The Public Works Department is looking for a hardworking individuals, experienced with repairing heavy duty industrial machines, pumps and motors to help maintain the City's water and wastewater infrastructure. The Senior Utility Systems Mechanic position is for a journey-level mechanic or (journeyman) and the Utility Systems mechanic is the entry-level class. This is an important position within the community, providing essential water and sewer services, and a great opportunity to advance your mechanical career in the water industry.
Utility Systems Mechanic: $38.5820 - $46.8967 per hour
Senior Utility Systems Mechanic: $42.5874 - $51.7652 per hour
The Utility Systems Mechanic series perform operation, maintenance, and repair activities related to water treatment, water distribution, wastewater collection, reclaimed pumping and storage, and chemical feed systems. The incumbent troubleshoots, inspects, dismantles, tests, replaces, adjusts, monitors and maintains pumps, motors, compressors, electrical systems (MCC’s), SCADA systems/equipment, generators, pressure reducing stations, valves, surge tanks, hydro-pneumatic tanks, water storage tanks, wet wells, water treatment plant equipment and related systems, facilities, and appurtenances.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives general supervision from the Utility Systems Supervisor or assigned supervisor. Exercises no direct supervision over staff. At the senior level, the incumbent may provide technical and functional direction to lower-level staff.
Management reserves the right to add, modify, change or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.
- Performs a wide variety of duties and activities involved in the inspection, maintenance, repair, and replacement of structures, machinery, and equipment at the City’s water treatment plant, water storage reservoirs, potable and reclaimed water pumping stations, wastewater lift stations, back-flush pumping systems, and related equipment, appurtenances, and facilities.
- Checks, inspects, dismantles, tests, replaces, troubleshoots, adjusts, and maintains pumps, motors, compressors, generators, pressure reducing stations, altitude valves, pump control valves, surge tanks, shock traps, hydro-pneumatic tanks, reservoirs, wet wells, and water treatment plant equipment and related systems, facilities, and appurtenances.
- Troubleshoots, repairs, removes, and reinstalls new and rebuilt pumps, motors, pilot valves, pressure reducing station valves, pump controls, and altitude valves.
- Operates, tests, maintains, and adjusts settings on hydro-pneumatic tanks.
- Inspects, operates, test-runs, and monitors all stationary and portable generators. Transports all portable emergency generators.
- Rebuilds and maintains chemical feed systems, chlorinators, chlorine injectors, chlorine vacuum regulators, and ammonia systems.
- Inspects and troubleshoots 120/240/480 volt motor control center.
- Troubleshoots and retrofits pump stations, pressure reducing stations, and related telemetry.
- Performs the full range of skilled maintenance work including plumbing, pipefitting, painting, welding, fabricating, carpentry, masonry, and millwrighting.
- Makes SCADA operation changes to the system.
- Operates telemetry and radio communication network; responds to alarms and troubleshoots problems.
- Operates a variety of tools and equipment including hand and power tools, portable pumps, compressors, welders, and other specialized equipment used in the inspection, maintenance, repair, and replacement of assigned systems and facilities.
- Develops, schedules, and carries out a preventive maintenance program; performs inspections of structures, machinery, and equipment; makes recommendations regarding changes in maintenance work procedures.
- Takes water quality samples and performs basic tests; collects and prepares monthly wastewater samples for laboratory, as assigned.
- Tests chlorine and nitrogen levels at reservoirs for compliance and adjusts pressure reducing stations and altitude valves as needed; inspects reservoirs for safety and functional aspects.
- Checks and adjusts dam, spillway, lake level, Piezometer readings, and flushes Piezometer lines and various pressure reducing stations to maintain water quality.
- Plans assigned work projects; prepares estimates of time and materials needed to perform assigned repairs and maintenance; ensures adequate materials and supplies are available for proper performance of maintenance work; assists in requisitioning and maintaining inventory of equipment, tools, parts, and supplies used in the maintenance and repair duties.
- Reads and interprets technical manuals and engineering drawings to facilitate installation, servicing, repair, and replacement services and activities.
- Monitors contractors working with and around utility systems to ensure the work is appropriately performed to City quality and safety standards; checks pre-construction plans to verify proper integration of new appurtenances into the City’s utility systems; addresses discrepancies as necessary.
- Responds to customer complaints and inquiries regarding the taste, color, odor, pressure, and/or chlorine levels of drinking water; sets up pressure recorders and performs other tests; analyzes data and makes changes and repairs to the system as necessary.
- Maintains public facilities, pump and lift stations, shop and garage areas, storage sites, and other work areas in a clean and orderly condition, including securing equipment at the close of the workday.
- Maintains accurate computerized logs and records of work performed and materials and equipment used; prepares reports as required.
- Assists Utility Systems Technician, as needed.
- Responds to after-hours emergencies.
- Maintains attendance and punctuality that is observant of scheduled hours on a regular basis.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Any combination of the following education and experience which demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of this classification.
Experience:
Utility Systems Mechanic: Three years of experience in the maintenance and repair of industrial equipment including experience in the repair and maintenance of water, wastewater or industrial mechanical equipment.
Senior Utility Systems Mechanic: Four years of experience as a Utility Systems Mechanic; or seven years of experience in the maintenance and repair of water and wastewater pumps, motors, and related appurtenances and equipment.
Education/Training:
Equivalent to the completion of the 12th grade.
Licenses and Certifications:
Utility Systems Mechanic:
- Possess and maintain a valid class C driver’s license, class A driver’s license required within twelve months of appointment to the position.
- Possession of a Grade 2 (D2) Water Distribution Operator Certificate issued by the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) is highly desirable.
- Possession of a Grade 2 (T2) Water Treatment Operator Certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) is highly desirable.
- Obtain and maintain SCBA Fitness Testing and the certification within twelve months of hire.
- Obtain and maintain a Confined Space Certificate within twelve months of hire.
- Mobile Crane Operation certification is highly desirable.
- Possess and maintain First Aid/CPR Certificate within 6 months of appointment to the position.
Senior Utility Systems Mechanic:
- Possess and maintain a valid class C driver’s license, class A driver’s license required within 12 months of appointment to the position.
- Possess and maintain a Grade 3 (D3) Water Distribution Operator Certificate issued by the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) within 24 months of appointment to the position.
- Possession of a Grade 2 (T2) Water Treatment Operator Certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) is highly desirable.
- Possess and maintain First Aid/CPR Certificate within six months of appointment to the position.
- Obtain and maintain a Mobile Crane Operation certification within 18 months of appointment to the position.
- Obtain and maintain SCBA Fitness Testing and certification within twelve months of appointment to the position.
- Possess and maintain a Confined Space Certificate within twelve months of appointment to the position.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Must possess mobility to work in and around water treatment plants and water and wastewater pump/lift stations and related utility systems and facilities; strength, stamina, and mobility to perform light to medium physical work, to work in confined spaces and around machines, to climb and descend ladders, and to operate varied hand and power tools and equipment, and to operate a motor vehicle and visit various City sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone or radio. The job involves fieldwork requiring frequent walking in operational areas to identify problems or hazards. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate above-mentioned tools and equipment. Positions in this classification bend, stoop, kneel, reach, and climb to perform work and inspect work sites. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to 100 pounds, or heavier weights with assistance and/or with the use of proper equipment.
Environmental Elements
Employees work in and around water and wastewater utilities and in the field and are exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, confining workspace, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives, and contractors in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.
WORKING CONDITIONS
May be required to be on-call and to work various shifts or emergencies on evenings, weekends, and holidays. In case of a City-wide emergency or natural disaster, employees in this class may be required to serve as an Emergency Response Technician.
Applicants will be screened based on minimum qualifications for a Senior Utility Systems Mechanic and a Utility Systems Mechanic. There will be two separate eligibility lists established based on qualifications.
A completed NeoGov application, including supplemental questions, must be submitted through NeoGov for consideration by the application deadline. Application materials will not be accepted separate from NeoGov or after the deadline.
A FULLY COMPLETED APPLICATION, INCLUDING RESPONSES TO SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONS AND ATTACHMENT OF ALL NECESSARY CERTIFICATIONS, ARE REQUIRED AND PART OF THE REVIEW AND QUALIFYING PROCESS. QUESTIONS MUST BE ANSWERED COMPLETELY; REFERENCING YOUR RESUME IN LIEU OF ANSWERING A QUESTION WILL BE CAUSE FOR DISQUALIFICATION.
Applicants will be evaluated on the basis of relevant training, education and experience as presented in the application and supplemental questions. The process may include interviews and/or performance tests. Successful candidates will be placed on the eligibility list established, which will be in effect for a period of up to six months. A background investigation including LIVESCAN fingerprinting and a verification of a valid driver's license and satisfactory driving record from the Department of Motor Vehicles may be required. All appointments are also subject to the successful completion of a pre-placement physical examination that includes a drug screening. Applicants will be required to submit verification of the legal right to work in the United States. The City of Poway participates in E-Verify. All employees are required by law to sign a loyalty oath to the United States and the State of California Constitution at time of hire.
