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

Howard County Government; Savage (MD); On-site; USD 61,000 - 67,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Union representation (AFSCME Local 308

Essential personnel status

Job summary

Howard County Government is seeking a Plant Operator to perform operations, maintenance, and oversight of equipment in a water reclamation plant. The role requires monitoring, adjustment of processes, and potential supervision of lower-level staff.

This classified, essential position is part of the county workforce and operates on an assigned rotating shift. Salary details reflect starting hourly and annual ranges, with final pay determined by the Office of Human Resources to ensure equity.

Responsibilities

• Monitors gauges, meters, control panels and process control computers.
• Operates valves, pumps, engines and generators to adjust flows and treatment processes.
• Performs routine maintenance, inspections of mechanical and electrical equipment, and assists with major repairs as needed.
• Maintains shift logs, records meter readings and laboratory results, and follows regulatory requirements.
• Oversees lower-level staff on rotating shifts; may act as shift supervisor.
• Performs routine sampling and testing of wastewater as required by agencies.

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