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Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator

Department of the Army
United States Army Installation Management Command
Fort Detrick, Directorate of Public Works (DPW)

Summary

This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation utilizing the DHA for Certain Personnel of the DoD Workforce to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in the competitive service.

About the Position: The DPW provides infrastructure, engineering resources, housing and facility management support and services incorporating sustainable development. It's DPW's mission to ensure the long-term viability of the installation's ability to support the military and joint base community.

Overview

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Accepting applications
Posted this week · Apply by 07/13/26
Due by 11:59 p.m. ET on July 13, 2026
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
Work site options
Telework eligible
No
Remote job
No
Relocation expenses reimbursed
Yes—You may qualify for reimbursement of relocation expenses in accordance with agency policy.
Salary
$34.71 - $40.55 per hour
Pay scale & grade
WG 10
Promotion potential
None
Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.
Work schedule
Full-time
Travel Required
Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel at least 5% of the time for this position.
Appointment type
Permanent
Occupations and job series
Supervisory status
No
Federal service type
This job is in the Competitive Service
Represented by a union
Yes
Drug test
No
Security clearance
Not Required
Position sensitivity and risk
Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk
Jobs require a background check and some require a security clearance. The type depends on the job.
Background check type
Financial disclosure required
No
Some jobs require financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests.
Announcement number
MCFT-26-12988945-DHA
Control number
875137100

Duties

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  • Operate a Wastewater Plant that functions 24 hours a day on alternating shifts with full responsibility for operation of the plant while on shift.
  • Detail knowledge of all laboratory tests and analysis to determine treatment required and make adjustments to treatment processes and pump controls.
  • Collect various samples for both plant operation and Discharge Monitoring Reporting.
  • Perform and document plant maintenance and make equipment repairs.
  • Record information in the proper logs and prepare monthly operating reports.
  • Able to read, interpret and apply numerous technical publications and manuals.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
  • This position requires the completion of a pre-employment Physical Examination and an annual surveillance examination thereafter to ensure the continued, required level of physical health and ability or fitness to perform the duties of the position.
  • This position has a requirement to lift up to 50 lbs. in the regular performance of duties.
  • Appointment to this position is subject to a one-year probationary period unless the appointee has previously met the requirements as described in 5 CFR Part 315.
  • This position requires shift work to provide coverage on evenings, weekends, holidays, or special situations. Employee shifts are rotated on a regularly scheduled basis.
  • The incumbent of this position may be working in a hazardous area and as such may be required to wear protective clothing, receive immunizations, use protective equipment, and other specified safety procedures.
  • This position has been designated "Mission Essential". In the event of severe weather conditions or other such emergency type situations, the incumbent is required to report to work or remain at work as scheduled to support mission operations.

Qualifications

Who May Apply: US Citizens

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

There is no specific length of training or experience required. However, you must be able to demonstrate, through experience shown in your written application materials that you possess the sufficient knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the work of this position without more than normal supervision.

To meet the basic eligibility, you must receive at least two points on the screen-out element indicated above and must have an average of two points on all the job elements listed below. Your application will be further evaluated to determine if you meet the best qualified cut-off for referral to the selecting official.

Minimum Qualifications (Screen Out Element): Ability to do the work of a(n) Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator ~ without more than normal supervision. The ability to perform common Waste Water Plant Operator tasks including collecting various samples, determining necessary chemicals for treatments and adjusting equipment and chemical feed rates. Failure to meet this Screen out Element will result in an ineligible rating.

PHYSICAL EFFORT:
Operator frequently works in strained positions while cleaning equipment or lifting heavy equipment or tools. Job requires considerable walking, standing on concrete and climbing stairways and ladders. Regularly lifts objects weighing 45-50 pounds: occasionally heavier weights.

WORKING CONDITIONS:
Works inside and outside in all kinds of weather. Sometimes requires exposure to running motors, pumps machinery, loud noises and poor ventilation. Incumbent is exposed to sulfuric acid, methane gas, sulfur dioxide and bacteria. Odors and fumes occasionally unpleasant. Complete protective clothing including acid resistant gloves and aprons, gas mask or full face shield, respirator required when working with dangerous chemicals. Frequent exposure to dirty and greasy machinery. Required to work on catwalks and ladders.

Education

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

Additional information

  • Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration.
  • You will be required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship.
  • This position requires a 1 year probationary period during which the agency evaluates your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In making this determination, the agency may consider your performance and conduct; agency needs and interests; whether your continued employment supports organizational or Government goals; and whether it promotes the efficiency of the Federal service. Continued employment requires written certification that it advances the public interest.
  • Direct Deposit of Pay is required.
  • Selection is subject to restrictions resulting from Department of Defense referral system for displaced employees.
  • If you have retired from federal service and you are interested in employment as a reemployed annuitant, see the information in the Reemployed Annuitant information sheet.
  • This is a(n) Engineers & Scientists (Construction) Career Field position.
  • Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement.
  • Salary includes applicable locality pay or Local Market Supplement.
  • When you perform a Civilian Permanent Change of Station (PCS) with the government, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) considers the majority of your entitlements to be taxable. Visit https://www.dfas.mil/civilianemployees/civrelo/Civilian-Moving-Expenses-Tax-Deduction/ for more information.
  • Payment of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs maybe authorized, based on a determination that a PCS move is not in the Government interest.
  • The following special programs/incentives MAY be offered if it is appropriate to the position being filled and in the best interest of the government:
    • Recruitment Incentives
    • Relocation Incentives
    • Student Loan Repayment
    • Salary negotiations for those candidates who are new to Federal service may be authorized.
    • Credit for prior non-federal work experience and certain military service for determining annual leave accrual rate may be authorized.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Once the announcement has closed, a review of your application package (resume, supporting documents, and responses to the questionnaire) will be used to determine whether you meet the qualification requirements listed on this announcement. Please follow all instructions carefully when applying, errors or omissions may affect your eligibility.

If, after reviewing your resume and/or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and/or experience, you may lose consideration for this position.

Veterans and Military Spouses will be considered along with all other candidates.

United States Army Installation Management Command

Civilian employees serve a vital role in supporting the Army mission. They provide the skills that are not readily available in the military, but crucial to support military operations. The Army integrates the talents and skills of its military and civilian members to form a Total Army.

Agency contact information

Army Applicant Help Desk
Website
https://portal.chra.army.mil/hr_public?id=app_inq
Address
FT-W3HVAA US ARMY IMCOM-USAG FT DETRICK
DO NOT MAIL
Fort Detrick, MD 21702
US

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Learn more about what it's like to work at United States Army Installation Management Command, what the agency does, and about the types of careers this agency offers.

https://www.amc.army.mil

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