WPC Plant Maintenance Specialist

City of Ames•50010, IA

11d•Onsite

About The Position

Under general supervision, the Water and Pollution Control Plant Maintenance Specialist performs high-level maintenance on operating equipment and other machinery at the water plant or water pollution control plant and related facilities; serves as technical lead for the plant maintenance staff; also may serve as plant operator on a regular and emergency basis; performs related work as required. Step increases are available for this position after certain periods of time of employment. The starting salary, until June 30, 2027, is listed at the top of this job posting and below. For any internal candidate, other compensation policies may apply to a starting salary. Entry = $32.64 18 months = $37.02 48 months = $43.58 In order to be considered for this position, all applicants must submit their online application by the deadline listed on this posting. Your application includes complete responses to the supplemental questions. Please keep in mind that submission of a resume in lieu of work history on your application or completely answering the supplemental questions is not sufficient.

Requirements

High school diploma, HiSet, or G.E.D.; and five years experience in mechanical maintenance and repair of equipment and machinery, preferably including three years experience in a water or water pollution control facility; or equivalent combination of experience and education.
For the Wastewater (or Water Pollution Control) Plant, must possess a valid type A Commercial Driver's License.
May be required to possess air brake and tanker endorsements.
Also, must possess an Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) Grade I wastewater treatment operator license within 18 months and a Grade II wastewater treatment operator license within 48 months of employment and maintain the licensing.
For the Water Plant, must possess a valid type B Commercial Driver's License.
May be required to possess air brake and tanker endorsements.
Also, must possess an Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) Grade I water treatment operator license within 18 months and a distribution license within 48 months of employment and maintain each license.
Knowledge of the operation and maintenance of utility plant operating equipment, low pressure boilers, clarifiers, filter, digesters, pumps and auxiliary equipment, knowledge of the principles of hydraulics, electricity, combustion and standard safety practices.
Knowledge of the standard practices, methods, tools, and materials of the mechanical trades.
Knowledge of the principles of predictive and preventative maintenance.
Knowledge of safe work practices appropriate to water utility maintenance, equipment, and tools.
Skill in the maintenance and repair of mechanical, water and water pollution control plant equipment.
Skill in the use of basic hand tools, welding, and operation of small power equipment; skill in performing preventative maintenance on a variety of electrical and mechanical equipment; skill in taking responsibility and performing previously outlined procedures; skill in the use of diagnostic tools and equipment.
Ability to diagnose complex equipment problems and to determine proper remedial action; ability to use a wide variety of hand tools, shop and diagnostic equipment; ability to read piping and wiring diagrams and blueprints; ability to plan, assign, and oversee the work of skilled maintenance personnel and helpers.
Ability to carry out written and verbal instructions; ability to read and record data from gauges and meters accurately and to interpret such data; ability to determine the nature and seriousness of system malfunctions and to take remedial actions; ability to act quickly and effectively in emergency situations; ability to effectively communicate and establish and maintain effective working relationships with fellow employees and the general public.
Ability to use a PC to enter data into a computerized maintenance management system or other software applications; ability to use historical data to trend equipment and system performance and predict appropriate service frequencies.
Ability to detect potentially unsafe work conditions; ability to apply safety training to work situations.
Ability to effectively utilize electronic and hard copy Operations and Maintenance Manuals.

Nice To Haves

Preference may be given to applicants possessing qualifications above the minimum.

Responsibilities

Serves as highest level maintenance position in the division; guides and advises other maintenance staff on procedures, materials, tools, and safety aspects of maintenance; leads major or complicated maintenance projects.
Performs single-phase and three-phase low voltage electrical work up to and including 480 volts.
Inspects, repairs and performs maintenance on a wide variety of engines, pumps, motors, bar screens, electrical breakers and controls, boilers, switches, chemical feeders, filters, disinfecting equipment, air compressors and related plant equipment; replaces worn parts including aerators, clarifiers, filters, bearings, packing, capacitors, seals, shafts and sleeves; performs pipe work for water and chemicals; performs welding; installs new equipment; checks grease charts and bearing temperatures to assure proper maintenance of equipment and engines; keeps records and makes reports; utilizes asset management software; oversees the work of skilled or unskilled helpers; assists in preparing long-term maintenance schedules and budgets; attends training as required.
Diagnoses and troubleshoots HVAC system issues and performs preventive maintenance; performs work on air pipes; replaces parts including wearing rings, impellers, seals, and other pump parts; performs janitorial work.
May serve as Plant Operator for the water or wastewater treatment facilities on a regular or emergency basis; operates and checks condition of plant equipment and makes necessary adjustments; adjusts rate of flow for optimum treatment results; maintains operating records, performs calculations and completes plant operating logs; collects samples and performs routine lab work; performs other operating duties as assigned.