Mechanic

This position involves a responsible level of skilled work in the performance of technical and skilled mechanic work relating to the modification, maintenance, and repair of mechanical systems, equipment, water storage facilities, and building maintenance. Assignments emphasize responsibility for the correct technical performance of the completed work. Work requires broad knowledge and performance of the trade including those related to building maintenance, low voltage electronics and control systems, SCADA systems, motors, mechanical feeder and mixing equipment, building structural components, plumbing, compressors, mechanical equipment, and related equipment. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Pump Station Maintenance or Mechanic Crewleader with considerable technical independence and is subject to incidental instructions on new work and installation assignments. Work is reviewed through discussions on specific problems, incidental inspections of completed work, work reports prepared, and the achievement of desired results.

Other duties may be assigned. (This list may not include all of the tasks and/or knowledge which may be expected of the employee, nor does it cover all of the specific duties which may be required).

• Repairs and replaces pump parts; replaces motor brushes and packings; cleans and oils motors; turns down broken replacement and repairs parts on a metal lathe; check and lubricate switching gears and motors; replace motor bearings and packings.

• Performs general maintenance modifications and repairs to doors, windows, water screens, painting, water filters and valves; install packing; clean water valves.

• Completes mechanical system modifications; installs changes and new mechanical equipment following general instructions and diagrams.

• Performs, or participates with the City Electrician, changing or installing pumps and motors.

• Repairs and maintains water treatment process units and related instrument electronics, and electrical and mechanical controls.

• Repair and maintain and mixing equipment; calibrate feed rate settings on chemical feed equipment; assist in or perform the replacement of bearings, belts, and pump diaphragms; clean feed ejectors and lines; weld; grind surface; paint equipment.

• Operate light automotive equipment on incidental assignment, related to mechanic work; install new mechanical equipment by assignment.

• Operates loader and backhoe as required.

• Operates a variety of maintenance and related equipment including water pumps, portable generators, air compressors, and winch lines in performing system repairs and maintenance work.

• Familiar with workplace safety procedures.

• Prepares standard job reports; provides specific data for daily log reports; lists materials used, work performed, and man hours devoted to respective jobs.

Education/Experience:

Required - High school diploma or equivalent; vocational/technical school supplemented by an approved apprenticeship in mechanical trades; experience in general water maintenance work including experience in water treatment plant operations; or any equivalent combination of training and experience that provides the following knowledge, abilities, and skills.

General Skill Levels:

Knowledge of:

Operations and processes involving pumping, filtering and treatment.

Municipal water system grid and its components.

Tools, equipment, and work methods used in water system construction, maintenance, and repair work.

Welding including arc, acetylene, torch, and brazing work.

Standards and occupational hazards involved in trenching, general maintenance, and the operations of construction equipment.

Computer software system(s) including but not limited to the email, work order system, internet searches, Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA), and GIS.

Practices, methods, tools, materials, and equipment used in operation and specialized maintenance and repair work at a surface water treatment plant.

Impeller pumps and emergency power systems.

Occupational hazards involved and the safety precautions necessary in water facility maintenance and operations, and in the mechanic trade, including welding and metal lathe work.

Skills:

In the use, care, and demonstration of general and specialized tools, and the mechanical and equipment used in required maintenance work.

Transferring technical knowledge to operational activity to achieve desired results.

Using tact, discretion, initiative and independent judgment within established guidelines.

Maintaining operational records and performing preventative maintenance evaluations and repair activities.

Ability to:

Read meters and gauges correctly, and react quickly and appropriately in operational emergencies.

Read and work from diagrams and blueprints.

Understand and follow detailed and general oral and written instructions.

Prepare and maintain limited operational records.

Perform work independently under limited supervision.

Ensure that proper on-the-job safety procedures are followed and safety equipment including PPE -Personal Protective Equipment is properly and consistently used.

Read and understand technical information including plans and blueprints and apply guidelines and regulations to operational situations.

Communicate orally and in writing with internal and external stakeholders professionally.

Work evenings, nights and weekends as required and respond to emergency situations.

Correctly perform basic arithmetic.

Correctly take, record and use measurements.

Recognize and safely use mechanical tools necessary in making repairs and performing preventative maintenance to buildings, motors, pumps, and related equipment within City and industry guidelines and regulations.

Certificate or Licenses:

• Required - Possession and maintenance of a valid Illinois Drivers License. Illinois EPA Public Water Supply Class D Operators License within 12 months.

• Preferred - Illinois EPA Public Water Supply Class C Operators License.

Physical Requirements/Working Conditions:

• work is performed in both indoor and outdoor setting in all conditions including hot, cold, wet and dry weather. Work requires traveling to various sites, working in vaults, crawlspaces, pits, and confined spaces, and the ability to traverse a variety of natural and altered ground surfaces which may be uneven, wet or slippery or sloped. Physical strength and endurance sufficient to perform manual labor for extended periods of time.