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 is an entry-level role with advancement opportunities to Wastewater Systems Technician II and III based on skill acquisition and certification. 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.

The work requires frequent bending, stooping, reaching, walking, crawling in tight spaces, and may involve lifting items 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 operating and maintenance procedures.
• Perform and review results of laboratory testing, sample types, and collection methods for compliance.
• Conduct sampling duties and process tests in compliance with state and federal regulations.
• 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 preventative 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.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

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 (or willingness to obtain one at hire and secure full licensure within three years).
• Valid non-commercial Class C motor vehicle operator’s license.
• Willingness to comply with Controlled Dangerous Substance (CDS) and Alcohol testing (safety-sensitive position).

Skills and Knowledge

• 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 associated process equipment.
• Knowledge of laboratory techniques, sample handling, and treatment analysis.
• Skill in using electrical, mechanical, and instrumentation equipment.
• Skill in interpreting blueprints and as-built drawings.
• Skill in using microscopes to identify microorganisms and testing equipment for maintenance.
• Ability to communicate orally and in writing.
• Ability to read schematics, blueprints, charts, and graphs.
• Ability to identify and correct process upsets.

Benefits

• Medical/Health Insurance: BlueChoice Advantage EPO, BlueChoice Advantage PPO.
• Dental Insurance: CIGNA Dental PPO (Buy-Up), CIGNA Dental PPO (CORE), CIGNA Dental HMO (DHMO).
• Vision Insurance: EyeMed.
• Life Insurance: $10,000 term insurance at no cost; option to purchase supplemental and dependent life insurance.
• Disability Income Insurance: Available.
• Pension Plan: Normal retirement after 30 years of service or at age 60 with 10 years of service; option to enroll in the Employees Retirement Savings Plan.
• Deferred Compensation: Section 457 Plan.
• Direct Deposit and Credit Union: Available.
• Holidays: Twelve days per calendar year (thirteen in a general election year).
• Annual Leave:
  • Less than 5 years: 13 days
  • 5 to less than 10 years: 15 days
  • 10 to less than 20 years: 20 days
  • 20 years or more: 26 days
  Some positions receive additional paid annual leave in lieu of holidays and personal leave.
• Disability Leave: Accrual at a rate of 15 days per year.
• Personal Leave: Five days per calendar year.
• Leave Sharing: Available.
• Employee Assistance Program: Free, confidential counseling (4x per year per problem per family member); legal and financial counseling; childcare and elder care assistance.
• Flexible Spending Accounts: Dependent Care Reimbursement and Health Care Reimbursement.
• Voluntary Benefits: Universal Life Insurance with Long Term Care Rider, United Legal Benefits (payroll deduction available).

Preference will be given to candidates with experience in wastewater treatment and collection systems or mechanical maintenance.