Class Title: Relief Operator Mechanic (F-4 thru F-1 or D thru A)
Department: Water / Wastewater
Union: Teamsters Local 406
SUMMARY
Performs operational and mechanical repair duties at both the water and wastewater treatment plants. Duties
include process control, laboratory analysis, recordkeeping, chemical dosage control; maintenance and
calibration of a variety of mechanical, pneumatic and electronic equipment; building and grounds maintenance;
regular operational shifts when needed and performs related work as required.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED
Work is performed under the direct supervision of the Water and Wastewater Utilities Director or other
designated official.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED
Generally none, but may supervise others while working as a shift operator.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
An employee in this position may be called upon to do any or all of the following essential duties: (These
examples do not include all of the duties which the employee may be expected to perform).
- Fill in for operator mechanics at water and wastewater plants for vacations, illness or other absences.
- Operate and maintain water and wastewater plants, lift stations, sanitary sewer collection system and water
distribution system.
- Operate, maintain, lubricate and inspect equipment including pumps, filters, valves, chlorinators, chemical
feeders, computers, laboratory equipment, air compressors, mowers and vehicles.
- Perform laboratory analysis for process control, state reports and quality control – quality assurance
requirements.
• Record statistical data on plant operations, process control, write print and/or interprets reports as necessary.
- Collect samples for analysis and prepare necessary paperwork and ship samples out to respective labs.
- Assist in calibrating, modifying, or repairing instrumentation, control equipment, and test equipment
including SCADA computer, programmable logic controllers, remote telemetry units, transducers, flow
meters, recorders and electronic test equipment.
- Monitor chemical inventories and chemical feed systems including chlorine, aluminum sulfate,
hydrofluosilicic acid, soda ash, polymer, ferric chloride and carbon and makes dosage adjustments as
necessary. Check for leaks and maintain appropriate logs.
- Perform custodial duties, building, equipment and grounds maintenance, including electrical, heating,
plumbing, lighting, floor, wall and ceiling coverings, standby power generation systems as well as lawn and
garden care;
- Clean, inspect, and maintain filters, raw well settling and flocculation basins and associated equipment for
collection system and lift stations.
PERIPHERAL DUTIES
Serves as Relief Distribution Operator when required. Performs customer service duties and cross connection
control program. Performs sanitary sewer collection system duties.
DESIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Graduation from high school supplemented by two years college or technical training in biology, water
technology, environmental science, chemistry, or a closely related field. One (1) year of experience in a water
and wastewater utility or any equivalent combination of education and experience. Possess and maintain a
current or expired Michigan Class D Sewage Treatment Works Operator’s Certification and/or F-4 Water
Treatment Plant Operator Certification, or posses an equivalent out of state water and or wastewater certification,
with the ability to obtain the required previously stated Michigan certification within 12 months of hire.
NECESSARY KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
An employee in this class must possess the following:
- Knowledge of tools, materials, methods and practices (including safety) used in the repair and maintenance
of pumps, machinery and other mechanical equipment, includes knowledge of confined space entry practices
and procedures.
- Reasonable knowledge of the operation and maintenance of a sewage treatment plants, sewage collection
systems and water treatment plants, including knowledge of chemistry, bacteriology, mathematics,
laboratory and electrical equipment used in these operations.
- Ability to read, write, speak, keep records and follow written and oral instructions in English.
- Ability to read and understand mechanical drawings and blueprints.
- Mechanical aptitude with initiative and resourcefulness in solving mechanical problems.
- Ability to work with the public and other employees.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Possess and maintain Michigan’s Commercial Drivers License (CDL) Designation “B” with tanker and air-brake
endorsement within six (6) months of hire. Possess and maintain a Michigan Class F-4 Water Treatment Plant
Operator Certification and Class D Sewage Treatment Works Operator’s Certification within 12 months of hire.
SELECTION GUIDELINES
Formal application, degree of education and experience; oral interview and reference check; job related tests may
be required.
TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED
Motor vehicle, PPE, generators, pumps, gauges, hand tools, power tools, shovel, wrenches, detection devices,
locators, mobile radio, phone, calculator, computers, voltmeters, ammeters, forklift, mower, overhead cranes,
jack hammer, air compressor, electrician tools, ground fault interrupters, fall protection and retrieval equipment,
air monitoring equipment, amperometric titrator, turbidimeter, spectrophotometer, jar tester, electronic balance,
incubator, compactor, weedwacker, service line blow pipe assembly, levels, squares, scales, chlorine leak
detection equipment, hand hydraulic truck, distillation equipment, conductivity meter, mixer and spin bars, high
pressure washers, glassware washer, pipette washer, valve keys, listening phones, water line thawing equipment,
stopwatch, filter control equipment, motor control equipment, chlorine DPD test kit, electronic P.H. and fluoride
meter, lab glassware, and other related equipment.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The employee is required to use hands and fingers to: handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls and reach
with hands and arms. The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, talk, see, hear, sit, climb, balance,
stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, and smell. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 100 pounds and
occasionally lift and/or move up to 300 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision,
distance vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Employee occasionally works outside; occasionally works near moving mechanical parts and is occasionally
exposed to wet and/or humid conditions. The employee occasionally works in high or precarious places and is
occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles. There is risk of electrical shock, and vibration. The
employee is frequently exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals. The noise level in the work environment is usually
moderately loud.
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The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed.
The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar,
related or a logical assignment to the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals
with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The job description does not constitute an employment
agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the
employer and requirements of the job change.
