Employment Opportunity – Drinking Water Operator II
Definition: Responsible Treatment Plant and Distribution System Operator with a working knowledge of the construction, repair, maintenance and operation of the Town’s water treatment and distribution system; related work as required.
Distinguishing Characteristics: Works independently or as part of a crew under the general direction of the Water Dept. Utility Director, Operations Manager or responsible supervisor.
Exercises considerable independent judgment in water plant or distribution system operations and performs duties requiring considerable experience, discretion and technical knowledge.
Performs precise and accurate duties while sampling, testing and repairing system equipment.
Required to keep accurate records and generate reports using computer-based software.
Is in frequent contact with Town Department and with the general public.
Normal physical effort demanded, except that field inspections more than normal effort and knowledge of water treatment and distribution systems may be required.
Examples of work: Repair and maintenance, record & report keeping, sampling, data collection and operational work of the Town’s water system and necessary support equipment. Required to do maintenance and repair work in connection with wells, pumping station, treatment, telemetering, SCADA system, testing, mains, services, hydrants, meters and all phases of production, treatment, distribution and meter reading.
Assures adequate supply of portable water to residents and sufficient supply at proper pressures for fire department and industrial use.
Minimum Qualifications: High school graduate; or any equivalent combination of education and experience. Thorough knowledge of water system operations, considerable knowledge of pumping station operation, water supply and distribution. Ability to exercise considerable independent judgement in water treatment and distribution operations, work with other department employees, and to maintain good public relations. Ability to understand and follow written and oral instructions. Ability to use hand tools and operate power equipment.
Must possess a Massachusetts Drinking Water Operator Certification for Grade 2 Treatment or Grade 2 Distribution with 2 years’ experience in water systems. Must be able to obtain a valid Massachusetts Backflow Prevention Device Tester Certification (M.C.L 310 CMR 22.22 Cross Connections Regulations) within 9 months of starting position. Must possess a driver’s license valid to operate Class D motor vehicle in the State of Massachusetts.
*PHOTOS* Whittier Tech Carpentry Students Build New Ramp at Georgetown Water Department
Superintendent Maureen Lynch and Utility Director Marlene Ladderbush are pleased to share that 14 Whittier Tech seniors in the Carpentry pathway recently completed a community project at the Georgetown Water Department.
Throughout the fall, Whittier Tech carpentry students took on a project for the Georgetown Water Department: replacing its old handicap ramp.
Last winter, the Georgetown Water Department was part of a town survey that analyzed all town buildings. The survey revealed issues with the department’s handicap ramp.
Director Ladderbush reached out to Whittier Tech Vocational Coordinator Paul Moskevitz, who is a Georgetown resident, for help with the project. Moskevitz then coordinated students to rebuild the ramp with the help of Carpentry Instructor Mike Sandlin.
Computer Aided Design (CAD) students and their instructor Scott Robertson designed and drew the blueprints for the project.
Carpentry students then demolished the old ramp and installed a completely new, code-compliant handicap ramp. They also redid the stairs and installed a box for Georgetown residents to drop off their water bill payments so they would not have to enter the building while construction was being completed.
“The Whittier Tech students who completed this project did an outstanding job,” said Director Ladderbush. “The kids were great, hard-working, well-mannered, and extremely polite. I cannot thank them enough for their work, which will benefit our community for years to come.”
Students completed the project during their shop week. All students met at Whittier Tech before heading over to the job site, and they returned to Whittier near the end of each school day.
The seniors who worked on the project include:
- Jeffrey Avila, of Haverhill
- Christopher Bognanno, of Haverhill
- Aidan Collins, of Haverhill
- Stephanie Darmody, of Ipswich
- Shannon DeJesus, of Haverhill
- Aiden Dupre, of Haverhill
- Noah Gayner, of Haverhill
- Craig Kielbania, of Ipswich
- William King, of Merrimac
- William Monroy, of Haverhill
- Jordan Salthouse, of Georgetown
- Zachary Sieminski, of Haverhill
- Benificent Silva, of Haverhill
- Connor Swales, of Haverhill
“Each of these students exemplifies the ideals of Whittier Tech with their work and continued devotion to the surrounding communities,” said Superintendent Lynch. “These community projects allow our students to connect with community organizations and their members and provide them with valuable experience along the way.”
Imagine a Day Without Water: Thank Your Local Water Professionals!
When you turn on the tap, safe drinking water comes out every time. Today is Imagine a Day Without
Water 2023, a National Day of Action to raise awareness of the importance of water.
Please take a minute to thank all of our water professionals — engineers designing infrastructure, crews
fixing a main break, or lab workers ensuring the safety and quality of your tap water – for keeping us
safe.
Learn how you can participate at www.imagineadaywithoutwater.org.
The Value of Water: Every Drop Counts
Every drop counts and every voice matters. Join the Georgetown Water Department, communities,
organizations, and individuals nationwide on Thursday, Oct. 19, to honor the 9th annual Imagine a Day
Without Water 2023 — a day of action in support of a resilient water future. Water is a
lifeline—supporting our health, economies, and environment. By getting loud about the Value of Water,
we can ensure a future where clean water flows for everyone.
Learn how you can participate at www.imagineadaywithoutwater.org.