Water Pollution Control Plant Mechanic

Position Overview

The City of Sunnyvale invites applications for the position of Water Pollution Control Plant Mechanic. The regular full‑time vacancy may be assigned to the Mechanical or Instrumentation (SCADA) functions.

Under general supervision, perform a variety of skilled journey‑level mechanical, electrical, electro‑mechanical and/or instrumentation tasks in the City’s Water Pollution Control Plant. Inspect, troubleshoot, repair, overhaul, and perform routine and preventive maintenance on wastewater facilities and related equipment. Perform other duties as assigned.

The WPC Plant Mechanic is a journey‑level position reporting to a Senior WPC Mechanic or the WPC Maintenance Manager. The role is distinguished from the higher Senior level by the responsibility for supervision and technical advice given to journey‑level mechanics. It is also distinguished from the WPC Maintenance Manager, who oversees all work related to the modification, maintenance and repair of the Water Pollution Control Plant facility.

Positions are flexibly staffed and normally filled by advancement from a Plant Mechanic in Training level upon meeting qualification standards.

• Install, align, remove and repair various sewage treatment plant equipment such as bar screens, grit collectors, conveyors, mechanical grinders, pumps, small engines, ventilation systems, chlorinators and emergency equipment.
• Overhaul, modify and repair mechanical, electrical, electro‑mechanical and/or instrumentation equipment used in the water and wastewater treatment, processing and pumping stations.
• Ensure plant electrical, mechanical and/or instrumentation equipment is maintained and repaired properly to provide reliability, economy and safety.
• Determine and document proper procedures for the maintenance and repair of electrical, mechanical and/or instrumentation equipment; maintain up‑to‑date records including documentation of electrical blueprints, schematics, spare parts, inventory lists, equipment manuals and wiring diagrams.
• Maintain maintenance records of plant and storm lift stations equipment.
• Recommend upgrades of existing electrical, mechanical and/or instrumentation equipment as new technology dictates.
• Estimate labor and materials necessary for the performance of the work.
• Sketch the work to be performed or completed; keep records of the work performed, which includes data for the computerized maintenance program.
• Update supervisor on status of work orders and materials inventory.
• Participate in training and safety meetings; follow proper safety precautions related to electrical, mechanical and/or instrumentation repair; maintain tools, supplies, equipment and the work site in a safe condition.
• Participate in cross‑training or work assignments with other mechanics; train assigned personnel as requested; attend daily briefings with supervisor or other maintenance personnel.
• Assist in contacting vendors to maintain correct parts inventory levels for the maintenance, repair, modification and overhaul of plant mechanical, electrical and/or instrumentation equipment.

• Install, repair and check high‑pressure piping systems; lay out, cut, bend and assemble pipes and other component parts for the fabrication of new systems; modify existing piping and test systems and equipment for proper operation and conformance to standards.
• Fabricate and weld ferrous and non‑ferrous metals.
• Provide preventive and corrective maintenance on internal combustible engines.
• Cut plates, structural steel and alloys within close tolerances with flame‑cutting torch equipment.
• Remove, install and relocate various pieces of heavy, unwieldy or otherwise critical equipment and machinery using cranes, winches, hoists, dollies, rollers and forklift trucks.
• Remove, repair and completely overhaul pumps, motors, sludge centrifuge gear drives, mechanical bar‑screens, gas compressors, boilers, valves, blowers and other types of equipment related to wastewater treatment plants and pumping facilities.
• Ensure plant mechanical equipment is maintained and repaired properly to provide reliability, economy and safety.