Position Title: Water Treatment Plant Technician/Relief Operator
Reports to: Water Plant Manager
Position Summary: The Water Treatment Plant Maintenance Technician / Relief Operator is responsible for minor maintenance, troubleshooting, repairing, and servicing water treatment plant equipment and facilities to ensure reliable and efficient operation. This position also serves as a relief operator, performing plant operational duties during employee absences, emergencies, staffing shortages, and scheduled coverage periods. The employee works to ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements while maintaining the safety and reliability of the water treatment process.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Maintenance Responsibilities
· Inspect, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair pumps, motors, valves, chemical feed systems, piping, conveyors, compressors, and other treatment plant equipment.
· Perform preventive and predictive maintenance on mechanical, electrical, and process control systems.
· Diagnose equipment malfunctions and implement corrective actions to minimize downtime.
· Install, modify, and repair plant equipment and facility infrastructure.
· Maintain maintenance records, work orders, and inventory of parts and supplies.
· Assist with plant upgrades, capital improvement projects, and contractor oversight.
· Perform routine facility maintenance, including grounds, buildings, and utility systems.
· Utilize hand tools, power tools, diagnostic equipment, and maintenance software safely and effectively.
Relief Operator Responsibilities
· Operate water treatment processes in accordance with state and federal regulations.
· Monitor plant operations through SCADA systems, control panels, and field inspections.
· Adjust treatment processes, chemical feed rates, and equipment operation to maintain water quality standards.
· Collect water samples and perform laboratory analyses as required.
· Record operational data, prepare reports, and maintain accurate logs.
· Respond to alarms, emergencies, and operational issues during assigned operator coverage.
· Ensure compliance with regulatory permits and reporting requirements.
General Responsibilities
· Follow all safety policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
· Participate in emergency response activities, including after-hours call-outs.
· Coordinate with operators and supervisors to ensure efficient plant operation.
· Perform other duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
· Knowledge of water treatment processes and equipment.
· Knowledge of mechanical maintenance practices, including pumps, motors, valves, bearings, and hydraulic systems.
· Understanding of electrical systems, instrumentation, and process controls.
· Ability to read and interpret blueprints, schematics, and technical manuals.
· Ability to troubleshoot mechanical and operational issues.
· Proficiency with computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS) and SCADA systems.
· Strong communication and recordkeeping skills.
· Ability to work independently and make sound decisions during operational emergencies.
Minimum Qualifications
· High school diploma or GED.
· Experience in water treatment plant operations, industrial maintenance, utilities maintenance, or a related field.
· Experience with electricity including repairs of electrical components and equipment.
· Valid driver's license.
· Ability to obtain and maintain a Tennessee state water treatment operator certification.
Preferred Qualifications
· State Water Treatment Operator License (Grade II, III, or higher).
· Experience with pumps, motors, electrical controls, PLCs, and SCADA systems.
· Welding, fabrication, or industrial maintenance experience.
· Completion of vocational, technical, or college coursework related to water treatment, industrial maintenance, or mechanical systems.
Physical Requirements
· Ability to lift up to 50 pounds regularly and greater weights with assistance.
· Ability to climb ladders, stairs, and elevated structures.
· Ability to work in confined spaces and outdoor environments in varying weather conditions.
· Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, and perform physical labor for extended periods.
Typical Work Schedule
· Full-time position with regular daytime maintenance hours; 4 days per week, 10 hours per day. Relief operating hours can be any day of the week 6am-4pm or 2pm-12am.
· Must be available for rotating on-call duties, emergency call-outs, and relief operator coverage, including nights, weekends, and holidays as needed.
Certifications & Licenses: Preference for TN Water Distribution license or Industrial Electronics Certification.
Work Environment: 60% indoors and 40% outdoors.
Position Type: Full time, non-exempt
Pay range: $22/hr- $30/hr Dependent upon experience and qualifications.
Apply in person at North West Utility District office, 9905 Dayton Pike, Soddy Daisy, TN 37379. You may also email apply@nwud.net for additional information or go to our website to receive an application www.nwud.net .
Pay: $22.00 - $30.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person