Water and Sewer Operator Trainee

Calvert County, MD; Prince Frederick (MD); On-site; USD 32,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sick leave 15 days

Annual leave 10 days

Personal leave 5 days

Paid holidays 13

Job summary

Calvert County Government seeks an entry-level Water and Sewer Operator Trainee to operate and maintain water and wastewater facilities under supervision. The role includes learning the principles of plant operation while gaining hands-on experience with pumps, valves, and data entry in a county public works setting.

Required is a high school diploma or GED and at least six months of plumbing or mechanical maintenance experience.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED required.
• At least 6 months of plumbing or mechanical maintenance experience.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain water and wastewater facilities and equipment.
• Perform preventative maintenance and data entry.
• Collect samples and conduct field tests.
• Respond to customer complaints and emergencies.

Skills

Plumbing experience

Mechanical maintenance

Communication

Safety awareness

Education

HS diploma or GED

Tools

Tractors & loaders

Sewer jetter

Bobcats

Lawn tractors

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 Functions

Performs 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 Duties

Performs 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:

Nonexempt

Compensation Steps:

Pay rate: $23.30 - $26.69 per hour; $42,406 - $48,576 annually

Grade 715, full-time position, 35 hours per week

Department of Public Works, Water and Sewerage

Position closing date: November 25, 2026

Please 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 leave
• 10 days of annual leave
• 5 days of personal leave
• 13 paid holidays *14 in an election year
• Defined Contribution Plan
• 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Flexible spending accounts
• Up to 80% tuition reimbursement
• Gym membership discounts

Please 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.