Water and Sewer Operator Trainee

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

Benefits offered by this job

Sick leave

Annual leave

Personal leave

Paid holidays

Defined Contribution Plan

Tuition reimbursement

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Gym membership discounts

Job summary

Calvert County Government is seeking an entry-level Water and Wastewater Systems Trainee to learn and assist in operating, inspecting, and maintaining water and sewer facilities under supervision.

The role includes equipment preventive maintenance, sample collection, field tests, data entry, and responding to customer complaints and emergencies; requires a high school diploma or GED and at least six months of plumbing or mechanical maintenance experience.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED required.
• Six months of plumbing or mechanical maintenance experience.
• Valid driver's license required.
• Must obtain Maryland Class ‘B’ CDL, MDE sampler certification, and CPR/First Aid within six months of employment.

Responsibilities

• Perform equipment maintenance and testing in water and wastewater facilities.
• Collect samples and perform field laboratory tests and data entry.
• Respond to customer complaints and water/sewer emergencies.
• Assist in routine and emergency repairs.

Skills

Mechanical maintenance

Public interaction

Communication skills

Equipment operation training

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Tractors

Bobcats

Loaders

Sewer jetter

Lawn tractors

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 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

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

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

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.

Benefits

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

Calvert County Government offers a wide range of benefits to enhance the lifestyle of our employees and the lifestyle of their families and dependents.

Equal Opportunity

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.