Treatment Plant Operator

This position requires a license from the Massachusetts Board of Certification of Operators of Drinking Water Supply Facilities. Candidates without a 2T license (or higher) will not be considered. A cover letter (letter of interest) is a required part of the application.

The Springfield Water and Sewer Commission (SWSC) is seeking Treatment Plant Operators for its West Parish Filters Water Treatment Plant in Westfield, MA. This position is responsible for operating the plant 24/7, over three shifts, with the sole focus on water treatment processes and maintaining adequate supply. Qualified candidates must possess at least a Grade 2 Treatment License to operate the Grade 3 Treatment Plant. Successful applicants must also be computer literate, team focused, detail oriented, and dedicated to providing high quality drinking water to the community.

Construction of a new treatment plant is underway and anticipated to be online in 2028. This $300 million plant upgrade will include additional treatment processes including Dissolved Air Flotation and a dewatering system. Treatment plant operators will have the opportunity to watch construction and assist with the startup and operation of this new state-of-the-art plant.

For more information about the SWSC, please visit our YouTube channel.

Duties include but are not limited to:

- Operate assigned machinery and equipment to control the flow and treatment of water.

- Operate pumping stations, overhead hoists, pumps, blowers, heating boilers and systems, compressors, tanks, channels and related auxiliary and appurtenant machinery and equipment.

- Monitor and operate a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system.

- Operate valves and gates either manually or remotely.

- Sample and analyze water samples periodically for online meter quality control.

- Assist in the handling of chemicals including gaseous chlorine.

- Essential qualifications include but are not limited to:

- Working knowledge of the principles, procedures, practices, methods and techniques of operating water treatment machinery and equipment.

- Working knowledge of occupational hazards and standard safety practices and procedures of water treatment plants.

Ability to:

- Do mathematical calculations

- Read and understand Safety Data Sheet (SDS) sheets for chemicals

- Perform basic computer skills (including Microsoft Office products)

- Read and follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)

- Lift and carry boxes and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds as necessary

- Negotiate slopes and rugged terrain, climb ladders, and work in confined space including underground

A complete job description is available upon request.

Working for SWSC:

Operator positions are unionized and pay is tiered based upon experience as a treatment plant operator and grade of the applicant’s certification from the Massachusetts Board of Certification of Operators of Drinking Water Supply Facilities.

Effective July 1, 2026, hourly rates for first shift operators (7:00-3:30) are:

TPO I $22.93

TPO II $32.27

TPO III $36.57

TPO IV $39.54

TPO V $42.46

SWSC runs 24 hours/day, 7 days/week and operators are assigned to second and third shift as well as weekends and holidays. There are shift differentials for second, third and weekend schedules. Opportunities for overtime are available.

The Commission offers a competitive compensation package including 3 weeks of vacation, 13 paid holidays, paid sick and personal time, pension, and an affordable health/dental plan. Successful applicants will be required to complete a pre-employment drug test, criminal background check and respirator fit testing.

Current MA municipal employees will have their years of service in a PERAC pension plan transfer to the City of Springfield retirement system.

To apply, please upload a resume and a cover letter and complete our application questions. Application deadline is Sunday, May 31, 2026.

JOB CODE: 1000059