Cross Connection Specialist Division of Water & Sewer Utilities - Frederick

Job Overview

Non‑exempt (compensatory and/or overtime eligible); full‑time; 40 hours; Monday‑Friday; 7:30 am‑ 4:00 pm; full benefits.

This position is responsible for the development, administration, and coordination of Frederick County’s Cross Connection Control Program for the Division of Water and Sewer Utilities. Responsibilities include onsite visits at commercial and residential locations to identify appropriate type and placement of backflow devices. This position will regularly communicate with customers to ensure compliance with Cross Connection Program requirements for backflow prevention and annual device testing. Enforcement techniques are applied regularly to protect the County’s public water supply. Supervision is received from the Department Head, Regulatory Compliance.

NOTE: The upper pay range reflects possible wage rates for internal County transfers and promotions, which are calculated per County policy. For external hires, offers are made at the base wage rate, with limited exception.

EEO Statement

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

TOTAL COMPENSATION PACKAGE:

• 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
• Employee Health Center with no or low‑cost primary and urgent care
• 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.

For more information, visit our benefits page on the Frederick County Government job opportunities webpage.

Responsibilities

Implement and administer the Frederick County Cross Connection Control Program to protect the County’s public water supply from contamination.

• Ensure the Cross Connection Control Program maintains compliance with the regulatory entities by reviewing and implementing any new regulations into the Water and Sewer Rules and Regulations.
• Develop and utilize an enforcement plan that will protect the County public water supply; support formal enforcement actions and assess and identify regulatory noncompliance.
• Ensure water customers are in compliance with County, state and federal cross connection regulations.
• Perform field investigations and inspections to identify and catalog backflow devices that protect the county water supply; maintain and track inspection records.
• Oversee the review and approval of new commercial requests that require issuance of a backflow permit, ensuring the appropriate devices and locations are selected.
• Review and approve plumbing plans before a new backflow permit is issued which include the appropriate location and type of device to obtain approval.
• Prepare and mail periodic test and delinquency notices to have backflow prevention devices tested and/or repaired.
• Respond to inquiries from contractors, developers, engineers, and the public concerning county rules and regulations regarding the cross‑connection program.
• Utilize Infor Land Management software to catalog backflow test results, track annual requirements, retain contact information and supply notification of a newly created backflow permit.
• Drive County vehicle to worksites for investigations and inspections.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Qualifications

• High school graduation or the equivalency
• Minimum 5 years experience working in a cross connection program (i.e., program administrator or field investigator)
• Minimum 2 years administrative work experience
• Possession of a valid automobile operator’s license
• Intermediate skills in the use of Microsoft 365
• NOTE: Additional education may substitute for a portion of the work experience

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to maintain County Authorized Driver privileges
• Knowledge of local, state, and federal water safety and cross connection regulations
• Knowledge of backflow prevention devices, installation standards, and testing protocols
• Ability to interpret plumbing plans, building codes, and water system schematics
• Ability to apply enforcement techniques when necessary to ensure compliance and protect public health
• Ability to effectively access and utilize Microsoft 365, e‑mail, spreadsheet and other systems and equipment, and to learn new software as it is required
• Strong recordkeeping and reporting skills for tracking inspections, permits, and compliance
• Proficiency with data entry systems, such as INFOR or similar asset management platforms
• Ability to organize and manage various amounts of data
• Skill and ability to utilize backflow equipment, manuals, or the equivalent
• Skill and ability to catalog, and document backflow device testing
• Ability to effectively organize work, determine priorities, including the ability to make decisions and complete assigned duties with minimal supervision
• Ability to demonstrate sound judgment, discretion and confidentiality when handling sensitive or personal information
• Strong and effective spoken and written (English) communication skills including the ability to clearly explain policies and procedures
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co‑workers, representatives of cooperating agencies and the public

Preferred Qualifications

• Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester Certification
• Cross Connection Control Specialist Certification
• Work experience in plumbing or piping systems
• Work experience or training in Infor Land Management Software
• Experience working in a local government setting

Physical Requirements / Working Conditions

• While working in this position, the employee is required to constantly sit; and occasionally walk, stoop, lift up to 20 pounds and drive
• While working in this position, the employee is required to constantly work indoors; and occasionally work outdoors
• Available for varied evening, weekend and holiday work hours to accommodate meetings, special events, etc.
• Ability to provide own transportation to meetings, etc.
• Required certifications must be maintained throughout tenure of employment

Kind of Examination (may include)

1. An evaluation of training and qualifications
2. Skills testing
3. One or more interviews