Chief Operator - Leachate Treatment Plant

Chief Operator - Leachate Treatment Plant

Salary

$43.90 - $74.63 Hourly

Location

Landfill - Frederick, MD

Job Type

Full-time Regular

Job Number

FY27-00179

Department

Solid Waste & Recycling

Opening Date

10/13/2026

Closing Date

10/27/2026 4:00 PM Eastern

FLSA

Non-Exempt

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

JOB INFORMATION

Non-exempt (compensatory and/or overtime eligible; additional compensation to include tool allowance); full-time; 40 hours per week; Monday - Friday; 8 hours per day; full-benefits

This position plans, supervises, organizes, and directs all technical staff in relation to the maintenance and operation of the Leachate Treatment Plant and conveyance systems and will be required to comply with all sampling and analysis requirements of local, state, or federal organizations. This position is also responsible for overseeing the operations and maintenance for all stormwater control features affiliated with the Division of Solid Waste and Recycling including pump stations, generators, a dam and associated system elements. Direction is received from the Deputy Director of Solid Waste and Recycling.

NOTE: The upper pay range reflects possible wage rates for internal County transfers and promotions, which are calculated per County policy. For external hires, offers are made at the base wage rate, with limited exception.

Frederick County Government values the principles of diversity and inclusion, and strives to ensure equal opportunities for its workforce, applicants and community members. If you are a person who wants to make a difference, give back to your community, and be a voice for change, apply to Frederick County Government today.

TOTAL COMPENSATION PACKAGE:

Frederick County offers an extensive compensation package to reflect how highly 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 holidays, plus 2 additional floating holidays (10 and 11 month employees may not receive all holidays)

• Day 1 coverage of comprehensive Medical Insurance Plan options to include generous County Health Savings Account (HSA) contribution (if enrolled in the high-deductible plan). This is part of a full range of benefits including Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending

• Employee Health Center with no or low-cost primary and urgent care

• 100% County paid 2x annual salary Group Term Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) benefit

• County and Employee funded Defined Benefit Pension Plan

• Vesting after 5 years of service

• Additional service credit for eligible previous public service, military service, etc.

• Work/Life balance programs include: Employee Assistance Program and Employee Wellness Program

• Generous Tuition Reimbursement Program

• Other employee-paid benefits such as Deferred Compensation Plan, Legal Resources, Supplemental Life Insurance, Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital Indemnity Insurance, Lifetime Benefit with Long Term Care plan

NOTE: Benefited employees will accrue service and leave based on the FTE and/or hours worked per calendar year.

For more information, visit our benefits page on the Frederick County Government job opportunities webpage.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Supervise personnel and maintain proper operation of the leachate treatment plant and systems as well as all stormwater management systems
• Oversee day-to-day operations and perform administrative work related to leachate and stormwater management operations
• Resolve treatment facility issues, both routine and emergency
• Implement and maintain a scheduled routine, preventive and emergency maintenance
• Ensure staff have the proper equipment, tools and supplies to properly maintain the Leachate Treatment Plant
• Maintain compliance with regulations and continuously monitor for regulation and treatment changes
• Review new and upgrade plans for water treatment facilities
• Ensure the treatment of waste water discharge in compliance with all applicable local, state and federal standards
• Schedule internal and external contractors to support maintenance and operation
• Perform administrative tasks, including hiring, disciplining, and evaluating staff and enforcing departmental policies
• Oversees the operations of the treatment plant as well as the collection, management and manipulation of data or compliance activities
• Makes decisions that govern the treatment of the landfill's leachate and works as part of an internal and external team
• Perform other related duties as required

To perform this job successfully, an employee must be able to perform all essential functions satisfactorily. Any employees position may not be assigned all functions or equipment listed above, and the examples may not cover all functions or equipment that may be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform their essential functions.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

The qualifications/requirements, knowledge/skills/abilities and physical requirements 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.

• Associate's degree in environmental science, biology, chemistry, or a related field
• Minimum of 7 years of work experience in water or wastewater treatment operations, leachate treatment operations, or related work experience which must include at least 3 years of work experience supervising or managing staff
• Possession of a valid drivers license

Substitutions for the above-listed required education and experience are a Bachelor's Degree in environmental science, biology, chemistry, or a related field with 5 years work experience as described above which must include at least 3 years experience supervising or managing staff.

KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS / ABILITIES:

A successful incumbent operating in this role displays the following:

• Advanced knowledge of methods, materials, techniques and equipment used in the operation of advanced wastewater, water treatment, or waste treatment systems
• Knowledge of related computer programs including Microsoft 365, with the ability to use automated procurement, and work order software
• Knowledge of biology, chemistry and mathematics as it relates to wastewater, water, or waste treatment
• Advanced knowledge of potential hazards associated with this work, and appropriate safety precautions
• Basic knowledge of record keeping and reporting principles
• Skilled at overseeing and supervising staff
• Skilled at evaluating wastewater treatment plant operations
• Skilled at analyzing samples
• Ability to interpret and apply applicable Federal, State, Local laws and regulations and Division policies
• Ability to identify trends and troubleshoot problems occurring in wastewater, water treatment, or waste treatment processes
• Ability to evaluate and propose improvements to wastewater plant operations through the implementation of new technologies
• Ability to maintain required licenses and certifications
• Ability to accurately read and interpret engineering plans or other design drawings, and participate in the review of same, as needed
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, State and Federal agency representatives, and the general public
• Strong and effective written and spoken (English) communication skills including the ability to prepare clear, concise, and accurate letters, forms and reports

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS / WORKING CONDITIONS:

• While working in this position, the employee is required to constantly walk; frequently sit, climb/ascend/descend, lift up to 20 pounds, and reach; and occasionally lift between 20 - 50 pounds, push up to and over 40 pounds, pull up to and over 40 pounds, perform repetitive motions
• While working in this position, the employee is required to frequently work indoors, outdoors, walk on uneven ground, in hot (above 100 degrees), in cold (below 32 degrees), in dirty and dusty environments, protective equipment required; and occasionally work at heights, in noisy environments, near machinery and chemicals/fumes

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION / EXAMINATION PROCESS

• Employees in this classification are designated as Essential. An Essential Employee means the employee is considered necessary for the operation of County services. Essential Employees are required to report to work in the event of a weather incident, general emergency, or disasters when County offices are closed. They may be required to work overtime with little or no advance notice and may be required to report to work in emergency situations and/or after hours
• Failure to meet or maintain the minimum qualifications or additional requirements may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination
• Available on-call for emergencies and special situations
• Available for varied workdays, as scheduled, during usual Landfill operating hours (Monday - Saturday)

KIND OF EXAMINATION (may include):

1) An evaluation of training and experience

2) One or more interviews

3) Equipment operating test administered on-site

Frederick County Government is committed to providing an inclusive work environment and complies with all applicable laws and regulations regarding workplace accommodation, including for individuals with disabilities. Applicants who require reasonable accommodation during the application and hiring process may contact the Talent Acquisition section of Human Resources. Inquiries about accommodations can be sent to Recruitment@FrederickCountyMD.gov

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 (5 year vesting, effective 07/01/2024) 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 employees 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 $3,400 per year for Health Care Spending and $7,500 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 Supplemental Life Insurance is also offered to regular County employees. The plan allows employees to purchase individually owned term life insurance for themselves, their spouse, and their 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 employees 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. Contribution maximums are set each year by the IRS.

Educational Reimbursement Program:

County employees who have successfully passed their probationary period may apply for education reimbursement for courses that can improve or develop an employees capabilities related to their current job or for a promotional opportunity within Frederick County Government. 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 doesnt 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 issue or concern.

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 employees 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, and Military.

Holidays:

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

For additional information on Frederick County Governments benefits package, please visit the Division of Human Resources website at www.FrederickCountyMD.gov.

All hires before January 1, 2012, will follow the benefit and leave rules as described in the Personnel Rules amended October 3, 2013.

01

Your application, which includes any associated supplemental questions, must be complete at the time of submission and must clearly articulate the required work experience relevant to the position for which you are applying. The experience you indicate in your responses to the supplemental questions must also be described, in detail, on the Work History section of this application. Your application may be considered incomplete if vague descriptions of experience are included or if you cite experience in your supplemental question response that is not included on the Work History section of this application. When considering work history, 1 year of employment = 2,080 hours. If Human Resources staff is unable to confirm your related work experience based on the information submitted, or if you state "see resume" as your response, your application may not be considered further.

• I have read and acknowledge the above instructions.

02

Do you have a valid driver's license?

• Yes
• No

03

Which best describes your level of education?

• Less than Associates degree received
• Associates degree received
• Bachelors degree received
• Advanced degree received

04

If you have earned a college degree, was it in environmental science, biology, chemistry, or a related field?

• Yes
• No

05

How many years of work experience in water or wastewater treatment operations, leachate treatment operations, or related work experience do you have?

• Less than 5 years of work experience
• 5 years of work experience
• 6 years of work experience
• 7 or more years of work experience

06

Please provide details regarding that work history in the text area below. The work history details provided should include the employer or organization name, dates of employment/service and the duties you performed. NOTE: When considering work history, 1 year of employment = 2,080 hours. If Human Resources staff is unable to confirm your related work experience, based on the information submitted, you will not be considered further.

07

Does you work experience in water or wastewater treatment operations, leachate treatment operations, or related work experience include at least 3 years of work experience supervising or managing staff?

• Yes
• No

08

Please provide details regarding that work history in the text area below. The work history details provided should include the employer or organization name, dates of employment/service and the duties you performed. NOTE: When considering work history, 1 year of employment = 2,080 hours. If Human Resources staff is unable to confirm your related work experience, based on the information submitted, you will not be considered further.

Required Question

Employer Frederick County Government

Address 12 East Church Street

Frederick, Maryland, 21701

Phone 301-600-1070

Website http://www.FrederickCountymd.gov/jobs