Wastewater Assistant

Definition: Under general supervision from the Wastewater Treatment Plant Supervisor, the Trainee will have responsibility for composting of plant solids. May perform minor preventive maintenance on or repair plant equipment. Will operate light equipment, maintain the plant grounds and keep logs and other maintenance records that are required by State and Federal regulations. Weekend duty will be required.

Essential Functions: (Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may vary among positions, but may include the following tasks, knowledge, abilities, skills and other characteristics. This list of tasks is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and not intended to be a comprehensive listing of tasks performed by all positions in the classification.)

Tasks:

• Compost plant solids
• Perform maintenance on motors, pumps, control systems, valves, lines and other wastewater equipment.
• Read and record a variety of meters and flow charts, keep log sheets and maintenance records.
• Assist in minor repairs of different pieces of equipment.
• Operate bar screens, grit chambers, and other related equipment at the head works of the plant.
• Take scheduled laboratory samples through the plant.
• Help in cleaning and general maintenance of plant facilities.
• Operate light equipment including skid steer, loader, tractor and similar equipment.
• Will be required to wear self-contained breathing apparatus.
• Will be required to drive city vehicle.
• Will be required to work weekends.
• Other tasks and duties in related work not outlined as needed for department efficiency.
• Will be required to follow verbal or written instructions as required.

Knowledge, Abilities, Skills and Other Characteristics:

• Knowledge of wastewater treatment operations and maintenance procedures for applicable pumps, motors, control systems and related plant equipment.
• Basic knowledge of electrical control systems.
• Basic knowledge of chemistry.
• Ability to perform simple lab procedures.
• Ability to read and understand operating instructions, equipment manuals and related written materials.
• Ability to operate light equipment.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with other employees
• Ability to obtain a State of New Mexico Wastewater Operator I license.
• Must be able to communicate in English using standard and cellular telephone and VHF radios.

Qu alifications:

• High school diploma or GED.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Must be insurable by the City’s risk management insurer.
• Experience in maintenance of mechanical equipment.
• Experience in operating light equipment.
• No beards allowed, mustaches are permitted if trimmed and do not interfere with the use of a SCBA.
• Hair length must not interfere with use of an SCBA.
• Must successfully complete a training course in confined space rescue within one year of hire.
• Must participate in continuing safety education to include, but not limited to chlorine safety and confined space rescue.
• Must obtain a State of New Mexico Wastewater Operator I license within 18 months of hire.
• Must obtain State of New Mexico Wastewater Operator licenses per approved City schedule.
• State of New Mexico Wastewater Operator License Preferred

• Must be able to lift up to 75 pounds occasionally (i.e. up to one third of work day), from ground to waist level.
• Ability to lift up to 30 lbs. frequently to constantly (i.e., from one-third up to entire work day), from ground to shoulder level.
• Ability to sit up to four hours at one time, and up to eight hours total per day.
• Ability to stand and/or walk for up to four hours at one time, and up to eight hours total per day.
• Ability to climb in and out of equipment cabs when needed to assist crew in performance of duties.
• Must be able to crouch, kneel, and remain in a prone position for up to 30 minutes at one time.
• Must be able to bend at the waist, and twist/rotate as necessary, in excess of 50 times total per day.
• Must be able to work with arms bent or extended for up to four hours at one time, and up to eight hours total per day.
• Must be able to push/pull with arms, with a force up to five pounds for up to four hours at one time, and up to eight hours total per day.
• Must be able to maintain balance while climbing in and out of equipment cabs, and while lifting and/or carrying heavy objects.
• Must be able to push with legs with up to 40 pounds of force, to operate foot controls of heavy equipment for up to four hours at one time, and up to eight hours total per day. Must be able to twist/rotate legs and feet at times in order to operate foot controls.
• Must be able to use hands and fingers to grasp/manipulate levers and steering wheel in a bilaterally coordinated manner. Must also be able to use hands and fingers to grasp/manipulate writing utensils and other materials used in the performance of administrative duties.
• Must be able to coordinate use of hands and eyes in operation of heavy equipment, as needed.
• Must be able to coordinate use of hands and eyes in operation of vehicle and various pieces of office equipment.

• Performs work both indoors and outdoors.
• Temperature depends on weather conditions.
• Worker is exposed to noise and vibration factors.
• Worker is exposed to exhaust fumes, dust, and mists.
• Work is performed on even or uneven terrain. Surface may be wet or dry, on hard surfaces or dirt roads. Grease or oil may be found on working surfaces. Work may be performed on inclines.
• Work hazards include exposure to gasses, fumes, wastewater and lubricants.
• Exposure to unpleasant odors.
• In required areas wear a respirator as necessary.
• Work is performed with chlorine.

• Composting equipment.
• Tractor.
• City vehicle.
• Compost trailer.
• Hand tools.
• Plumbing tools.
• Welder
• Rescue equipment for confined space entry.
• Power tools.
• Process specific equipment.