Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago

Under supervision, operates and/or supervises the operation of assigned mechanical equipment at a sewage treatment plant, sludge disposal facility or pumping station, and checks various components of the equipment for normal condition and operation. This class is characterized by those positions requiring considerable skill and background in operating a variety of complex equipment.

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.

• Operates or supervises the operation of assigned mechanical equipment at a water reclamation plant, pumping station or sludge disposal facility, and checks various components of the equipment for normal condition of operation.
• Operates or supervises the operation of a variety of complex high pressure, high temperature, high speed process equipment, i.e., pumps, blowers, turbines, generators, boilers, centrifuges, digesters and auxiliary equipment and building environmental equipment.
• Inspects the operating condition of assigned equipment throughout the plant for faulty operation, i.e., wear, high vibration, corrosion, and takes immediate corrective measures to maintain efficient operations.
• Keeps accurate operating logs and records of plant equipment parameters and makes informative reports recommending repair requirements.
• May supervise personnel within a water reclamation facility or pumping station.  Consults with immediate supervisor regarding personnel problems.
• Conducts work in a safe manner in accordance with established safety rules and procedures.

• Participates in special projects involving operational processes.
• Inspects various causes of malfunctions in operating equipment and trouble-shoots causes of plant/equipment outages when time allows.
• Participates in personnel corrective/disciplinary action when necessary.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

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.

• Considerable knowledge of the operation and maintenance of pumps, motors and related electrical and mechanical equipment and of high pressure steam boilers.
• Considerable knowledge of the occupational hazards and safety precautions of the work.
• Ability to diagnose electrical and mechanical malfunctions of equipment.
• Ability to read and interpret a large variety of measuring and testing devices connected with plant operations.
• Ability to plan and supervise the work of others in a manner conducive to full performance and high morale.
• Ability to keep records and submit reports orally and in writing.

Must possess a City of Chicago Stationary Engineer's License.

Graduation from a standard senior high school or the equivalent and four years of experience in pertinent operating work.

Additional experience may substitute for the required education on a year-for-year basis.  Successful completion of a recognized training program in the operation of stationary equipment may be substituted for the required experience on a month-for-month basis to a maximum of one year.

• One year of service with the District as an Operating Engineer I.
• Civil service status as an Operating Engineer I.