Position Summary/Class 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 excitement of a cosmopolitan community.
Howard County
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 2025, Howard County Government received a record-breaking 83 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 out of any county in the State of Maryland which received a collective 136 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.
This is beginning level and semi-skilled work in a three-year apprenticeship program during which an employee develops the knowledge, skills and abilities required to become a Water Reclamation Plant Operator II. Employees in this class participate in a formal, state approved apprenticeship program and receive frequent written and verbal instruction through on-the-job training, attendance of formal classes, and self-study.
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
Initially, work is frequently checked during learning progression. From initial stages through program completion, work is performed under close supervision of an experienced operator. As the employees' knowledge of and skill in their specific trade increases, the employees are expected to perform semi-skilled and skilled work with a view towards becoming a journey-level tradesperson. Performing entry level work in the operation, preventive maintenance, and care of mechanical equipment in a water reclamation plant.
Starting Salary Hiring Range
$23.20 - $24.38
$48,247 - $50,711
Class Description
This is beginning level and semi-skilled work in an apprenticeship program during which an employee develops the knowledge, skills and abilities required to become a journey level Electrician, Plumber or HVAC tradesperson. Employees in this class participate in a formal, state approved apprenticeship program and receive frequent written and verbal instruction through on-the-job training and attendance of formal classes.
Initially, work is frequently checked during progress and upon completion and performed under very close supervision of a journey level tradesperson. As the employees’ knowledge of and skill in their specific trade increases, the employees are expected to perform semi-skilled and skilled work with a view towards becoming a journey level tradesperson.
- Please note that this position falls within a collective bargaining unit and is represented by AFSCME Local 3085, Local 3888, or Local 1810.***
Essential Duties And Responsibilities
Include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.
Required
The apprentice will successfully complete work/learning hours, training classes/activities and required testing. While progressing through the program, the apprentice will learn and gain proficiency in the following areas:
Monitors gauges, meters, control panels and process control computers; observes variations in operating conditions and reports routine as well as unusual meter and gauge readings, test results, and observations to superiors for determination of processing requirements.
Operates valves and gates either manually or by remote control; starts and stops pumps to control and adjust flows, chemical dosages, and treatment process equipment.
Inspects bearings, valves, seals, filters, generators, compressors, and other mechanical and electrical equipment; makes minor repairs to malfunctioning equipment; reports major or complex malfunctions to superiors.
Obtains wastewater samples and performs routine laboratory tests and analyses as required by Federal, State, and local agencies for proper operation of the treatment plant.
Performs routine maintenance functions and custodial duties including cleaning equipment and performing maintenance tasks around grounds and buildings; assists in the maintenance of the treatment plant equipment.
Maintains shift logs, manually enters ?eld and test data, records meter and gauge readings, and laboratory results.
Performs routine preventative maintenance; lubricates pumps, conveyors, chains, motors, and related equipment; Performs minor repairs and adjustments; paints equipment, structures, piping, and other facilities when necessary.
This position is considered emergency essential, and as such, the apprentice may be required to report for regular work shift during inclement weather, or when an emergency situation arises.
Supervisory Responsibilities
This job has no supervisory responsibilities.
Minimum Required Education/Experience
Any combination of education and experience equivalent to completion of the 12th grade.
Preferred Education, Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities
Knowledge of elementary mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic principles.
Knowledge of safe work habits.
Knowledge of basic math skills.
Knowledge of the operation of pumps, valves, gages, and other equipment used in a wastewater treatment plant.
Knowledge of elementary lab and sample collection techniques.
Ability to perform minor maintenance such as adjust pumps, valves, gages, or other equipment used in a wastewater treatment plant
Ability to maintain simple written records.
Ability to read gages and meters accurately.
Ability to follow oral and/or written instructions.
Ability to work effectively with others.
Ability to use basic hand tools.
Ability to recognize unusual or dangerous conditions or situations.
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, Mathematical Skills, And Reasoning Ability
Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos. Ability to write simple correspondence. Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, clients, and other employees of the organization.
Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.
Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed but uninvolved written or oral instructions. Ability to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations.
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES AND REGISTRATIONS
Must obtain certification by the Maryland State Board of Waterworks and Waste System Operators as a Temporary Class "5A" Wastewater Operator upon selection.
A valid Maryland driver's license may be required, depending upon job assignment.
Additional Information
TO APPLY: You must complete an employment application online to be considered for this recruitment. Resumes cannot be substituted for completion of the job application work history.
No paper applications will be accepted.
Selected candidates may be subject to drug screening, background screening, and reference checks.
At time of application, please submit a copy of any college degree, coursework, licenses, or certifications that you have referenced on your application. Applicants who have education obtained outside of the U.S. may need to provide proof of the equivalent U.S. education as determined by a foreign credential evaluation service, such as the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (http://www.naces.org) or World Education Services: International Credential Evaluation (https://www.wes.org/).
Howard County Government is not sponsoring employees in application of the H-1B Visa or providing an extension of an existing H-1B Visa. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States under the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986.
Howard County is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, and we are committed to a workplace that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. The County prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, ancestry, creed, national origin, disability status, genetics, marital status, military service, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Applicants requiring accommodations during the hiring process should contact the Office of Human Resources directly at HiringPreference@howardcountymd.gov. Requests for accommodations should not be attached to the application.
The following is a summary of the benefits available to Howard County employees who hold full-time benefit-eligible positions. Employees in positions covered by a bargaining agreement should consult their union contract for other specific benefits. Additional details are also available in the Employee Manual and in summary plan descriptions which are available in the Office of Human Resources or at https://www.howardcountymd.gov/human-resources/benefit-plans.
FLEXIBLE BENEFITS PLAN: Under the County's flexible benefits plan called CountyFlex, employees may elect to enroll in medical insurance plans, dental insurance plans, optional life insurance, dependent life insurance, and healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts. Employee contributions to these benefits are made on a pre-tax basis. Information concerning enrollment options, plan rates and a benefits comparison chart are available in the Office of Human Resources.
GROUP TERM LIFE INSURANCE: Employees receive a group term life insurance benefit equal to 2 times their annual salary at no cost. Accidental death and dismemberment coverage is included. The County pays the entire cost for this benefit. Employees may purchase additional coverage under the CountyFlex benefits plan.
PAID LEAVE BENEFITS: Annual and Disability Leaves are accrued over 24 pay periods each year. Personal leave is credited on January 1st each year. Use of Annual, Disability and/or Personal Leave requires supervisory approval.
ANNUAL LEAVE: During the first 5 years of employment, employees accrue the equivalent of 13 days per year. From years 6 through 10, the accrual is the equivalent of 16 days per year. From years 11 through 20, the accrual is the equivalent of 19 days per year. From year 21 on, the accrual is the equivalent of 21 days per year. Annual leave may not be used during the first 6 months of employment. A maximum of 40 days may be carried over from one fiscal year to the next.
DISABILITY LEAVE: Employees accrue the equivalent of 1 day per month (12 days per year). There is no maximum accrual. This leave may be used for the disabling illness/injury of the employee, spouse or minor child or for a serious medical condition approved under F.M.L.A. Absences of over 3 days must be substantiated by a physician's certificate.
PERSONAL LEAVE: Employees receive 6 personal leave days each calendar year to be taken during the calendar year. Employees hired after April 30th receive 4 days of personal leave that year; those hired after August 31st receive 2 days; and those hired after November 30th receive no personal leave for that year. Personal leave may not be carried over.
HOLIDAYS: Employees are paid for the following holidays: New Year's Day; Martin Luther King Day; President's Day; Good Friday; Memorial Day; Juneteenth; Independence Day; Labor Day; Columbus Day; Veteran's Day; Thanksgiving Day; Friday after Thanksgiving Day; Christmas Day.
OTHER PAID LEAVE: Other paid leave will be granted for approved jury duty, military leave, bereavement leave and official leave. Unpaid leave will be granted in accordance with the Family and Medical Leave Act.
RETIREMENT: Howard County sponsors a defined benefit plan for its employees. participation in the plan is mandatory. Employees are required to make contributions to the plan, which are taken on a pre-tax basis. Contribution rates are dependent upon the plan in which the employee participates (general plan, or police and fire plan). The County contributes an additional percentage sufficient to ensure that each plan is adequately funded. Complete details are available in the summary plan descriptions which are available in the Office of Human Resources.Howard County Retirement Plan: Employees contribute 3% of salary to the plan. Sheriff Deputies hired after 7/1/2021 contribute 8.5% of salary to the plan. All eligible Corrections Employees must enroll in the Corrections Employees Enhanced Benefit and must contribute 8.5% of salary to the plan.Howard County Police and Fire Employees' Retirement Plan: Sworn police officers and career firefighters must participate in this plan. Police employees contribute 11.6% of salary and Fire employees contribute 7.7% of salary to the plan.
SOCIAL SECURITY: Participation is mandatory. Employees contribute at the current established rate.
457(b) DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN: Employees are eligible to participate in an IRS 457(b) deferred compensation program. This plan allows employees to defer a portion of their income on a pre-tax basis. Contributions are invested at the employee's direction on a tax deferred basis.
EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM: Employees experiencing problems that affect their personal lives and job performance may take advantage of confidential assessment and referral services.
EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE: Employees may apply for reimbursement for tuition costs after completion of 6 months of employment. Prior course approval is required. The maximum annual reimbursement is $2500 contingent upon County funding.
PAID PARENTAL LEAVE: Employees who have worked for the county for at least twelve (12) months are eligible for twelve (12) weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the qualifying birth of a child, or the placement of a child with an employee for adoption or foster care. Leave must be used within the 12 months following the birth or placement.
LONG TERM DISABILITY BENEFITS: Employees who have completed 6 months of service are enrolled in the LTD plan. After 6 months of disability, plan may pay 60% of base monthly pay up to $2500 per month. The County pays the entire cost of this benefit.
DISABILITY LEAVE BANK: Employees have established a Disability Leave Bank to which employees may donate disability leave in order to be eligible to receive salary and benefit protection when they are absent due to a serious disabling illness or injury and have exhausted all accrued leave. Employees are eligible to join the Bank after having completed 1 year of employment. Administration of the Bank, including the review and approval of claims for grants of time, is handled in accordance with the Bank's Rules and Regulations which are available in the Office of Human Resources.
VOLUNTARY BENEFIT OPTIONS: Employees may elect to enroll in long term care insurance, critical illness insurance, short term disability income protection, and universal life insurance.
CREDIT UNION: Employees may participate in the Tower Federal Credit Union through payroll deductions. Loans are also available to qualified applicants.
01
I understand that: - My application including the supplemental questions must be accurate and complete. - I must clearly describe my work experience which relates to the job for which I am applying. - I must check and revise my work history dates so they are accurate and do not reflect that I am working 40-hour weeks at two or more employers at the same time. - I may include all pertinent experience to include full- or part-time employment, volunteer, military, acting capacity, or any other work history applicable to the position for which I am applying. - "See Resume" is not a substitute for a completed application and will adversely impact my consideration.
02
Are you willing to accept a salary offer within the salary hiring range commensurate with applicable experience/qualifications? $48,247 - $50,711 annually
- Yes, I am willing to accept the starting salary hiring range.
- No, I am not willing to accept the starting salary hiring range.
03
Do you possess a High School diploma or GED or an equivalent combination of education and experience?
04
Do you possess knowledge of elementary mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic principles?
05
If you possess knowledge of elementary mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic principles, please explain where you acquired this knowledge including your employer, position title, dates of employment, and position responsibilities.
Be advised that "See Resume" is not an adequate response.
06
Do you possess knowledge of operation of pumps, valves, gauges, and other equipment used in a water treatment plant?
07
If you possess knowledge of operation of pumps, valves, gauges, and other equipment used in a water treatment plant, please explain where you acquired this experience including your employer, position title, dates of employment, and position responsibilities.
Be advised that "See Resume" is not an adequate response.
08
Do you possess knowledge of elementary lab and sample collection techniques?
09
If you possess knowledge of elementary lab and sample collection techniques, please explain where you acquired this knowledge including your employer, position title, dates of employment, and position responsibilities.
Be advised that "See Resume" is not an adequate response.
10
Are you aware that this position requires you to function as "essential personnel" meaning that you are expected to work during inclement weather, emergency situations, County holidays and on an on-call basis?
11
Do you possess a regular Class "5A" Operator's certificate issued by the Maryland State Board of Waterworks and Waste System Operators?
12
Do you possess a valid driver's license?
13
I understand I am responsible for maintaining the accuracy of my contact information, including my street address, my e-mail address, and my contact telephone numbers. My failure to maintain accurate contact information may result in my not receiving information regarding this job announcement and/or may result in my not being further considered for this employment opportunity. To update this information visit www.governmentjobs.com, click on the "career seekers" link, and follow the prompts.
- I have read and understand the language outlined above.
14
I certify that the information submitted in this application is true and correct to the best of my knowledge. I understand that providing false, erroneous, and/or misleading information may result in elimination from the hiring process and termination of employment if hired.
- I have read and understand the language outlined above.
- Required Question
