Saddle Stitch Operator Assistant jobs in New Bedford, MA

The Sewer Department seeks a qualified candidate for the position of Assistant Chief Waste Water Operator. The Assistant Chief Waste Water Operator is responsible for the assisting the Chief Operator with the identification of maintenance and repair needs for Town waste water treatment facilities and sewer system as well as the process to dispose of wastewater sludge and related waste materials. The Assistant Chief Waste Water Operator is responsible for coordination of supplies and materials in support of department operations and emergency response.

Minimum Requirements:

Education and Experience:  Any combination equivalent to graduation from high school; five (5) years of experience as a wastewater treatment plant operator, two (2) years of which must have been in a supervisory capacity. 

Special Requirements:  Hoisting 2A, 1C or 1B and 4E, CDL B, Tanker Endorsement and Wastewater 6 C Full (required at time of hire).

This is a 40 hour per week AFSCME M-6 Union position. Starting hourly rate $35.63.

The Assistant Chief Waste Water Operator is responsible for the assisting the Chief Operator with the identification of maintenance and repair needs for Town waste water treatment facilities and sewer system as well as the process to dispose of wastewater sludge and related waste materials. The Assistant Chief Waste Water Operator is responsible for coordination of supplies and materials in support of department operations and emergency response.

Supervision Required: Under the general direction of the Chief Operator, the Assistant Chief plans and carries out the regular work in accordance with standard practices and previous training, with substantial responsibility for determining the sequence and timing of planning work activities, including determining the work methods.  The Assistant Chief is expected to solve through experienced judgment most problems of detail or unusual situations by adapting methods or interpreting instructions to resolve the particular problem.   Instructions for new assignments or special projects usually consist of statements of desired objectives, deadlines and priorities.  Technical and policy problems or changes in procedures are discussed with supervisor, but ordinarily the Assistant Chief plans the work, lays it out and carries it through to completion independently.  Work is generally reviewed only for technical adequacy, appropriateness of actions or decisions, and conformance with policy or other requirements.

Supervisory Responsibility:  The Assistant Chief is responsible for the supervision of Waste Water Operators, Lab Technicians, and Collections Operators in the absence of the Chief Operator.

Confidentiality:  The Assistant Chief has regular access to confidential information of the department such as official personnel files, client and/or department records in accordance with the State Public Records law. 

Accountability:  Consequences of errors or poor judgment may include missed deadlines, adverse public relations, labor/material costs, danger to public safety and personal injury.   

Judgment:  The Assistant Chief has substantial responsibility involving the exercise of independent judgment in personnel administration in the absence of the Chief Operator. The work requires the Assistant Chief to examine, analyze, and evaluate facts and circumstances surrounding individual problems, situations and to determine appropriate actions to be taken within the limits of standard or accepted practices. Guidelines include industry operational standards, which may be complex or conflicting, at times. Independent judgment is used in analyzing specific situations to determine appropriate actions. Assistant Chief is expected to weigh efficiency and relative priorities in conjunction with procedural concerns in decision making. Requires understanding, interpreting and applying complex federal, state, and local regulations.

Complexity:  The work consists of the practical application of a variety of concepts, practices and specialized techniques relating to a professional or technical field. Assignments typically involve evaluation and interpretation of factors, conditions or unusual circumstances; inspecting, testing or evaluating compliance with established standards or criteria; gathering, analyzing and evaluating facts or data using specialized fact finding techniques; or determining the methods to accomplish the work.

Work Environment:  The nature of duties may involve the continuous presence of unpleasant or irritating elements, such as considerable noise, odors, chemical fumes, dust, smoke, extreme heat/ cold temperatures, oil, dirt or grease.  Work is continually performed outdoors, regardless of weather conditions.  The employee may be required to work beyond normal business hours in response to man-made or natural emergencies on a 24/7, 365 days per year basis.

Nature and Purpose of Public Contact:  Relationships are primarily with co-workers 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 is required.

Occupational Risk:  Essential functions regularly present potential risk of injury to the employee that could result in loss of time from work.   Examples of personal injury include severe muscular strains from working with heavy materials or from operating department equipment.  Special safety precautions, training and protective clothing such as gowns, coats, gloves, glasses, hard hats, or safety boots is required.

• Monitor plant processes regularly to insure efficient treatment operations to maintain compliance with regulatory agencies
• In the absence of the Chief Operator, the Assistant enforces the general established Town policies and State Ethics requirements. 
• Maintain Town wastewater treatment facilities, equipment, and resources while also determining the logistics, quantity and cost of supplies and materials in support of department projects.
• Participate in the department’s snow and ice removal operations.
• Attend training sessions and seminars as required to keep abreast of updates or changes in occupational safety and wastewater treatment requirements in order to maintain required certifications and/or licenses.
• Prepare reports for the Chief Operator as requested to in both verbal and written format as required.

Education and Experience:  Any combination equivalent to graduation from high school; five (5) years of experience as a wastewater treatment plant operator, two (2) years of which must have been in a supervisory capacity. 

Special Requirements:  Hoisting 2A, 1C or 1B and 4E, CDL B, Tanker Endorsement and Wastewater 6 C Full (required at time of hire).

Knowledge, Abilities and Skill

Knowledge: Thorough knowledge of public works department operations including operating procedures. Knowledge of the geography of the Town including street layout and key landmarks

Abilities: Ability to understand and follow written and oral directions; ability to complete assigned work including use of equipment in a safe and efficient manner. Ability to complete assigned work in a safe and efficient manner often under adverse weather conditions. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers.  Ability to provide logistical support to other department personnel as required.

Skills:  Proficient mechanical skill in the operation of hand and power tools and equipment required to perform position duties. Proficient oral and written communication skills.

Physical and Mental Requirements 

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 position’s essential functions.

Physical Demands: Work requires moderate to intermittent physical strength and effort on a daily basis, such as lifting, pulling, pushing trash containers and standing or walking for extended periods of time.   

Motor Skills: Essential functions involve close hand and eye coordination and physical dexterity.  Manipulation and motor control under adverse weather conditions which may require extreme accuracy to avoid damage to property or equipment.  The manual skills required are comparable to those which might be needed to operate department equipment and Class B motor vehicles.

Visual Demands:   Visual demands require the employee to rarely read documents and plans for general understanding.  The employee is not required to determine color differences.