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Water Treatment Plant Mechanics maintain and repair machines and equipment used to process and distribute water for human consumption and industrial use. They might also maintain and repair machines and equipment in wastewater treatment plants where water is cleaned before it is returned to streams and rivers.

Power Plant Mechanics install, adjust, repair, and maintain electrical and mechanical equipment and parts in power-generating stations.

JOB DUTIES

Water Treatment and Power Plant Mechanics may:

Dismantle or partially dismantle machinery, such as electric motors, turbines, pumps, valves, and gages, to gain access to or remove faulty parts

Repair or replace defective parts

Inspect machines and equipment

Lubricate moving parts or replace worn parts to prevent breakdowns or malfunctions

Operate plant equipment to process and distribute water on some occasions

Clean out pipes and perform other plumbing and pipe fitting tasks as required

Use gas or arc welding equipment to heat, cut, braze, or weld

Supervise, instruct, and inspect the work of maintenance helpers or laborers

Perform general maintenance and repair tasks on buildings, structures and grounds

A Power Plant Mechanic's duties may include:

Dismantle and repair auxiliary equipment such as pumps, compressors and pipe systems

Assist in conducting acceptance and performance tests on new and existing equipment

Fabricate special tools and rigging equipment, and make replacement parts for equipment

Install wiring between machinery, switchboards, and control panels

In large water treatment and power plants, Mechanics work primarily in maintenance and repair. In smaller plants, Mechanics may operate and control machinery, perform tests, and keep records, duties more typical of a water treatment plant operator (MOIScript #217).

The tools, equipment, and work aids include:

OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES

630.281-038 WATER TREATMENT PLANT MECHANICS maintain and repair machines and equipment used to process and distribute water for human consumption and industrial use.

They might also maintain and repair machines and equipment in waste water treatment plants where water is cleaned before it is returned to streams and rivers.

In addition to learning about these specialties, you may also find it helpful to explore the following MOIScripts:

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WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Water Treatment and Power Plant Mechanics work under the general direction of a maintenance supervisor or superintendent. In some plants, Mechanics supervise lower grade Mechanics, helpers, or laborers in maintenance work and repairs. They frequently work alone with little contact with other workers.

These Mechanics work both indoors and outdoors and may be exposed to noise from machinery, unpleasant odors, dust, and other substances in the air. They might experience hazardous conditions, such as slippery walkways, dangerous gases, and malfunctioning equipment. Power Plant Mechanics usually work inside a generating station under supervision. They are exposed to electrical hazards from generating equipment. They can minimize these hazards with protective equipment and clothing which are usually provided by the employer.

Water Treatment and Power Plant Mechanics generally work a 5-day, 40 hour week. Because plants operate around the clock, Mechanics might be required to work afternoons, nights, weekends, or holidays. In addition, they might be on call in case of emergency breakdowns.

Mechanics may belong to unions representing employees where they work and pay periodic dues.

You Should Prefer:

• Activities which involve the use of machines, processes, or methods

• Activities that bring satisfaction from working on & producing things

You Should Be Able To:

• Perform a variety of duties which may change often

• Work easily and skillfully with your hands

• Rate information using standards that can be measured or checked

• Work within precise limits or standards of accuracy

Math Problem You Should Be Able to Solve:

What is the voltage across six 1.5 volt batteries when they are connected in series?

Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend:

Because of the positive and negative charges on the battery terminals, a potential difference exists between them. The maximum potential difference across the terminals of a battery is called the electromotive force (emf).

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce:

You should be able to write a report explaining any malfunctions that may be occurring with the machinery.

Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Demonstrate:

You should be able to look at different malfunctions and then decide the best way to alleviate the problems.

Employers sometimes prefer to hire persons with one year or more of experience in mechanical repair. Some positions, particularly in larger cities and towns, are covered by civil service regulations. Therefore, applicants may be required to pass written examinations which test elementary mathematics skills, mechanical aptitude and general intelligence. The ability to read blueprints is important for Power Plant Mechanics.

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EDUCATION AND PREPARATION OPPORTUNITIES

NOTE: On-The-Job Training provided by the employer or a High School Diploma or Equivalent may qualify a person for this occupation.

The following education and preparation opportunities are helpful in preparing for occupations in the MOIScript:

***SCHOOL SUBJECTS***

0700 CAREERS , 0900 COMMUNICATIONS , 1000 COMPUTERS , 1200 ELECTRONICS , 2200 MATH , 2900 SCIENCE , 3200 TECHNICAL DRAWING , 3300 TECHNOLOGY

***VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS***

There are no Vocational Education Programs related to this MOIScript

***POSTSECONDARY PROGRAMS***

There are no Postsecondary Programs related to this MOIScript  

Search for a College and/or Instructional Program

***APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES***

There are no Apprenticeships related to this MOIScript

***MILITARY TRAINING PROGRAMS***

There are no Military Programs related to this MOIScript

E-Learning Courses and Programs  

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OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY

Because of the knowledge and skill required to maintain and repair treatment and power plant equipment, opportunities for exploration and experience are limited.

            School-to-Work opportunities include:

informal apprenticeships

mentorships

job shadowing experiences

touring a local Water Treatment and Power Plant Mechanic employer

internships

volunteer work with a Water Treatment and Power Plant Mechanic employer

community service work with an agency

To find employment, apply directly to water and/or wastewater control departments of city government agencies and industrial plants. Applicants must take and pass exams to be eligible for most positions in municipal water and sewage departments. Assistance in locating treatment plants may be obtained from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality or the Michigan Municipal League. Assistance in obtaining a job may be available from local branch offices of Michigan Works! In addition, you should access and search the Internet's on-line employment services sites such as:

Public Works Online Career Center (http://www.publicworks.com)

American Waterworks Association Employment Listings (http://www.awwa.org/forums/main.cfm?cfapp=79)

Michigan Talent Bank (http://www.michworks.org/mtb/user/MTB_EMPL.EntryMainPage)

America's Job Bank (http://www.ajb.dni.us)

Classifieds Employment (http://www.classifieds2000.com)  

Yahoo! Careers (http://careers.yahoo.com/)

MONSTER.COM  (http://www.monster.com)

            Michigan Works! (http://www.michiganworks.org)

            You should also enter an electronic resume on these on-line services.

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EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT

Earnings of Water Treatment and Power Plant Mechanics vary according to plant size, location, and the Mechanic's level of experience.

Water Treatment and Power Plant Mechanics employed by local governments in southeast Michigan earned the following annual salaries (early 2002):

The median yearly earnings of  "all" workers in the U.S. were $31,044 in 2001.  

Power Plant Mechanics employed by a large utility company in Michigan had annual salaries ranging from $49,109 to $54,808 in late 2002.  Apprentices had salaries ranging from $39,624 to $47,632.  

Water Treatment Plant Maintenance Mechanics/Operators working in the Automotive Industry earned from $54,496 to $55,453 per year in  mid 2002.

Depending on the employer, most Water Treatment and Power Plant Mechanics receive paid vacations and holidays; life, accident and disability insurance; health insurance, including dental and optical coverage; sick pay; and retirement plans. These benefits are usually paid for, at least in part, by the employer.

Water Treatment and Power Plant Mechanics usually start as trainees or apprentices and learn the skills of the job under the direction of an experienced Mechanic. With supervisory experience and additional education, a Mechanic could become an assistant superintendent or superintendent. Water treatment plants in forty-four states, including Michigan, require the certification of persons responsible for the supervisory control of public water supplies or of the waste treatment facilities of an industrial or commercial business which discharges liquid wastes through a public sanitary sewer

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EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK

Nationally, there were approximately 5,300 Machinery Maintenance Mechanics employed in governmental water and power plants in 2000. . Employment of all types of Machinery Maintenance Mechanics is expected to show little or no change through the year 2010.  Some job openings will occur as experienced Mechanics transfer to other occupations, retire, die, or leave the labor force for other reasons.

The number of Water Treatment and Power Plant Mechanics employed in Michigan is unknown. Most of the Mechanics worked for local governments or public utilities. A few were also employed by large manufacturing firms.

Employment of Water Treatment and Power Plant Mechanics in Michigan is expected to grow more slowly than the average for all occupations through the year 2008.  In late 2001, there were 17 apprentices in training for this occupation, and 3 completed the apprenticeship program.

Fewer new water treatment and power plants are expected to be built. However, as residential and industrial construction increases, so will the need for additional treatment plants and, therefore, additional Water Treatment and Power Plant Mechanics.

MICHIGAN'S EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK TO 2008

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SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Printed Occupational information is available upon written request from the sources below.

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