Water Reclamation Plant Operator II - Public Works, Bureau of Utilities, Water Reclamation Plant

Howard County:

Conveniently located in the heart of central Maryland between Baltimore and Washington, Howard County offers the charm of a historic past mixed with the excitement of a cosmopolitan community.

Howard County Government:

Howard County Government is a leader in innovation, sustainability, and consistently ranked as one of the best places to live and work in the country. In 2025, Howard County Government received a record-breaking 83 Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo) - the highest number of annual NACo awards achieved in the history of the State of Maryland, and the highest number of awards out of any county in the State of Maryland which received a collective 136 awards.

NACo is the leading organization representing county-level government operations. These awards recognize innovative and transformative programs that provide new services for county residents, improve existing programs, upgrade working conditions, and enhance citizen participation and public policy making.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for outstanding individuals to join our team and contribute to excellence in Howard County operations.

What you'll like most about working at Howard County Government:

* We are committed to workplace excellence in every area of County government.  

* We have a highly talented, diverse, and inclusive workplace. Your input will not only be heard, but it will be encouraged!  

* We offer competitive compensation and great benefits including medical, retirement, and wellness programs.

* As a member of the Howard County Government team, you'll be helping drive our culture and directly impact what makes us an amazing place to work.

POSITION SUMMARY:

This is semiskilled midlevel work in the operation, preventive maintenance, and care of mechanical equipment in a water reclamation plant.

Work includes testing samples of wastewater, ?assisting in the operations of intake structures, pumps, valves, solids handling and other plant equipment. Due to the nature of the primary duties, this position requires in-person presence at the worksite. Employees in this position are expected to work shifts that may include evenings and/or weekends and are designated as "essential personnel," requiring work during inclement weather, emergency situations, County holidays and on an on-call basis.

STARTING SALARY HIRING RANGE:

$26.05 - $42.24

$54,181 - $87,860

CLASS

DESCRIPTION:

Work is performed with supervision from a technical superior until such time as the incumbent achieves proficiency in the assigned tasks. Assignments are stable in nature and are carried out in accordance with instructions and established plant routines and procedures. An employee in this class assists in the control and preventive maintenance operations of a wastewater treatment plant on an assigned shift.

* This is a Classified position, meaning that it is a part of the Howard County Classified Service upon completion of a probationary period of at least six (6) months.
* This role isdesignatedas safety sensitive; therefore, employees are required toparticipatein mandatory random drug testing.

* Please note that this position falls within a collective bargaining unit and is represented by AFSCME Local 3085, Local 3888, or Local 1810.
* Operations & Process Control:

* Monitor gauges, meters, control panels, and process control computers.

* Observe and report routine and unusual readings, test results, and operating conditions.

* Operate valves and gates manually or by remote control.

* Start and stop pumps to control flows, chemical dosages, and treatment processes.

* Obtain wastewater samples and perform routine laboratory tests required by Federal, State, and local agencies.

* Maintain shift logs and manually enter field data, test results, and meter readings.

Equipment Inspection & Maintenance:

* Inspect bearings, valves, seals, filters, generators, compressors, and other mechanical/electrical systems.

* Perform minor repairs and adjustments on malfunctioning equipment.

* Report major or complex malfunctions to supervisors.

* Perform preventive maintenance tasks such as lubricating pumps, motors, conveyors, and other…