Water/Wastewater Operator

The Water/Wastewater Operator (WWO) performs work in both Water and Wastewater operations including: operation and maintenance of water distribution systems and water production facilities; operation and maintenance of wastewater treatment facilities, lift stations, and sewer collection systems; reading water meters, and providing customer service.

License Required: Grade 4 Wastewater

Position Classification:  Grade 6, full-time, benefit eligible, FLSA non-exempt

Union: - AFSCME Council 93, Local 1700

Pay Range: From $30.42/hr. to $ 38.70/hr. in 8 steps

License stipends range from $1,000 – $5,000

Qualifications: High school diploma or equivalent, 3 yrs. full time water depart or comparable work experience with at least 1 year performing related tasks and considerable, demonstrable knowledge and skill relative to practices, methods, and procedures regarding public water/sewer distribution and treatment systems and prior and demonstrable ability to supervise and motivate other employees, deal effectively with fellow employees, supervisors and the general public or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

• Valid Driver's License (Required)
• Grade 4 Wastewater License (Required)
• Grade 2 Distribution Drinking Water Supply Operator - Preferred
• Grade 2 Treatment certification - Preferred
• Cross Connection Surveyor/Tester - Preferred
• Hydraulics license – Preferred

Benefits: 75% town/25% employee paid: health insurance; Blue Cross and Blue Shield PPO & HMO plans

• Defined benefit pension
• 12 Paid Holidays
• Vacation Pay
• Personal Time Off Days
• Sick Leave
• Clothing and Cleaning Allowance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Pet Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Short and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Medical and dependent care flexible spending account

WORK SCHEDULE: 40 hours per week, Mon.- Fri. and additional hours as required for town-wide emergencies, snow and ice removal operations.

SUPERVISION: Chief Water Treatment Operator

1.  Nature of Work:  Assists supervisor in any and all phases of the work, and in his/her absence assumes responsibility for construction, maintenance, and repair of the Town's public water supply and treatment systems.  Supervises subordinate water/sewer employees in the performance of tasks, operates equipment and tools required for installation, maintenance and repair of public water supply and sewer collection systems and performs related duties.  Makes frequent contact with co-workers and residents requiring calm, clear and courteous communication.

 2.  Supervision Received:  Works under the general supervision of the Water/Sewer Supervising Foreman. Lays out projects and schedules based on the Supervising Foreman's general instructions who reviews performance for skill and efficiency and assist in cases of difficulty.

 3.  Supervisory Responsibility:  Supervises water/sewer treatment employees in performance of assigned tasks, requiring considerable judgement and discretion for most effective use of labor, equipment and materials.  Reassigns or redirects work as necessary in response to needs, conditions or emergencies. Performs administrative duties of Supervising Foreman during absences of brief duration. Elevates any issues or concerns regarding employee matters to the Superintendent. 

 4.  Confidentiality:  Employee has regular access to confidential information of the department.  Confidentiality must be maintained with regard to this information and in accordance with Department Policy and the Public Records Act.

 5.  Accountability:  Consequences or errors, missed deadlines or poor judgment may include adverse public relations, monetary loss, legal repercussions, labor/material costs, personal injury, jeopardize programs, and danger to public health/safety.

 6.  Judgment:  Guidelines may be given verbally, or through administrative or organizational policies or directives.  Employee is expected to weigh efficiency and relative priorities in performing tasks to avoid breakdowns, handle emergency situations and ensure public and environmental safety in the operation of the public water supply and related systems.

 7.  Complexity:  The work consists of the practical application of a variety of concepts, practices and specialized techniques relating to water/sewer treatment, systems and maintenance.

 8.  Nature and Purpose of Public Contact:  Employee interacts frequently with Town employees and the public.  Excellent customer service skills are required involving courtesy, tact, and diplomacy.

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

• Directs subordinate employees in the performance of tasks ensuring work is performed safely and efficiently, and that all tools, equipment and materials are available.
• Schedules, assigns, directs and checks, daily and long-range work/progress and provides related payroll reporting.
• Assists the Superintendent and Director in planning capital improvements, budget request, tools and supplies.
• Prepares operational and administrative reports as necessary.
• Elevates any issues or concerns regarding employee matters to the Superintendent.
• Maintains administrative records, plots underground structures, maintains adequate supplies of chemicals, spare parts, tools and equipment to effectively operate a public water system.
• Prepares Statistical and Chemical dosage reports as required by the DEP and the Superintendent.
• Operates and maintains Evergreen green sand filter plant and other pumping stations and treatment facilities.
• Operates pumps and chemical dosing equipment.
• Reads and interprets flow meters, pH meters, pressure and water level gauges.
• Perform tests to determine chemical dosage i.e. pH, fluoride, chlorine, iron, manganese etc.
• Maintain records as required by state regulations and by the Superintendent i.e. daily pumpage, chemical dosage, well levels etc.
• Collect water quality samples i.e. bacteria, lead, copper, V.O.C.’s, P.C.E.’s. T.H.M.’s HAA5’s, S.O.C.’s.
• Operates and maintains stand by engines & generators to provide uninterrupted water and sewer service in the event of power failures.
• Assist in the operation and maintenance of the Waste Water Treatment Plant, associated lift stations, grinder pumps and collection systems for the Town’s shared septic and sewer systems.
• Accept deliveries of bulk chemicals, supplies and equipment.
• Plans, organizes and coordinates work to be completed with private contractors and other Department Heads as needed.
• Trains new employees and cross trains with co-workers in performing assigned duties.
• Performs and/or supervises all fire hydrant maintenance.
• Completes gate valve exercising and full system flushing programs.
• Responsible for all general repairs of water mains and service lines.
• Performs all trench inspections.
• Installs new service connections.
• Accepts deliveries of supplies and equipment.
• Performs regular testing of back flow prevention devices and surveys existing and new facilities for cross connections.
• Assists with grounds maintenance work at all facilities including mowing, string trimming, chain sawing, leaf and brush removal.
• Participates in operation and ordinary maintenance of equipment, instructs employees in the correct and proper usage and keeps daily records of maintenance completed.
• Performs similar tasks as assigned, including functions of those in a lower classification.
• Cross train with other Water Department employees.
• Is available for overtime and call backs in the event of emergencies.
• Participates in town-wide snow and ice removal operations.

May be required to perform the following as needed:

• Schedule requests for mark outs of underground water/sewer piping for Dig Safe requests.
• Supervise pressure tests, disinfection of water lines and reads, installs and repairs for water meters and backflow prevention equipment.
• Performance of all work projects such as, meter installation, replacement, repairs, leaks in mains, corrections in breakdown of service, proper operation and control of pump house, wells, other water facilities, meter readings, monitoring of controls, and tests as required.

10.  Knowledge, Abilities and Skill:

• Knowledge of the laws, rules, regulations pertaining to water/sewer distribution and treatment operations.
• Considerable and demonstrable skill, including those required of subordinate employees, in the use of tools and the operation of equipment required in the performance of water/sewer distribution and treatment work.
• Ability to deal appropriately and harmoniously with public officials, the general public, supervisors and co-workers.

 11.  Work Environment:  The nature of duties may involve continuous presence of unpleasant or irritating elements, such as noise, odors, chemical fumes, dust, smoke, heat, cold, oil, dirt, or grease.  Work is performed indoors and outdoors during inclement weather conditions.

 12.  Occupational Risks:  Duties regularly present potential risks of injuries from improper exposure that could result in loss of time from work.  Examples of injuries include burns from chemical, muscular strains, falls from heights and illness from exposure to communicable diseases.  Special safety precautions, training, or protective clothing such as coats, gloves, glasses, hats or boots will be required.

 13.  Physical and Mental Requirements:  The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential function of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the position's essential functions.

Physical Demands:  Work requires regular physical strength and effort daily, such as, lifting heavy objects up to 50 lbs (or more in cases of emergency and/or with assistance), carrying objects and stacking them.  In addition, pulling, pushing, standing, or walking for the full workday may be involved.

 14.  Motor Skills:  Duties involve close hand and eye coordination and physical dexterity.  Manipulation and motor control may require extreme accuracy.

 15.  Visual Demands:  Visual demands include reading documents for general understanding, routinely reviewing non-written materials such as instrumentation for analytical purposes and the need for color vision.

The Town of Duxbury provides its employees (contingent upon employment status) with a robust benefits package which includes: Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement Saving Plans (457b), a Pension Plan, Life Insurance, 12+ Paid Holidays, Personal Time, Vacation Time, Sick-Time, Pet Insurance, Long and Short-Term Disability Insurance, EAP, FSA, Employee Discounts, and more.       

(This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.)

External and internal applications accepted on April 11, 2024, and posting will remain open until filled.