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.***
Include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.
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.
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.
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.
