State of Connecticut Executive Branch

Water Pollution Control Operator Mechanic (40 Hour) (4374FM)

$33.45-$42.83 Hourly / $2,675.45-$3,425.98 BiWeekly /
$69,829.00-$89,418.00 Yearly

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

At the University of Connecticut, Storrs this class is accountable for independently performing a full range of highly skilled tasks in the maintenance and repair of all equipment at the Class IV Water Resource Recovery Facility (WRRF) and all associated lift stations to the facilities.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Works under the general supervision of a Water Resource Recovery Facility Superintendent, Water Resource Recovery Facility Assistant Superintendent, Water Pollution Control Operator III or other employee of higher grade as assigned.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

May lead lower level employees as assigned.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

  • Performs a full range of duties in the maintenance and specialized operational procedures of equipment and machinery used in Water Pollution Control and Water Reclamation Facilities and all associated lift stations; 
  • Installs, maintains and performs highly skilled mechanical, plumbing and electrical repairs to equipment such as valves, gauges, non-automotive motors, pumps, timers, switches and relays; 
  • Designs, fabricates, troubleshoots and installs plumbing and electrical modifications to wastewater and water reclamation process and laboratory equipment; 
  • Performs specialized electric and fuel welding procedures to construct facility infrastructure modifications and/or repairs; 
  • Locates and corrects stoppages or malfunctions in facility; 
  • Reads and interprets technical drawings and schematics from blueprints and/or equipment diagrams; 
  • Programs, operates, troubleshoots and repairs pumps and computerized pump control systems; 
  • Interacts with contractors and vendors regarding equipment and parts needs; 
  • Maintains computerized and written records of installations, repairs and maintenance of equipment and machinery; 
  • Utilizes a computerized database to track flow rates in order to assess pump station function, used in troubleshooting and preparing operational flow graphs and reports with data collected; 
  • Assigns computer generated work orders to facility Operators performing routine maintenance procedures and closes out work orders upon completion; 
  • Supervises off-loading of bulk, drum and/or tote wastewater chemicals from trucks and tanker trucks and performs duties of a Class I Operator to include, but not limited to the operation and maintenance of such equipment as grit chambers, step screens, bar racks, grinders, pumps, chemical dosing systems, dewatering systems, clarifier tanks, chlorination chambers and others; 
  • Performs repairs to and/or replaces equipment including valves, motors, pipes, pumps and other machinery; 
  • Performs general plant operation, monitoring, maintenance, biological and chemical analyses of wastewater and reclaimed water; 
  • Records meters and gauges and interprets information according to operating characteristics, prepares operational records and reports; 
  • Assists with the fats, oils and grease (FOG) inspection and removal program; 
  • Responds to and resolves Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) alarms; 
  • Adheres to safety and cleanliness standards; 
  • Maintains the building and grounds of the facilities and lift stations; 
  • May perform wastewater and water reclamation laboratory testing procedures required for facility permit compliance; 
  • Performs related duties as required and/or assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

  • Considerable knowledge of
    • and ability to apply methods and practices related to equipment, machinery and non-automotive engines and processes used in wastewater and water reclamation treatment facilities and associated pumping stations;; 
    • tools, materials and terminology used in plumbing, electrical and welding practices; 
  • Knowledge of principles and practices involved in in maintaining a water pollution control facility; 
  • Skills
    • interpersonal skills; 
    • oral and written communications skills; 
  • Ability to
    • read blueprints; 
    • obtain labor and parts quotes and estimates;
    • plan, lay out and schedule maintenance assignments; 
    • work independently; 
    • utilize computer software; 
    • conduct routine laboratory and field tests for control of facility operations.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

Four (4) years of experience in the maintenance and repair of equipment such as pumps, water lines, valves, gear boxes, generators, non-automotive engines; experience with the installation and inspection of pneumatic and hydraulic equipment, use of hand tools, small power tools, cutting tools and associated equipment; Experience with bearing’s and shaft mechanics; Experience reading and interpreting isometric drawings for equipment rebuilds and alignments; experience with belt installations and maintenance, oil changes, cleaning and painting of equipment.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SPECIAL EXPERIENCE

One (1) year of the General Experience must have been in the repair and maintenance of water, wastewater, or equivalent complex facility. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED

  • Graduation from a vocational or technical school with a diploma designating completion of subject requirements in Plumbing/Steamfitting may be substituted for two (2) years of the General Experience.
  • Two (2) years of experience as a Skilled Trades Apprentice – Plumbing/Steamfitting may be substituted for the General and Special Experience.
  • Experience performing technical duties within a designated Plumbing/Steamfitting area on a military base, aircraft carrier or large compound may be substituted for the General and Special Experience on a year for year basis. 

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Incumbents in this class will be required by the appointing authority to possess and retain appropriate current certificates, licenses, and permits including a Class I, Wastewater Treatment Facility Operator Certificate in accordance with the regulations of the State of Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), within 24 months from the date of appointment to the Water Pollution Control Operator Mechanic class.
  • Incumbents in this class will be required to possess and retain specific education and/or experience to meet various certification and/or licensing requirements.
NOTE:  DEEP Regulations for Class I Wastewater Treatment Facility Operator Certification requires: (A) Satisfactory evidence of (i) at least one year of experience in the operation of a wastewater treatment facility of Class I or higher; (ii) a high school diploma or G.E.D.; and (iii) successful completion of a basic wastewater treatment facility operation course, approved by the commissioner, equaling at least nine CEU’s; and (B) pass the Class I examination. No substitutions for the requirements of this subdivision shall be permitted.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Incumbents in this class must have adequate physical strength, stamina, physical agility, and visual and auditory acuity, and must maintain such physical fitness as to be able to perform the duties.
  • A physical examination may be required.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Incumbents in this class may be exposed to extreme weather conditions in all seasons, highly disagreeable effects of waste, loud and potentially dangerous machinery and working with chemicals; may be required to lift moderately heavy weights and work in uncomfortable positions. 

JOB CLASS DESIGNATION

Classified/Competitive

OCCUPATIONAL GROUP

(16)-Labor-Trades, Laundry

BARGAINING UNIT

(06)-SERVICE/MAINT (NP-2)

EEO

(8)-Service Maintenance

SALARY INFORMATION

FM 20

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

As defined by Sec. 5-196 of the Connecticut General Statutes, a job class is a position or group of positions that share general characteristics and are categorized under a single title for administrative purposes.  As such, a job class is not meant to be all-inclusive of every task and/or responsibility.

CANCELLATION CLAUSE

This replaces the existing specification for the class of Water Pollution Control Operator Mechanic (40 Hour) in Salary Group FM 19 approved effective July 15, 2022. (Revised to modify content, adjust salary group as a result of the NP-2 OJE Study Stipulated Agreement, modernize format, and add Acknowledgement section) Item No. 23-190R Item No. 23-207

EFFECTIVE DATE

05/19/2023
CLASS: 4374FM; EST: 8/3/2007; REV: 8/30/2023;