Utilities Technician

Trainee Operator Position

This is a trainee level position. The incumbent learns to operate water purification plants, pumping stations, wastewater collection and treatment facilities in accordance with pertinent regulations.

Essential Functions

Functions listed are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

• Works on assigned maintenance duties and runs tests at the plants/facilities as needed.
• Handles service calls ranging from pumps to septic tank issues.
• Helps troubleshoot problems and resolves them.
• Interacts with customers on repairs as needed at job sites.
• Position requires the employee to be on call and to work holidays on a rotating basis.
• Performs other duties as required.

Supervision: The position reports to the Chief Operator. Position does not supervise staff.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

The employee is expected to perform or possess the following:

• Problem Solving: Anticipates problems; sees how a problem and its solution will affect other areas; gathers information before making decisions; weighs alternatives against objectives and arrives at reasonable decisions.
• Customer Service: Ability to assist and support constituents in a timely and pleasing manner.
• Attention to Detail: Is alert in a high-risk environment; follows detailed procedures and ensures accuracy; carefully monitors gauges, instruments or processes; concentrates on routine work details. Recognizes and accurately evaluates the signs of a problem; analyzes current procedures for possible improvements; notifies supervisor of problems in a timely manner.
• Flexibility: Adapts well to changing priorities, deadlines and directions; works to eliminate all processes which do not add value; is willing to take action, even under pressure, criticism or tight deadlines; takes informed risks.
• Organization: Able to manage multiple projects; able to determine project urgency in a practical way.
• Responsiveness: Responds to requests for service in a timely and thorough manner; does what is necessary to ensure customer satisfaction; prioritizes customer needs.
• Communication: Ability to communicate effectively in a calm and clear manner.
• Mechanical Skill: Ability to work with a variety of mechanical and plumbing equipment and operate safely. Ability to troubleshoot and resolve a variety of mechanical and plumbing issues.
• Computer Related Skills: Ability to work with the internet for basic research and Microsoft Office skills.

Education and Experience:

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Three months related experience.
• Or equivalent technical training, education or experience.
• Valid Maryland Driver's License and an acceptable motor vehicle record.

Physical and Environmental Conditions:

Work is conducted in a variety of indoor/ outdoor settings that can expose the employee to occasional discomforts from exposure to less than optimal temperature and air conditions. The position routinely requires lifting of heavy items, such as equipment, boxes (up to 80 pounds) and/or very long periods of walking on a routine basis, and/or standing for long periods of time and/or frequently requires stooping and bending.

There are frequent exposures to extreme levels of temperature, air pollution, noise pollution, chemical gases and substances, and/or contagious diseases.

Work environment involves everyday risks or discomforts which require normal safety precautions typical of such places as offices or meeting rooms, e.g. use of safe work place practices with office equipment, and/or avoidance of trips and falls and observance of fire regulations.

The above job description is not intended as, nor should it be construed as, exhaustive of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with this job.

This and all County positions are subject to transfer, based on need.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.

Benefits

• Vacation, Sick, and Personal Leave
• Paid Holidays
• Parental Leave
• Health, Dental, and Vision Coverage
• Long-Term Disability & Short-Term Disability Coverage
• Defined Benefit Pension Plan
• Tuition Reimbursement