Utility Plant Specialist - Mechanical

City of Richmond•Richmond, VA

About The Position

The City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities—Wastewater Utility is seeking a Utility Plant Specialist with experience maintaining industrial mechanical equipment. This is an essential personnel position requiring the employee to report for emergency and on-call duty during inclement weather, natural disasters, water distribution disruptions, and other urgent events. The position works eight-hour shifts, with overtime when necessary, including regular weekends and holidays. The specialist performs routine and specialized maintenance and repairs in wastewater plants, pumping stations, buildings, and grounds. Duties may include troubleshooting and preventive maintenance, responding to routine and emergency calls in hazardous locations, and working on gearboxes, conveyors, pumps, and related wastewater-treatment equipment. The role may also lead helpers and lower-level staff, provide training, maintain records, prepare recurring reports, inspect vehicles and equipment, support safety practices, order supplies and parts, and oversee contractors. The employee may interact with citizens while completing assigned work.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
No experience is required for the minimum qualification.
A valid Commonwealth of Virginia driver's license with a satisfactory driving record, or ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire.
For Zone II: forklift certification or ability to obtain it within 90 days of hire.
For Zone III: the qualifications above plus a Virginia Contractor Board Journeyman license.
For Zone IV: the qualifications above plus a Virginia Contractor Board Master license.
Advancement through the broadband requires additional experience: Zone II requires a minimum of 12 additional months, Zone III 18 additional months, and Zone IV 36 additional months.
An equivalent combination of training and experience, as approved by the department, may meet the classification's minimum qualifications.

Nice To Haves

Two years of experience in a related field is preferred.
At least two years of pump repair experience.
At least three years of experience in a wastewater, water, or industrial environment.
HVAC and boiler experience.
A Commercial Driver's License (CDL); preferred but not required.
Mechanical experience.
Knowledge of conduit bending and installation; electric motors and wiring; megger testing; the National Electrical Code; NFPA 70E and arc flash hazards; boiler maintenance and operations; HVAC; centrifuges; chemical metering; utility-plant electrical and mechanical equipment; CMMS systems; utility-plant operations; and safety practices.
Skills in troubleshooting electrical circuits; maintaining and repairing plant lighting and electrical systems from 120 volts to 4160 volts; disassembling pumps; carpentry and plumbing; reading drawings, blueprints, and maps; safely operating equipment; proper chemical use; and working with vendors.
Ability to operate bucket trucks, forklifts, back-flow testing equipment, plumbing equipment, power washers, chainsaws, lawn mowers, weed eaters, pruners, cranes and other hoisting or pulling equipment, pump and motor laser-alignment equipment, hand and power tools, drill presses, torches, refrigerant equipment, and electrical and electromechanical equipment.
Ability to problem-solve and troubleshoot.

Responsibilities

Perform routine and specialized maintenance in areas such as painting, carpentry, lock keying and replacement, tree trimming, traffic control systems, and welding.
Perform building, plant, and grounds maintenance, including mowing, mulching, replacing ceiling tiles, repairing or installing faucets and bathroom fixtures, roof and gutter maintenance, brick and concrete repair, fence repair, playground equipment repair, and small engine repair.
Troubleshoot and perform preventive maintenance in assigned areas, including wastewater plants and pumping stations.
Respond to routine and emergency calls in hazardous locations and work on gearboxes, conveyors, and related wastewater-treatment equipment.
Perform assigned maintenance tasks and repairs.
Serve as lead worker over helpers and other lower-level staff, and provide leadership or training as needed.
Generate routine reports; maintain records and files; and attend staff meetings.
Conduct safety inspections of vehicles, equipment, work tools, and assigned areas; ensure staff follow safety procedures; and attend safety meetings.
Order supplies and parts from vendors.
Oversee and inspect contractor work.
Interact with citizens as needed while completing tasks.