City of Lowell
Job Description
Please Post: April 1, 2026
Deadline: April 15, 2026
Waste Water Treatment Plant
Waste Water Operator I
Job Title: Waste Water Operator I (2600-20, J#6447, 4091)
Department: Waste Water Treatment Plant
Reports To: Head Treatment Plant Operator, Operations Superintendent,
Union: MVEA Unit I
FLSA Status: Non exempt
Hours: Various shifts; operates on 24 hour basis. 40 hours per week
Salary:
$ 23.3104 (min) to $27.6879 (max) per hour w/o licenses
$ 24.3816 (min) to $28.7591 (max) per hour with Hoisting Or Grade 2 Operator license
$ 25.4528 (min) to $29.8303 (max) per hour with Hoisting and Grade 2 Operator licenses

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
Under direct supervision; operates, maintains and repairs sewage treatment machinery and equipment.
Makes routine laboratory tests and sewage at various stages of treatment in accordance with standardized procedures and adds treatment materials as required.
Takes and records readings of instruments, makes adjustments in equipment as indicated, and maintains operations log.
Checks machinery and equipment for malfunctions; repairs and overhauls machinery and equipment.
Responsible for maintaining the treatment plant in a clean and orderly condition.
May supervise personnel at a lower grade.
Monitors control panels and adjusts valves and gates manually or by remote control in order to regulate the flow of sewerage; observes variations in operative conditions;
Performs related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
Minimum of 1-2 years’ experience working in related field. Knowledge of the principles and practices of wastewater treatment, knowledge of the methods and techniques used in the operation and maintenance of wastewater treatment plant equipment;
Knowledge of the various types of wastewater treatment plant facilities;
Knowledge of the methods and techniques used in order to properly handle variations in wastewater quantity and quality, conditions of receiving waters and industrial waste; Knowledge of the safety practices which should be observed in the operation and maintenance of wastewater treatment facilities;
Knowledge of the methods and techniques used in the sludge treatment process;
Knowledge of the mathematical calculations used in wastewater treatment facilities;
Knowledge of the sampling and laboratory test procedures;
Ability to interpret logs, gauges and test results relative to treatment plant operation;
Ability to read, interpret, understand and apply federal and state rules, regulations and law relative to the operation of wastewater treatment plants.

LANGUAGE SKILLS
Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of organization.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS
Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.

REASONING ABILITY
Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.

LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS
Driver’s license required, with a safe driving history.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, moving mechanical parts, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, outside weather conditions, risk of electrical shock, and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate, and occasionally will be loud.

The City of Lowell is a smoke and drug free employer and requires physical with drug screen, and CORI post offer.

Qualified individuals should apply by the deadline of April 15, 2026 by submitting application/resume with cover letter using the City of Lowell job opportunities online portal:
https://cityoflowellma.munisselfservice.com/ess/employmentopportunities/default.aspx
The City of Lowell is an Equal Opportunity Employer and remains steadfast in its commitment to compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws prohibiting employment discrimination. The City is further committed to providing fair and equitable treatment throughout the hiring and employment process.
The City of Lowell provides reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities in the application and employment process. If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, please contact the Human Relations Office.
EOE/AA/504 Employer