JOB SUMMARY

The Plant Trainee performs a broad range of duties associated with the operation, monitoring, maintenance, laboratory analysis, and overall management of wastewater treatment facilities and water treatment systems. Under the direction of qualified supervisory personnel, the trainee develops the knowledge and practical skills necessary to obtain and maintain Maryland State wastewater and water treatment operator certifications. This position supports the safe, efficient, and environmentally compliant operation of Class 5A wastewater treatment facilities and Class 4/5DE water treatment systems. Responsibilities include plant operations, collection and distribution systems, preventive and corrective maintenance, laboratory testing, process control, inspections, troubleshooting, recordkeeping, and general facility maintenance. Overall Responsibility The Maryland Class 5A Wastewater

AND 4/5DE

water Plant Trainee is a multi-disciplinary utility employee who is trained and expected to develop competency across wastewater treatment, water treatment, collection systems, distribution systems, laboratory operations, mechanical maintenance, facility maintenance, regulatory compliance, and emergency response. The position provides the practical operating experience necessary to progress toward higher-level Maryland operator certification while supporting the reliable, safe, and environmentally responsible operation of the utility's water and wastewater infrastructure.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Wastewater Treatment Operations Operate, monitor, and maintain Class 5A wastewater treatment processes and equipment. Monitor treatment processes, flows, levels, pressures, pumps, motors, blowers, chemical systems, and other mechanical and electrical equipment. Make routine process adjustments under established operating procedures and supervisory direction. Inspect treatment facilities and equipment to identify abnormal operating conditions, leaks, malfunctions, or maintenance requirements. Assist with startup, shutdown, and emergency operating procedures. Maintain accurate daily operating records, logs, meter readings, and regulatory documentation. Maintain compliance with applicable Maryland Department of the Environment requirements, permits, operating procedures, and environmental regulations. Respond to alarms, equipment failures, process upsets, spills, and other operational emergencies. Perform housekeeping and general maintenance throughout treatment facilities. Water Treatment Operations Operate and maintain Class 4/5DE water treatment systems and associated equipment. Monitor raw water, finished water, chemical treatment, filtration, pumping, storage, and distribution systems. Operate pumps, valves, chemical feed equipment, filters, tanks, meters, and related treatment equipment. Conduct routine inspections and identify equipment or process conditions requiring corrective action. Assist with maintaining water quality and reliable system operation. Perform required operational testing, sampling, documentation, and recordkeeping. Collection and Distribution Systems Operate, inspect, maintain, and troubleshoot wastewater collection systems and water distribution systems. Inspect pipelines, manholes, valves, hydrants, pump stations, lift stations, meters, and related infrastructure. Assist with cleaning, repairing, and maintaining collection and distribution system components. Identify blockages, leaks, infiltration, inflow, pressure problems, and other system deficiencies. Operate and maintain lift stations, sewage pumps, controls, floats, valves, and associated equipment. Perform routine inspections and preventative maintenance on system infrastructure. Respond to collection and distribution system emergencies and service problems. Facility and Equipment Maintenance Perform preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance on equipment throughout water and wastewater facilities. Maintain pumps, motors, blowers, compressors, chemical feed systems, valves, piping, electrical components, controls, and other mechanical equipment. Lubricate equipment and perform routine adjustments and minor repairs. Assist contractors with major repairs, equipment replacement, installation, and rehabilitation projects. Maintain buildings, grounds, treatment structures, process areas, tools, and equipment in a safe and orderly condition. Use hand tools, power tools, testing equipment, and maintenance equipment safely and properly. Maintain inventories of tools, supplies, chemicals, parts, and operating materials as assigned. Laboratory Operations Collect representative wastewater, water, process, and environmental samples. Perform routine laboratory analyses required for treatment process control and regulatory compliance. Conduct testing such as pH, chlorine residual, turbidity, TSS, MLSS, MLVSS dissolved oxygen, temperature, settling characteristics, and other applicable water and wastewater parameters. Prepare samples, reagents, testing equipment, and laboratory materials. Properly operate, clean, calibrate, and maintain laboratory instruments. Record laboratory results accurately and maintain required laboratory documentation. Recognize abnormal laboratory results and notify appropriate supervisory personnel. Follow established laboratory procedures, quality-control requirements, safety practices, and applicable regulatory standards. Safety, Compliance, and Emergency Response Follow all applicable OSHA, Maryland Department of the Environment, utility, and facility safety requirements. Properly use personal protective equipment and follow confined-space, lockout/tagout, chemical handling, and other applicable safety procedures. Safely handle and work around treatment chemicals and hazardous materials. Participate in emergency response activities involving water and wastewater systems. Maintain awareness of environmental, operational, and public-health risks associated with water and wastewater treatment. Report unsafe conditions, equipment failures, spills, and regulatory concerns immediately. Training and Certification Participate in formal and on-the-job training required for advancement toward Maryland water and wastewater operator certifications. Develop proficiency in Class 5A wastewater treatment operations. Develop and maintain knowledge of Class 4 /5DE water treatment operations. Study applicable Maryland regulations, treatment processes, laboratory procedures, equipment operation, and maintenance practices. Maintain required operator training and continuing education. Must sit for one exam within the first two years and then must sit for an exam every year after that until all exams are passed. All required Maryland licenses must be obtained within six years of date of hire.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

The successful candidate should demonstrate or develop knowledge of: Wastewater treatment processes and equipment. Water treatment processes and equipment. Water distribution and wastewater collection systems. Pumps, motors, blowers, valves, piping, controls, and chemical feed systems. Basic electrical and mechanical principles. Laboratory sampling and analytical procedures. Process control and troubleshooting. Preventive maintenance practices. Environmental regulations and water/wastewater operating requirements. Occupational and facility safety procedures. Proper recordkeeping and regulatory reporting. The position requires the ability to: Read and interpret gauges, meters, instruments, drawings, manuals, and operating procedures. Identify abnormal operating conditions and take appropriate action. Perform mathematical calculations associated with water and wastewater treatment. Maintain accurate operating and laboratory records. Work independently while following established procedures and supervisory direction. Work effectively with operators, maintenance personnel, laboratory personnel, contractors, supervisors, and the public. Work outdoors and indoors under varying weather and environmental conditions. Work around wastewater, chemicals, machinery, confined spaces, noise, odors, and other industrial conditions. Respond to emergencies, alarms, and operational problems when required.

Physical Requirements:

The position requires the ability to perform physically demanding work, including standing, walking, climbing stairs and ladders, bending, stooping, reaching, lifting, carrying, and working in confined or difficult-to-access areas. Employees may be required to work around wastewater, chemicals, wet conditions, machinery, elevated structures, and other industrial environments. Minimum Qualifications High school diploma or equivalent. Ability to obtain and maintain applicable Maryland water and wastewater operator certifications. Valid driver's license as required by the employer. Mechanical aptitude and willingness to learn water and wastewater treatment operations. Ability to successfully complete required safety, operational, laboratory, and regulatory training. Preferred Qualifications Previous experience in water treatment, wastewater treatment, collection systems, distribution systems, industrial maintenance, laboratory operations, or a related field. Experience operating pumps, motors, blowers, chemical feed systems, filters, valves, and process-control equipment. Experience performing laboratory testing and water/wastewater sampling. Previous experience working toward or holding Maryland water or wastewater operator certification. Experience performing preventive maintenance and troubleshooting of treatment plant equipment. The duties, responsibilities, skills and qualifications listed above are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by an individual assigned to this position. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities and regular work schedule from time to time, as needed in support of the business management needs of the Town.

Job Type:

Full-time Pay:

$43,022.00 - $55,930.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching Employee assistance program Flexible spending account Life insurance Tuition reimbursement

Work Location:

In person