PROCESS ENGINEER WASTEWATER (PERM/FT/BENEFITS) at Harford County Government Department of Public Works

Nature of Work

This is applied engineering work in the Operation Section of the Division of Water and Sewer. The Operations Section consists of several wastewater plants of various sizes and treatment capabilities and several water plants of various sizes treating either ground or surface water. An employee in this class is responsible for the proper and efficient process control of all such treatment facilities to assure compliance with local, State, and Federal regulations.
 
Under the general supervision of the Chief of Operations, the Process Engineer applies engineering principles to the operation, maintenance, design, and construction of Operation Section projects and procedures.  The Process Engineer, working with the facility superintendents, ensures the implementation of proper engineering principles and practices.
 
Position in this class requires the incumbent to be available on a shift or on-call basis due to the nature of the operation.

Examples of Duties

(The following are examples of the work duties performed by the staff positions in each class. The actual positions may require some or all of these example duties, depending on the work demands within the department. The list is not inclusive. A position may require duties not listed, if necessary, to accomplish the work of the department.)
 

• Performs analyses required to assure proper process control of Harford County Water/Wastewater facilities to stay in compliance and assure an efficient operation.
• Calculates the chemical requirements for all facilities, assures proper dosages/techniques are utilized, and oversees the specifications of the chemical supplier contract.
• Calculates the most efficient power requirements at all facilities for proper/efficient utilization of resources. 
• Collects, analyzes, and summarizes process data in spreadsheets, databases, and charts.   Prepares reports as requested by the Chief of Operations to explain process performance. 
• Review and ensure proper process control calculations for the Wastewater facilities; make recommendations to the Chief of Water/Sewer Operations for improving/modifying the procedures for such methods as food to micro-organism ratio, sludge age, MCRT/SRT, Vector/Pathogen reduction, sludge volume index, and organic removal.
• Reviews and assures proper process control calculations for the water facilities and makes recommendations to the Chief for improving or modifying the procedures for such methods as disinfection compliance, recycle ratios, filter run times, hydraulic loadings, and pressures.
• Review construction plans prepared by consulting engineers to ascertain if plans meet County specifications.
• Advises the Chief and Superintendents on difficult problems encountered in the treatment of water or wastewater.
• Trains personnel in standard process control and chemical dosage calculations and equipment usage, including safe procedures and MSDS forms.
• Assists in the detailed analyses of final designs related to operations matters.   May perform complex engineering computations.  Provides technical assistance to the Water and Sewer Engineering Section on projects that will impact the Operations Section. 
• Prepares written specifications for selecting consultants or for construction of operations facilities/equipment.  
• Analyze cost-benefit options.
• Performs required administrative functions; prepares reports and may act as a Project manager for complex operations capital projects.
• Interprets Federal, State, and County ordinances and policies for proper process needs.
• Designee for the Chief of Operations in process control implementation.
• Oversees and manages the process control computer systems and the distribution and collection system SCADA systems.  Manages the computer technician who performs the day-to-day maintenance on the systems.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES 

• Thorough knowledge of engineering theory, principles, and practices as applied to the preparation of plans, specifications, design, and construction of a variety of environmental/chemical engineering projects
• Knowledge of engineering mathematics and mathematical tables used in environmental engineering work; of water quality management and pollution controls
• Knowledge of water and wastewater treatment, hydrology, hydraulics, water chemistry and biology
• Skill in interpreting and analyzing engineering designs, plans, and specifications and resolving problems with the same
• Ability to review consulting engineer’s work for completeness, accuracy, and engineering feasibility
• Ability to perform engineering design work involving the analysis, selection, modification, and adaptation of standard engineering practices, methods, and techniques
• Ability to prepare technical forms, reports, and other correspondence
• Ability to collect and analyze data and compile reference material
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, engineers, and the public
• Ability to stand for prolonged periods of time
• Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, climb, or sit depending upon work assignment
• Ability to drive a County vehicle in carrying out some assignments
• Ability to work in the field
• Work requires exposure to hazards of construction and environmental conditions
• Proficiency in working with spreadsheets is essential; proficiency with databases and computer programming is a plus
• Knowledge of the commercially available HMI software and PLC programming is also a plus

Harford County offers an exceptional benefits package that includes:

• Health, Dental & Vision insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts 
• State Retirement Plan and Deferred Compensation 
• Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance for Employee, Spouse, and Children
• Generous Leave Package & Paid Holidays
• Tuition Reimbursement

Notes

Nature of Operation requires:

1. Selected candidate to be available on a shift or on-call basis
2. Exposure to hazards of construction and environmental conditions.