Waste Water Treatment Plant Operator

Responsibilities

• Operate a Waste Water Treatment Plant to provide the full range of treatment processes required to meet National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit conditions.
• Provide four stages of plant treatment: pretreatment, primary, secondary, and tertiary.
• Operate pumps, valves, gates, feeders, flocculi, clarifiers, filters, and other controls to move waterborne waste through the treatment stages.
• Collect samples, run tests on influent, intermediate stages, and effluent, and adjust chemical additions according to specified requirements.
• Perform operation and maintenance on all equipment in accordance with standard operating procedures, manufacturer specifications, manuals, and written or oral instructions from supervisors.
• Maintain required records, operator logs, flow charts, and calibration charts.
• Receive training and supervision as a developmental employee, and perform duties as the position reaches full performance level.

• Minimum Qualifications:
  
  Ability to perform the work of a Waste Water Treatment Plant Operator without more than normal supervision.
• WG‑08 Level:
  • Experience working in a WWTP.
  • Experience recording measurement data.
  • Experience operating WWTP equipment.
  • Experience taking samples for measurement tests.
  • Work under normal supervision of a work leader or journey‑level employee who reviews work upon completion.
• WG‑10 Level:
  • Experience working in a WWTP.
  • Experience operating and maintaining equipment such as pumps, gate valves, and outlets to adjust flow.
  • Measuring and performing routine tests such as pH or instrument readings.
  • Experience recording test and measurement data.
  • Work under supervision of a work leader or journey‑level employee who reviews work for completion.
• US Citizen status is required.

• Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination via background investigation.
• Background investigation:
  Basic Tier One.
• Employee shifts are rotated on a scheduled basis.
• The position may require 24‑hour on‑call availability on a rotational basis.
• Personal protective equipment must be used as provided by the employer.
• A pre‑employment physical examination and annual examinations thereafter are required.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• The position is job‑critical; during severe weather or emergencies, employees must report to work or remain at work as scheduled.
• A valid state Driver’s License for operating vehicles is required.
• Within 3 years of appointment, maintain a Maryland Environmental Certification for Waste Water Treatment Operators Level 4.
• One‑year probationary period may apply.
• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must provide a Selective Service Registration statement.
• Proof of U.S. citizenship must be provided.
• Direct deposit of pay is required.
• Selection is subject to Department of Defense referral system restrictions for displaced employees.
• This is a developmental position and selection may be at WG‑08 or WG‑10; promotion may be granted without competition if the performance level is less than full WG‑10.
• Salary includes locality pay or Local Market Supplement.
• Permanent Change of Station allowances may be authorized under Joint Travel Regulations and agency determination.
• This is a (Construction, Engineering, Infrastructure) Career Field position.

• Ability to do the work of the position without more than normal supervision.
• Knowledge of equipment assembly, installation, and repair.
• Operation and minor maintenance of complex equipment such as pumps, valves, chemical feed machines, and chlorinators.
• Technical practices: theoretical, precise, artistic.
• Use of measuring instruments.
• Interpretation of instructions and specifications.
• Dexterity and safety.
• Physical effort: frequent walking, standing, climbing ladders, and lifting 45‑50 lbs.
• Working conditions:
  
  inside/outside in all weather, exposure to chemicals, engines, loud noise, and fumes.

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.