Below is a summary overview of the Byfield Water District system:
- - System Overview: Small community groundwater system located in rural Newbury MA.
- - Service Population: Approximately 850 service connections serving 2,400 residents, as well as two school districts.
- - Infrastructure: 20 miles of water main (80% asbestos cement, with the remainder composed of ductile iron and PVC).
- - Supply & Treatment: 3 groundwater wells utilizing chlorination and manganese sequestering for treatment.
Position Summary & Core Duties
Reporting directly to the Director, the Primary Operator is responsible for the overall upkeep, daily operation, and maintenance of the water system and wells. Key responsibilities include:
- - Performing water sampling, reporting, and record-keeping for sampling and usage.
- - Conducting meter readings, replacements, and new installations.
- - Maintaining and repairing the water distribution system, well stations, chemical feed systems, equipment, and fire hydrants.
- - Managing inventory, tracking parts, and maintaining backflow device testing records.
- - Handling customer service inquiries and addressing water quality or distribution issues.
- - Assisting with main and service leak repairs, as well as requested water service shut-offs or turn-ons.
- - Participating in a mandatory on-call rotation for emergencies, weekends, and holidays.
Qualifications
- - Experience: 3 to 5 years operating a Grade 2 or higher water system is preferred.
- - Licensing: Hold primary operator status per DEP requirements (Grade 2D & 1T). A valid driver’s license is required. A strong desire to learn may be considered in lieu of full licensing.
- - Key Skills: Ability to work independently, strong self-motivation, and excellent communication skills for interacting with staff, customers, and vendors.
Compensation & Benefits
- Pay Range: $28.00 – $40.00 / hour (commensurate with experience,
education, and licensing).
- On-Call & Overtime: $300.00 weekly on-call pay. Emergency, weekend, and
holiday work includes a 4-hour minimum at 1.5x the hourly rate.
- Benefits: Participation in the Essex Regional Pension System, plus health and
dental insurance with a 75% employer contribution.
The BWD is governed by an elected 5-person board. This is a non-union
position; all compensation and benefits are negotiated directly with the Board of
Commissioners.
Interested candidates can submit a cover letter and resume to
tcusick@byfieldwaterdistrict.org