JOB INFORMATION

Non-exempt; full-time; 40 hours per week; varied days; varied shifts; full-benefits

This entry-level technical position is responsible for the operation and maintenance of water distribution systems, water storage facilities and water pumping stations. Direction may be received from Operators II, III and IV. Direction is received from the Chief Plant Operator and/or Superintendent, under supervision from the Assistant Chief Operator.

TOTAL COMPENSATION PACKAGE:
Frederick County offers an extensive compensation package to reflect how much we value our employees. The following is what you can expect in your first year as a full time benefited Frederick County Government employee.

• 11 days of Vacation leave with increase after 2 years of employment
• 15 days of Sick leave with unlimited annual carryover
• 11 paid scheduled holidays, plus 2 additional floating holidays
• Day 1 coverage of comprehensive Medical Insurance Plan option to include generous County HSA contribution (if enrolled in the high-deductible plan). This is part of a full range of benefits including Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending
• 100% County paid 2x annual salary Group Term Life Insurance benefit
• Work/Life balance programs include: Employee Assistance Program and Employee Wellness Program
• Generous Tuition Reimbursement Program
• County and Employee funded Defined Benefit Pension Plan
  • Vesting after 10 years of service
  • Additional service credit for eligible previous public service, military service, etc
• Other employee paid benefits such as Deferred Compensation Plan, Legal Resources, Supplemental Life Insurance, etc.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist in operations related to water distribution systems and related equipment
• Monitor and control chemical feed systems
• Assist in the operation and maintenance of associated equipment such as pumps, blowers, generators, etc.
• Assist with the maintenance and repair of fire hydrants
• Assist with fire hydrant flow test
• Maintain operation of valves, including mainline, air release, pressure reducing and associated equipment
• Perform water storage tank inspections and maintenance
• Collect water samples and perform field testing analysis
• Read and record gauge and meter readings
• Assist in the maintenance of equipment, buildings, valve vaults etc.
• Perform facility housekeeping activities and maintain grounds including mowing grass and weed control
• Perform other related duties as required

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Any single position may not be assigned all duties listed below, nor do the examples cover all duties that may be assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

The qualifications / requirements, knowledge/skills/abilities and physical demands or working conditions 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.

REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL PLACEMENT LEVELS

• High school graduation, or the equivalent
• Possession of a valid automobile operator's license

Water Distribution Operator Trainee ($18.31/hr)

• This is an entry level position – no work experience or certification is required
• Ability to obtain and maintain Temporary Distribution Operator certification issued by Maryland Board of Water Works and Waste System Operators within 6 months of hire
• Within 6 months of hire, new employees must satisfy 50% of level 1 PLPR requirements
• Preference may be given for related work experience

Water Distribution Operator I ($19.59/hr)

• Applicants must have applied, taken and passed the Distribution Operator certification issued by Maryland Board of Water Works and Waste System Operators
• Within 6 months of hire, employee must satisfy at least 50% of PLPR level I training requirements
• Within 2 years of hire, employee must satisfy 100% of PLPR training requirements for the Distribution System Operator I & II classification
  

Water Distribution Operator II ($20.96/hr)

• Minimum 3 years of related work experience
• Must have passed the Distribution Operator certification issued by Maryland Board of Water Works and Waste Systems Operators or an equivalent certification from another state
• Must satisfy all PLPR level II requirements within 6 month probationary period or be demoted to Level I Operator
• Within 2 years of hire, employee must satisfy 100% of PLPR training requirements for the Distribution System Operator I & II classification
• PLPR Level II is the basic functional level an employee must attain

KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS / ABILITIES:

• Ability to obtain and maintain a Frederick County Employee Driving Permit
• General knowledge of mathematics, plumbing and electrical controls, with the ability to accurately read gauges, meters, level indicators, etc.
• Ability to effectively perform routine water quality tests
• Basic knowledge of potential hazards associated with this type of work and appropriate safety precautions
• Effective written and spoken (English) communication skills, including the ability to read and maintain clear concise records, and the ability to follow spoken and written instructions
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers and the general public

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS / WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Physical requirements include the ability to work in all plant areas which may be open areas or confined spaces and may be accessed by ladders, narrow stairwells, catwalks or scaffolds; to lift, move and load/unload heavy tools, equipment barrels/bundles of materials and other items; to use various hand tools and motorized equipment. To move and store barrels of chemicals and to lift and load bags of chemicals. To work outside in all weather conditions
• Must be able to climb on to water storage tanks to perform minor maintenance
• Physical requirements also necessitate that facial hair is maintained to properly wear self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), full and half-piece air purifying respirators and other job-specific safety equipment, and pass SCBA fit test throughout employment

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION / EXAMINATION PROCESS

• Available for varied shifts and varied work days as assigned, and available for on-call response to emergency situations
• Participate in the on-call emergency standby rotation schedule
• Eligibility for promotion to higher classification is obtained by participating in and meeting specific criteria in the Division's Skill-Based Proficiency Level Progress Promotional Protocol Program (PLPR)
• Employees who do not meet the PLPR requirements within the required timeframe may be demoted to a lower Operator level or terminated from employment
• Annual Respirator fit testing will be conducted throughout employment as a requirement of this position
• Required certifications must be maintained during tenure of employment
• Distribution System Operators are essential personnel and required to report to work during weather events and/or emergencies when County offices are closed or operating under liberal leave policy
• This position is subject to random drug testing
• In concert with the Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002, verification of employment eligibility and a criminal background check will be conducted
• This position is designated as security-sensitive, requiring a satisfactory background investigation, conducted by the Frederick County Sheriff's Office, in accordance with established Frederick County policy. Estimated completion time for this background investigation is 30 days.

EXAMINATION PROCESS (may include):
1) An evaluation of training and experience
2) One or more interviews
3) Pre-employment written examination
4) Pre-employment physical examination and drug test; color perception test, pulmonary function and SCBA fit test
5) A pre-employment Security Sensitive background investigation

This description reflects management's assignment of essential duties; it does not proscribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.

Retirement Plan:
A defined benefit retirement plan is provided for all regular County employees. Employees are automatically enrolled in either the Uniformed Plan (5 year vesting) or the Non-Uniformed Plan (10 year vesting) depending upon position classification. The majority of support for the plan is provided by the County; however, employees are required to make a mandatory pre-tax contribution towards their benefit. Retirement benefits are payable at normal, early or delayed retirement. Retirement benefits are also payable upon termination and in the event of death or disability.

Health Insurance:
County employees have a choice of two medical insurance plans, an In-Network (HMO) Plan or a High Deductible medical plan with a Health Care Savings Account, to provide coverage for medical and surgical expenses, hospital and emergency care expenses, mental health expenses and prescription drugs. The County and participants share in the cost of the health insurance with the employee having the benefit of pre tax contribution deductions. Medical insurance goes into effect on the first day of active employment.

Dental Insurance:
Employees may select coverage from one of three dental plan options, ranging from a PPO plan to a dental HMO plan. Coverage includes preventive care, fillings, crowns, bridges and dentures, and the cost of dental insurance is shared by both the County and the employee. Dental insurance goes into effect on the first day of the month that follows the eligible employee's completion of 30 days of active employment

NOTE: Employees working 75% or greater of a 35 or 40 hour position are eligible for health & dental insurance.

Flexible Spending Accounts:
The Flex Spending plan allows employees to pay health and day care expenses with pre-tax dollars. Employees may set aside part of their salary in a special account that can be used throughout the year to reimburse themselves for out-of-pocket medical expenses. The maximum contribution is $2,700 per year for Health Care Spending and $5,000 for Dependent Care Spending (work-related day care expenses). Examples of expenses that can be reimbursed for Health Care Spending include, but are not limited to: deductibles, co-payments, dental fees, chiropractors' services, and eyeglasses / contact lenses.

Life Insurance:
Employees are insured for 2 times their annual salary in case of death plus 2 times their annual salary for accidental death. Employees do not contribute to the premiums for this coverage. A Voluntary Life Insurance Program is offered to regular County employees. The plan allows employees to purchase individually owned term life insurance for themselves, spouses and dependents.

Savings Plan - Deferred Compensation:
The County offers a Section 457 Plan. Deferred compensation plans allow participants to save for retirement in either a pre tax or post tax (Roth) investment account. Contributions are invested at the employee's direction into one or more of the variety of investment options offered by the plan. Changes may be made to the contribution levels, investment options, etc. at any time.

Educational Reimbursement Program:
County employees who have successfully passed their probationary period may take up to two job-related courses per semester at any accredited educational institution. The benefit also covers the costs of job-related non-credit courses. If the employee receives a grade of at least a C, or successfully passes a non-credit course, the County reimburses the employee 75% of the costs of tuition, fees and books. If an employee doesn't remain employed with Frederick County Government for two years after a class is taken, the benefit needs to be reimbursed to FCG.

Employee Assistance Program:
This confidential assessment, referral and counseling service is available at no cost to all employees who may need help with a personal or job-related problem.

Leave
Annual Leave – Employees are eligible to use Annual Leave after their 6 month probationary period. Annual Leave accrues as follows: Years of service days per year
0 – 2 years 11 days
2 – 10 years 17 days
10 + years 24 days

Sick Leave - Employees will earn sick leave at a rate of 15 days per calendar year.

Sick Leave may also be used for illness of an employee's child, dependent, spouse, parent or parent-in-law. There is no limit on the amount of sick leave accumulated. Unused Sick Leave may be used for additional credit in the pension plan at the time of retirement.

NOTE: Regular benefited part-time employees earn annual and sick leave on a pro-rated basis based on their actual number of hours worked biweekly up to their assigned number of regularly scheduled work hours.

Other available types of leave include, but are not limited to, Family Medical Leave, Bereavement, Jury, Military.

Holidays:
The County observes 10 holidays every year and 11 are observed on years of General Elections.