Water O&M Technician - Potomac

Position Information

Functional TitleWater O&M Technician - Potomac

Recruitment Category TypeStandard

Functional CategoryProduction

GradeCL.10

FLSA StatusNon-Exempt

Requisition Number27-0024

Number of Vacancies1

Job LevelStaff

Job Code

Job Description Summary

Organization NamePotomac WFP

Reports toDeputy Chief Plant Operator

Full or Part TimeFull Time

If Part Time how many hours per week

Regular or TemporaryRegular

Position End Date (if temporary)

Work Schedule

Varying Shifts. S, M, T, W, Th, F, S

6am-2pm, 10pm-8am, 2pm-12am, 6am-4pm

Position LocationPotomac

Position Summary Information

General Summary

TheWater Operations & Maintenance Technician (O&M)performs routine and critical work to support the operation and maintenance of water treatment plant equipment and facilities.

Essential Functions

Entry Level:

• Assists with the collection and analysis of samples of plant processes and receiving waters

• Assists with the operation and monitoring equipment and processes, with potential exposure

• to chemical, electrical, thermal and noise and hazards

• Assists with operating and maintaining equipment in facilities such as filters, chemical feeders, belt presses, gravity thickeners, augers, mixers, etc.

• Assists with evaluating the performance of mechanical equipment and conveyance systems;

• Assists with interpreting conformance of test procedures to “Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater.

• Monitors Chemical Treatment Processes and makes adjustments as directed

• Assists with handling material shipments and inventory, and locates spare parts from inventory system

• Assists with overhauling specialty valves or swap out valves in the plant

• Climbs into basins to include 30-foot depths, using rigging equipment to lift equipment

• Assists with conducting general plumbing repairs such as compression fitting replacement, pipe joining, and cutting for various pipe materials

• Assists with making basic repairs for pneumatic and hydraulic control systems on valves and

process equipment

• Uses TEAMS / CMMS to create record data from parameters gathered, work orders and other administrative tasks such as accessing backlog, adding material to work orders, and finding parts in WSSC Water warehouses

• Operates WSSC Water motor vehicles and other specialized equipment such as forklift and tractor, as required

• Maintains records, performs calculations, and assists in preparing reports

• Inspects motors for heat, noise and vibration and performs motor lubrication and cleaning

• Calibrates UV sensors, isolates UV reactors, and changes UV lamps and quartz sleeves

• Uses the computer for data entry and process control

• Conducts proper operation of solids dewatering processes during off shifts

Level I:

• Performs periodic tests (and calculates daily averages) for chlorine, pH and turbidity

• Adjusts water treatment chemical dosages as directed by more senior O&M Technicians and records actions

• Draws samples of water for laboratory analysis; performs routine chemical analyses of water undergoing treatment in accordance with regulatory requirements

• Unloads and changes chlorine cylinders; inspects chlorine building; connects cylinders to main manifold line and checks for leaks

• Receives and monitors chemical deliveries and interacts with delivery driver for water treatment chemicals, including polyaluminum chloride, hydrofluosilicic acid, sulfuric acid, lime, phosphoric acid, potassium permanganate, powdered activated carbon, ferric chloride, sodium carbonate, polymers, sulfur dioxide, and sodium bisulfite

• Monitors raw, settled, filter effluent and treated water turbidity and filter backwash processes;

• Starts and stops large pumps

• Makes minor repairs to pumps and purification equipment

• Maintains communication with control center

• Performs weekly and monthly preventive maintenance for process equipment, in accordance with established schedule including cleaning, lubrication, and oil/grease changes

• Assists in identifying factors that could cause water treatment process upsets, particularly during abnormal conditions.

Level II:

• Performs all entry-level and Level I functions noted above

• Coordinates work of and trains less experienced personnel during shift operations or during the performance of major tasks

• Closely monitors and controls water treatment processes and equipment through SCADA system Human Machine Interface ( HMI )

• Coordinates water treatment chemical deliveries to ensure offloading to appropriate storage tanks with adequate capacities including such chemicals as polyaluminum chloride, hydrofluosilicic acid, sulfuric acid, lime phosphoric acid, potassium permanganate, powdered activated carbon, ferric chloride, sodium carbonate, polymers, sulfur dioxide and sodium bisulfite

• Oversees the unloading and change out of chlorine cylinders; inspects chlorine building; loads; connects cylinders to main manifold line and checks for leaks while ensuing appropriate safety equipment is in use at all times

• Troubleshoots abnormal conveyance system and treatment process operations and conditions

• Performs preventive action to avoid process upsets caused by unusual circumstances, loss of power, and abnormal plant operations

Other Functions

Entry Level:

• Performs considerable amount of work outdoors in all types of weather including shoveling and plowing snow

• Enters and performs O&M tasks in confined spaces

• Performs major housekeeping

• Keeps supervisors informed relative to facility status

• Performs other related duties as required

Level I:

• Performs laboratory sampling, testing and analysis to ensure compliance with state and federal water quality standards

• Maintains records, fills in reports; contributes to a daily log of plant operations

• Cleans intake

• Conducts general plumbing repairs such as compression fitting replacement, pipe joining, and cutting for various pipe materials

• Operates and maintains pumping stations with general understanding of pump and pump station configuration, lubrication, and equipment

• Monitors disinfection processes, UV systems, chlorine system, and recognizes alarm conditions

• Calibrates process control equipment and instrumentation such as lab equipment, pH meters, turbidity meters, chlorine analyzers, and DO meters

• Operates chemical feed system for coagulants and other chemical application systems

• Enters data into computer to update records and uses the computer to aid in monitoring and controlling plant processes

• Drives a vehicle to conduct WSSC Water business

• Performs related duties as required

Level II:

• In the absence of the superintendent or the operator in charge, makes operational decisions based on directives from the superintendent, operator in charge or standard operating procedures

• Regulates valves, observes flow gauges, and performs calculations

• Maintains handwritten and computerized records, fills in reports, and keeps a daily log of plant operations

• Performs extensive repairs to pumps and purification equipment and repairs pneumatic and hydraulic control systems

• Operates and maintains process control instrumentation

• Operates and troubleshoots process equipment for valve operation, pump start, backwash flow rates, and gravity filters

• Monitors, calibrates and maintains chemical feed systems including disinfection processes, UV systems, chlorinators and chlorinator vacuum systems

• Uses TEAMS / CMMS to perform administrative tasks such as closing out work orders, maintenance and routine work requests

• Drives a vehicle to conduct WSSC Water business

• Performs related duties as required

Work Environment And Physical Demands

• Ability to climb ladders and elevated storage tanks, perform scaffolding, work in elevated and confined spaces, and descend underground

• Ability to lift objects up to 50 pounds

• Ability to demonstrate normal color perception, hear audible alarms and sounds to detect abnormal equipment conditions

• Ability to visually inspect equipment and processes at anytime of the day or night (contact lenses are not permitted on the job)

• Ability to effectively utilize appropriate safety equipment and procedures

• Potential exposure to chemical, biological, electrical, thermal, noise, radioactive hazards and all weather conditions

Required Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

Entry Level:

• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions

• Knowledge of basic mathematics skills which include arithmetic functions, area calculations

and estimation

• Ability to use hand tools and power tool

• Ability to maintain clear written records of activities and effectively communicate information

verbally

• Ability to climb ladders, work in confined spaces, and work in elevated locations

• Ability to lift a minimum of 50 pounds, and effectively utilize appropriate safety equipment and procedures

• Ability to demonstrate normal color perception, hear audible alarms and detect abnormal

equipment sounds

• Ability to visually inspect equipment and processes at any time of the day or night

• Ability and willingness to learn processes and associated sciences (math, chemistry, biology)

• Ability to work independently and as a part of a team

• Basic computer skills using Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook

• Ability to enter plant process data into computer software

Level I:

• Knowledge of water treatment process and procedures involving water quality issues, water characteristics, chemical handling, and operating conditions

• Ability to understand the function and servicing of mechanical equipment, piping, valves and other related equipment used in the water treatment process

• Ability to understand and follow verbal and written instructions

• Ability to recognize normal and abnormal conditions of equipment and process

• Ability to perform routine mathematical calculations and chemical analysis

• Ability to effectively convey information both verbally and in writing as well as maintain legible written records

• Skill in the use of tools and correcting minor operational problems in electrical and mechanical systems and equipment

• Knowledge and understanding of drawings, schematics, specifications, and reference materials

• Basic computer skills using Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and the ability to use enterprise computer programs

Level II

• Extensive knowledge of water treatment process and procedures involving chemical dosing, water characteristics, and UV operation

• Knowledge of the function and servicing of mechanical equipment

• Ability to gain knowledge of WSSC Water’s Distribution System and the effect of abnormal conditions on the treatment plant

• Ability to understand and effectively give direction both verbally and written

• Ability to recognize normal and abnormal conditions of equipment and process

• Ability to perform routine mathematical calculations and chemical analysis

• Ability to generate reports and update station log books, diaries, and inspections

• Ability to effectively convey information both verbally and in writing

• Ability to demonstrate normal color perception, and to hear audible alarms and abnormal equipment noises

• Ability to visually inspect equipment and processes any time of day or night

• Knowledge of processes and associated sciences (math, chemistry, biology)

• Intermediate level proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook

• Ability to use enterprise computer programs

Minimum Education, Experience Requirements

Entry-Level:

• High School diploma or equivalent

Level I:

• High School diploma (or equivalent)

• 1+ years experience servicing mechanical equipment

Level II:

• High School diploma or equivalent

• 3+ years experience as an operator at a Water Treatment Class 4 Plant in Maryland or equivalent experience as an operator in another state

Additional Requirements

• Possession of a valid driver’s license with no more than 4 points and the ability to obtain and maintain a WSSC Water driver’s permit within 90 days of hire or transfer date

• Employees in this position are designated or considered emergency personnel; therefore, the employee must report to work as scheduled or as directed by their supervisor when WSSC Water declares an event that requires emergency personnel to report to work

• This is a 24-hour operation, must be able to work off shifts

Preferences

• College courses in chemistry, biology, mathematics or related subjects

• Mechanical and/or plumbing experience

• Experience as a lead worker or shift supervisor

Salary$28.07/hr - $46.10/hr

Posting Detail Information

EEO Statement

WSSC Water is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and related conditions), gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, marital status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. We make employment decisions based on merit, qualifications, and business needs.

Reasonable Accommodations: WSSC Water provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and to individuals with sincerely held religious beliefs, practices, or observances, in accordance with applicable law. Applicants who require assistance or an accommodation during the application or hiring process should contact us [email protected]

Close Date09/23/2026

Open Until FilledNo

Special Instructions to Applicants

Additional Information

All applicants selected will be subject to drug screening and a background check/verification.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• • Do you have a valid driver's license with no more than 4 points and with no restrictions (except eyeglasses/contact lenses)?

• Yes

• No

• • Will you, now or in the future, require sponsorship for employment visa status?

• Yes

• No

• Are you an eligible veteran of any branch of the armed forces who has received an honorable discharge or Certificate of Satisfactory Completion of Military Service, the spouse of an eligible veteran who has a service-connected disability or the surviving spouse of a deceased eligible veteran?

• Yes

• No

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

• Resume

Optional Documents