Chief Treatment Plant Operator

New England Water Works Association; Sagamore Beach (MA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health/dental insurance

Barnstable County retirement

Paid vacation

Personal leave

Sick time

Job summary

North Sagamore Water District is seeking a qualified Chief Treatment Plant Operator to oversee daily operations, maintenance, and regulatory compliance for its water treatment facilities and wellfield assets in Sagamore Beach, MA.

The role requires MassDEP Grade 2T license (Grade 3T preferred), 5+ years of hands-on experience, and proficiency with SCADA systems, chemical dosing, and lab testing. Weekend/on-call rotation and emergency response are required.

Qualifications

• Licensure: Valid MassDEP Grade 2T (Full) license required (Grade 3T preferred).
• Grade 2D license preferred.
• Experience: Minimum 5 years in public drinking water treatment operations and wellfield management.
• Knowledge: MassDEP regulations, SDWA, and sampling protocols.
• Driver's license: MA Class D with clean record.

Responsibilities

• Operate, monitor, calibrate, and maintain water treatment facilities and wellfield assets.
• Serve as Primary Operator ensuring compliance with MassDEP and EPA standards.
• Collect and schedule water quality samples; maintain chain-of-custody and testing coordination.
• Maintain logs, reports, and regulatory documentation.
• Respond to SCADA alarms; troubleshoot equipment and control systems.
• Manage chemical inventory, deliveries, and dosage adjustments.
• Participate in on-call rotations for weekends and emergencies.
• Assist with procurement, contractor oversight, and capital project activities.

Skills

SCADA systems

Chemical metering pumps

Well pumps

Hydraulics

MassDEP compliance protocols

Tools

SCADA software

Job description

Job Announcement:

Chief Treatment Plant Operator Organization: North Sagamore Water District (NSWD)

Location:

Sagamore Beach, MA

Position Type:

Full-Time / Non-Exempt (40 hrs/week, plus weekend rotation & emergency response)

Pay Rate:

$40.00 – $45.00 per hour (commensurate with MassDEP licensure and experience)

Benefits:

Comprehensive municipal package including health/dental insurance, Barnstable County retirement enrollment, paid vacation, personal leave, and sick time.

Position Summary

The North Sagamore Water District is seeking a qualified, dependable, and experienced Chief Treatment Plant Operator to oversee the daily operations, preventive maintenance, and regulatory compliance of the District’s water treatment facilities, wellfield pumping stations, and SCADA systems. Working under the general direction of the Water Superintendent, this individual serves as the Primary Operator for the treatment infrastructure, ensuring the continuous supply of safe, high-quality drinking water to the community.

Key Responsibilities

Oversee day-to-day operations, chemical feed systems, calibration, and preventive maintenance of treatment plants and wellfield infrastructure (including Church Lane, Beach, and Black Pond sites).

Maintain compliance with MassDEP and EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards, including water quality sampling, operational logging, and state regulatory reporting.

Monitor, troubleshoot, and adjust system operations via the District's SCADA network.

Manage chemical inventory, safe storage, dosage adjustments, and process control testing.

Participate in rotational weekend monitoring and off-hours emergency response.

Assist the Superintendent with contractor oversight, equipment procurement, and facility maintenance projects.

Qualifications

Licensure: Valid MassDEP Grade 2T (Full) license required (Grade 3T preferred);

Grade 2D preferred.

Experience: Minimum 5 years of hands‑on experience in public drinking water treatment operations, chemical treatment systems, and wellfield management.

Skills: Proficient in SCADA systems, chemical metering pumps, well pumps, hydraulics, and MassDEP compliance protocols.

Requirements: Valid MA Class D Driver's License with a clean record. Ability to lift up to 50 lbs, work in varied weather conditions, enter confined spaces, and respond to off-hours emergency call-outs.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Operates, monitors, calibrates, and maintains water treatment facilities, chemical feed equipment, booster stations, and wellfield assets (including Church Lane, Beach, and Black Pond wells).

Serves as the Primary Operator for treatment facilities, maintaining full compliance with MassDEP regulations and EPA standards.

Collects, processes, and schedules routine and required water quality samples; maintains chain-of-custody documentation and coordinates testing with certified laboratories.

Compiles, maintains, and submits required state and federal operational logs, compliance reports, and water quality documentation.

Operates, monitors, and responds to alarms through the District’s SCADA network; performs basic troubleshooting on mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, and control equipment.

Manages chemical inventory, deliveries, safe storage, pump calibrations, and dosage adjustments; conducts process control testing (e.g., jar testing, pH, chlorine residual) to maintain optimal water quality and corrosion control.

Performs preventive and corrective maintenance on treatment equipment, pumps, motors, chemical feed systems, and online monitoring instruments.

Participates in an on-call rotation for weekend system monitoring, routine facility inspections, and off‑hours emergency response.

Assists the Superintendent with operational planning, equipment procurement, contractor oversight during maintenance or well rehabilitation projects, and capital improvement tracking.

Qualifications and Requirements

Licensure & Certifications:

• Valid MassDEP Grade 2T (Full) Drinking Water Operator License required (Grade 3T preferred).
• Valid MassDEP Grade 2D Distribution License preferred.
• Valid Massachusetts Class D Driver’s License with a clean driving record.

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of hands‑on experience in public drinking water treatment operations, wellfield management, chemical feed systems, and compliance reporting.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Solid understanding of MassDEP drinking water regulations, Safe Drinking Water Act requirements, and water quality sampling protocols.
• Practical knowledge of SCADA systems, telemetry, automated process controls, and electrical/mechanical equipment.
• Proficiency in operating chemical metering pumps, well pumps, valves, backflow devices, and laboratory testing equipment.
• Strong technical problem‑solving skills, basic computer proficiency, and effective written/verbal communication skills.

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

Work involves a combination of indoor plant environments, outdoor field work, and exposure to varying weather conditions.

Physical capability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs, climb ladders, operate heavy tools/valves, and work in confined spaces following safety protocols.

Must be able to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) required for chemical handling and hazardous environments.

Ability to respond promptly to emergency call‑outs during off‑hours, nights, and weekends.