Waste Water Treatment Plant Operator.

Duties

• At the full performance level of the position, you will perform the following duties. As a developmental employee, you will be trained and supervised to perform the duties.
• Operate a Waste Water Treatment Plant to provide the full range of the treatment process, that is required to meet National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit conditions.
• Provide four stages of plant treatment, namely: Pretreatment, and primary, secondary, and tertiary treatment
• Operate a variety of pumps, valves, gates, feeders, flocculates, clarifies (purifying liquids), filters and other controls and equipment to move waterborne domestic waste through the various states of treatment.
• Collects samples, runs tests on influent, intermediate stages and effluent, and adjusts chemical additions according to specified requirements
• Performs operation and maintenance on all equipment in accordance with standard operating procedures, manufacturers specifications/manuals and written and oral instructions from superior.
• Maintains required records, operator logs, flow charts, and calibration charts.
  
  

Requirements

Conditions of employment

• Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
• You will be required to complete a Basic Background investigation, Tier one (1) investigation.
• Employee shifts are rotated on a regularly scheduled basis.
• The duties of this position may require the incumbent to be on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week on a rotational basis, based on the needs of the organization.
• This position requires the employee to use personal protective equipment provided by the employer.
• This position requires the completion of a pre-employment Physical Examination and an annual examination thereafter to ensure the continued, required level of physical health and ability or fitness to perform the duties of the position.
• This position has a requirement to lift up to 50 lbs.
• "Mission Essential" position. In the event of severe weather conditions or other such emergency type situations (natural or man-made disaster) you are required to report to work or remain at work as scheduled to support mission operations.
• The duties of this position require the incumbent to possess or obtain and maintain a valid state Driver's License in one of the 50 U.S. states or possessions to operate vehicles.
• Incumbent must obtain and maintain a state of Maryland Environment Certification for Waste Water treatment Operators level 4, within 3 years of appointment to the position.
• You may be required to serve a one year probationary period, if applicable.
  
  

Qualifications

Who May Apply: US Citizens

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

There is no specific length of training or experience required. However, you must be able to demonstrate, through experience shown in your written application materials that you possess the sufficient knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the work of this position without more than normal supervision.

Minimum Qualifications (Screen Out Element): Ability to do the work of a(n) Waste Water Treatment Plant Operator ~ without more than normal supervision. - Failure to meet this Screen out Element will result in an ineligible rating.

WG-08 Level: I have the ability to perform common tasks at a Waste Water Treatment Plant such as: 1) Experience working in a WWTP; 2) Experience recording measurement data; 3) Experience operating WWTP equipment; 4) Experience taking samples for measurement tests. I work under normal supervision of a work leader or journey-level employee who observes tasks in progress and upon completion to make sure they are properly performed.

WG-10 level: I have the ability to perform some tasks including: 1) Experience working in a WWTP; 2) Experience operating and maintain equipment such as pumps, gate valves, and outlets to adjust and regulate the flow of water into and out of a system; 3) Measuring and performing routine tests such as pH or measuring and reading meters and gauges; and 3) Experience recording test and measurement data. I work under supervision of a work leader or journey-level employee who reviews my work for completion.

Competencies

• SCREENOUT-ABILITY TO DO THE WORK OF THE POSITION WITHOUT MORE THAN NORMAL SUPERVISION
• Knowledge of Equipment Assembly, Installation, Repair, etc.
• Operation of and perform minor maintenance on a variety of complex equipment such as pumps, valves, chemical feed machines and chlorinators.
• Technical Practices (theoretical, precise, artistic).
• Use of Measuring Instruments.
• Ability To Interpret Instructions, Specifications, etc. (other than blueprinting reading).
• Dexterity and Safety.
• Physical Effort - Operator frequently works in strained positions while cleaning equipment or lifting heavy equipment or tools. Job requires considerable walking, standing on concrete and climbing stairways and ladders. Regularly lifts objects weighing 45-50 pounds; occasionally heavier weights.
• Working Conditions - Works inside and outside in all kinds of weather. Sometimes requires exposure to running motors, pumps and machinery, loud noises, and poor ventilation. Incumbent is exposed to chlorine, sulfuric acid, methane gas, sulfur dioxide, and bacteria. Odors and fumes occasionally unpleasant. Complete protective clothing including acid resistant gloves and aprons, gas mask or full face shield, and respirator required when working with dangerous chemicals. Frequent exposure to dirty and greasy machinery. Required to work on catwalks and ladders.
  
  

Education

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

Additional information

• This is a developmental position and selection may be at the WG-08 or WG-10. If selected for less than the full performance level of WG-10, you may be promoted without competition. Promotion is subject to meeting all regulatory requirements, training, certifications, and performance. Promotion is at management's discretion.
• Within 3 years of entrance on duty you must obtain and maintain a State of Maryland Environment Certification for Waste Water Treatment Plant Operator Class 4.
• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration.
• You will be required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship.
• This position requires a 1 year probationary period during which the agency evaluates your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In making this determination, the agency may consider your performance and conduct; agency needs and interests; whether your continued employment supports organizational or Government goals; and whether it promotes the efficiency of the Federal service. Continued employment requires written certification that it advances the public interest.
• Direct Deposit of Pay is required.
• Selection is subject to restrictions resulting from Department of Defense referral system for displaced employees.
• If you have retired from federal service and you are interested in employment as a reemployed annuitant, see the information in the
• This is a(n) Construction, Engineering, Infrastructure Career Field position.
• Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement.
• Salary includes applicable locality pay or Local Market Supplement.
• When you perform a Civilian Permanent Change of Station (PCS) with the government, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) considers the majority of your entitlements to be taxable. Visit
• Permanent Change of Station (PCS) allowances may be authorized, subject to the provisions of the Joint Travel Regulations and an agency determination that a PCS move is in the Government Interest.
• The following special programs/incentives MAY be offered if it is appropriate to the position being filled and in the best interest of the government:
• Recruitment incentives
• Relocation incentives
• Student Loan repayment
• Salary negotiations for those candidates who are new to Federal service my be authorized.
• Credit for prior non-federal work experience and certain military service for determining annual leave accrual rate may be authorized,
  

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding.

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.