Wastewater System Technician I

Position Description

This posting will be used to fill full-time, permanent, Safety Sensitive, Wastewater Systems Technician I positions in the Utility Operations, in the Department of Public Works.

This Wastewater Systems Technician I position is work at the entry level. This position is part of a proficiency series and individuals could advance to the II (intermediate) and III (full performance) levels based on obtainment of necessary skills.

Advancement through the Wastewater Systems Technician classification series (Water/Wastewater Systems Tech I, II and III) is achieved through the acquisition and certification of a wide range of skills and knowledge requirements in the area of Wastewater operations and maintenance of wastewater treatment and collection systems.

As an employee acquires the various required skills of the position, they may advance through the three levels of the classification series regardless of time in the position. The unique nature of the Wastewater Systems Technician classification series makes this position attractive to both entry-level and experienced personnel.

An internal training and certification program is provided.

NATURE AND VARIETY OF WORK

The work involves operating, maintaining, monitoring, and adjusting Anne Arundel County wastewater treatment plants, booster or sewage pumping station equipment in order to ensure compliance with State, Federal and local laws, regulations and policies. The employee utilizes knowledge and skills in multiple trades, such as mechanical, electrical, instrumentation and laboratory work to perform assigned duties.

Employees in this classification are designated essential employees, and must report to work as scheduled under all weather conditions with frequent exposure to outdoor temperatures. Employees may be required to work overtime, holidays, weekends and standby duty. The work of this class requires frequent bending, stooping, reaching, walking, crawling in tight spaces and may involve lifting heavy items weighing up to 50 pounds.

Examples of Duties and Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

(Note: The duties and responsibilities enumerated in this class specification are for the purpose of determining a common set of minimum qualifications and salary level/pay grade for all positions in this class. They are not intended to include all of the essential job functions of all positions in the class.)

Observes all Federal, State and County safety rules, regulations and procedures.

Performs administrative tasks, such as, work orders, inventory, etc.

Responds to customer inquiries and complaints, and resolves customer problems.

Conducts preventive maintenance on treatment plant, wastewater pump or water booster station equipment.

Creates, reviews, analyzes and submits spreadsheets, graphing, and monthly operating and regulatory reports.

Reviews, creates, and updates Standard Operating Procedures for operating and maintenance procedures of treatment plants and sewage pump stations or water booster stations.

Performs and reviews results of laboratory testing, sample types, and collection methods for compliance with established standards and guidelines.

Contributes to the development of performance measurements.

Conducts sampling duties in compliance with state and federal regulations.

Conducts a variety of process tests.

Monitors sludge levels in process tanks. Cleans service area equipment such as process floats, tanks, weirs, walls scum collectors, cascades, and distribution boxes.

Assists with mechanical preventative and corrective maintenance of process equipment, valves, and structures at treatment plants, and sewage pumping station, and water booster stations.

Conducts instrumentation and electrical corrective preventative maintenance.

Conducts service area equipment and plant vehicles preventative maintenance.

Conducts general housekeeping, buildings and ground maintenance at treatment plants, pump or booster stations.

Performs related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of the operation of computer hardware and software including Cassworks, One World, and County View.

Knowledge of inventory procedures.

Knowledge of the Department of Public Works' chemical hazards and safety policies and procedures.

Knowledge of NPDES permit tests required by the State of Maryland and process control tests, compliance parameters and notification procedures.

Knowledge of proper disinfection rates using processes such as ultraviolet, chlorination and dechlorination.

Knowledge of process calculations such as F/M ratio, M.C.R.T. and sludge inventories.

Knowledge of microbiology and kinetics of biological nutrient removal.

Knowledge of oxygen level measurement techniques.

Knowledge of the nitrogen and phosphorus biological nutrient removal processes.

Knowledge of mechanical, electrical, and instrumentation components and associated process equipment.

Knowledge of laboratory techniques, sample handling and preservation and treatment analysis in accordance with standard methods.

Knowledge of process safety manual, and safety equipment.

Skill in the use of electrical, mechanical and instrumentation equipment.

Skill in interpreting blueprints and as built drawings of treatment plants and pump or booster stations.

Skill in the use of a microscope to identify micro-organisms.

Skill in the use of testing equipment used to perform routine mechanical, electrical and instrumentation preventative maintenance.

Ability to communicate orally and in writing.

Ability to read and understand schematics, blueprints, symbols, charts and graphs.

Ability to identify and take corrective action on process upsets.

Skill in the transfer of electrical power at treatment plants and pumping or booster stations.

Ability to administer CPR.

Ability to clean and calibrate probes used in process control.

Ability to identify all confined spaces.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Graduation from high school; two (2) or more years experience in a facility plant operations, laboratory work, or mechanical, electrical or instrumentation maintenance work; a temporary Class 5A wastewater collection system operator's license; and a valid non-commercial Class C motor vehicle operator's license.

NOTE: Candidates for Water/Wastewater Systems Technician I that do not possess a temporary Class 5A wastewater collection system operator's license as required by the State may comply with this requirement by obtaining a temporary Class 5A wastewater collection system operator's license at hire and meeting the education and experience requirement and passing the appropriate Board examination to obtain the Class 5A wastewater collection system operator's license within the renewal time period of three (3) years as established by the State.

NOTE: Longevity pay is available based on years of service.

NOTE: This position is Safety Sensitive and employees in this position are subject to Controlled Dangerous Substance (CDS) and Alcohol testing.

Supplemental Qualifications

Preference will be given to candidates with the following:

1.) Experience in the operation and maintenance of wastewater treatment and collection systems.

2.) Experience in mechanical maintenance.

• Medical/Health Insurance Plans

• Open Access Aetna Select HMO-EPO

• Aetna Open Choice PPO

Dental Insurance

• CIGNA Dental PPO (Buy-Up)

• CIGNA Dental PPO (CORE)

• CIGNA Dental HMO (DHMO)

Vision Insurance

• EyeMed

Employee Life Insurance

• Term insurance of $10,000 for employees at no cost.

• Ability to purchase Supplemental & Dependent Life Insurance

Disability Income Insurance

Pension Plan

• Normal retirement after 30 years of service or Age 60 and 10 years of service or election to enroll in the Employees Retirement Savings Plan.

Deferred Compensation Section 457 Plan

Direct Deposit

Credit Union

Holidays

• Twelve days provided per calendar year, thirteen in general election year

Annual Leave

• Less than 5 years

• 13 days

• 5 years to less than 10 years

• 15 days

• 10 years to less than 20 years

• 20 days

• 20 years or more

• 26 days

• Some positions will receive additional paid annual leave in lieu of holidays and personal leave.

Disability Leave

• Accrual at a rate of 15 days a year

Personal Leave Day, five per calendar year

Leave Sharing

Employee Assistance Program

• Free, confidential counseling for employee and family members 4X per year per problem per family member; also counseling on legal and financial issues; assistance in locating childcare and elder care

Flexible Spending Accounts

• Dependent Care Reimbursement

• Health Care Reimbursement

Voluntary Benefits

• Provides you an opportunity to enroll in any or all of the benefits listed below with the convenience of payroll deduction

• Universal Life Insurance with Long Term Care Rider

• United Legal Benefits
  01

The supplemental questions are a very important first step in our screening process. Therefore, you are required to complete these questions so that we may initially determine your eligibility for this position. Please do not respond to the supplemental questions by indicating "See Resume". This response and a lack of detail and explanation in the supplemental questions and in your application may result in failure or disqualification for this position. This means you may be ineligible for further consideration in this recruitment process. Please check "yes" to show that you have read, understand and agree to this statement.

• Yes

• No

02

Have you graduated from high school or possess a G.E.D?

• Yes

• No

03

The position of Water/Wastewater Systems Technician I requires two (2) or more years experience in a facility plant operations, laboratory work, or mechanical, electrical or instrumentation maintenance work. Do you possess this experience?

• Yes

• No

04

Please check the areas below for which you possess experience.

• Facility Plant Operations

• Mechanical Maintenance

• Electrical Maintenance

• Instrumentation Maintenance

• Laboratory Work

• None of the above

05

For Water/Wastewater Systems Technician I, if you possess two (2) or more years experience in a facility plant operations, laboratory work, or mechanical, electrical or instrumentation maintenance work please describe how you possess this experience by detailing employers, positions held, duties performed & length/dates of employment.

06

The position of Water/Wastewater Systems Technician I requires a temporary Class 5A wastewater collection system operator's license. Do you possess this license?

• Yes

• No

07

Candidates for Water/Wastewater Systems Technician I that do not possess a temporary Class 5A wastewater collection system operator's license as required by the State may comply with this requirement by obtaining a temporary Class 5A wastewater collection system operator's license at hire and meeting the education and experience requirement and passing the appropriate Board examination to obtain the Class 5A wastewater collection system operator's license within the renewal time period of three (3) years as established by the State. Are you willing to meet this condition of employment?

• Yes

• No

08

Do you possess experience in the operation and maintenance of wastewater treatment and collection systems?

• Yes

• No

09

Please describe how you possess this experience.

10

Do you possess experience in mechanical maintenance?

• Yes

• No

11

Please describe how you possess this experience.

12

This position is "Safety Sensitive" which means that individuals in this position are subject to Controlled Dangerous Substance (CDS) and Alcohol testing. Are you willing to comply with this requirement?

• Yes

• No

13

Do you possess a valid driver's license?

• Yes

• No

14

Did a county employee refer you? If yes, indicate their name, department and badge/id number. If you weren't referred by an Employee indicate N/A.

Required Question

Agency Anne Arundel County

Address Heritage Complex

2660 Riva Road, First Floor

Annapolis, Maryland, 21401

Phone (410) 222-7595

Website http://www.aacounty.org/Personnel/Index.cfm