Plant Utility Technician

The Plant Utilities Technician responsible for operating, monitoring, maintaining, and repairing utility systems and equipment, minimizing equipment downtime and meeting efficiency goals.

*12 hour shift - Must be available to work 2,2,3 schedule that includes every other weekend*

Accountabilities & Impact:

**Safety / Food Safety: **

• Adhere to all Plant and Safety policies and procedures, including wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), as well as adhering to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs).
• Ensure equipment meets safety standards and regulations.

Technical Expertise:

• Operate, maintain, and repair steam boilers, glycol chillers, cooling towers, air compressors, nitrogen generation, CO2 recovery, multiple reverse osmosis units, and other bulk commodities as well as the wastewater treatment plant and aquifer injection wells.
• Analyze data from controls, mechanical, electrical, chemical, and biological systems and initiates change to ensure continuous, cost-effective treatment within equipment requirements and state discharge permit limits.
• Initiates corrective actions or alternative methods and procedures to continue operations if outages, repairs, breakdowns, large spills or dumps occur at the wastewater treatment plant.
• Performs basic and advanced laboratory tests as needed.
• Conduct routine as well as non-routine analysis of the waste stream and other utility systems, like boiler chemicals, well water quality and filtration equipment.
• Perform routine, preventative, and corrective maintenance of associated equipment.
• Ability to effectively troubleshoot equipment to minimize unplanned equipment downtime.
• Demonstrate effective root-cause problem solving to identify and perform equipment repairs and improvements.

Documentation:

• Maintain accurate records of maintenance activities, including work performed, parts used, and any additional observations.
• Ensure PM’s/ work order paperwork is completed before departure from plant.
• Follow-up with any team members when passing along ongoing work to the next shift.
• Assist the lead with developing/updating SOP’s.

Team Collaboration:

• Work closely with brewing and other departments to coordinate maintenance activities without disrupting the manufacturing process. Communicate effectively with team members and supervisors.

Inventory Management:

• Finding parts in the CMMS system.
• Ensure parts used from inventory are reported and documented in accordance with inventory control program guidelines.
• Optimize the use of resources, including tools and equipment.

**Communication: **

• Ensure smooth shift changes by communicating important information to incoming shifts, including updates on work in progress, equipment conditions, and any outstanding issues or concerns.
• Escalate concerns to supervisor as it relates to safety, quality, performance goals, productivity, continuous improvement, and teamwork/harmony.

Training and Development:

• Collaborate with your peers and team members to transfer specialist technical knowledge.

Process Improvement:

• Work directly with leadership to develop and execute projects involving continuous improvement, equipment and/or facility upgrades, and the permanent corrective measures of reoccurring problems.

Perform other various job duties as required.

Skill & Experiences Needed:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• 1 – 3 years of relevant work experience working on chillers/boilers, CO2 recovery, RO systems, or;
• 1 - 3 years of laboratory and or operational experience in an aerobic and or anaerobic wastewater treatment plant is desired, preferably in an industrial environment.
• Knowledge and understanding of wastewater treatment plant operations, sludge processing and handling, chemistry, microbiology and operations of sophisticated analytical laboratory equipment.
• Knowledge of mathematics, mechanics, chemistry, biology, microbiology, electrical systems, controls systems, maintenance, and safety procedures.
• Competent in the operation of equipment used in the aerobic/anaerobic wastewater treatment plants. These unit processes include pumping stations, controls systems, screening, grit removal, clarification, pH and nutrient control through various chemical additions, sludge press, anaerobic pre-treatment, etc.
• Handling of hazardous chemicals.
• Experience with pumps, motors, compressors, boilers, valves, PRVs, SCADA.
• Proficient in computer and software skills such as MS office, excel, word, and email and Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS).
• Strong written and oral communication skills.

The Plant Utility Tech position is well-suited for you if you have/are:

• Ability to manage well under pressure while staying true to the company values.
• Strong work ethic and willingness to take on any task.
• Reliable and punctual - must adhere to attendance and absenteeism policy.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and prioritize work while multitasking.
• Excellent communication skills both orally and written.
• Ability to demonstrate and maintain a “can-do” and positive attitude.
• Ability to provide and receive open and regular feedback and adjust accordingly.
• Works collaboratively within various teams.
• Ability to adjust communication/leadership style as needed and when appropriate.
• Fully accountable owner of self and team behaviors and results.

Working conditions:

• This position is exposed to occupational hazards, including but not limited to, high noise levels, physical obstacles, exposure to chemicals, etc.

• Ability to work outdoors occasionally, exposed to the outside conditions, for short periods of time.

• Subject to extreme heat/cold temperatures

• Must have sufficient endurance to perform tasks over long periods of time.

• Fast-paced and constantly changing work environment.

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.

• Ability to stand/move 8-12 hours per day.

• Ability to ascend/descend stairs/ladders throughout shift.

• Fine motor skills and dexterity for manipulation

• Must wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) including (but not limited to) bump cap, safety steel toe shoes, safety glasses, dust masks or PAPRs.

• Must adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs).

Scheduling requirements: 2-2-3, 12-hour shifts in a two-week cycle. Shift operations include weekends, holidays. Must be able to work overtime as directed by management.

This position has been identified as a safety sensitive position within the state of Arizona.

You should be proficient in:

• Mechanical Troubleshooting Skills
• Electrical Troubleshooting
• HVAC Troubleshooting
• Boiler Certification
• Boiler Operation
• Maintenance and Repair Skills
• Industrial Electrical Experience
• Machine Safety Inspections