Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator

Non-exempt (compensatory and/or overtime eligible); full-time; 40 hours per week; varied hours and shifts; full-benefits

This skilled technical position is responsible for the operation and maintenance of wastewater treatment plant facilities. Direction may be received from WWTPO at higher classifications; supervision is received from the Assistant Chief Operator, Chief Operator and/or Superintendent.

NOTE: The upper pay range reflects possible wage rates for internal County transfers and promotions, which are calculated per County policy. Â For external hires, offers are made at the base wage rate.

Frederick County Government values the principles of diversity and inclusion, and strives to ensure equal opportunities for its workforce, applicants and community members. Â If you are a person who wants to make a difference, give back to your community, and be a voice for change, apply to Frederick County Government today.

Total Compensation Package

Frederick County offers an extensive compensation package to reflect how highly we value our employees. The following is what you can expect in your first year as a full-time benefited Frederick County Government employee.

• 11 days of Vacation leave with increase after 2 years of employment
• 15 days of Sick leave with unlimited annual carryover
• 11 paid holidays, plus 2 additional floating holidays
• Day 1 coverage of comprehensive Medical Insurance Plan options to include generous County Health Savings Account (HSA) contribution (if enrolled in the high-deductible plan). This is part of a full range of benefits including Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending
• Employee Health Center with no or low-cost primary and urgent care
• 100% County paid 2x annual salary Group Term Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) benefit
• County and Employee funded Defined Benefit Pension Plan
• Vesting after 5 years of service
• Additional service credit for eligible previous public service, military service, etc.
• Work/Life balance programs include: Employee Assistance Program and Employee Wellness Program
• Generous Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Other employee-paid benefits such as Deferred Compensation Plan, Legal Resources, Supplemental Life Insurance, Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital Indemnity Insurance, Lifetime Benefit with Long Term Care plan.
  
  

For more information, visit our benefits page on the Frederick County Government job opportunities webpage.

• Operate wastewater treatment plant, sludge processing equipment and disposal equipment; may operate front-end loaders and forklifts as neededÂ
• Monitor control panels and adjust valves and gates
• Observe variations in plant operating conditions; meter and gauge readings and laboratory test results
• Operate pumps, blowers, engines and generators
• Maintain log of operations and record meter and gauge readings
• Assist with the maintenance and repair of equipment, buildings and grounds
• Compile and prepare reports for submission as mandated
• Investigate customer complaints and concerns; aid in timely response and resolution
• Assist in the training of newly hired Operators
• Perform other related duties as required
  
  

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Â The essential duties do not cover all duties that may be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Â

The qualifications/requirements, knowledge/skills/abilities and physical requirements or working conditions described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Â

Qualifications And Requirements For All Placement Levels

• Minimum age 18 years
• High school graduation or the equivalent
• Possession of a valid automobile operator's license
  
  

WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR - TRAINEE REQUIREMENTS ($19.61Â - $31.38 per hour)

• No wastewater treatment plant experience is required for placement as WWTPO Trainee - Preference may be given to candidates who have work experience at a wastewater treatment plant or related field
• Within 6 months of employment, employee must obtain and maintain Temporary Class 5A WWTPO certification issued by Maryland Board of Water Works and Waste System Operators
• Ability to pass Maryland Class 5A WWTPO certification examination within 3 years of hire
• Within 6 months of hire, employee must satisfy at least 50% of PLPR level I training requirements
• Within two years employee must satisfy proficiency level progress training requirements for the PLPR level II classification. The employee will be, otherwise, terminated from employment
• PLPR Level II is the basic functional level an employee must attain.
  
  

WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR I REQUIREMENTS ($20.98 - $33.57 per hour)

• Applicants must have applied, taken and passed the Maryland Class 5A Operator Certification exam
• Within 6 months of employment, new employees must satisfy all PLPR Level I requirements or be terminated from employment
• Applicant must satisfy 100% of the Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator I & II PLPR Requirements within 2 years of hire (which includes the 6-month probationary period) to become a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator II. Employees have 2 years to attain level 2, e.g. PLPR Level 2 is the basic functional level an employee must attain
  
  

WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR II REQUIREMENTS ($22.45 - $35.92 per hour)

• Minimum 3 years (WWTPO II) or related work experience in a Maryland Class 5A wastewater treatment plant or an equivalent plant
• Must have already passed the Class 5-A Wastewater Treatment Operator certification test and be in possession of certificate issued by Maryland Board of Water Works and Waste System Operators, or an equivalent certification from another state with the ability to obtain the appropriate Maryland certification through reciprocity
• With the DUSWM Director's approval, qualified new employees may be placed in the Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator II position immediately upon hire, if the employee has the required experience and has passed the required certification exam. The employee, however, must satisfy all of the PLPR Level II requirements during the 6-month probationary period. The employee, otherwise, may be demoted to a Level I pay grade or be terminated
  
  

WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR III REQUIREMENTS ($27.50Â - $44.01 per hour)

• Minimum 5 years (WWTPO III) or related work experience in a Maryland Class 5A wastewater treatment plant or an equivalent plant
• Must have already passed the Class 5-A Wastewater Treatment Operator certification test and be in possession of certificate issued by Maryland Board of Water Works and Waste System Operators, or an equivalent certification from another state with the ability to obtain the appropriate Maryland certification through reciprocity
• With the DUSWM Director's approval, qualified new employees may be placed in the Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator III position immediately upon hire, if the employee has the required experience and has passed the required certification exam. The employee, however, must satisfy all of the PLPR Level III requirements during the 6-month probationary period. The employee, otherwise, may be demoted to a Level II pay grade or be terminated
  
  

NOTE: Placement into a trainee, I, II, or III position level is based upon such qualifications as education, work experience, and relevant certification. Â The upper pay ranges reflect possible wage rates for internal County transfers and promotions. Â For transfers and promotions, wage rates are calculated per County policy.Â

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities For All Levels

• Ability to maintain County Authorized Driver privileges
• General knowledge of mathematics, plumbing and electrical controls, with the ability to accurately read gauges, meters, level indicators, etc.
• Considerable knowledge of materials, methods, techniques and equipment used in the operation of wastewater treatment plants, with the ability to effectively detect problems in plant operations
• Ability to accurately complete routine process control and/or laboratory tests
• Considerable knowledge of potential hazards associated with this work, with ability to recognize and implement appropriate safety precautions
• Effective spoken and written (English) communication skills, including the ability to prepare and maintain clear, concise and accurate forms and reports
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers and the general public
• Ability to effectively assign and follow-up on the work of less experienced Operators
  
  

PREFERENCE MAY BE GIVEN FOR

• Related Wastewater Treatment experience of similar experience in a related field (Operator Trainee only)
• Mechanical Experience
• Applicants holding a valid and current Maryland Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator 5A License
  
  

Physical Requirements / Working Conditions

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is constantly walking and driving; frequently climbing and stooping and lifting between 20-50 pounds, and pushing / pulling over 40 pounds; and occasionally lifting up to 20 pounds, lifting over 50 pounds pushing and pulling up to 40 pounds, reaching and making repetitive motions
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is constantly working outdoors, in temperatures above 100 degrees, in temperatures below 32 degrees, in dirty and dusty environments, near machinery, chemicals and fumes and potentially exposed to infectious diseases; frequently working indoors, walking on uneven ground and required to wear protective equipment; and occasionally works in a noisy environment, works in confined spaces, at heights and below ground level
• Physical requirements also necessitate that facial hair is maintained to properly wear full and half-piece air purifying respirators and other job-specific safety equipment, and to pass air purifying respirator fit test throughout employment.Â
• Available for varied shifts and varied work days as assigned, and available for on-call response to emergency situations.
• Participation in the Proficiency Level Progress Promotional Protocol Program (PLPR)
• Required certifications must be maintained throughout tenure of employment. Â Loss of required certification may result in termination.Â
• Annual Respirator fit testing will be conducted throughout employment as a requirement of this position
• Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators are essential personnel and required to report to work during weather events and/or emergencies when County offices are closed or operating under liberal leave policy.
• In concert with the Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002, verification of employment eligibility and a criminal background check will be conducted
• This position is designated as security-sensitive, requiring a satisfactory background investigation, conducted by the Frederick County Sheriff's Office, in accordance with established Frederick County policy.
  
  

KIND OF EXAMINATION (may Include)

• An evaluation of training and experience
• A pre-interview written exam
• One or more interviews
• Pre-employment physical examination; color perception test
• A pre-employment security-sensitive background investigation conducted by Frederick County Sheriff's Office