Senior Operator 2026-103

City of Chicopee•Chicopee, MA

About The Position

The City of Chicopee’s Department of Public Works, Water Pollution Control Division, is hiring a Senior Operator to supervise, plan, direct, and participate in the day-to-day operations and maintenance of the Water Pollution Control Facility. The position operates sewage treatment, sludge processing, dewatering equipment, pump stations, combined sewer overflow (CSO) treatment facilities, and disposal equipment in compliance with U.S. EPA NPDES permit requirements. The Senior Operator monitors and orders chemicals and supplies needed for facility operations. The role includes coordinating operational teams, maintaining equipment and inventory, accepting chemical deliveries, responding to chemical spills, ensuring compliance with confined-space and waste-oil requirements, and keeping the treatment plant clean and orderly. The Senior Operator also performs site inspections, supports equipment repair and preventive maintenance, communicates permit violations and required notifications to regulatory agencies, participates in CSO abatement and storm-water management, collects samples, performs routine laboratory tests, and adjusts treatment materials as needed. Other related tasks may be assigned by the WPC Chief Operator and Assistant Chief Operator.

Requirements

Active Grade 6 WWTP Operator's License, or ability to obtain it within six months of hire.
Massachusetts Class D Driver’s License.
High school diploma.
At least three years of wastewater operational experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience related to wastewater operations.
Substantial mechanical knowledge and leadership competencies.
Knowledge of wastewater treatment plant operations.
Working knowledge of mechanical tools, hand tools, and power tools.
Knowledge of OSHA regulations and requirements.
Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, including Word and Excel.
Working knowledge of pertinent federal and state regulations.

Nice To Haves

Associate's degree in Environmental Technology/Science or an equivalent degree.

Responsibilities

Perform facility operation and maintenance duties, including painting, cleaning, calibration, preventive maintenance, record keeping, ordering and purchasing supplies, operational rounds and checks, process adjustments, centrifuge and dewatering operations, and bypass pump operations.
Identify, plan, and delegate tasks for first- and second-shift operational teams to support work goals and plant needs.
Ensure equipment is working correctly and that adequate backup equipment and replacement parts are in inventory.
Accept chemical deliveries and ensure off-loading meets City standards.
Observe confined-space entry requirements and maintain City equipment.
Provide chemical spill response for Public Utilities department facilities, city-wide and within the division.
Adhere to waste-oil control requirements and help ensure new and used oil is used, stored, and disposed of according to WPC policies and applicable state, local, and federal requirements.
Maintain the treatment plant in a clean and orderly condition and perform related duties to maintain Water Pollution Control Works.
Conduct site inspections of operations.
Oversee and assist with equipment repairs, preventive maintenance, and the scheduling and performance of daily, weekly, quarterly, and annual maintenance.
Notify regulatory agencies verbally and in writing of permit violations, storm-water and CSO notifications, and other NPDES notification requirements.
Participate in the City's CSO abatement and storm-water management program, gather information for NPDES reporting, and operate CSO equipment.
Collect samples and perform routine laboratory tests at various treatment stages according to standardized procedures, adding treatment materials as required.
Perform other related tasks assigned by the WPC Chief Operator and Assistant Chief Operator.