Job Title
Equipment Operator – Water/Sewer
Location
Water/Sewer, Department of Public Works
Position
Grade 4; full‑time; benefit eligible
Work Schedule
40 hours per week, Monday through Friday. Mandatory participation in town‑wide emergencies and snow‑and‑ice removal operations.
Reports To
Chief Water Distribution Operator and Chief Water Treatment Operator
Number of Openings
1
Salary
$28.23 to $35.92 per hour in eight steps
Essential Functions / Responsibilities
- Assist as an operator of the department’s equipment, including pumps, compressors and similar portable equipment.
- Install, repair and read water meters and keep associated records through remote reading devices.
- Mark underground water/sewer piping for Dig Safe requests.
- Perform general repairs of water mains and service lines.
- Provide labor for flushing, greasing, pumping and painting fire hydrants.
- Assist in gate valve exercising and full system flushing program.
- Provide labor for performing road maintenance when connected with water operations.
- Provide labor for the inspection of water main installations.
- Assist in maintaining treatment facilities and grounds.
- Assist in taking physical inventory of stock materials.
- Interpret and obtain information and sketches from various records for locating underground utilities.
- Assist in leak survey program.
- Assist in valve inspection program.
- Train new employees and cross‑train with co‑workers in assigned duties.
- Operate, maintain and inspect standby engines and generators to provide uninterrupted water and sewer service during power failures.
- Accept deliveries of supplies and equipment.
- Assist with grounds maintenance work at all facilities, including mowing, string trimming, chain sawing, leaf and brush removal.
- Perform similar tasks as assigned, including functions of those in a lower classification.
- Be available for overtime and call‑backs in the event of emergencies.
- Participate in town‑wide snow and ice removal operations.
- Help in the operation and maintenance of the wastewater treatment plant, associated lift stations, grinder pumps and collection systems for the town’s shared septic and sewer systems.
Education and Experience
Must have a high school diploma or equivalent, two years of full‑time water distribution or comparable work experience, and a demonstrated ability to work effectively with employees, supervisors and the public.
Special Requirements
- Valid Massachusetts Driver’s License.
- Grade 1 Distribution Full Operator certification.
- Hydraulics certification.
- Commercial Driver’s License (Class B).
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Knowledge of laws, rules and regulations pertaining to water/sewer distribution and treatment operations.
- Considerable skill in the use of tools and operation of equipment required for water/sewer distribution and treatment work.
- Ability to deal appropriately and harmoniously with public officials, the general public, supervisors and co‑workers.
Work Environment & Physical Requirements
Work may involve continuous exposure to noise, odors, fumes, dust, smoke, heat, cold, oil, dirt or grease. Work is performed outdoors and indoors in any weather. Physical demands include lifting objects up to 50 lbs, carrying, stacking, pulling, pushing, standing and walking for the full workday. Motor skills require close hand‑eye coordination and accuracy. Visual demands include reading documents and color vision.
Benefits
75% town‑paid / 25% employee‑paid:
- Health insurance – Blue Cross and Blue Shield PPO & HMO plans.
- Basic term life insurance – $5,000.
- Defined benefit pension.
- Medical and dependent care flexible spending account.