Wastewater System Technician I

This posting is for full-time, permanent, safety-sensitive Wastewater Systems Technician I positions in Utility Operations within the Department of Public Works. This entry-level role is part of a proficiency series, allowing advancement to Wastewater Systems Technician II and III levels upon acquiring necessary skills and certifications. An internal training and certification program is provided.

About the Role

The work involves operating, maintaining, monitoring, and adjusting Anne Arundel County wastewater treatment plants, booster or sewage pumping station equipment to ensure compliance with State, Federal, and local laws, regulations, and policies. Employees utilize knowledge and skills in mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, and laboratory work. This role is designated as essential, requiring work in all weather conditions, with potential overtime, holidays, weekends, and standby duty. Physical demands include frequent bending, stooping, reaching, walking, crawling in tight spaces, and lifting up to 50 pounds.

Responsibilities

• Observe all Federal, State, and County safety rules, regulations, and procedures.
• Perform administrative tasks such as work orders and inventory management.
• Respond to customer inquiries and complaints, resolving issues as needed.
• Conduct preventive maintenance on treatment plant, wastewater pump, or water booster station equipment.
• Create, review, analyze, and submit spreadsheets, graphs, and monthly operating and regulatory reports.
• Review, create, and update Standard Operating Procedures for treatment plants and sewage pump stations.
• Perform and review laboratory testing, sample collection, and compliance with established standards.
• Conduct sampling duties in compliance with state and federal regulations and perform process tests.
• Monitor sludge levels in process tanks and clean service area equipment (e.g., process floats, tanks, weirs, walls, scum collectors).
• Assist with mechanical preventive and corrective maintenance of process equipment, valves, and structures.
• Conduct instrumentation and electrical preventive and corrective maintenance.
• Perform preventive maintenance on service area equipment and plant vehicles.
• Maintain general housekeeping, buildings, and grounds at treatment plants, pump, or booster stations.
• Transfer electrical power at treatment plants and pumping or booster stations.
• Administer CPR, clean and calibrate probes, and identify confined spaces.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Two or more years of experience in facility plant operations, laboratory work, or mechanical, electrical, or instrumentation maintenance.
• Temporary Class 5A wastewater collection system operator's license (may be obtained at hire and converted to a full license within three years).
• Valid non-commercial Class C motor vehicle operator's license.

This position is safety-sensitive and subject to Controlled Dangerous Substance (CDS) and alcohol testing. Longevity pay is available based on years of service.

Skills

• Knowledge of computer hardware and software (e.g., Cassworks, One World, County View).
• Knowledge of inventory procedures and chemical hazards/safety policies.
• Knowledge of NPDES permit tests, process control tests, and compliance parameters.
• Knowledge of disinfection processes (e.g., ultraviolet, chlorination, dechlorination).
• Knowledge of process calculations (e.g., F/M ratio, M.C.R.T., sludge inventories).
• Knowledge of microbiology, biological nutrient removal, and oxygen level measurement techniques.
• Knowledge of mechanical, electrical, and instrumentation components and laboratory techniques.
• Skill in using electrical, mechanical, and instrumentation equipment.
• Skill in interpreting blueprints and as-built drawings.
• Skill in using microscopes and testing equipment for routine maintenance.
• Ability to communicate orally and in writing.
• Ability to read schematics, blueprints, charts, and graphs.
• Ability to identify and correct process upsets.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in the operation and maintenance of wastewater treatment and collection systems.
• Experience in mechanical maintenance.