Wastewater Operator I

Job Details

The Town of South Kingstown is seeking a qualified applicant for the role of Wastewater Operator I. The Wastewater Division operates and maintains the South Kingstown Regional Wastewater Treatment Facility, which services portions of South Kingstown and its regional partners, the Town of Narragansett and the University of Rhode Island. The facility receives septage from outlying areas, and conventional wastewater via the Town’s municipal gravity collection system and twelve pump stations. The facility also accepts and treats septage waste from Town property owners not connected to the municipal sanitary wastewater collection system. The Wastewater Division provides continuous treatment of wastewater from residential and non-residential users that meets or exceeds requirements in accordance with its Rhode Island Pollution Discharge Elimination System permit as issued by the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management. Additionally, the Wastewater Division is responsible for the oversight of the On-Site Wastewater Management Program, to help ensure that the surface waters and groundwater of the Town are protected to the greatest extent possible.

The position of Wastewater Operator I is responsible for performing routine maintenance in the operation and control of the Town’s wastewater treatment plant, pumping stations, and wastewater collection system. This position requires the skillful, safe, and efficient operation of related tools and equipment while performing a variety of tasks, and handling of chemicals and septage. Duties include operating treatment facilities to control flow and processing of wastewater, sludge and effluent; monitoring gauges, meters, and control panels; observing variation in operating conditions; interpreting meter and gauge readings; interpreting test results to determine processing requirements; performing daily laboratory testing for process control, quality control assurance, and permit; and operating and maintaining related machinery, equipment, and vehicles. The position requires the ability to service equipment, make minor field repairs and adjustments, and perform assorted tasks requiring manual labor for extended periods under unfavorable weather conditions when necessary.

Applicants must have a demonstrated ability to skillfully, safely, and efficiently operate related tools and equipment; perform mathematical calculations necessary for related laboratory testing; and establish and maintain successful working relationships with fellow employees and the public, and to effectively deal with others in a helpful, respectful, and courteous manner. The position requires a high school diploma or equivalent, and successful completion of a pre-employment physical and background check. The position requires holding a Grade I State of RI Wastewater Operator’s License issued by the RI Board of Certification of Operators of Wastewater Treatment Facilities. Those without a Grade I license will be required to obtain this licensure, within twelve (12) months of hire. Candidates with a Grade I license upon hire are preferred. Candidates with at least 2 years of related work history preferred. This position is considered essential and must be available for all shifts and during emergency events.

This 40-hour per week position has a regular schedule of 10 days on 4 days off and starts at a rate of $26.56 per hour ($55,248 annually). After successful completion of a six-month probationary period, the hourly rate increases to $27.24 ($56,664 annually) with a move to Step 1. Top step for this position will earn an hourly rate of $28.61 ($59,499 annually). This position is associated with the local Council 94 Union and will receive all benefits under their bargaining agreement. Those benefits include participation in the Employee Retirement System of Rhode Island Pension Program; up to 12 vacation days, 15 sick days and 3 personal days a year on top of 13 paid holidays as well as offers full medical, vision and dental coverage. This position is also eligible for incentive pay, which would increase the hourly rate depending on skills certifications attained in accordance with the C94 Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Applications will be accepted through Monday, March 31, 2025.