PUMP STATION MECHANIC

General Statement of Duties

Performs responsible technical and skilled work in the operation, maintenance, and repair replacement of machinery and equipment in the water and sewer pump stations.

Distinguishing Features of the Class

An employee in this class performs journey level mechanical work in the operation, maintenance, and repair of large and specialized equipment and machinery in water and sewer pumping stations.

Work involves responsibility for maintaining and repairing a variety of pumps and motors and other equipment in water and sewer pumping stations. Work requires knowledge of trade skills in mechanical and plumbing areas with some knowledge of electrical repairs.

Work also requires standby and call back work. The employee is subject to hazards associated with wastewater and mechanical operations including working in both inside and outside environments, in extreme hot and cold weather, and exposure to various hazards such as loud noises, vibrations, moving mechanical parts, electrical current, working on scaffolding, exposure to chemical fumes, odors, dusts, mists, gases, poor ventilation, and oils. The employee may be required to wear a respirator.

Work around raw sewage is also subject to the final standards of OSHA on blood borne pathogens. Work is performed under regular supervision. Work is evaluated in terms of effectiveness in returning equipment to proper operating conditions within given time schedules, and overall effectiveness of system performance.

Duties and Responsibilities

Essential Duties and Tasks

Maintains and repairs pumps, motors, and hydraulic systems, and other apparatus and equipment.

Plans and participates in regular preventive maintenances inspections such as checking and lubricating bearings, gear boxes, checking and replacing filters, cleaning out wet wells, packing pumps, mowing, and other preventive maintenance activities.

Troubleshoots, diagnoses, and repairs parts or equipment due to failure.

Dismantles and overhauls various equipment; cleans, replaces and repairs gauges, engines, and other equipment.

Rebuilds and overhauls defective parts and machinery, instrumentation and equipment; maintains and services electrical generators for emergency power sources during outages.

Participates in ground, lawn, and facility maintenances; paints pump housing, repairs roofs.

Maintains logs and records of pump inspections and equipment maintenances; enters activities into computer data base.

Participates in video tape inspection of sewer lines.

Participates in operating sewer jet truck to unstop sewer lines.

Operates bush hog and other equipment to mow sewer easements.

Additional Job Duties

Performs related duties as required.

Recruitment and Selection Guidelines

Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities

Considerable knowledge of the installation, repair, and maintenance of the mechanical, plumbing, and hydraulic components of pumping stations.

Considerable knowledge of the occupational hazards and necessary safety precautions of the work.

Considerable knowledge of the tools, parts, and methods associated with diagnosing, repairing and maintaining equipment.

Some knowledge of electrical wiring and parts.

Ability to diagnose and replace some parts.

Skill in the use and care of tools of the trade.

Ability to read maps, plans and schematic drawings.

Ability to detect malfunctioning of pumps and motors by observation, sound, and chart readings, and to take proper remedial action.

Ability to read and follow schematic drawings, blueprints, and written and oral instructions.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers and supervisor.

Ability to prepare and maintain accurate records and prepare reports.

Physical Requirements

Must be able to physically perform the basic life operational functions of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, walking, pushing, pulling lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, hearing, and repetitive motions.

Must be able to perform heavy work exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally; and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently; and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly.

Must possess the visual acuity to operate machines and equipment including close inspection of moving and small parts, using measurement devices, perform assembly and fabrication of parts, prepare maintenance records and operate a computer terminal.

Desirable Education and Experience

Graduation from high school supplemented by courses in mechanical or plumbing trades, and some mechanical or distribution and/or collection system maintenance experience including pump repair; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Special Requirements

Possession of a valid NC Commercial Driver's License or the ability to obtain one within first six months of employment.

Possession of NC Collections System Operator Grade I or the ability to obtain within twelve months from date of hire.