Water Treatment Plant Operator

City of Portsmouth, NH provided pay range

This range is provided by City of Portsmouth, NH. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

$25.51/hr - $28.23/hr

Starting pay rate is between $25.51–$28.23 an hour based on experience and certification per the AFSCME 1386A Working Agreement. $25.51 an hour with a New Hampshire Grade 1 Water Treatment Operator Licensee; $28.23 an hour with a New Hampshire Grade 2 Water Treatment Operator License; $34.31 an hour after 42 months of service with a Grade 2 Water Treatment Operator License.

Each team member is required to be on a rotating on‑call schedule; generous compensation is provided for on‑call and all emergency call‑in events are paid at an overtime rate. Detailed information about the AFSCME 1386A Working Agreement including salary schedule and benefits can be found at  The City offers a generous compensation and benefits package that includes retirement, paid time off (vacation, holidays), medical & dental insurance, flexible spending account, professional development, career growth, longevity incentives and more.

• Inspects and operates all water system facilities and equipment, meets or exceeds treatment, procedural and other operating regulations, implements SOPs and performs other assigned treatment facility, well and pumping station maintenance work as appropriate.
• Undertakes and completes preventative and routine maintenance for all facilities, machinery and equipment, ranging from custodial care to review of technical manuals and implementation of prescribed operating, maintenance and repair procedures.
• Takes samples, monitors, analyzes and reports water system information regarding operating conditions and results, implements corrective actions, responds to adverse weather conditions and emergencies.
• Consults with internal customers, municipal officials and others regarding treatment facility, well and pumping station operations.
• Coordinates functions and activities with other operating units and City departments.
• Performs preventive and corrective maintenance to facility equipment; mixing of chemicals, operation of manual and electrically controlled valves; general cleaning, painting and grounds maintenance; routine laboratory analysis; analyzes instrument readings and test results, adjusts processes, determines remedial action in emergencies.
• Operates the water treatment and pumping stations using the SCADA system; assists with specialized equipment, water quality analyzers and other system activities.
• Performs on‑call duties week‑long periods at least once every six weeks; on‑call duties are compensated hourly with overtime when required.

Applicants must have graduated from high school or earned a GED, possess at least three (3) years of experience in operation and maintenance of a water system, hold a Grade I Treatment certification, and have one (1) year of formal training in water treatment or equivalent experience. Advanced training in pumps, motors or skilled trade preferred. Certification as a Water Operator (New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services) at Grade II Treatment must be obtained within 36 months of appointment.

Incumbent must possess a valid driver’s license and have no offenses restricting insurability by insurance carriers. Additional certification may be required.

Work requires substantial physical dexterity and strength, ability to work around, under, and on top of machinery, lift up to 80 pounds, exposure to hazardous chemicals and gases. Mechanical and equipment systems knowledge and record keeping required.

Water treatment system operator duties are typical for this position; other duties may be assigned by the supervisor. The City of Portsmouth is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status or genetic information. The City is committed to providing equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities.

To request accommodations contact Human Resources Director by phone .

Finalists must complete pre-employment screening, drug testing & background check.