Wastewater System Technician I

Position Description

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

This Wastewater SystemsTechnician 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 SystemsTechnician 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.