Hiring Range of $38,000 - $41,800, depending upon experience and qualifications.

The City of Marion is seeking applicants for a Wastewater Treatment Plant Maintenance Mechanic / Operator. This is an opportunity to be a part of an experienced team of skilled professionals dedicated to the operation, repair, and maintenance of the City’s wastewater treatment plant.

The City offers a comprehensive employee benefits package, including employer-paid medical, dental, vision and life insurance; enrollment in the Local Government Employees’ Retirement System; a 5% employer contribution to a supplemental retirement plan with no required employee match; paid holidays; and paid time off.

Job Summary:

The City’s Wastewater Treatment Plant is responsible for the treatment of wastewater prior to discharge to Corpening Creek. Department personnel perform all treatment operations, maintenance, sampling, testing, and reporting as required by state and federal law.

The Maintenance Mechanic / Operator is responsible for maintaining and repairing a variety of pumps, motors, and other equipment. The employee serves as backup operator of the treatment plant. Work requires knowledge of trade skills in mechanical and plumbing areas with some knowledge of electrical troubleshooting and repairs. 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. The employee may be required to wear a respirator and is subject to the OSHA Standards for confined space entry. Work around raw sewage is also subject to the final standards of OSHA on bloodborne pathogens.

Essential Duties and Tasks:

• Makes regular inspection tours of plant equipment to check for proper operations, perform preventive maintenance, and make repairs.
• Maintains and repairs pumps, motors, hydraulic systems, aerators, check valves, air release valves, impellors, mission units, lights, switches, wiring, grinders, clarifiers, flash mixers, flocculators, pipes, fittings and other apparatus and equipment; may perform minor repairs to mowers, weed eaters, tractors, bobcats, etc.
• Plans and performs regular preventive maintenance such as checking and lubricating bearings and gear boxes, checking and replacing filters, cleaning out wet wells, packing pumps, changing out rotating assemblies; changing out flapper valves; and changing out gears; cleans out settling basins.
• Troubleshoots, diagnoses, and repairs parts or equipment due to failure; dismantles and overhauls various equipment; cleans, replaces and repairs gauges, engines, chemical feed pumps, air release valves, and other equipment;
• Rebuilds and overhauls defective parts and machinery, instrumentation and equipment; maintains and services electrical generators for emergency power sources during outages.
• Repairs and replaces sewer lines and pump lines at the WWTP as needed.
• Performs sample pump installation and maintenance.
• Performs a variety of facilities maintenance tasks; paints; mows around plant; applies herbicides.
• Performs grounds maintenance and inspections at the Surface Disposal Units and monitoring well sites; mows grass, weed eats around wells, monitors road conditions, performs other necessary actions such as tree trimming and removal.
• Researches, finds and orders parts as needed.
• Maintains assigned vehicles and equipment in clean and working order.
• Performs welding and metal fabrication to repair or build parts.
• Prepares and maintains records of maintenance and repair activities.
• Performs plant operator duties as assigned, up to and including full operation of the plant on an assigned shift.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Recruitment and Selection Guidelines:

• Considerable knowledge of the installation, repair, and maintenance of the mechanical, plumbing, and hydraulic components of treatment plants.
• Considerable knowledge of the hazards and necessary safety precautions of the work.
• Considerable knowledge of the tools, parts, and methods associated with diagnosing, repairing, and maintaining equipment.
• Working knowledge of biological, chemical, physical and other treatment plant operations.
• Some knowledge of electrical wiring and parts and ability to diagnose and troubleshoot electrical systems safely.
• Some knowledge of SCADA systems trouble-shooting, maintenance and repair.
• Some knowledge of the application of information technology to maintenance, repair, finding and ordering parts, and keeping records.
• Skill in the operation and care of equipment and tools utilized in the work.
• Ability to detect malfunctioning of pumps and motors by observation, sound, and chart readings, and to take proper remedial action.
• Ability to diagnose malfunctions, plan and organize corrective action, and make the necessary repairs.
• Ability to read, understand, and follow schematic drawings, blueprints, and written and oral instructions.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, co-workers, other employees, and the general public.
• Ability to prepare and maintain accurate records of work activities, maintenance logs, operational logs, and to prepare reports.

Preferred Education and Experience:

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

Special Requirements:

• Possession of a valid NC Driver’s License;
• Possession of appropriate NC Wastewater Operator certification or ability to obtain within the time frame specified by the City.

How to Apply: 

Applications may be obtained online at marionnc.org/Jobs. The City of Marion is an equal opportunity employer.