Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago

Associate Mechanical Engineer (#20003752)

General Statement

Under general supervision, performs ordinary mechanical engineering work in connection with mechanical design layout and calculation or construction, or the maintenance and operation of mechanical equipment in wastewater treatment plants or pumping stations.

Essential Job Functions

Essential job functions are fundamental, core functions common to positions in a classification.  They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class.  Since class specifications are designed to be descriptive and not restrictive, incumbents may complete one or all of the job duties listed or tasks of similar kind not specifically listed here.
  • Instructs, trains, assists and reviews work of subordinate engineers and technicians; assists in the scheduling of assignments.
  • Prepares preliminary calculations, detailed plans and specifications of mechanical equipment for pumping stations, power plants, sewage treatment and sludge processing facilities; prepares specifications for procurement of maintenance and repair services; reviews and monitors construction scheduling and activities.
  • Utilizes computer programs, generates CAD/CAM drawings.
  • Reviews contract submittals for accuracy and conformity to District standards; prepares correspondence related to contract administration and the resolution of contract disputes.
  • Prepares or reviews engineering studies, reports and cost estimates; presents budget information.
  • Acts as resident engineer on moderate size projects of average complexity; plans, reviews and monitors construction activities; inspects installation, repair and operation of mechanical equipment and enforces conformity with plans and specifications.
  • Under general supervision, is responsible for the inspection, engineering and repair of waste water and solids processing equipment and facilities; identifies, analyzes and troubleshoots mechanical equipment problems and presents recommendations for solutions; prepares and issues job orders for equipment maintenance and repair; procures mechanical equipment.
  • Coordinates the compiling of plant equipment and facility operating data as applied to the analysis of proper equipment operation and processes.
  • Plans and maintains an inventory of needed parts for facilities equipment and engineering projects.
  • Supervises the District rail system and the transport of sludge to processing locations.
  • Confers with other engineers, designers and equipment vendors regarding mechanical design, operating and construction plans or problems.

Other Job Functions

  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Environmental Conditions

Typical office environment.  May use standard office equipment and computer terminals.  May involve exposure to a variety of operating mechanical equipment and loud noise and/or noxious odors.  May include working in all types of weather conditions throughout the plant facility and collection system. May involve working in close proximity to or in conjunction with construction activities and heavy equipment, and may require exposure to a variety of weather conditions, including extreme heat and cold.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • Considerable knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques of mechanical engineering.
  • Considerable knowledge of the technical application of mechanics, thermodynamics and related engineering sciences to problems of heating, ventilating and plumbing.
  • Considerable knowledge of recent developments, current literature and sources of information in mechanical engineering.
  • Ability to express oneself clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.
  • Ability to prepare and check plans and specifications for the installation of mechanical equipment and facilities.
  • Ability to plan and supervise the work of others in a manner conducive to full performance and high morale.
  • Ability to use personal computers in applications including spreadsheets, data bases and word processing.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Graduation from a four-year accredited college or university majoring in mechanical engineering and two years of full-time, post-degree mechanical engineering experience related to the District's activities.

Substitution

Full-time graduate study in the designated fields of engineering may be substituted for the required experience on a year-for-year basis.

Promotional Requirement

  • One year of service with the District as an Assistant Mechanical Engineer; or possession of a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and one year of service with the District as an Assistant Civil Engineer, Assistant Electrical Engineer, Assistant Structural Engineer, Treatment Plant Operator II, Engineering Technician V, Operating Engineer II or Engineering Draftsman III.
  • Civil service status in one of the foregoing classifications.
CLASS: 20003752; EST: 1/1/2014; REV: 1/1/2020;