a team on more complex tasks. Positions may be assigned to the South Austin Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant or Walnut Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant; the worksite and shift assignment depend on business needs and may change.

Operations work includes assisting with process control, basic flow control, sampling and laboratory testing, pump and blower operation, chemical-feed adjustments, monitoring SCADA and computerized control systems, and recording and reporting sample results. Maintenance work includes routine preventive maintenance, lubrication and fluid changes, installation of packing, bearings and seals, and assisting with predictive, corrective, diagnostic and scheduled maintenance, equipment installation and rebuilds. The technician conducts facility rounds, monitors treatment processes and equipment, maintains records, and may serve as an entrant or assistant on the Confined Space Entry Team. The position has no supervisory responsibilities.

The maintenance schedule at either listed plant is Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; at Walnut Creek, a four-day workweek may be possible after six months. Divisions have varying day and night shifts, and shift hours may change. This is an essential position that may require weekends, holidays, overtime, callback and on-call work, including schedule or worksite changes during emergencies.

The position requires obtaining a TCEQ Class D Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator License within one year of employment and the appropriate Class C Wastewater License before the Class D license expires. Candidates must also meet the stated driver, respiratory-protection and confined-space requirements. The role involves hazardous atmospheres, confined spaces, use of personal protective equipment including a self-contained breathing apparatus, and climbing ladders and working at heights and in deep confined spaces. A pre-employment physical exam, including a functional strength/agility test, is required.

Requirements

• High school graduation or equivalent, plus one year of experience in a similar work environment, such as stormwater pump stations, process control, plant operations, construction, or operation, repair and maintenance of mechanical or industrial equipment.
• Thirty semester hours of relevant formal education from an accredited institute may substitute for one year of work experience.
• Knowledge of general maintenance processes and procedures and basic arithmetic, including whole numbers, decimals, fractions and percents.
• Computer and related software skills; ability to use hand tools and power tools; and ability to operate a motor vehicle and motorized equipment.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions and read and follow technical guidelines and standard operating procedures.
• Ability to take basic readings from meters, gauges, control panels, testing equipment and monitoring equipment.
• Ability to meet and maintain City of Austin Driver Safety Program eligibility standards.
• Obtain a TCEQ Class D Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator License within one year of employment and the appropriate TCEQ Class C Wastewater License before the Class D license expires.
• Valid current Texas Class C Driver License, or ability to acquire one by the hire date; must meet City of Austin Driver Safety Standards. A Texas commercial driver's license with endorsements may be required.
• Become certified for the Respiratory Protection and Confined-Space Entry Program within six months of employment and maintain certification; qualify for the Utility's Respiratory Protection Program and meet its clean-shaven requirement for SCBA use.
• Ability to work in hazardous atmospheres and permit or non-permit confined spaces, wear a self-retracting lifeline body harness, climb ladders and work at heights up to 200 feet, and work in confined spaces up to 100 feet deep.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds unassisted and perform the listed physical tasks, including walking, standing, sitting, bending, stooping, twisting, pushing, pulling, climbing, kneeling and crawling.
• Pass a pre-employment physical exam, including a Functional strength/agility test.

Nice To Haves

• Experience operating, maintaining, troubleshooting, repairing and rebuilding industrial equipment and machinery.
• Experience in an industrial setting, including a treatment plant, oil and gas facility or refinery, mining, automotive work, or heavy machinery repair.
• Experience with facility operations and maintenance related to process control and process optimization.
• Training or experience in plumbing or pipefitting.
• Training or experience in welding and metal fabrication.
• Experience with a computerized work-order system, basic computer navigation, and learning new software applications.

Responsibilities

• Assist with process control, including basic flow control, sampling, basic laboratory testing, normal pump and blower operation, and chemical-feed adjustments.
• Assist with preventive maintenance, including lubrication, changing equipment oil and fluids, and installing packing, bearings and seals.
• Assist with predictive and corrective maintenance on pumps, blowers, clarifiers, valves and other specialized equipment.
• Perform or assist with scheduled and diagnostic maintenance, equipment installation and equipment rebuilds.
• Conduct routine facility rounds to monitor treatment processes and identify process anomalies or mechanical problems.
• Monitor SCADA and computerized control systems, instrument panels and gauges, and make basic process changes as directed.
• Test water samples and record and report sample results.
• Maintain plant operations and maintenance records using log books, databases and spreadsheets.
• Work as a member of the Confined Space Entry Team and may serve as an entrant or assistant.
• Respond to essential-employee duties during designated emergencies, which may include callback, schedule changes, or assignment to a City-designated worksite.

Benefits

• Medical benefits and other health and welfare benefits.
• Paid leave time and generous leave.
• Retirement plan through the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.
• Training opportunities and professional development.
• Career progression plan that can allow promotion without a competitive process or interview after employees develop skills and obtain the required license.
• Potential retention incentive bonus of up to $3,000, with installments after 90 days, 180 days, one year and two years.
• Work-life balance programs and wellness programs, including mental health support.
• Access to on-site fitness centers.
• Sustainable transportation options, including public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED