Operator I – Metro Water

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Summary:

Operates, monitors, and inspects assigned water facilities and water treatment plant operational equipment, processes, and systems on an assigned shift in a designated area. Performs assigned maintenance functions as part of a team under the direction of the assigned Area Supervisor I or II.

Posting Period: 8/6/2026 to 8/19/2026
Location: Chelsea, MA
Salary: $64,100.26 - $90,994.46 Annually moves to $67,131.82 - $96,107.45 upon completion of PIP training $1,232.70 - $1,749.89 Weekly moves to $1,291.00 - $1,848.22 upon completion of PIP training
*Shift differential $2.32 per hour, nights and weekends.
Work Schedule: Wednesday 7:00am - 3:00pm, Thursday - Sunday 3:00pm - 11:00pm

Key Responsibilities

• Operates equipment manually and through instrument panel and programmable logic control units, system flows and levels in assigned process area. Equipment may include, but will not be limited to, the following: pumps, valves, gates, meters, gauges, controllers, motor control centers, level controls devices, mixers, oxygen generation, chemical feed, odor control and hydroelectric equipment.
• Monitors and inspects operating conditions; records observations and data in area shift log.
• Provides oversight for all barge and truck loading/unloading operations.
• Provides oversight for chemical and fuel oil unloading to facility fuel storage.
• Takes initial action to correct malfunctions of equipment and reports malfunctions and variances to the Area Supervisor I or II.
• Operator I may be dispatched to critical facilities to make operational changes or investigate alarms as directed.
• Samples various process fluids and analyzes, records, and labels according to schedule.
• Performs water pipeline and storage facility disinfection.
• Operates equipment through programmable logic control units.
• Operates the Process Instrumentation and Control System (PICS), TELOG or SCADA.
• Calibrates critical process control equipment.
• Follows safety, operating, and emergency response procedures and policies established by MWRA.
• Communicates with other Operators regarding operational and process control conditions.
• Performs work in compliance with Authority established Integrated Contingency Plan.
• Inspects and troubleshoots mechanical, electromechanical, pneumatic or hydraulic equipment using tools and gauges of the trade. Performs preventive maintenance on operations equipment as directed by MAXIMO, such as but not limited to: greasing and lubrication, minor packing adjustments, opening hatches and installing safety rails, changing light bulbs, HVAC filters and performing minor maintenance during shift work as required.
• Performs, documents and reports results in the MAXIMO database of inspections and work performed.
• Assists other trades in the performance of their work, as required, or as assigned.
• Operates motor vehicles such as vans and pick-up trucks to transport materials to work sites, and pickup and deliver supplies and equipment.
• Performs light maintenance independently or as part of a team. Light maintenance shall include, but not be limited to:
• Operates forklift or other light equipment that does not require a special license.
• Generates inspection lists and maintenance reporting through the Computerized Maintenance Management System.
• Inspects and troubleshoots various systems and equipment.
• Installs and retrofits/new equipment related to plant systems.
• Modifies and/or aligns existing equipment to specifications.
• With proper safety training sets up ladders, staging and rigging and utilizes hoists, jacks, dollies, lifts, etc. for proper access to job and to remove and install equipment.
• Operates portable pumping, ventilation and other equipment necessary to support and accomplish assigned tasks.
• Greases and lubricates, replaces oil reserves, minor packing adjustments and opens hatches.
• Installs safety rails, changes light bulbs and replaces HVAC filters.
• Removes snow from immediate work area in order to perform tasks.
• Conducts routine testing, lockout/tagout, operation (startup/shutdown) and adjustment of process equipment.
• Performs necessary cleanup and housekeeping for work area and other light maintenance tasks.
• Promotes and participates in the productivity improvement plan.
• Trains peers and subordinates as requested.
• Performs related duties as required.

Required Qualifications

• A high school diploma or GED; and
• At least of one (1) year of experience with a working knowledge of water distribution system operation and treatment plant equipment, preferably at a water treatment plant or within a water distribution system; or
• Any equivalent combination of education and experience.
• A valid Massachusetts Class D Motor Vehicle Operator's license (or equivalent).
• A valid Massachusetts Grade 2 Water Distribution License (Operator-in-Training (OIT)) or Massachusetts Grade 2 Water Treatment License (Operator in Training (OIT)).
• Completion of competency-based training program in accordance with the productivity improvement plan training program established at MWRA within five months of appointment to the position.
• This position has been designated as essential in instances where the MWRA Executive Director requires essential personnel to report to work such as inclement weather or other emergencies.

Knowledge and Abilities

• Basic reading, writing, mathematical, scientific and oral communication skills.
• A working knowledge of treatment plant processes, systems and operation of related equipment, such as instrument panels, programmable logic control units, pumps, valves, motor control centers, level control devices, mixers, oxygen generation, chemical feed and odor control equipment.
• Knowledge of safety practices in operation of water equipment and the water treatment plant facility.
• Ability to interpret data from meters, gauges and other equipment to operate manually and through instrument panels, all kinds of wastewater treatment equipment to control treatment processes.
• Demonstrated ability to operate, monitor, and inspect assigned water facilities and water treatment plant operational equipment, processes, and systems.
• Ability to work as a team to support the goals of the Operations Division.
• Ability to communicate orally and in writing, and maintain accurate logs and records.
• Experience in operating distributive control systems preferred.
• Computer skills necessary to access and use the MAXIMO and Lawson database.
• Be capable of entering, setting up, installing, disassembling confined space equipment and ability to work in a confined space.
• Ability to attain knowledge & work processes required to perform maintenance tasks required by Reliability Centered Maintenance or similar Maintenance Management Program.

Tools and Equipment Used

Office equipment as normally associated with the use of telephone, personal computer including word processing and other software, copy and fax machine.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools or controls and reach with hands and arms. The employee frequently is required to stand and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk; sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; taste or smell. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move more than 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception, peripheral vision and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in outside weather conditions. The employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts and is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions and vibration. The employee occasionally works in high, precarious places and is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud in field settings, and moderately quiet in an office setting.

Supervision Received and Exercised

Works under the general supervision of the Area Supervisor I or II. May receive guidance from Operator II.
May supervise or direct assigned employees at a lower grade. May provide guidance or instruction to Operator-in-Training.

Other Position Information
PCR: 3383023
Division: Operations
Department: Metro Water General
Union/Grade: NAGE (Unit 3)/Grade 16

Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, disability, sex or gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or veteran status.