Waste Water Operator III - (Water Reclamation Plant Operator III) - Public Works, Utilities

Howard County Government; Savage (MD); On-site; USD 40,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

Howard County Government seeks a skilled operator to manage plant operations, maintain grounds and equipment, and ensure regulatory compliance.

The role involves monitoring process controls, performing routine maintenance, and collecting samples. Starting hourly salary ranges from $29.26 to $32.30, with annual equivalents shown for comparison. This essential position requires a Class 5A Operator certificate and prior wastewater experience.

Qualifications

• Performs operation, maintenance, and control of plant equipment.
• Requires Class 5A license and wastewater treatment knowledge.
• Capable of recording data and following procedures.
• Ability to work rotating shifts and on-call duties.

Responsibilities

• Monitors gauges, meters, control panels, and process computers.
• Starts/stops pumps and adjusts flows and chemical dosages.
• Inspects equipment and performs minor repairs as needed.
• Obtains samples and maintains shift logs and records.
• Directs work of others when required and covers supervisor duties.

Skills

Process control

Instrumentation

Troubleshooting

Pumps & valves

Reading gauges

Safety awareness

Education

High school diploma or GED

3+ years wastewater experience

Class 5A Operator certificate

College coursework in wastewater

Job description

Howard County:

Conveniently located in the heart of central Maryland between Baltimore and Washington, Howard County offers the charm of a historic past mixed with the excitement of a cosmopolitan community.

Howard County Government:

Howard County Government is a leader in innovation, sustainability, and consistently ranked as one of the best places to live and work in the country. In 2026, Howard County Government received a record-breaking 113 Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo) – the highest number of annual NACo awards achieved in the history of the State of Maryland, and the highest number of awards of any county in the State of Maryland which received a collective 165 awards. NACo is the leading organization representing county-level government operations. These awards recognize innovative and transformative programs that provide new services for county residents, improve existing programs, upgrade working conditions, and enhance citizen participation and public policymaking.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for outstanding individuals to join our team and contribute to excellence in Howard County operations.

What you'll like most about working at Howard County Government:

• We are committed to workplace excellence in every area of County government.
• We have a highly talented, diverse, and inclusive workplace. Your input will not only be heard, but it will be encouraged!
• We offer competitive compensation and great benefits including medical, retirement, and wellness programs.
• As a member of the Howard County Government team, you'll be helping drive our culture and directly impact what makes us an amazing place to work.

POSITION SUMMARY:

An employee in this class works with others on an assigned rotating shift basis to control Plant operations and maintain grounds and equipment.

STARTING SALARY HIRING RANGE:

$29.26 - $32.30/Hourly
$60,866 - $67,186/Annually

*This is the anticipated starting salary range for this position. Please note that the final salary will be determined by the Office of Human Resources, commensurate with experience and aligned to ensure internal equity with similarly situated roles.*

CLASS DESCRIPTION:

This is skilled work at the full performance level in the operation, maintenance, and care of mechanical and electrical equipment in a water reclamation plant. Work may include overseeing the work of lower level employees as an assistant shift leader.

*This is a Classified position, meaning that it is a part of the Howard County Classified Service upon completion of a probationary period of at least six (6) months*

*Please note that this position falls within a collective bargaining unit and is represented by AFSCME Local 3085, Local 3888, or Local 1810.*

*This position has been designated as "essential personnel," meaning an employee is expected to report for regular work shift during inclement weather, emergency situations, County holidays and on an on-call basis.*

Operations and Process Control:

• Monitors gauges, meters, control panels, and process control computers.
• Observes variations in operating conditions and determines processing requirements.
• Takes corrective action on routine problems and reports serious issues to superiors.
• Operates valves and gates manually or by remote control.
• Starts and stops pumps, engines, and generators to adjust flows, chemical dosages, and treatment processes.
• Responsible for equipment operation, adjustment, and cleaning.

Equipment Inspection and Maintenance:

• Inspects mechanical and electrical equipment such as bearings, valves, seals, filters, generators, and compressors.
• Performs minor repairs and reports major malfunctions to superiors; may assist with major repairs.
• Performs routine preventative maintenance, including lubrication and minor corrective actions.
• Performs minor maintenance painting and assists with grounds maintenance.
• May perform or direct routine maintenance and custodial duties.

Sampling, Testing and Recordkeeping:

• Obtains wastewater samples and performs routine laboratory tests and analyses as required by regulatory agencies.
• Maintains shift logs, enters field and test data, and records meter readings and laboratory results.
• Assists in maintaining operating records for the shift.

Leadership and Support:

• May direct the work or instruct lower-level employees.
• May perform duties of shift supervisor in their absence.

Emergency and Other Duties:

• Required to report to work during inclement weather or emergency situations (emergency essential position).
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

High School diploma or G.E.D. plus three (3) years of wastewater treatment experience at the Class "5A" level; or, at least one year (1) of college course work in wastewater treatment or a related field plus two years of wastewater treatment experience at the "5A" level.

REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES, AND REGISTRATIONS:

• Possession of a regular Class "5A" Operator's certificate issued by the Maryland State Board of Waterworks and Waste System Operators required prior to appointment and during tenure of employment.
• Applicants with appropriate experience and equivalent licensing from another state will be considered for appointment but will be required to obtain a Statement of Reciprocity from the Maryland State Board prior to appointment.
• A valid Maryland driver's license may be required, depending upon job assignment.

PREFERRED EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of the principles, practices, and methods used in water reclamation operations.
• Knowledge of the operation and servicing of wastewater treatment equipment and machinery.
• Knowledge of fundamental laboratory and sample collection techniques.
• Knowledge of safe working practices and procedures.
• Some knowledge of supervisory methods and techniques.
• Skill in repairing and maintaining pumps, valves, gauges, and other wastewater treatment equipment.
• Ability to direct the work of others and instruct them in the performance of job tasks.
• Ability to maintain records and prepare reports.
• Ability to work in a cooperative, courteous, and effective basis with people.
• Ability to follow oral and/or written instructions.
• Ability to read gauges and meters accurately and to interpret the data gathered.
• Ability to make operational decisions in the absence of higher-level supervisory personnel.
• Ability to clean and clean and perform minor maintenance and adjustments on equipment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and taste or smell. The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts and outside weather conditions. The employee is frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, and toxic or caustic chemicals. The employee is occasionally exposed to high, precarious places; risk of electrical shock; and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Required to work a rotating shift.

LANGUAGE SKILLS AND REASONING ABILITY:

Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS:

Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as flow rates, Mean Cell Residence Times, weights, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.