Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Trainee - III Small Systems
: Job Details :

Salary: $19.61 - $31.38 HourlyLocation : Division of Water & Sewer Utilities - Frederick, MDJob Type: Full-time RegularJob Number: FY25-00495Department: Wastewater TreatmentOpening Date: 01/03/2025Closing Date: 1/23/2025 4:00 PM EasternJOB INFORMATION Non-exempt (compensatory and/or overtime eligible); full-time; 40 hours per week; varied hours and shifts; full-benefitsThis skilled technical position is responsible for the operation and maintenance of wastewater treatment plant facilities. Direction may be received from WWTPO at higher classifications; supervision is received from the Assistant Chief Operator, Chief Operator and/or Superintendent.NOTE: The upper pay range reflects possible wage rates for internal County transfers and promotions. For transfers and promotions, wage rates are calculated per County policy. Frederick County Government values the principles of diversity and inclusion, and strives to ensure equal opportunities for its workforce, applicants and community members. If you are a person who wants to make a difference, give back to your community, and be a voice for change, apply to Frederick County Government today.TOTAL COMPENSATION PACKAGE: Frederick County offers an extensive compensation package to reflect how highly we value our employees. The following is what you can expect in your first year as a full-time benefited Frederick County Government employee.

• 11 days of Vacation leave with increase after 2 years of employment
• 15 days of Sick leave with unlimited annual carryover
• 11 paid holidays, plus 2 additional floating holidays
• Day 1 coverage of comprehensive Medical Insurance Plan options to include generous County Health Savings Account (HSA) contribution (if enrolled in the high-deductible plan). This is part of a full range of benefits including Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending
• 100% County paid 2x annual salary Group Term Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) benefit
• County and Employee funded Defined Benefit Pension Plan
  • Vesting after 5 years of service
  • Additional service credit for eligible previous public service, military service, etc.
• Work/Life balance programs include: Employee Assistance Program and Employee Wellness Program
• Generous Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Other employee-paid benefits such as Deferred Compensation Plan, Legal Resources, Supplemental Life Insurance, Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital Indemnity Insurance, Lifetime Benefit with Long Term Care plan.
• Coming soon-early 2025: Employee Health Center with no or low cost primary and urgent care

For more information, visit our benefits page on the Frederick County Government job opportunities webpage ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Operate wastewater treatment plant, sludge processing equipment and disposal equipment; may operate front-end loaders and forklifts as needed
• Monitor control panels and adjust valves and gates
• Observe variations in plant operating conditions; meter and gauge readings and laboratory test results
• Operate pumps, blowers, engines and generators
• Maintain log of operations and record meter and gauge readings
• Assist with the maintenance and repair of equipment, buildings and grounds
• Compile and prepare reports for submission as mandated
• Investigate customer complaints and concerns; aid in timely response and resolution
• Assist in the training of newly hired Operators
• Perform other related duties as required

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Any single position may not be assigned all duties listed above, nor do the examples cover all duties that may be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTSThe qualifications/requirements, knowledge/skills/abilities and physical requirements or working conditions described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL PLACEMENT LEVELS:

• Minimum age 18 years
• High school graduation or the equivalent
• Possession of a valid automobile operator's license

WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR III REQUIREMENTS ($27.50 - $44.01 per hour)

• Minimum 5 years (WWTPO III) or related work experience in a Maryland Class 5 wastewater treatment plant or an equivalent plant
• Must have already passed the Class 5-A Wastewater Treatment Operator certification test and be in possession of certificate issued by Maryland Board of Water Works and Waste System Operators, or an equivalent certification from another state with the ability to obtain the appropriate Maryland certification through reciprocity
• With the DUSWM Director's approval, qualified new employees may be placed in the Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator III position immediately upon hire, if the employee has the required experience and has passed the required certification exam. The employee, however, must satisfy all of the PLPR Level III requirements during the 6 month probationary period. The employee, otherwise, may be demoted to a Level II pay grade or be terminated

WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR II REQUIREMENTS ($22.45 - $35.92 per hour)

• Minimum 3 years (WWTPO II) or related work experience in a Maryland Class 5 wastewater treatment plant or an equivalent plant
• Must have already passed the Class 5-A Wastewater Treatment Operator certification test and be in possession of certificate issued by Maryland Board of Water Works and Waste System Operators, or an equivalent certification from another state with the ability to obtain the appropriate Maryland certification through reciprocity
• With the DUSWM Director's approval, qualified new employees may be placed in the Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator II position immediately upon hire, if the employee has the required experience and has passed the required certification exam. The employee, however, must satisfy all of the PLPR Level II requirements during the 6 month probationary period. The employee, otherwise, may be demoted to a Level I pay grade or be terminated

WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR I REQUIREMENTS ($20.98 - $33.57 per hour)

• Applicants must have applied, taken and passed the Maryland Class 5-A Operator Certification exam
• Within 6 months of employment, new employees must satisfy all PLPR Level I requirements or be terminated from employment
• Applicant must satisfy 100% of the Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator I & II PLPR Requirements within 2 years of hire (which includes the 6 month probationary period) to become a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator II. Employees have 2 years to attain level 2, e.g. PLPR Level 2 is the basic functional level an employee must attain

WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR - TRAINEE REQUIREMENTS ($19.61 - $31.38 per hour)

• No wastewater treatment plant experience is required for placement as WWTPO Trainee - Preference may be given to candidates who have work experience at a wastewater treatment plant or related field
• Within 6 months of employment, employee must obtain and maintain Temporary Class 5-A WWTPO certification issued by Maryland Board of Water Works and Waste System Operators
• Ability to pass Maryland Class 5-A WWTPO certification examination within 3 years of hire
• Within 6 months of hire, employee must satisfy at least 50% of PLPR level I training requirements
• Within two years employee must satisfy proficiency level progress training requirements for the PLPR level II classification. The employee will be, otherwise, terminated from employment
• PLPR Level II is the basic functional level an employee must attain.

NOTE: Placement into a trainee, I, II, or III position level is based upon such qualifications as education, work experience, and relevant certification. The upper pay ranges reflect possible wage rates for internal County transfers and promotions. For transfers and promotions, wage rates are calculated per County policy. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES FOR ALL LEVELS:

• Ability to obtain and maintain a Frederick County Employee Driving Permit
• General knowledge of mathematics, plumbing and electrical controls, with the ability to accurately read gauges, meters, level indicators, etc.
• Considerable knowledge of materials, methods, techniques and equipment used in the operation of wastewater treatment plants, with the ability to effectively detect problems in plant operations
• Ability to accurately complete routine process control and/or laboratory tests
• Considerable knowledge of potential hazards associated with this work, with ability to recognize and implement appropriate safety precautions
• Effective spoken and written (English) communication skills, including the ability to prepare and maintain clear, concise and accurate forms and reports
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers and the general public
• Ability to effectively assign and follow-up on the work of less experienced Operators

PREFERENCE MAY BE GIVEN FOR:

• Related Wastewater Treatment experience of similar experience in a related field (Operator Trainee only)
• Mechanical Experience
• Certified Wastewater Treatment Operator II applicants

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS / WORKING CONDITIONS:

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is constantly walking and driving; frequently climbing and stooping and lifting between 20-50 pounds, and pushing / pulling over 40 pounds; and occasionally lifting up to 20 pounds, lifting over 50 pounds pushing and pulling up to 40 pounds, reaching and making repetitive motions
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is constantly working outdoors, in temperatures above 100 degrees, in temperatures below 32 degrees, in dirty and dusty environments, near machinery, chemicals and fumes and potentially exposed to infectious diseases; frequently working indoors, walking on uneven ground and required to wear protective equipment; and occasionally works in a noisy environment, works in confined spaces, at heights and below ground level
• Physical requirements also necessitate that facial hair is maintained to properly wear full and half-piece air purifying respirators and other job-specific safety equipment, and to pass air purifying respirator fit test throughout employment.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION / EXAMINATION PROCESS

• Available for varied shifts and varied work days as assigned, and available for on-call response to emergency situations.
• Participation in the Proficiency Level Progress Promotional Protocol Program (PLPR)
• Required certifications must be maintained throughout tenure of employment. Loss of required certification may result in termination.
• Annual Respirator fit testing will be conducted throughout employment as a requirement of this position
• Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators are essential personnel and required to report to work during weather events and/or emergencies when County offices are closed or operating under liberal leave policy.
• In concert with the Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002, verification of employment eligibility and a criminal background check will be conducted
• This position is designated as security-sensitive, requiring a satisfactory background investigation, conducted by the Frederick County Sheriff's Office, in accordance with established Frederick County policy.

KIND OF EXAMINATION (may include):

An evaluation of training and experience

A pre-interview written exam

One or more interviews

Pre-employment physical examination; color perception test

A pre-employment security-sensitive background investigation conducted by Frederick County Sheriff's Office

Retirement Plan:A defined benefit retirement plan is provided for all regular County employees. Employees are automatically enrolled in either the Uniformed Plan (5 year vesting) or the Non-Uniformed Plan (5 year vesting, effective 07/01/2024) depending upon position classification. The majority of support for the plan is provided by the County; however, employees are required to make a mandatory pre-tax contribution towards their benefit. Retirement benefits are payable at normal, early or delayed retirement. Retirement benefits are also payable upon termination and in the event of death or disability.Health Insurance:County employees have a choice of two medical insurance plans, an In-Network (HMO) Plan or a High Deductible medical plan with a Health Care Savings Account, to provide coverage for medical and surgical expenses, hospital and emergency care expenses, mental health expenses and prescription drugs. The County and participants share in the cost of the health insurance with the employee having the benefit of pre tax contribution deductions. Medical insurance goes into effect on the first day of active employment. Dental Insurance:Employees may select coverage from one of three dental plan options, ranging from a PPO plan to a dental HMO plan. Coverage includes preventive care, fillings, crowns, bridges and dentures, and the cost of dental insurance is shared by both the County and the employee. Dental insurance goes into effect on the first day of the month that follows the eligible employee's completion of 30 days of active employment NOTE: Employees working 75% or greater of a 35 or 40 hour position are eligible for health & dental insurance.Flexible Spending Accounts:The Flex Spending plan allows employees to pay health and day care expenses with pre-tax dollars. Employees may set aside part of their salary in a special account that can be used throughout the year to reimburse themselves for out-of-pocket medical expenses. The maximum contribution is $2,700 per year for Health Care Spending and $5,000 for Dependent Care Spending (work-related day care expenses). Examples of expenses that can be reimbursed for Health Care Spending include, but are not limited to: deductibles, co-payments, dental fees, chiropractors' services, and eyeglasses / contact lenses.Life Insurance:Employees are insured for 2 times their annual salary in case of death plus 2 times their annual salary for accidental death. Employees do not contribute to the premiums for this coverage. A Voluntary Life Insurance Program is offered to regular County employees. The plan allows employees to purchase individually owned term life insurance for themselves, spouses and dependents.Savings Plan - Deferred Compensation:The County offers a Section 457 Plan. Deferred compensation plans allow participants to save for retirement in either a pre tax or post tax (Roth) investment account. Contributions are invested at the employee's direction into one or more of the variety of investment options offered by the plan. Changes may be made to the contribution levels, investment options, etc. at any time.Educational Reimbursement Program:County employees who have successfully passed their probationary period may take up to two job-related courses per semester at any accredited educational institution. The benefit also covers the costs of job-related non-credit courses. If the employee receives a grade of at least a C, or successfully passes a non-credit course, the County reimburses the employee 75% of the costs of tuition, fees and books. If an employee doesn't remain employed with Frederick County Government for two years after a class is taken, the benefit needs to be reimbursed to FCG.Employee Assistance Program:This confidential assessment, referral and counseling service is available at no cost to all employees who may need help with a personal or job-related problem.LeaveAnnual Leave - Employees are eligible to use Annual Leave after their 6 month probationary period. Annual Leave accrues as follows: Years of service days per year0 - 2 years 11 days2 - 10 years 17 days10 + years 24 daysSick Leave - Employees will earn sick leave at a rate of 15 days per calendar year.Sick Leave may also be used for illness of an employee's child, dependent, spouse, parent or parent-in-law. There is no limit on the amount of sick leave accumulated. Unused Sick Leave may be used for additional credit in the pension plan at the time of retirement. NOTE: Regular benefited part-time employees earn annual and sick leave on a pro-rated basis based on their actual number of hours worked biweekly up to their assigned number of regularly scheduled work hours.Other available types of leave include, but are not limited to, Family Medical Leave, Bereavement, Jury, Military.Holidays:The County observes 10 holidays every year and 11 are observed on years of General Elections. For additional information on Frederick County Governments benefit package, please visit the Division of Human Resources website at All hires before January 1, 2012, will follow the all benefit and leave rules as described in the Personnel Rules amended October 3, 2013.01 Your application, which includes any associated supplemental questions, must be complete at the time of submission and must clearly articulate the required work experience relevant to the position for which you are applying. The experience you indicate in your responses to the supplemental questions must also be described, in detail, on the Work History section of this application. Your application may be considered incomplete if vague descriptions of experience are included or if you cite experience in your supplemental question response that is not included on the Work History section of this application. When considering work history, 1 year of employment = 2,080 hours. If Human Resources staff is unable to confirm your related work experience based on the information submitted, or if you state see resume as your response, you will not be considered further.

• I have read and acknowledge the above instructions.

02 Are you at least 18 years of age?

• Yes
• No

03 Have you earned a high school diploma or the equivalent?

• Yes
• No

04 Do you have a valid automobile operator's license?

• Yes
• No

05 How many years of related Class 5 or 5-A wastewater treatment plant experience do you have?

• I do not have this experience
• I have 0-3 year experience
• I have 3-5 years experience
• I have 5 or more years experience

06 Please provide details regarding that work history in the text area below. The work history details provided should include the employer or organization name, dates of employment/service and the duties you performed. 07 Have you obtained Class 5-A WWTPO certification from the State of Maryland?

• No
• I have obtained temporary certification
• I have obtained permanent certification

08 The wastewater treatment plant facility is staffed twenty-four hours per day. Are you available to work shift-work, weekends, and holidays?

• Yes
• No

Required Question