City of Marlborough Department of Public Works – Water & Sewer Division
Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator – East
 The City of Marlborough’s Department of Public Works is seeking to fill the full-time (40 hours) position of Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator in our East Plant.

• Posting Number:    AA26-26                     
• Date Posted:            April 22, 2026
  Weekly Hours:       40 hours per week   
• FLSA:                       Non-Exempt
  Hiring Rate:            $35.22/hour                       
• Step Rate:                $35.22 – 39.61/hour
• Bargaining Unit:    DPW Engineers, Local 272

Interested candidates should forward a cover letter and resume to along with a City of Marlborough Employment Application (which can be found on the City of Marlborough employment page – https://www.marlborough-ma.gov/jobs.aspx) and send to: hrjobs@marlborough-ma.gov 

The position will remain open until filled. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

The City of Marlborough is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals and, as part of this commitment, will provide reasonable accommodation to perform essential job functions as required by law.

 DEFINITION

Operation of a municipal 3.5 MGD advanced wastewater treatment facility in a safe, cost effective, and efficient manner complying with all State and Federal regulations.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

Operating, maintaining, and repairing wastewater treatment plant machinery and equipment.
Making routine laboratory tests and maintaining operations log.
Adding chemicals as directed and required.
Recording instrument readings and adjusting equipment.
Checking machinery and equipment for malfunctions and conducting preventative maintenance.
Repairing and overhauling machinery and equipment.
Maintaining plant facilities and grounds in a clean and orderly condition.
Completing tasks and other duties as assigned by the Head Treatment Plant Operator and other supervisory personnel.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED 

Under the supervision of the Head Treatment Plant Operator. 

JUDGEMENT 

The work involves numerous standardized practices, procedures, or general instructions that govern the work and, in some cases, may require additional interpretation. Judgment is needed to locate, select and apply the most pertinent practice, procedure, regulation or guideline. 

COMPLEXITY 

The work consists of a variety of duties which generally follow standardized practices, procedures, regulations or guidelines. The sequence of work and/or the procedures followed vary according to the nature of the transaction and/or the information involved, or sought, in a particular situation. 

NATURE AND PURPOSE OF CONTACTS 

Relationships are primarily with co-workers, vendors and the public, involving frequent explanation, discussion or interpretation of practices, procedures, regulations or guidelines in order to render service, plan or coordinate work efforts, or resolve operating problems. Other regular contacts are with service recipients and employees of outside organizations. More than ordinary courtesy, tact and diplomacy may be required to resolve complaints or deal with hostile, uncooperative or uninformed persons. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT 

Work is continually performed outdoors regardless of weather conditions. The nature of the duties may involve continuous presence of unpleasant or irritating elements such exposure to equipment/machinery, noise, odors, chemical fumes, dust, smoke, heat, cold, oil, dirt or grease, and risk of personal injury. May be required to work weekends and holidays and in emergency situations once deemed qualified to do so. 

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

High school diploma or equivalent; two or more years working experience at a Publicly Owned Treatment Works (POTW); two or more years working experience maintaining equipment such as pumps, filters, valves, gates, and tanks; or any equivalent combination of education and experience. 

Special Requirements: Massachusetts Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators Certification, Grade 4M Full.  For the purposes of application, Grade 4M License, Operator-in-Training Status as a Grade 4M Operator as well as When and If Status as a Grade 4M treatment plant operator as defined in CMR 2.06 (1) and (2), will be considered acceptable minimum qualifications.  Two or more years working experience at a Publicly Owned Treatment Works (POTW); two or more years working experience maintaining equipment such as pumps, filters, valves, gates, and tanks.

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS 

Knowledge: Thorough knowledge of the methods, materials, scheduling, tools, and equipment used in the operation of a wastewater treatment facility. Working knowledge of the hazards and safety precautions common to a wastewater treatment facility. 

Abilities: Ability to operate all equipment in facility including but not limited to: pumps, engines, centrifuge, generators, valves, gates, mixers, conveyors, blowers, chemical feed, odor control, disinfection equipment, measuring and control devices, testing equipment, and material handling equipment. Ability to use all plant specific, facility required PPE (Personal Protection Equipment) including but not limited to respirators, gas detectors, and confined space equipment. Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing; to establish positive public relations for the City, department and/or division; and to interact effectively with a wide variety of people. Must be familiar with computer software applications such as Microsoft and other applications tailored to specific departmental needs. 

Skills: Good interpersonal skills. Manual and mechanical skills. Skills in troubleshooting machinery and equipment. 

PHYSICAL, MOTOR, AND VISUAL SKILLS 

Physical Skills: Duties may require frequent and extended periods of outside work, subject to all weather conditions and extremes; continuous walking, standing, climbing and frequent periods requiring uncomfortable physical positions; may work on damp or uneven surfaces; crouch, sit, stand, walk, bend, crawl, kneel, pull, reach, push, twist, climb ladders and sloping surfaces, grasp, drag, lift and carry items weighing up to 100 pounds; work above shoulder level with power and/or hand tools for sustained periods of time; may be exposed to dust and fumes; electrical and mechanical hazards, vibration and noise, work with machinery; may require the exercise of caution when operating heavy equipment. 

Motor Skills: Duties may involve assignments requiring application of hand and eye coordination with finger dexterity and motor coordination. 

Visual Skills: Visual demands require routinely reading documents for general understanding and analytical purposes.