Lead Wastewater Operator - Southbridge, MA

Jacobs; Southbridge (MA); On-site; USD 43,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Jacobs in Massachusetts is seeking a Lead Wastewater Operator to join a collaborative team responsible for operating and maintaining a water treatment plant, leading weekly meetings, directing tasks, and training the crew.

The role emphasizes proactive process monitoring, data review, reporting, preventive maintenance, and safe sample procedures, with on-call and weekend rotations and a base compensation in the stated range.

Qualifications

• State of Massachusetts Wastewater Operator License Grade V or above required or ability to obtain through reciprocity within 6 months of hire
• Four (4) plus years of experience in operating wastewater treatment plants
• Experience leading teams and assigning work to ensure consistent process performance and regulatory compliance
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook
• Proficient in plant SCADA systems and software
• Experience with DMS and CMMS
• Experience collecting regulatory and process control samples, reviewing sample results and understanding trends
• Hands-on experience performing basic maintenance activities in coordination with the local maintenance team
• Possess a valid MA driver’s license
• Must participate with the rotating on-call and weekend schedule
• Required to work some holidays

Responsibilities

• Lead weekly meetings, scheduling and directing tasks, assigning and training team members
• Proactive process monitoring and control, data review and reporting
• Efficient preventive maintenance and sample procedures for plant operations
• Diagnose operating problems and implement corrective action
• Prepare reports, collect samples and perform laboratory testing
• Determine proper chemical flow rates and maintain shift logs
• Support safety and compliance during operations and on-call rotations

Skills

Team leadership

Regulatory compliance

Safety awareness

Education

Massachusetts Wastewater Operator License Grade V

MA driver’s license

Tools

SCADA systems

DMS

CMMS

Microsoft Word

Excel

Outlook

Job description

At Jacobs, we're challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world's most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission-critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting-edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good.

Your impact

At Jacobs, we challenge what is currently accepted, so we can shape innovative and lasting solutions for tomorrow. Through the delivery of our operations and maintenance services, you’ll make it simpler and more seamless for our municipal clients to operate safely and efficiently, empowering communities to focus on what matters most to them – people.

As a Lead Wastewater Operator, you’ll join a collaborative team ensuring that our clients can deliver their services – uninterrupted. You’ll perform a variety of tasks in the operation and maintenance of a water treatment plant, leading weekly meetings, scheduling and directing tasks, assigning and training team members. You’ll contribute to the success of our program with proactive process monitoring and control, comprehensive data review and reporting and efficient preventive maintenance, establishing and maintaining effective sample procedures of plant operations and water quality, and providing effective solutions to facility and process needs. You’ll diagnose operating problems, make process control adjustments, direct and perform necessary corrective action. You’ll also prepare reports, collect samples, perform laboratory testing, determine proper chemical flow rates, maintain shift logs and perform other duties as required. Most importantly, you’lltake actionto ensure the safety, health and well-being of you and your team.

Bring your team-focus, adaptability, and commitment to excellence, and we’ll help you grow what drives you – and deliver the world’s most challenging Operations Management projects, together.

#OMFS #BIA #OurJacobs #BoldlyMovingForward #ChallengeAccepted

Here’s what you’ll need

• State of Massachusetts Wastewater Operator License Grade V or above required or ability to obtain through reciprocity within 6 months of hire
• Four (4) plus years of experience in operating wastewater treatment plants
• Experience leading teams and assigning work to ensure consistent process performance and regulatory compliance
• Proficient in the use of computer software including but not limited to Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook
• Proficient in the use of plant SCADA systems and software
• Experience with DMS and CMMS
• Experience collecting regulatory and process control samples, reviewing sample results and understanding trends
• Hands-on experience performing basic maintenance activities in coordination with the local maintenance team
• Possess a valid MA driver’s license
• Must participate with the rotating on-call and weekend schedule
• Required to work some holidays

Ideally, you’ll also have

• Six (6) years of experience operating water treatment plants
• Knowledge of the principles, methods, and tools employed in the general operation of engines, pumps, valves, motors, and related equipment; general maintenance work; safe work practices; principles and methods of biological and chemical sewage analyses, effects and problems of industrial waste in water/wastewater treatment processes, principles of supervision
• Knowledge of computer software including but not limited to Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, data management systems and be able to operate plant PLC’s and SCADA systems
• Class B CDL or higher with tanker endorsement or ability to obtain
• Massachusetts hoisting license

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements

Safety is a core value at Jacobs. We are committed to providing a safe and healthy workplace for all employees. This position will spend a substantial amount of time performing safety sensitive labor or services.

Our health and welfare benefits are designed to invest in you, and in the things you care about. Your health. Your well-being. Your security. Your future. Employees have access to medical, dental, vision and basic life insurance, 401(k) plan, paid time off (allocated plans start date 17 days per calendar year), seven paid holidays, and caregiver leave and the ability to purchase company stock at a discount as well as legally mandated benefits.

The base salary range for this position is $62,400.00 to $68,640.00; though will be paid hourly based on hours worked. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. Job posted on August 13, 2026. This position will be open for at least 3 days.

Onsite employees are expected to attend a Jacobs Workplace on a full-time basis, as required by the nature of their role.

Your application experience is important to us, and we’re keen to adapt to make every interaction even better. If you require further support or reasonable adjustments with regards to the recruitment process (for example, you require the application form in a different format), please contact the team via Careers Support.