Mechanic's Assistant

 
Section 1 – Position Summary
 
Under the direction of Wastewater Mechanic and Lead Maintenance Technician, the Mechanic's Assistant supports, performs, plans, and organizes the maintenance and renewal of wastewater facilities and associated systems including, but not limited to, headworks, liquid streams, solids handling, odor control, structures, and lift stations; performs a variety of work assignments to ensure acceptable asset condition, water quality, and health and safety standards are met or exceeded; and performs related work as required to ensure efficient and effective facility maintenance.

Section 2 – Major Responsibilities

Work collaboratively with Wastewater Mechanics and other Mechanic's Assistants to conduct treatment maintenance and renewal; assuring optimal asset efficiency and regulatory compliance.
Evaluate equipment performance by observation and utilizing instrumentation to ensure compliant and efficient operations to facility assets.
Performs routine maintenance and repair to existing machinery and equipment. Work may be performed on such process equipment as pumps, blowers, dewatering equipment and valves.
Performs rough carpentry, painting, plumbing, welding and additional mechanical duties as required.
Notify appropriate personnel of needed repairs and renewal; coordinate with operations and Central Maintenance personnel; and plan, perform, and implement maintenance procedures for treatment assets and lift stations (includes inventory control and management).
Vigilantly monitor the facility for any breaches of security and alert appropriate law enforcement agencies and/or supervisors, as appropriate for the situation.
Maintain facility grounds and general housekeeping, as well as the appearance of the facility, in collaboration with other staff and outside contractors.
Monitor assets during emergencies and scheduled shutdowns; troubleshoot, diagnose, and report problems; respond to emergencies; and schedule and coordinate responses, repairs, clean up, remediation, etc.
Observe safety guidelines as required by State statutes and as prescribed by the NTMWD. This includes identifying and mitigating safety hazards.
Receive shipments, monitor unloading processes, record into inventory, and check shipment documents for compliance to standard.
Learn and comply with applicable NTMWD policies and procedures.
Assume the responsibilities of direct supervisor(s) as required.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Section 3 – Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Must maintain knowledge of wastewater treatment assets, compliance and maintenance requirements, and reporting/record keeping requirements; including the ability to troubleshoot wastewater equipment.
Must communicate effectively, both written and verbally, with supervisors, peers, and subordinates to convey information.
Maintain basic computer skills, and electrical and mechanical knowledge.

Section 4 – Education and Experience

Must possess basic mechanical, electrical, technology, and operations aptitude. No experience in wastewater operations or maintenance is required, but it is strongly preferred.
Possess a high school diploma or GED; an Associate Degree or trade certification is preferred.
Maintain a valid Texas Driver's License.

Section 5 – Environmental Factors, Activity Levels and Equipment
 
The duties and responsibilities are generally performed in a wastewater treatment environment. The position involves sitting (up to 6 hours per day), frequent standing, frequent walking, light to heavy lifting (up to 100 lbs.), light carrying, frequent bending and reaching, keyboarding, and telephone operation. It often requires an irregular work schedule and overtime hours. Specific physical conditions require frequent work with chemicals, tools, machinery, moving mechanical parts, etc.
 
The duties and responsibilities are performed both indoors and outdoors. Moderate to heavy exposure to sun, dirt, dust, pollen, odors, wetness, humidity, biological hazards, rain, temperature and noise extremes, hazardous materials and chemicals, machinery, moving mechanical parts, vibrations, electric currents, traffic hazards, and water hazards are common. Performs and reviews work at locations that involve hazardous environments requiring the physical ability to wear and work using personal protective equipment (PPE) that meet or exceed guidelines such as established by OSHA which may result in physical discomfort due to temperature, dust, odors, chemicals and noise. The position may require work in confined spaces, on ladders and rooftops, and in adverse weather conditions with appropriate training.
 
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Perform functions requiring manual dexterity and precision movements, continuous or repetitive arm and hand movements, grasping movements, and occasional forceful exertion.
Perceive/discriminate colors or shades of colors, sounds, odor, depth and visual cues or signals.
Possess visual and muscular dexterity to operate a motor vehicle (including while towing portable equipment), equipment, hand tools, and a computer.

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