Water Reclamation Plant Operator II - Public Works, Bureau of Utilities, Water Reclamation Plant

Howard County Government•Savage, MD

6d•Onsite

About The Position

This is semiskilled midlevel work in the operation, preventive maintenance, and care of mechanical equipment in a water reclamation plant. Work includes testing samples of wastewater, assisting in the operations of intake structures, pumps, valves, solids handling and other plant equipment. Due to the nature of the primary duties, this position requires in-person presence at the worksite. Employees in this position are expected to work shifts that may include evenings and/or weekends and are designated as “essential personnel,” requiring work during inclement weather, emergency situations, County holidays and on an on-call basis. Work is performed with supervision from a technical superior until such time as the incumbent achieves proficiency in the assigned tasks. Assignments are stable in nature and are carried out in accordance with instructions and established plant routines and procedures. An employee in this class assists in the control and preventive maintenance operations of a wastewater treatment plant on an assigned shift. This is a Classified position, meaning that it is a part of the Howard County Classified Service upon completion of a probationary period of at least six (6) months. This role is designated as safety sensitive; therefore, employees are required to participate in mandatory random drug testing. Please note that this position falls within a collective bargaining unit and is represented by AFSCME Local 3085, Local 3888, or Local 1810.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Possession of a regular Class "5A" Operator's certificate issued by the Maryland State Board of Waterworks and Waste System Operators required prior to appointment and during tenure of employment.
Applicants with appropriate experience and equivalent licensing from another state will be considered for appointment but will be required to obtain a Statement of Reciprocity from the Maryland State Board prior to appointment that should be included in your application.
A valid Maryland driver's license is required.
Ability to perform minor maintenance such as adjust pumps, valves, gauges, or other equipment used in a wastewater treatment plant
Ability to maintain simple written records.
Ability to read gauges and meters accurately.
Ability to use basic hand tools.
Ability to recognize unusual or dangerous conditions or situations.
Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos.
Ability to write simple correspondences.
Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to other employees of the organization.
Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.
Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed but uninvolved written or oral instructions.
Ability to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of elementary mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic principles.
Knowledge of safe work habits.
Knowledge of the operation of pumps, valves, gauges, and other equipment used in a wastewater treatment plant.
Knowledge of elementary lab and sample collection techniques.

Responsibilities

Monitor gauges, meters, control panels, and process control computers.
Observe and report routine and unusual readings, test results, and operating conditions.
Operate valves and gates manually or by remote control.
Start and stop pumps to control flows, chemical dosages, and treatment processes.
Obtain wastewater samples and perform routine laboratory tests required by Federal, State, and local agencies.
Maintain shift logs and manually enter field data, test results, and meter readings.
Inspect bearings, valves, seals, filters, generators, compressors, and other mechanical/electrical systems.
Perform minor repairs and adjustments on malfunctioning equipment.
Report major or complex malfunctions to supervisors.
Perform preventive maintenance tasks such as lubricating pumps, motors, conveyors, and other equipment.
Paint equipment, piping, structures, and facilities as needed.
Perform routine custodial duties and cleaning of equipment.
Carry out basic maintenance tasks around plant grounds and buildings.
Assist in broader equipment and facility maintenance as needed.
Work a rotating shift.
Report to work during inclement weather or emergency situations (emergency essential role).
Perform other related duties as assigned.