Chief Operator

Palmer Water District # 1

Chief Operator (Salary Position)

Responsible for routine to complex operations of treatment plant functions, pumping facilities, storage, operation of distribution system, hydrant system, and water metering system all with limited supervision. Work includes both supervisory and manual labor. Supervises construction, maintenance and repair programs and projects related to the Palmer Water District # 1 distribution, treatment and pumping facilities and related work as required. Will work cooperatively with Superintendent and act upon issues in the Superintendent’s absence.

The position involves weekend hours and on‑call. Supervise and direct other employees and report back to the Superintendent.

• Operate and maintain pumps, equipment and treatment facilities.
• Maintain daily records of all treatment processes and equipment. Monitor gauges, SCADA, meters. Observe variations in operating conditions, interpret meter, SCADA, gauge readings and test results to determine processing requirements.
• Operate and maintain equipment such as chemical injection equipment, pumps, filtration equipment, perform laboratory testing, valves, hydrants, water meters, etc.
• Operate heavy equipment such as front‑end loaders, backhoes, compressors, rollers, dump trucks, sanders, chippers, shoring equipment and any other necessary heavy equipment in the scope of the operations of the District.
• Operate and install both service and main line tapping machines.
• Operate power mowers, slope mowers, brush cutters, chain saws, cut‑off saws and other related light units and hand tools.
• Perform basic maintenance tasks on District Equipment; backhoe, dump truck, utility trucks, stationary power equipment and janitorial duties.
• Perform manual work where heavy lifting and carrying is required, working in excavations and construction. Carry out water line, hydrant, service, street resurfacing, carpentry, meter installations and accurate reading of water meters as instructed.
• Investigate complaints; take action or submit recommendations to the Superintendent or Board of Water Commissioners.
• Supervise installations of water services and mains installed by contractors, reporting deviations for corrective action. Take corrective action in the Superintendent’s absence.
• Oversee daily journal maintenance and review journals of supervised employees.
• Respond to 911 emergency scenes. Handle exposure to chemicals, adverse weather, fumes, vibration and other potential hazards.

• Possession of Commonwealth of Massachusetts Full Certificate of Drinking Water Supply Facilities (minimum) Grade 2T / 2D License and begin 3T training course within the first six months.
• Possession of Commonwealth of Massachusetts Certified Backflow Prevention Device Tester and Surveyor License.
• Knowledge and ability in the operations of package water filtration plants, with up‑flow clarifiers and operations of granular activated carbon treatment plants.
• Five (5) 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.
• Ability to use Microsoft Word & Excel, Wonderware Operating Systems, interfacing of SCADA, Radio Telemetry and knowledge of PLC Ladder Logic.
• Possession of Class B Motor Vehicle Operators License with CDL Class B and Tanker endorsement with clean driving record, and valid CDL Interstate Medical Card.
• Possession of Hoisting Engineer License, Restricted 2A or acquire within six months.

• Minimum High School or Vocational School graduate, plus two (2) years technical training, one (1) semester of Chemistry.
• Five (5) years minimum experience as a Heavy Equipment Operator.
• Five (5) years minimum experience as a Class B Motor Vehicle Operator.
• Any equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Thorough knowledge of Water Department operations, including specific knowledge of treatment facilities, SCADA, distribution, hydrant, pumping, storage and metering systems.
• Ability to exercise knowledge and independent judgment…