Water and Sewer Operator Trainee

Calvert County Government; Maryland; On-site; USD 32,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sick leave

Annual leave

Personal leave

Paid holidays

457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Tuition reimbursement (up to 80%)

Gym membership discounts

Job summary

Calvert County Government is seeking an entry-level Water and Sewer Operator Trainee to learn operation, inspection, and maintenance of water and wastewater facilities under supervision. The role includes chemical mixing, sample collection, and data entry as part of routine plant operations.

Ideal candidates have a High School diploma or GED and at least six months in plumbing or mechanical maintenance, with a valid driver’s license and the ability to obtain required operator certifications

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED equivalent.
• Six months of plumbing or mechanical maintenance experience.
• Valid driver's license.
• Must apply for temporary Wastewater and Water operator certifications.
• Must obtain Maryland Class ‘B’ CDL, MDE sampler certification, and CPR/First Aid within six months.

Responsibilities

• Perform equipment preventative maintenance and data entry.
• Monitor and document water and wastewater system performance daily.
• Collect samples and perform laboratory tests.
• Assist in cleaning and inspecting wet wells, basins, and sewer mains.
• Respond to customer complaints and water/sewer emergencies.
• Unload and mix chemicals for facilities.

Skills

Mechanical maintenance

Water/wastewater ops

Communication

Learning on the job

Education

High School diploma or GED

Tools

Wastewater equipment

Job description

Job Description:Performs entry level water and wastewater systems work. Water and Sewer Operator Trainees operate, inspect, and maintain water and wastewater facilities and equipment to meet regulatory requirements with guidance from plant operators and supervisors. Work involves performing tasks intended to acquaint the worker with the principles and techniques of water and sewer plant operation. Work requires prior plumbing or mechanical experience and is performed under close supervision.Essential Job FunctionsPerforms equipment preventative maintenance, general housekeeping, buildings and grounds maintenance, sample collections, field laboratory process testing, chemical mixing, septage receiving and sample collection, and processes data entry.Monitors and documents water and wastewater systems performance daily. Collects and enters water and wastewater operations data.Performs quality control checks and laboratory tests; collects water and wastewater samples.Flushes water systems.Trains in the mixing of chemicals at water and waste water facilities. Trains in the routine daily operation and use of all water and wastewater systems equipment and tools.Performs maintenance on water and wastewater facilities and equipment according to the schedules and procedures established for the facilities to which trainee is assigned. This includes:Cleaning, servicing, lubricating and repairing pumps, air compressors and blowers, chemical feed equipment, lawn mowing and maintenance equipment, air release valves and other mechanical devices regularly found in water and wastewater treatment facilities and systems.Completes equipment check lists.Assists in cleaning and inspecting wet wells, holding tanks, aeration basins, sewer mains and laterals.Performs general housekeeping and maintenance duties as needed or assigned such as mowing grass, weed cutting, painting equipment and structure, cleaning floors, windows, equipment and tools at all facilities.Unloads chemicals and equipment, mixes and delivers chemicals for water and wastewater facilities.Handles septage receiving facility inspection and maintenance and sample collection data entry and review.Responds to customer complaints and water and sewer emergencies.Assists maintenance personnel in routine and emergency repairs.Other DutiesPerforms related work as required.Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (These are pre-employment KSA that apply only to Essential Job Functions.)Knowledge of-General procedures of mechanical maintenance and operation.Ability to-Learn to perform water and sewer plant and systems operations.Deal effectively with the public.Communicate effectively, orally and in writing and follow oral and written instructions.Learn to use tractors, bobcats, loaders, sewer jetter, and lawn tractors.Required Qualifications (Note: Any acceptable combination of education, training and experience that provides the above knowledge, skills, and abilities may be substituted on a full-time year for year basis.)Training and/or Education:High School diploma or GED equivalent.Experience:Six months of plumbing or mechanical maintenance experience.Licenses or Certificates:Valid driver's license.Must apply for the appropriate temporary Wastewater and Water operator certifications from the Board of Waterworks and Waste Systems Operators, Water Management Administration, Maryland Department of the Environment as required by the assigned facilities at time of employment.To continue employment must obtain Maryland Class ‘B’ commercial driver’s license, MDE sampler certification, and CPR/First Aid certification within the first six (6) months of employment.Special Requirements:Must be 18 years of age.Operation of County owned vehicle.Work location and work hours are subject to change to meet business objectives.Physical Demands:Requires medium to moderately heavy moving up to 50 pounds and lifting of equipment and use of hand and power tools.Work may be in confined spaces, in elevated storage tanks and/or sewer manholes, require the use of a ladder.Requires routine standing, sitting, walking, crouching, stooping, kneeling, crouching, climbing and/or balancing, using hands and arms to reach, grasp, finger and feel, ability to smell, taste, talk, hear, and differentiate colors.Unusual Demands:Workers are exposed to dirt and soil, sewage, chemicals and hazards of working around moving equipment and with power tools.May be required to work weekends and holidays.Subject to call in or to remain on the job for emergencies.FLSA Status:NonexemptCompensation Steps:Pay rate: $23.30 - $26.69 per hour; $42,406 - $48,576 annuallyGrade 715, full-time position, 35 hours per weekDepartment of Public Works, Water and SeweragePosition closing date: November 25, 2026Please Note: This position will close at 11:59 p.m. on November 25, 2026. To be considered for the role, ensure that your application is submitted before the deadline. The position will be removed from the website as of 12:00 a.m. on November 26th.Calvert County Government offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support employees' health, financial well-being, and work-life balance. Benefits include:15 days of sick leave10 days of annual leave5 days of personal leave13 paid holidays *14 in an election yearDefined Contribution Plan457(b) Deferred Compensation PlanMedical, dental, and vision coverageFlexible spending accountsUp to 80% tuition reimbursementGym membership discountsPlease Note: A complete application is required to be considered for a position within Calvert County Government. All prior work experience, education, and other certifications should be entered into the application and supplemental questions should be answered completely. Attachments are not provided to hiring managers unless you are selected for an interview.Calvert County Government is committed to providing equal opportunity and reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. If you require an accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, please contact Human Resources at [e-mail] with as much notice as possible.