Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator - Trainee

Job Summary: Performs activities and tasks under the supervision of a licensed operator that allow the incumbent to become familiar with the equipment and procedures used for operating and documenting the performance of wastewater treatment systems operated by MetCom; performs other duties as assigned.

Essential Functions:

• Operates wastewater treatment plants by monitoring, evaluating, adjusting and maintaining the equipment and systems used in these facilities
• Works toward full certification status in the classes required by the Certification Board
• Maintains a variety of operational and maintenance logs, reports and other forms
• Collects, transports, and analyzes wastewater samples for compliance with a variety of water quality standards
• Operates and maintains motor vehicles, farm, construction and lawn maintenance equipment
• Performs ground and building maintenance
• Troubleshoots and assists with the maintenance of a variety of mechanical and electrical equipment including pumps, air compressors, chemical feed systems, etc.

Other Duties:
Performs other duties as assigned

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (These are pre-employment KSA that apply only to Essential Job Functions.):

• Ability to obtain a Wastewater Treatment Class 5A Certification
• Ability to safely operate motor vehicles and equipment
• Ability to wear appropriate PPE for chemical protection, including respiratory gear
• Ability to gain working knowledge of St. Mary’s County Metropolitan Commission policies and procedures
• Ability to gain knowledge of St. Mary’s County Metropolitan Commission wastewater system and plant operations

Required Qualifications (Note: Any acceptable combination of education, training and relevant experience that provides the above knowledge, abilities and skills may be substituted on a full-time year for year basis.):

Training and/or Education:
High School Diploma or G.E.D.

Experience:
Or equivalent technical training, education, and/or experience

Licenses or Certificates:
Valid Maryland Class C Drivers License
Apply for Temporary Wastewater Treatment License within 30 days of hire

Special Requirements:
Must obtain full operator license within five years of acquiring temporary

Physical Demands:
Work requires occasional strenuous effort. For example, bending and lifting tools, equipment, or materials of 30 to 60 pounds.

Unusual Demands:
Work involves high risks or discomforts which require special safety precautions, e.g., working around moving parts, or machines. Employees may be required to use protective clothing or gear such as masks, gowns, coats, goggles, boots and gloves; may require working in adverse weather conditions or confined work spaces.

Nothing in this description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Job descriptions are written as a representative list of the ADA essential duties performed by the entire job classification. They are not intended to include every possible activity and task performed in every position.