City of Lake Charles Job Description

Job Title: Plant Technician I

Salary Level: Starting: $16.95 - Max Rate: $27.26 (R8)

FLSA Status: Non-exempt - Hourly Revised By: Human Resources Revised Date: 1/2023

SUMMARY

Under general supervision, this position is responsible for duties and responsibilities of a technical nature.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

May operate sewage plant equipment and machinery including sledge collectors, scum ejectors, compressors, pumps, grit chamber motors, heat exchangers, feeders, valves and similar plant components; may control other equipment used in water treatment, storage and distribution, and check for proper operation in chlorinators and replace empty chlorine drums.

Periodically check gauges and take readings on specific sewage flows and conditions and as directed make equipment, adjustment reactions to improve readings.

Lubricate motors and pump bearings and observe temperature of blowers and sludge tanks and adjust heat exchangers accordingly.

Assist in running QA/QC tasks and make calculations and observe plant adjustments in flow patterns, chemical dosages, air requirements and such

Help compile lab data and may report evaluations to EPA and other health related organizations.

Conduct sampling lab procedures and perform some technical tests such as biological types given by the Technician II.

Examine equipment for damaged components and replace loose connections and broken parts.

Complete and file reports for work performed.

Report extensive repair needs to supervisor or appropriate maintenance personnel.

Assist in training Technician Helpers.

Perform any other assigned duties.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Good knowledge of basic mathematics.

Ability to read and operate various instruments and machinery as noted above, make chemical tests, interpret results and make reports.

Good knowledge of laboratory equipment and techniques.

Knowledge of pumps, electric motors, valves and other mechanical equipment.

Good physical stamina, manual dexterity, eye-hand-foot coordination, and willingness to follow oral and written procedures.

Good computer skills.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

One year certificate from a college or technical school; or three to six months related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to read, and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions and procedure manuals.  Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.  Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of organization.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions and decimals.  Ability to compute rate, ratio and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.

REASONING ABILITY

Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral or diagram form.  Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

Must have a valid Class "D" or "E" Louisiana Driver's License.

For Waste Water Division must obtain a Wastewater Treatment Class I and II License and Collection System Class I License within two years of assignment.

For Water Division must obtain Class IV Certification in water treatment within one year of assignment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to finger; handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear; and taste or smell.  The employee is occasionally required to sit.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and peripheral vision.  The employee may be required to lift or move up to 75lbs.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts and outside weather conditions.  The employee is frequently exposed to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, risk of electrical shock and vibration.  The employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions and high, precarious places.  

The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.