Aquatics Technician

Department: Parks & Recreation Reports to: Recreation Superintendent

Summary: Under basic supervision, maintains swimming pools and water management equipment and fixtures in aquatic facilities, in accordance with all safety regulations and procedures; inspects and maintains facilities, equipment, and grounds for the for the Parks & Recreation Department (P&R).

Essential Functions: -- Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; reasonable accommodations will be made as required. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Plans and performs a variety of specialized equipment maintenance tasks to maintain a safe, attractive, and user-friendly aquatic park system; inspects facilities and equipment, and performs tests to maintain water quality and sanitation levels in compliance with state regulations and health standards.
• Inspects hydraulic, mechanical, and electrical equipment; performs preventive maintenance and repairs of aquatic fixtures, equipment, components, and plumbing and water management systems; assures repairs comply with applicable standards and procedures.
• Maintains water quality parameters to meet health and safety standards for patrons and prevent damage to equipment; tests water for chlorine, pH, total alkalinity, hardness, total dissolved solids, and acid; treats water with the proper chemicals to maintain safe and healthy water quality.
• Inspects aquatic facilities and performs maintenance on buildings, grounds, and landscape.
• Checks for proper operation of chemical metering, circulation, filters, pumps, and heaters; maintains, repairs, and replaces damaged or malfunctioning equipment; installs new equipment as directed.
• Completes daily work log, incident and accident reports, and requisitions for supplies and materials; prepares and processes reports.
• Operates vehicles and equipment in accordance with all safety regulations and procedures; identifies and reports mechanical problems requiring additional repair.
• Works on assigned projects, and makes appropriate decisions based on work experience; notifies supervisors of repair problems beyond the scope of authority.
• Utilizes proper safety precautions in all work performed; reports problems and emergency situations; recognizes, avoids, and reports unsafe acts, conditions, accidents, and injuries.
• Supports the departmental operations with regular and timely attendance.
• Supports the relationship between the City of Odessa and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with visitors and City staff; maintains confidentiality of work-related issues and City information; performs other duties as required or assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education, Training and Experience Guidelines: High School Diploma or GED required; AND a minimum of one (1) year of aquatic facility system maintenance experience; OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Knowledge of:

• Methods, materials, tools, and equipment used in maintenance of commercial pools and aquatic facilities.
• Methods and techniques of water sterilization, chlorination, and pH balancing.
• Preventive maintenance procedures, policies, and recordkeeping requirements.
• Methods, tools, and equipment used in parks and grounds maintenance.
• Federal, state, and City safety rules and regulations, occupational hazards and safety precautions.
• Proper use and storage of hazardous chemicals used in the workplace.
• OSHA Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for hazardous chemicals.

Skill in:

• Diagnosing maintenance problems on swimming pools and water management equipment.
• Safe and efficient operation and maintenance of specialized aquatic equipment according to standard operating and safety procedures.
• Interpreting blueprints, plans, schematic drawings, and manuals to determine proper operating conditions.
• Maintaining commercial pool chemical and filter systems.
• Operating and maintaining tools and equipment in a safe and effective manner.
• Identifying mechanical problems, and making basic adjustments and repairs to equipment.
• Following safe work practices.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with co-workers.
• Effective verbal and written communication.

License and certification requirements: A Texas State Driver's License is required, Certified Pool Operator (CPO) Certificate OR an Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO) Certificate is required within one year of hire date; additional technical training and certifications may be required for some incumbents

Physical demands and working environment: Work is performed indoors, outdoors, and at City facilities, working in and around swimming pools and aquatic facilities, and on slippery and uneven surfaces; requires moderate physical efforts, and the ability to bend, reach, stoop, and lift objects; may be exposed to safety hazards and dangerous tools and equipment; safety precautions must be followed, including use of safety equipment. City approved safety shoes must be worn.