This is inspectional and maintenance work involving the inspection of several remote-controlled water pumping stations and water storage facilities for proper functioning on a rotating shift. Work includes the operation of pumps at a high-pressure station during multiple-alarm fires or permanent assignment to a high-pressure station. An employee in this class performs a facilitating service in the operation and maintenance of a system of water pumps. Work is performed under the supervision of a technical superior.

ALLOCATING FACTORS: (The following conditions must be met for a position to be approved for this class.)

1. Employees in this class must perform inspectional work involving the inspection of several remote-controlled water pumping stations for proper functioning on a rotating shift.
2. Employees in this class must perform work which includes the operation of pumps at a high-pressure station during multiple-alarm fires or be permanently assigned to a high-pressure station.
3. The work must be performed in the Water Department.

• Travels to remote-controlled water pumping stations and water storage facilities; determines bearing temperature by touching equipment and pressing monitor buttons for readings; checks oil rings on pumps and motors for proper lubrication and adds oil if needed; checks motor brushes for arcing and wear; touches exterior of pump packing glands for temperature; observes flow of seal water and may adjust flow using a wrench; observes sight glass for proper water level; checks suction and discharge valves for overheating and leakage; reports malfunctions to supervisor or maintenance personnel in writing.
• Inspects auxiliary equipment for proper operation; starts pumps priming, sump, and air compressor pumps if required; bleeds moisture from vacuum tanks; checks hydraulic oil system and heating boiler condensation pump; checks storage batteries for proper water level and voltage and amperage while charging; notes indicator lights on high-voltage switchgear; checks transformer for overheating, leaks, and oil level and reports if needed; starts station heating unit to determine operating condition, testing the safety devices and cleaning the oil strainer when needed; tests operation of ventilating fans or blowers, adjusts thermostat, and determines adequacy of fuel oil supply.
• Cleans raw water intake bays by operating gantry crane to remove leaves and debris; removes leaves and debris from river floats with a rake; removes by hand or with a pole accumulated tree branches and debris from revolving intake bar screens in screen house or other intake structures after switching controls from automatic to manual; operates intake valves by hand, or by motorized operation.
• Reads and interprets flow and electric meters, pressure gauges, revolving charts, and other indicators, and records readings on water operations log; changes revolving charts periodically and fills recording pens with ink as needed; uses keyboard to access data from SCADA system terminal.
• Changes pump operation to alternate power line by switching to manual control and closing bus tie; inserts ratchet into switchgear interior, lowers circuit breaker onto truck, and pulls it out; opens and removes pilot potential fuses; restores power to lines by operating switchgear.
• Determines station security by checking grounds, windows, doors, and alarm switches for tampering or vandalism; locks doors and gates on departure.
• Responds to fire alarms announced over public address system in high-pressure station by throwing switches to pressing buttons on control panel to activate pump and control valve openings and water pressure; starts additional pump or pumps in accordance with need for pressure at fire ground.
• Makes minor repairs and adjustments of equipment, oils and greases pumps, motors, and auxiliary equipment; performs high pressure pump test and records results in log book.
• Prepares daily report of pumps in service for fire-fighting operations and monthly reports of pumps activated but not utilized by the Fire Department, and of test runs ordered by supervisor.
• Inspects floating covers on water storage reservoirs; operates cover pump drainage system; participates in installation, relocation, removal and cleaning of pumps; removes debris.
• Performs related work as required.

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• the operation of a variety of control equipment such as switches, circuit breakers, and instrument boards.
• the principles governing the operation and preventive maintenance of large machinery and motors powered by high-voltage electricity.
• the hazards and safety precautions involved in the operation of machinery powered by high-voltage electricity.
• the principles governing the operation of a variety of small pumps, vacuum and hydraulic oil systems, storage battery chargers, and low-pressure heating units.

ABILITY TO:

• learn the operation of large pumps, valves, and motors in a water pumping station.
• learn the operation of a gantry crane and revolving bar screens.
• learn the change-over of pumps and motors to an alternate power line.
• understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• read and interpret meter, gauge, and chart readings, and to prepare routine reports of water operations.
• detect malfunctions in water pumping equipment.
• learn to access SCADA system database to obtain information regarding pumping station operation.

EDUCATION

• Education equivalent to completion of the twelfth school grade.

• Two years of experience in the operation, maintenance, or repair of large pumping, filtration, treatment or heavy industrial equipment or machinery, powered by high-voltage electricity.

PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of a position in this class.

• Possession of a valid proper class motor vehicle operator's license as issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania prior to appointment and during tenure of employment as a Pumping Station Engineer if required for work assignments.

PAY RANGE: 13
Class Established: 1/1953
Spec. Revision: 11/1972

Latest Spec. Revision:
  CSC - 7/1997 ; Ad Board - 9/1997

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