Plant Operator, Wastewater Treatment Plant

Overview

The Town of Adams, Massachusetts is seeking an enthusiastic and qualified individual to fill the position of Plant Operator at the Adams Wastewater Treatment Plant. This is a full time/ 40 hours per week position with a pay rate of $24.36 per hour and with benefits including paid time-off, state/federal holidays, pension, health, life, and dental insurance. A deferred compensation plan is also available.

The Plant Operator will work under the general supervision of the Chief Operator, Superintendent, or other supervisory personnel.

Essential Functions include assisting the Technical Operator; Lab Technician; and Chief Operator in operating and maintaining the wastewater treatment plant's equipment and machinery, performing necessary preventive maintenance on process machinery such as lubricating bearings, changing filters, adjusting belts, and rotating machinery; runs pumps and other equipment such as generators, grit collectors, sludge dewatering equipment, etc. 

Possession of a Massachusetts Class D Driver’s license is required. Massachusetts Certification as Grade IV Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator is required or must be obtained within 18 months.

An employment application may be located on the Town’s website at www.town.adams.ma.us and must accompany a resume and cover letter. A full job description can also be located on the Town’s website. Applications must be submitted by Friday, July 26, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. Please submit to the Town Administrator’s Office via postal mail, in person at Adams Town Hall, 8 Park Street, 2nd Floor, Adams MA, 01220 or email to employment@town.adams.ma.us.

The Town of Adams is an EEO/AA employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability.

General Duties

• Entry level position for skilled technical work in the operation and maintenance of the municipal wastewater treatment plant and collection system.
• All other related work as required.

Supervision

• Works under the general supervision of the Chief Operator, Superintendent, or other supervisory personnel.

Job Environment

• Performs responsible duties requiring the use of independent judgment in operating and maintaining the wastewater treatment plant and collection system and in performing laboratory analyses.
• Has occasional contact with other town employees and the general public.
• Has no access to confidential materials.
• Errors could result in personal injury, damage to equipment, danger to public health, environmental pollution, and have fiscal and legal repercussions.

Essential Functions

The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

• Assists Technical Operator; Lab Technician; and Chief Operator in operating and maintaining the wastewater treatment plant's equipment and machinery.
• Performs necessary preventive maintenance on process machinery such as lubricating bearings, changing filters, adjusting belts, and rotating machinery.
• Runs pumps and other equipment such as generators, grit collectors, sludge dewatering equipment, etc.
• Samples influent and effluent for pH, solids, temperature, and other levels
• Performs additional tests as directed
• Records accurate results of all tests.
• Monitors readings to ensure efficient plant operation
• Completes and maintains records of equipment checks and maintenance activities as requested.
• Operates valves, gates, and reads meters.
• Operates treatment facilities to control flow and processing of wastewater and sludge.
• Operates belt filter press.
• Maintains logs.
• Samples influent and effluent for pH, solids, temperature, and other levels.
• Performs additional tests as directed; records accurate results of all tests.
• Controls flow standards, monitors readings to ensure efficient plant operation
• Completes and maintains records of equipment checks and maintenance activities as requested.
• Operates valves, gates, and reads meters.
• Staff’s laboratory on weekends and holidays.
• Process correction call back once licensed.
• Inspects and maintains grounds and facilities in connection with plant operation & facility appearance.
• Maintains buildings, roads, irrigation areas; performs duties on plant grounds. 
• May occasionally be called upon to assist other divisions of the Department of Public Works during an emergency.

Recommended Minimum Qualifications

 Education and Experience

• High school diploma or GED
• College-level coursework in chemistry, biology, or mechanical engineering preferred
• Experience in municipal wastewater operations preferred.
• Or any equivalent combination of education and experience.

 Knowledge, Ability and Skill

• Thorough knowledge of the principles and operating procedures of wastewater treatment and sanitary sewer systems. 
• Working knowledge of the materials, methods and techniques of wastewater treatment, and state and federal pollution control regulations.
• Ability to operate compressors, pumps, electrical panels, pH meter, and other equipment related to the operation of a wastewater plant. 
• Ability to perform laboratory tests.
• Ability to maintain and repair the machinery and equipment of wastewater treatment operations. 
• Ability to perform heavy physical labor under adverse conditions.
• Possession of a Massachusetts Class D Driver’s license.
• Massachusetts Certification as Grade IV Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator license must be obtained within eighteen (18) months.

 Upon satisfactory performance evaluations, obtaining the Grade IV Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator license, passing a job-based examination indicating that the individual possesses the qualifications to work independently as the Plant Operator, and meeting the required minimum qualifications, the individual may be promoted to a higher position.

•  National Incidence Management System (NIMS) and CPR training required.

Physical Requirements

• Constant moderate to strenuous physical effort required in performing work duties. 
• Frequently required to move (push, pull, lift, or carry) objects weighing up to 50 pounds, and occasionally up to 100 pounds. 
• Ability to stoop, kneel, crawl, crouch, turn and twist. Requires good close, distant, and peripheral vision, and depth perception.
• Required to operate hand tools requiring manual dexterity.
• Ability to work within confined area such as manholes for sample testing and repairs. 
• Work is performed under shop and field conditions with some exposure to hazardous chemicals, explosive and toxic conditions and electrical hazards, as well as weather extremes.
• Ability to access all areas of multi-level facility.