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

Howard County Government Position

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.

This position works with others on an assigned rotating shift basis to control plant operations and maintains grounds and equipment. This position is represented under one of the AFSCME Collective Bargaining Agreement to include Local 3085, Local 3888, or Local 1810.

This is skilled work at the full performance level in the operation, maintenance, and care of mechanical and electrical equipment in a water reclamation plant. Work may include overseeing the work of lower level employees serving as the only full charge licensed operator at the facility during certain assignments. Work is performed with general supervision from a technical superior. Assignments are stable in nature and are carried out in accordance with accepted standards and applicable regulations.

Include the following. Other duties may be assigned. Monitors gauges, meters, control panels and process control computers; observes variations in operating conditions to determine processing requirements; takes corrective action on routine problems and reports serious or complex problems to superiors. Operates valves and gates either manually or by remote control; starts and stops pumps, engines, and generators to control and adjust flows, chemical dosages, and treatment process equipment. Inspects bearings, valves, seals, filters, generators, compressors, and other mechanical and electrical equipment; makes minor repairs to malfunctioning equipment; reports major or complex malfunctions to superiors. May assist in repair of complex malfunctions. Obtains wastewater samples and performs routine laboratory tests and analyses as required by Federal, State, and local agencies and for proper operation of the treatment plant. Maintains shift logs, manually enters field and test data, records meter and gauge readings, and laboratory results. Assists in keeping operating records for shift. May perform or direct the performance of routine maintenance and custodial duties. May direct the work of or instruct lower level employees. May perform the duties of shift supervisor in that employee's absence. Is responsible for equipment operation, adjustment, and cleaning. Performs routine preventative maintenance; lubricates equipment; takes corrective action on routine problems; makes minor equipment repairs and assists in major repairs when necessary; performs minor maintenance painting; and assists in grounds maintenance. This position is considered emergency essential, and, as such, the incumbent may be required to report for regular work shift during inclement weather, or when an emergency situation arises.

This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

High School diploma or G.E.D. plus three (3) years of wastewater treatment experience at the Class "5A" level; or, at least one year of college course work in wastewater treatment or a related field plus two years of wastewater treatment experience at the "5A" level. Knowledge of the principles, practices, and methods used in water reclamation operations. Knowledge of the operation and servicing of wastewater treatment equipment and machinery. Knowledge of fundamental laboratory and sample collection techniques. Knowledge of safe working practices and procedures. Some knowledge of supervisory methods and techniques. Skill in repairing and maintaining pumps, valves, gauges, and other wastewater treatment equipment. Ability to direct the work of others and instruct them in the performance of job tasks. Ability to maintain records and prepare reports. Ability to work in a cooperative, courteous, and effective basis with people. Ability to follow oral and/or written instructions. Ability to read gauges and meters accurately and to interpret the data gathered. Ability to make operational decisions in the absence of higher level supervisory personnel. Ability to clean and perform minor maintenance and adjustments on equipment.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and taste or smell. The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts and outside weather conditions. The employee is frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, and toxic or caustic chemicals. The employee is occasionally exposed to high, precarious places; risk of electrical shock; and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Required to work a rotating shift.

Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups. Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as flow rates, Mean Cell Residence Times, weights, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry. Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.

Possession of a regular Class "5A" Operator's certificate issued by the Maryland State Board of Waterworks and Waste System Operators required prior to appointment and during tenure of employment. Applicants with appropriate experience and equivalent licensing from another state will be considered for appointment but will be required to obtain a Statement of Reciprocity from the Maryland State Board prior to appointment. A Class C Maryland Driver's License or equivalent issued by state of residence may be required, depending upon job assignment.

The following is a summary of the benefits available to Howard County employees who hold full-time benefit-eligible positions. Employees in positions covered by a bargaining agreement should consult their union contract for other specific benefits. Additional details are also available in the Employee Manual and in summary plan descriptions which are available in the Office of Human Resources or at