Operator I – Metro Water

Are you looking to make a meaningful impact on public health and the environment? Join the MWRA team! We deliver some of the nation's highest-quality drinking water to 3 million residents, restored Boston Harbor, and continue to invest in protecting vital public resources. Be part of a mission-driven organization where your work truly makes a difference-in a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment.

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

• 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…