COLLECTION SYSTEM OPERATOR

TALBOT COUNTY MARYLAND; Saint Michaels (MD); On-site; USD 43,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

TALBOT COUNTY MARYLAND is seeking a Collection System Operator in Public Works to perform sewer line maintenance and related tasks under supervision. You will work on smoke testing, video inspection, line cleaning, and assist with inspections and repairs of manholes and pipes.

The role requires handling heavy manual labor, adherence to safety protocols, and collaboration with county departments. Driving responsibilities accompany field duties in a county setting.

Qualifications

• One year’s experience in general mechanical maintenance and construction work.
• Possession of a valid Maryland driver’s license; may be required to acquire a Maryland CDL designation.

Responsibilities

• Perform maintenance and repair of sewer lines, manholes, facilities and equipment including smoke testing, TV work and infiltration.
• Inspect lines for stoppages or damage and assist with cleaning and unplugs as required.
• Test and monitor manholes for gases; operate various equipment including forklifts and compressors; maintain equipment.
• Assist in coordinating contracted repair work and maintain records of work performed and inventories.
• Respond to public inquiries and set up traffic safety devices at work sites; respond to emergency repairs as needed.

Skills

General mechanical maintenance

Sewer system maintenance

Equipment operation

Safety procedures

Reading & writing communication

Public customer service

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Tools

Hydro-cleaning equipment

Video inspection equipment

Forklifts

Vibrators & jackhammers

Job description

Job Description

Job Description

Collection System Operator

CLASSIFICATION: Non-Exempt

DEPARTMENT: Public Works

POSITION REPORTING: Collections System Supervisor

SALARY: $43,117 - $44,411 DOQ

LAST UPDATE: 8/2026

SUMMARY

Under general supervision of the Collection System Supervisor, the Collection System Operator performs a variety of manual labor, semi-skilled and skilled work in the maintenance and repairs of sewer service lines and equipment; learns and demonstrates a full understanding of all applicable policies, procedures and work methods associated with assigned duties; performs other related duties as required.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Perform a variety of semi-skilled and skilled work in the maintenance and repair of sewer lines, manholes, related facilities and equipment, including smoke testing, TV work, packing and sealing and infiltration and performs a variety of complex and difficult projects; may assist in training entry level collection system maintenance personnel; provides assistance to other County departments and divisions, as required.


2. Inspects sewer collection lines for stoppages or damage; assists with examines, maintains, cleans and unplugs lines with a variety of specialized equipment including hydro-cleaning, video and grouting vehicles; seals and grouts damaged lines as required, assists with or performs cleaning of collection lines.


3. Test and monitor manholes for dangerous gases and uses proper safety precautions when entering underground areas; digs up and repairs damaged sections of pipe; cuts, installs, threads and assembles new pipe; operators a variety of equipment including forklifts; vibrators, jackhammers, tampers, and cutters; repairs pressures hoses; maintains assigned equipment.


4. Assist in the coordination contracted repair work; maintain records on work performed and inventories of needed supplies and materials; regularly inspect lift stations and may repair or replace valves or fittings; performs flow monitoring; may assist in the maintenance of records for locating District installed equipment, pipelines, and related facilities.


5. Responds to questions and inquiries from the public; sets up traffic safety devices at work sites; may respond to emergency repair calls.


6. May back up traffic safety set-up and maintain various records, logs; locates and marks utilities in support of the marking and location program.


7. Establishes positive working relationships with County management and staff, other agencies and the public.


8. Other related duties as required.

REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES

1. Knowledge of practices, techniques and materials used in the construction trade.


2. Knowledge of tools and equipment used in maintenance and repair activities.


3. Operation and use of a variety of light, medium and heavy equipment.


4. Knowledge of utilities marking and locating procedures and practices.


5. Knowledge of hazards and standard safety procedures.


6. An ability to deal tactfully with the public and others in providing information, answering questions and providing customer service.


7. Able to read, understand and follow posted work rules and procedures; follow oral and written directions, and accept constructive criticism.


8. Able to meet the requirements by wearing respiratory protection or other safety equipment.


9. Able to perform heavy manual labor.


10. Prepare and maintain basic reports and records.


11. Ability to operate a computer and a variety of basic work processing and software applications.


12. Safely and effectively operate tools and equipment used in the maintenance and repair of sewer collection systems and related facilities.


13. Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.


14. Establish and maintain effective working relationships.

QUALIFICATIONS

Combination of training, education and experience which provides the individuals with the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the job shall be as follows:

One year’s experience in general mechanical maintenance and construction work and a High School Diploma or equivalent.

Possession of a valid Maryland driver’s license; may be required to acquire a Maryland CDL designation at County’s discretion.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable and safe accommodation may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; sit; reach with hands and arms; climb or maintain balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and communicate/hear. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move items in excess of 100 pounds. Incumbents must climb ladders and work at heights and below grade in confined and non-confined spaces. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. Additionally, the employee is frequently exposed to outside weather conditions.