Plant Technician

SUMMARY:
The Plant Technician performs duties in wastewater treatment operations including but not limited to process operation and analysis, equipment maintenance, and process sampling and analysis. Work is performed in a team environment.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Operate basic wastewater treatment plant equipment and processes to continually monitor plant-wide operations. Take equipment and process readings at various locations throughout the plant. Load and unload chemicals, polymers, and other materials manually and using motorized equipment. Collect and perform tests on water and sludge samples. Perform maintenance and troubleshoot equipment on wastewater treatment equipment. Maintain various records and prepare reports. Perform shift work which includes all day, afternoon, night, weekend and holiday assignments. A valid Michigan Driver’s License and the ability to drive a motor vehicle on all terrain. Wear personal protective equipment (PPE). Follow security and safety policies and procedures in carrying out work duties. Provide on the job training.

RELATED JOB FUNCTIONS:
Regularly inspect the working condition and maintain the cleanliness of equipment and surrounding areas. Clean light fixtures and replace lamps and bulbs. Communicate problems to team leader or members. Assist with clearing snow in emergency situations. Conduct plant tours and deliver other presentations as needed. Perform related work duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:
The Plant Technician – Level 4 may be required to perform team coordination activities within the functional unit.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

KNOWLEDGE OF:
Occupational hazards and safety precautions of facility operation maintenance and repair

Methods, tools, and materials used in the diagnosis, repair and maintenance of wastewater plant equipment

Equipment, operations, practices, and safety precautions relevant to the treatment and disposal of wastewater

Proper wastewater plumbing methods and techniques, working knowledge of light and some heavy equipment operating principles, practices and procedures of the hazards and safety precautions common to GLWA

Minor equipment maintenance and repair functions

National Pollutant Discharge Elimination Systems (NPDES) permit requirements

SKILL TO:
Perform equipment adjustment and alignments

Understand assets, criticality, and failure modes

Use basic technology

Use computers to monitor automated control systems, query and generate work orders, and to maintain various databases and automated records

ABILITY TO:
Perform sampling and basic testing and analysis for process needs

Handle valve and piping replacement and repairs

Effectively utilize appropriate safety equipment and procedures

ABILITY TO continue:
Drain cleaning, snaking, and process pipe cleaning

Direct team activities or to work as a team member

Understand and follow verbal and written instructions

Maintain regular and reliable attendance

Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others

Communicate frequently with team members and other units across the Organization about processes, equipment, or potential problems

Develop proficiency in unit specific operations and software

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE (position requirements at entry)

High School Diploma or GED

One year of general laboring, treatment plant operations, mechanical maintenance and repair, facilities maintenance or electrical repair work or equivalent training in a related field

Advance to Level 2 and obtain a Municipal Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator D Certification within three (3) years of Level 1 designation

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

Physical Requirements:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.

This position requires the ability to climb, bend, twist, carry, stack, dig, shovel, hit, push, pull and other efforts requiring considerable physical strength. This position also requires the ability to lift a minimum of fifty (50) pounds, walk, stand, or work for long periods of time, demonstrate normal color perception, hear audible alarms, detect abnormal equipment sounds, visually inspect equipment and processes at any time of the day or night.

Employees will be required to wear respiratory protection and other personal protective equipment; perform scaffold, confined space, elevated and underground work. Employees will also be required to pass a bio-mechanical physical and vision test, yearly baseline physical and fit test for respirator/Self Contained Breathing Apparatus. While performing the duties of this position, employees are regularly required to use hands to handle, feel or operate equipment.

Environmental Working Requirements:
This position requires the ability to work in all conditions involving exposure to outside elements and seasonal weather. Work may be performed in a plant environment, near open water, systems with hazardous chemicals that are acidic, highly corrosive, heat producing and potentially explosive, typically used in wastewater treatment. The noise level in this work environment is usually loud. Work may be performed in confined spaces, hazardous areas that require respiratory protection and personal protective equipment (PPE), and under slippery and wet conditions.

Level Progression Requirements:  See Plant Technician Job Progression Chart

Other Requirements:
Valid Michigan Driver’s License

Ability to work irregular hours, to commute to GLWA facilities and work sites, and respond to after hour emergencies and on-call responses

We are all strategic partners on the path to becoming a Utility of the Future, and GLWA prioritizes the selection of highly talented, well-qualified individuals to help us get there.

We are dedicated to expertly delivering the nation’s best water and wastewater services to southeast Michigan. We offer competitive pay and the starting wage or salary, if hired, is variable. Factors such as your proven hard and soft skills, your level of education, history in the sector or industry, and meaningful work experience will all be evaluated.

We also offer an opportunity for advancement, on the job training, ongoing professional development, tuition assistance and a career in a sector that safeguards public health, supports and strengthen communities, and protects the environment.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our organization. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability.

Other details
Job Family Plant Technician Job Function Operations Pay Type Hourly

Information

• Location: Detroit, United States

Industry experience

Education: High School

Seniority: Expert, Engineer, Consultant

Years of experience: 1 to 5 years

Taxonomy

• Technical Assistance