Chief Treatment Plant Operator

City of Pittsfield; Pittsfield (MA); On-site; USD 38,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Pittsfield is seeking a Chief Treatment Plant Operator to assist the Superintendent in managing the wastewater facility, ensuring regulatory compliance and safe operation of treatment processes.

This role involves supervising staff, overseeing chemical usage and sludge handling, keeping records, and coordinating maintenance and improvements for reliable plant performance.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Mass Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator’s Certificate (Grade 7) required.
• 3–5 years’ experience with complex wastewater treatment processes.
• Experience supervising staff preferred.
• Familiar with SCADA systems and plant management software.
• Strong math skills and proficiency with routine calculations in treatment and process control.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of the wastewater treatment plant and manage treatment processes, chemical usage, and sludge disposal.
• Ensure compliance with environmental permits, regulations, and safety standards; prepare regulatory reports as required.
• Assign work to division staff and supervise operations staff.
• Operate and adjust treatment machinery as needed; perform routine lab tests and adjust chemistry/equipment accordingly.
• Maintain accurate records (logs, maintenance, regulatory reports) and provide updates to the Superintendent.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Skills

SCADA familiarity

Mathematics

Microsoft Office

Communication skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Mass Wastewater Operator Certificate (Grade 7)

Tools

SCADA systems

Plant management software

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Job Title

CHIEF TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR

Department

PUBLIC

Division

UTILITIES-WASTEWATER

Employment Type

FULL-TIME/NON-EXEMPT

Union / Non-union

SUPERVISORY & PROFESSIONAL UNION

Job Summary

The Chief Treatment Plant Operator is responsible for assisting the Superintendent with the overall operation, supervision, and management of the wastewater treatment facility. This position ensures compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations, oversees staff, and manages the maintenance and operation of the plant to ensure the efficient and safe treatment of wastewater.

We are an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer committed to promoting a multicultural work force, excellence in public service, and on-going mutual respect in our working relationships. We strongly encourage people of color, people with disabilities, LGBTQ+ individuals, bilingualists, and people from other underrepresented groups to apply for our open positions - recognizing and respecting that diverse perspectives and experiences are valuable to our team and essential to our public service.

Responsibilities

• Oversees daily operations of the wastewater treatment plant, including the management of treatment processes, chemical usage, and sludge disposal.
• Ensures the facility complies with all environmental regulations, permits, and safety standards; Prepares and submits required reports to regulatory agencies.
• Distributes work assignments to division staff.
• Operates and adjusts treatment related machinery.
• Makes routine laboratory tests at various stages of treatment in accordance with standard procedures, and directs changes in treatment chemicals and equipment as required to maintain treatment performance within established limits.
• Ensures compliance and conforms to accepted trade regulations and makes routine tests at various stages of treatment.
• Performs grounds maintenance, waste stream sampling, operating of valves and gates to adjust flow and adjust recording instruments.
• Performs the inventory and the ordering of chemicals as directed, and orders supplies and equipment.
• Maintains accurate records of plant operations, including daily logs, maintenance records, and regulatory reports; Provides regular updates to the Superintendent.
• Performs all other duties as assigned or required.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Valid driver's license
• Valid Grade 7 Mass Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator's Certificate required
• Three (3) - Five (5) years' relevant experience involving operation of complex wastewater treatment procedures; previous
• Experience Supervising Staff Preferred. - Must Be Familiar With
• wastewater treatment processes including but not limited to: primary & secondary clarification, trickling filter operation, nitrifications, anaerobic digestion, chlorination, phosphorus removal, sludge de-watering and NPDES permit requirements.
• Familiarity with SCADA systems and other plant management software.
• Strong competency in mathematics and familiarity with routine calculations used in wastewater treatment and process control
• Requires strong communication skills to work effectively with a diverse population; Must be able to interact with people on an upbeat and friendly basis, regardless of circumstances
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.

Hours

6:30am-3:00pm, Monday - Friday 40 hours a week

Salary

Starting rate $27.84 - $29.53 an hour Annual increases up to $40.88 an hour

Application Deadline

Tuesday, May 26, 2026 @ 4:00PM