Water Superintendent

Overview

Palmer Water District #1 Water Superintendent – Salary / Contract Position. The incumbent shall be responsible for compliance with all federal, state regulations governing public water supplies, enforcement of district construction specifications, and preparation of budgets, reports, and correspondence. Responsible for routine to complex operations of two SCADA‑controlled treatment plants, pumping facilities, two storage tanks, a 3‑pressure‑zone distribution system, hydrant system, cross‑connection control program, and water‑metering system.

Work includes both supervisory and manual labor. Supervises construction, maintenance, and repair programs and projects relating to distribution, treatment, and pumping facilities. Presents detailed written monthly reports to the Board of Water Commissioners and periodic updates to the Chairperson (or designee) as incidents occur. Works cooperatively with engineering firms, developers, consultants, and vendors on ongoing construction projects, studies, design, etc.

The position involves normal business hours, after‑hours, weekend hours, and on‑call work.

• Possession of Commonwealth of Massachusetts Drinking Water Supply Facilities (minimum) Grade 3T / 2D full License.
• Possession of Commonwealth of Massachusetts Certified Backflow Prevention Device Tester and Surveyor License or ability to obtain within 6 months of employment.
• Possession of an Aquatic Herbicide Applicator License or ability to obtain within the first three months.
• Knowledge and ability in the operations of package water filtration plants (Micro Floc) with up‑flow clarifiers and operations of granular activated carbon treatment plants.
• Seven (7) years minimum experience in the operations and supervision of treatment facilities and the operations of a complex distribution system; knowledge and working experience in MassDEP regulations and protocols.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word & Excel, Wonderware Operating Systems, interfacing of SCADA, radio telemetry, PLC ladder logic, AutoCAD, Water
  
  CAD.
• Possession of Class D motor vehicle operator’s license with a clean driving record.
• Possession of Hoisting Engineer License, Restricted 2A, or ability to acquire within 12 months.
• Possession of OSHA 10 card or ability to acquire within 12 months.

• Preferred:
  Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in environmental science or engineering.
• Minimum:
  High school or vocational school graduate with two (2) years of technical training and one (1) semester of college chemistry, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Thorough knowledge of water department operations, including treatment facilities, SCADA, distribution, hydrants, pumping, storage, and metering systems.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment regarding treatment practices and construction procedures.
• Solid knowledge in engineering practices related to construction, hydraulics, construction management, and facilities management.
• Effective communication with MassDEP and ability to carry out directives issued to the district; accurate completion of all MassDEP and federal reports.
• Active participation in federal and state grant applications and coordination with consultants.
• Interaction with public, state, and local officials.
• Knowledge of business office procedures and practices.
• Accurate record‑keeping and file management, ensuring accessibility upon request.

• Independent operations under general supervision of the Board of Water Commissioners, with problem‑solving without external assistance when needed.
• Collaboration with engineers, consultants, and officials.
• Clock‑in schedule:
  Monday–Friday, 7:00 am–12:00 pm and 12:30 pm–3:30 pm, with potential changes; includes weekend rounds and on‑call duties.
• Exposure to hazardous chemicals, equipment, emergency scenes, adverse weather, and strenuous conditions.
• Potential for physical tasks such as frequent standing, walking, lifting, and operating heavy equipment in shop and field conditions.
• Emergency response responsibilities under incident command and on‑site firefighting when necessary.
• Direct or…