Wastewater Maintenance Technician/Trainee (Industrial Mechanic)

Important Notice:  Arlington County requires all applicants to thoroughly complete each section of the application, including prior job responsibilities, duties, and supplemental questions. While you may attach a resume, it will not replace a completed application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Do you have hands-on experience with engines, pumps, valves, hydraulics, or industrial equipment?  If so, we may have the perfect opportunity for you! Arlington County's Department of Environmental Services (DES) is seeking skilled mechanics and maintenance professionals to join the Water Pollution Control Plant (WPCP) as Wastewater Maintenance Technician/Trainees (WMT) through a paid apprenticeship program! The WPCP is a state-of-the-art, highly automated advanced wastewater treatment facility capable of treating more than 40 million gallons of wastewater per day.  Selected candidates will participate in a structured four-year job training/work apprenticeship program, which offers a career path from Wastewater Maintenance Technician/Trainee to the highest-level Wastewater Maintenance Technician at full performance.

The apprenticeship program includes:

• Extensive County-paid technical courses and training using the TPC training system, such as wastewater systems overview, safety, CMMS, WEF pump computer, backflow preventer, crane truck/backhoe/skid loader/rigging/overhead crane operation, laser alignment, vibration analysis, root cause failure, oil analysis, and other required trainings;
• A structural and pipe welding certification and CDL License;
• Defined expectations of accomplishment at each level or subject to separation from training; and
• A compensation plan based upon the achievement of new skills through comprehensive testing, certification, and demonstrated application of skills.

Specific duties include:

• Inspecting, diagnosing, and repairing industrial mechanical equipment including pumps, blowers, compressors, valves, gearboxes, conveyors, sluice gates, and diesel/gasoline engines using diagnostic tools, blueprints, and factory specifications;
• Performing horizontal and vertical welding, fabrication, and brazing using acetylene, arc, MIG, and TIG welders on ferrous and nonferrous metals; making precision cuts using band saws and plasma cutters;
• Evaluating equipment condition and maintenance needs by analyzing age, maintenance history, operational data, and life expectancy to develop project plans for predictive, preventive, and corrective action;
• Assessing project scope for repair, replacement, and installation work — including resource needs (equipment, personnel, budget) and coordinating or monitoring contractor performance and quality of work; and
• Operating and maintaining hand and power tools, precision instruments, rigging equipment, and shop machinery including grinders, hydraulic presses, pipe threaders, calipers, and micrometers.

The Full Performance Maintenance Technician is responsible for technical, skilled trades and project management work. This includes installing, maintaining, and renovating complex industrial systems and equipment in the WPCP, along with Water and Sewer Lift Stations maintained, and managed in DES.

The ideal candidate will have experience:

• Independently diagnosing mechanical problems and determining repair solutions with minimal supervision;
• Working in fast-paced environments where priorities shift quickly — balancing planned maintenance with emergency response; and
• Collaborating across trades and work groups to complete projects safely and on schedule. 
   

Minimum Qualifications:  Selected Candidates will be placed at the level commensurate with their education and experience levels (Multiple vacancies)

Wastewater Maintenance Technician Trainee — Apprentice Level 1:

• High school diploma or GED or the equivalent; and
• One (1) year of mechanical experience.
• Licenses/Certifications: None required at hire. Must obtain a valid Class B Commercial Driver's License (CDL) within the first year of employment.

Wastewater Maintenance Technician Trainee Apprentice Level 2:

• Completion of Apprentice Level 1 requirements; and
• One (1) year of experience in wastewater maintenance.
• Licenses: Forklift certification; First Aid and CPR; IMI WMT I License or equivalent; CDL Class B.

Wastewater Maintenance Technician Trainee Apprentice Level 3:

• Completion of Apprentice Level 2 requirements; and
• One (1) a