Position Summary

Position leads the Wastewater Division in providing wastewater collection and treatment services to the sanitary sewer customers. Position reports to Deputy Director (Public Works) for general direction. Work of this class involves supervisory duties and responsibilities.

Position Responsibilities

1. Works through subordinate supervisors and directs the daily operations of Wastewater Division; develops and implements policies, procedures, and management controls for the safe, efficient, and effective operation in fulfilling assigned mission.

2. Advises supervisor on issues related to the provision of sanitary sewer service.

3. Coordinates with Director (Public Works) and Director (Finance) on management of the Wastewater Enterprise Fund to provide sanitary sewer service to customers, which is self-sustaining through fees charged for various services and other revenue sources.

4. Prepares and manages the division’s annual operating budget; assists in presenting the division’s operating budget to the County Executive and County Council.

5. Provides input to Director (Public Works) and Chief (Engineering & Construction) in the development of the Wastewater component of the County’s Capital Improvement Program budget.

6. Oversees operation and maintenance of sanitary sewer collection and wastewater treatment plants and associated facilities; oversees development and execution of preventative maintenance and repair plans.

7. Ensures compliance with National Pollution Discharge Elimination System permits and other regulatory requirements and permits of the US Environmental Protection Agency, Maryland Department of the Environment, and other local, state, and federal regulatory agencies; ensures required records, reports, and other documentation is properly prepared, submitted, and maintained.

8. Oversees the development and execution of public education and outreach programs to sanitary sewer customers and other stakeholders regarding sanitary sewer service and related programs and goals.

9. Assists in the procurement and management of professional services and other contracts supporting operation, maintenance, and development of the sanitary sewer service and facilities; reviews and approves requests for proposals, scope of work, cost/fee proposals, contract terms, progress payments, and other actions; chairs or serves as member of Source Selection Panel responsible for reviewing bids and proposals and makes recommendations regarding selections and contract awards.

10. Manages small, non-capital projects for maintenance, minor repairs, or upgrades to sanitary sewer and wastewater treatment facilities; oversees procurement of supplies and management of service contracts supporting sanitary sewer and wastewater treatment facilities and programs.

11. Manages, along with Fleet Manager, the fleet of vehicles and equipment.

12. Represents the County to other government agencies and the general public during various meetings and other forums; presents to regulatory agencies, community and other groups.

13. Responds to complaints and inquiries that are outside the scope of subordinate staff to resolve to the maximum extent possible; responds to media inquiries pertaining to projects and activities.

14. Hires, trains, develops, disciplines, and evaluates employees.

15. Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with elected and appointed officials, other agencies, contractors, consultants, the general public, as other stakeholders.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Education

Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, environmental science, business administration, or related field; Master’s degree preferred.

Experience

Minimum of five (5) years’ experience in sanitary sewer/wastewater treatment; Minimum of five (5) years’ experience with a Class 5A wastewater treatment plant preferred. A minimum of which three (3) of those years must have been in a supervisory experience.

*An interested candidate with an equivalent combination of education and experience as listed above may be considered.

Certificate(s) and/or License(s)

1. Possession of a valid Class “C” non-commercial driver’s license.

2. Class 5A Wastewater Operator certificate or ability to obtain within six (6) months of hire.

3. Class 2 Waste Operator certificate or ability to obtain within six (6) months of hire.

4. State of Maryland Superintendent certificate or ability to obtain within six (6) months of hire.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

1. Knowledge of principles and practices of the operation and maintenance of sanitary sewer collection systems and wastewater treatment plants, including operations, equipment, machinery, processes, safety, and emergency procedures.

2. Knowledge of applicable local, state, and federal laws, regulations, industry standards, permits, and reporting requirements as they relate to sanitary sewer collection and wastewater treatment.

3. Knowledge of and ability to employ proper testing techniques and laboratory analysis pertaining to wastewater treatment.

4. Knowledge of the principles and practices of procuring and managing supply and service contracts.

5. Knowledge of principles and practices of human resources management including recruitment, disciplining, training, and otherwise leading and managing a diverse workforce; ability to resolve complex personnel, administrative, regulatory, engineering and construction problems and disputes.

6. Knowledge of practices and principles of organizational budgeting and financial management.

7. Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, maps, reports, laws, regulations and other technical materials pertaining to sanitary sewer collection and wastewater treatment processes and facilities.

8. Ability to investigate and analyze complex operational and public policy issues and to use engineering, scientific, economic and other data to formulate policies, procedures and recommended solutions.

9. Ability to communicate ideas effectively, both orally and in writing. Ability to prepare accurate and effective written reports and correspondence. Ability to speak to community and other groups.

10. Ability to deal effectively with elected and appointed officials, contractors, general public, and other stakeholders; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships; ability to lead and/or work as a member of a team.

Miscellaneous Position Information

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements

This role is primarily sedentary in nature but may involve occasional strenuous effort, such as handling moderately heavy boxes, tools, equipment, or other materials; walking or climbing over uneven surfaces; and sitting/standing in fixed position for extended periods of time. Must be able to lift 50 pounds unassisted on a regular basis. General conditions involve working at a computer, using telephonic equipment, and interfacing regularly with internal and/or external stakeholders.

Work is normally performed Monday through Friday during normal business hours. However, it may require alternate work hours 24 hours a day, seven (7) days a week.

Individuals appointed or promoted to a position in this class will be required to serve a minimum probationary period of six (6) months. Performance will be carefully evaluated during the probationary period. Continuation in this class will be contingent upon successful completion of the probationary period.

Conditions of Employment

1. Prior to appointment, employees may be subject to pre-employment medical history review and drug testing, extensive background investigation (which may require CJIS and NCIS clearance), including but not limited to reference checking, and driving history, and an evaluation of training or experience.

2. Employees in this classification are essential as defined by the County’s Personnel Policies and Procedures Manual and are required to report to work during inclement weather or other designated emergencies.

Benefits (*Not all positions may be eligible for these programs.)

Why work for Cecil County Government?

As an employer of choice, Cecil County Government understands the importance of family. Our family-friendly policies offer the support and flexibility you need at work and at home. Among the many benefits of working for Cecil County Government, we provide:

Leave Benefits

Our generous leave package for permanent full-time County employees includes 12 to 27 days of annual (vacation) leave per year worked, depending on seniority, as well as 5 personal days each calendar year (prorated based on start date). In addition, Cecil County Government offers 12 paid holidays and 15 days of sick leave per year. Although more limited, Cecil County Government offers other forms of paid time off to a majority of our contractual and part-time staff. Our leave policies also adhere to the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA).

Health Coverage

When you come to work for Cecil County Government, as a permanent County employee or eligible contractual employee, you and your eligible dependents may enroll in our medical, prescription, dental and vision coverage.

Retirement Benefits

Permanent classified employees are required to participate in the Maryland State Retirement and Pension Plan, a contributory defined benefit pension plan in which they are vested after ten years. There is a mandatory pre-tax 7% contribution. Public Safety employees are required to participate in the Cecil County Public Safety Pension Plan. There is a mandatory pre-tax 8% contribution. Employees may also participate in a Supplemental Retirement 457B Deferred Compensation Plan with a County match of $500 annually.

Class 5A Wastewater Operator jobs

Chief, Wastewater