Wastewater O&M Technician (Bioenergy)
Position InformationFunctional TitleWastewater O&M Technician (Bioenergy)Recruitment Category TypeStandardFunctional CategoryProductionGradeCL.10FLSA StatusNon-ExemptRequisition Number25-0152Number of Vacancies1Job LevelNon-ManagementJob CodeN/AJob Description SummaryOrganization NameBiosolids ManagementReports to-Chief Wastewater Plant Operator -Section Manager, Plant EngineeringFull or Part TimeFull TimeIf Part Time how many hours per weekRegular or TemporaryRegularPosition End Date (if temporary)Work ScheduleShift Work; Work hours will rotate/varyStarting Shift: Monday – Friday 7:00 am to 3:30 pmPosition LocationAccokeekPosition Summary InformationGeneral SummaryTheWastewater Operations & Maintenance (O&M) Technicianperforms routine and critical work in the operation and maintenance of wastewater treatment plant equipment and facilities. This role also shares in the effective operation and maintenance of the Anaerobic Digestion/Combined Heat & Power (AD/ CHP ) facility.Essential FunctionsEntry Level:
Assists with collecting and analyzing samples of plant processes and receiving waters
Assists with operating and monitoring equipment and processes with potential exposure to chemical, biological, electrical, thermal, noise and radioactive hazards
Operates and maintains equipment in facilities for cleaning, lubrication, for items such as centrifuges, incinerators, belt presses, gravity belt thickeners, augers, mixers, etc.
Assists with evaluating the performance of mechanical equipment and conveyance systems
Interprets conformance of test procedures to “Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater”
Assists with monitoring biological and chemical treatment processes and makes adjustments as directed
Handles material shipments and inventory and locates spare parts from inventory system
Assists with overhauling specialty valves or swaps out valves in the plant
Utilizes drawings, blueprints, plans, and references materials to locate pumping stations, valves, process equipment, electrical substations, chemical storage, feed facilities and underground piping
Climbs into tanks to include 30-foot depths using rigging equipment to lift equipment
Assists with conducting general plumbing repairs such as compression fitting replacement, pipe joining, and cutting for various pipe materials
Makes basic repairs for pneumatic and hydraulic control systems on valves and process equipment
Uses TEAMS / CMMS to create record data from parameters gathered, work orders and other administrative tasks such as accessing backlog, adding material to work orders, and finding parts in WSSC Water warehouses
Operates WSSC Water motor vehicles and other specialized equipment such as forklift and tractor, as required
Maintains records, performs calculations, and composes reports
Assists with inspecting motors for heat, noise and vibration and performs motor lubrication and cleaning
Calibrates UV sensors, isolates UV reactors, and changes UV lamps and quartz sleeves
Uses the computer for data entry and process control
Conducts proper operation of wastewater solids handling processes
Drives a vehicle to conduct WSSC Water business
Level I:
Collects and analyzes samples of plant processes and receiving waters
Operates and monitors equipment and processes with potential exposure to chemical, biological, electrical, thermal, noise and radioactive hazards
Operates and maintains equipment in facilities for cleaning, lubrication, for items such as
centrifuges, incinerators, belt presses, gravity belt thickeners, augers, mixers, etc.
Evaluates the performance of mechanical equipment and conveyance systems; Interprets conformance of test procedures to “Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater”
Monitors biological and chemical treatment processes and makes adjustments as directed
Handles material shipments and inventory and locates spare parts from inventory system
Overhauls specialty valves or swaps out valves in the plant
Utilizes drawings, blueprints, plans, and references materials to locate pumping stations, valves, process equipment, electrical substations, chemical storage, feed facilities and underground piping
Climbs into tanks to include 30-foot depths using rigging equipment to lift equipment
Conducts general plumbing repairs such as compression fitting replacement, pipe joining, and
cutting for various pipe materials
Makes basic repairs for pneumatic and hydraulic control systems on valves and process
equipment
Uses TEAMS / CMMS to create record data from parameters gathered, work orders and other administrative tasks such as accessing backlog, adding material to work orders, and finding parts in WSSC Water warehouses
Operates WSSC Water motor vehicles and other specialized equipment such as forklift and tractor, as required
Maintains records, performs calculations, and composes reports
Inspects motors for heat, noise and vibration and performs motor lubrication and cleaning
Calibrates UV sensors, isolates UV reactors, and changes UV lamps and quartz sleeves
Uses the computer for data entry and process control
Conducts proper operation of wastewater solids handling processes
Drives a vehicle to conduct WSSC Water business
Level II:
Operates and monitors equipment and processes, with potential exposure to chemical, biological, electrical, thermal, noise and radioactive hazards
Operates biological and chemical processes such as Biological BOD removal, Nitrification, Denitrification and Biological Phosphorus removal
Operates chemical process for disinfection, Phosphorus removal, coagulation etc.
Verifies and reviews plant process data for accuracy and validity
Performs lab analysis and interprets data to ensure compliance with facility discharge permit
Performs extensive laboratory analysis, interprets data and makes necessary adjustments to processes
Troubleshoots mechanical systems such as air compressors, pumping systems, and
flocculation or clarifier systems; evaluates pump performance
Operates high and low-pressure steam boilers gas collection and treatment equipment as well as gas flaring systems as needed
Replaces and repairs process equipment such as check valves, rotors, chemical feed pumps, air compressors, and sump pumps
Maintains records, performs calculations, and composes reports for treatment processes
Performs specialty valve operations and repairs and swaps out valves for maintenance and works with contractors or other WSSC Water crews for installation of new valves
Operates and troubleshoots wastewater solids handling processes and resolves issues with equipment and overall process system
Operates and maintains water softener systems, cranes, boiler feed pumps, centrifuges, air dryers, re-aeration tanks and pneumatic controls
Performs senior level shift work and oversees a shift of Wastewater O&M Technicians
May be designated to oversee facility operations
Climbs into tanks to include 30-foot depths, using rigging equipment to lift equipment
Conducts extensive repairs on existing plumbing installations, troubleshoots pump flushing stands, installs control piping on specialty valves, and identifies failures associated with piping
Performs straight edge alignment for coupled motor shafts to pump shafts, and replacement of worn shafts with follow-up monitoring for improper alignment
Inspects, repairs and maintains pneumatic and hydraulic control systems on valves and process equipment systems
Interprets data and makes process adjustments within established guidelines
Interprets conformance of test procedures to “Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater”
Evaluates fault codes on VFDs and troubleshoots motor issues for motor maintenance and proper operation
Coordinates removal of preliminary treatment equipment from wastewater treatment processes
Calibrates UV sensors, isolates UV reactors, and changes UV lamps and quartz sleeves
Operates WSSC Water motor vehicles and other specialized equipment such as forklift and tractor, as required
Works with computer for data entry and process control
Leads preventive maintenance work for equipment concerning solids handling process
Responsible for keeping supervisors informed relative to facility status
Uses TEAMS / CMMS to handle administrative tasks and instructing new employees in the computer and data entry program; finishing work orders and reviewing work order backlogs
Reviews invoices and daily operation log entries for accuracy and locates O&M manuals in facility
Operates, troubleshoots, and maintains multi-hearth incinerators
Maintains equipment and facilities including packing pumps and draining and cleaning tanks, using O&M manuals
Changes v-belts, pulleys, chain, shaft couplings
Orders inventory materials for spare parts such as pump parts and valve parts, and orders stock for treatment chemicals
Uses facility drawings and mechanical blueprints to locate underground valves, process piping, and other equipment related to facility to ensure proper operation of all processes
Evaluates the performance of mechanical equipment and conveyance systems
Operates and maintains remote facilities
Drives a vehicle to conduct WSSC Water business
Other FunctionsEntry Level:
May shovel and plow snow
Operates and maintains remote facilities
Enters and performs O&M tasks in confined spaces
Performs major housekeeping
Responsible for keeping supervisors informed relative to facility status
Performs other related duties as required
Level I:
May shovel and plow snow
Operates and maintains remote facilities
Enters and performs O&M tasks in confined spaces
Performs major housekeeping
Responsible for keeping supervisors informed relative to facility status
May be designated to be in charge of facility operations once license is obtained
Performs other related duties as required
Level II:
Instructs Level 1 personnel and leads staffed shifts
Shovels and plows snow
Performs major cleaning and maintenance of process tanks and equipment
Performs major cleaning and flushing of wet wells
Cleans and calibrates process control instrumentation components
Coordinates disposal of material removed during screening and grit removal process
Enters and performs O&M tasks in confined spaces
Performs other related duties as assigned
Work Environment And Physical DemandsMust be able to do the following:
Climb ladders and elevated storage tanks, perform scaffolding, work in confined and elevated spaces, and descend underground
Lift objects up to 50 pounds
Demonstrate normal color perception, hear audible alarms and sounds to detect abnormal equipment conditions
Visually inspect equipment and processes at anytime of the day or night (contact lenses are not permitted on the job)
Effectively utilize appropriate safety equipment and procedures
Work with potential exposure to chemical, biological, electrical, thermal, noise, radioactive hazards and all weather conditions
Required Knowledge, Skills, And AbilitiesEntry Level:
Skill in performing routine mathematical calculations and chemical analyses
Ability to differentiate between normal and abnormal conditions of equipment and processes
Ability to follow verbal and written instructions
Knowledge of basic mathematics skills which include arithmetic functions, area calculations
and estimation
Knowledge of state regulations and basic wastewater regulations related to SSOs, overflows and discharge permits
Skill in hand tools and power tools use
Ability to maintain clear written records of activities and effectively communicate information verbally
Ability to climb ladders, work in confined spaces, and work in elevated locations
Ability to lift a minimum of 50 pounds, and effectively utilize appropriate safety equipment and procedures
Ability to demonstrate normal color perception, hear audible alarms and detect abnormal equipment sounds
Ability to visually inspect equipment and processes at any time of the day or night (contact lenses not permitted on the job)
Ability and willingness to learn processes and associated sciences (math, chemistry, biology)
Ability to work independently and as a part of a team
Basic computer skills using Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and entering plant process data into computer software
Level I:
Skill in performing routine mathematical calculations and chemical analyses
Ability to differentiate between normal and abnormal conditions of equipment and processes
Ability to follow verbal and written instructions
Knowledge of basic mathematics skills which include arithmetic functions, area calculations and estimation
Knowledge of state regulations and basic wastewater regulations related to SSOs, overflows and discharge permits
Skill in hand tools and power tools use
Ability to maintain clear written records of activities and effectively communicate information verbally
Ability to climb ladders, work in confined spaces, and work in elevated locations
Ability to lift a minimum of 50 pounds, and effectively utilize appropriate safety equipment and procedures
Ability to demonstrate normal color perception, hear audible alarms and detect abnormal equipment sounds
Ability to visually inspect equipment and processes at any time of the day or night (contact lenses not permitted on the job
Ability and willingness to learn processes and associated sciences (math, chemistry, biology)
Ability to work independently and as a part of a team
Basic computer skills using Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and entering plant process data into computer software
Level II
Extensive knowledge of wastewater treatment processes theory and practical application, which include preliminary treatment, primary treatment, secondary treatment, biological treatment, tertiary treatment, disinfection process, and chemical addition
Skill in performing routine mathematical calculations and chemical analyses
Intermediate mathematics skills and ability to perform arithmetic functions, dimensional analysis and volumetric calculations
Ability to differentiate between normal and abnormal conditions of equipment and processes
Ability to maintain clear written records of activities and effectively communicate information verbally
Ability to climb ladders, work in confined spaces, and work in elevated locations
Skill in hand tool, power tool, and test equipment use and application
Ability to demonstrate normal color perception, hear audible alarms and detect abnormal equipment sounds
Ability to visually inspect equipment and processes at any time of the day or night (contact lenses not permitted on the job)
Knowledge and understanding of processes and associated sciences (math, chemistry, biology)
Ability to work independently and as a part of a team
Intermediate computer skills using Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and plant processdata computer software.
Minimum Education, Experience RequirementsEntry-Level & Level I:
High School diploma or equivalent
Level II:
High School diploma or equivalent
3+ years experience operating and maintaining wastewater treatment plants and pumping stations
Additional Requirements
Must demonstrate reading and math proficiency by passing a WSSC Water skills proficiency exam
Possession of a valid driver’s license with no more than 4 points and the ability to obtain a WSSC Water driver’s permit within 90 days of hire or transfer; must maintain permit while in this role
Employees in this position are designated or considered emergency personnel; therefore, the employee must report to work as scheduled or as directed by their supervisor when WSSC Water declares an event that requires emergency personnel to report to work
This is a 24-hour operation; must be able to work off shifts
Preferences
1+ years of water/wastewater plant, water distribution system, wastewater collections system operator or electrical/mechanical experience at a plant
Possession of a Maryland 1st or 2nd Grade Stationary Engineers License
General knowledge of wastewater treatment processes theory and practical application, which include preliminary treatment, primary treatment, secondary treatment, biological treatment, tertiary treatment, disinfection process, and chemical addition
Knowledge of the function and servicing of mechanical equipment
Knowledge and understanding of drawings, schematics, specifications, and reference materials
Salary$26.46 - $43.46 plus shift differentialPosting Detail InformationEEO StatementAN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER It is the policy of the Commission to select new employees and to promote current employees without regard to race, sexual orientation, sex, religion, national origin, marital status, or handicap. The Commission does not discriminate against qualified individuals with a disability and will make reasonable accommodation for any disability that does not result in undue hardship for the Commission.Close Date01/16/2025Open Until FilledNoSpecial Instructions to ApplicantsAdditional InformationAll applicants selected will be subject to drug screening and a background check/verification.Supplemental QuestionsRequired fields are indicated with an asterisk ().
Do you have a valid driver's license with no more than 4 points and with no restrictions (except eyeglasses/contact lenses)?
Yes
No
Will you, now or in the future, require sponsorship for employment visa status?
Yes
No
Are you an eligible veteran of any branch of the armed forces who has received an honorable discharge or Certificate of Satisfactory Completion of Military Service, the spouse of an eligible veteran who has a service-connected disability or the surviving spouse of a deceased eligible veteran?
Yes
No
Applicant DocumentsRequired Documents
Resume
Optional Documents