This is an entry level position requiring a BA degree in environmental science, natural resource management, or a related field.  The preferred candidate will also have one to two years of experience (paid work, volunteering, and/or field-based internship).  The successful candidate will demonstrate excellent interpersonal communication skills; excellent writing skills; and, the ability to work independently with guidance but minimal direct oversight.  A complete job description is available upon request.

Requirements include:

-  Knowledge of the principles, theories and practices of natural resource management, including wetlands, wildlife, forestry and ecology

- Ability to learn and recognize native plants and non-native invasive vegetation, especially woody trees, vines, and shrubs

- Ability to navigate off trail in the forest, and perform manual labor outside for long hours on uneven terrain in all four seasons

- Experience safely using forestry tools including chainsaw, weed whacker, and hand tools

- Strong computer skills, computational/math skills, and organizational skills

The Springfield Water and Sewer Commission was established in 1996 as an independently operated and managed regional water and wastewater utility that provides retail and wholesale water and sewer service to approximately 250,000 residential and business customers across multiple communities in the lower Pioneer Valley.  SWSC’s mission is to provide an uninterrupted, high-quality supply of water to our customers, to collect and treat wastewater, and return clean water to the environment. SWSC has approximately 250 employees that operate and maintain a system of one thousand miles of water and sewer pipe, treatment plants, reservoirs, watershed land, dams, and other critically important infrastructure that serves the public.     

While fulfilling our mission we strive to:

• Conserve and protect our reliable, high-quality water supply for present and future generations

• Meet or surpass public health standards for drinking water

• Act of stewards of the environment and manage our lands responsibly

• Develop and promote a skilled, safe, and professional workforce

Typical duties for this position are wide-ranging and include:

1. Monitoring the condition of Commission land, documenting road and culvert condition, performing ecological surveys (including invasive plants), marking property boundaries, documenting ATV and other land trespassing issues, assisting with forest management work, removing invasive species, maintaining watershed signage, and trash and debris clean-up. 

2. Coordinating with Commission GIS department to update location records for watershed data layers. 

3. Assisting in the development and implementation of relevant watershed planning documents such as source water protection plans, forest stewardship plans, land management plans, and beaver management plans

4. Assisting in the preparation of presentations at public meetings before a variety of diverse groups, and informs visitors about the significance of source water protection for public drinking water supplies. 

The hiring range for this position is $57,000-$60,000.  SWSC offers a benefit package that includes paid sick, personal, and vacation time as well as Blue Cross Blue Shield health and dental insurance.  The typical workday is M-F 7:00-3:30.  The Land Steward might occasionally be required to attend evening meetings.  This position is hourly and eligible for overtime.  The Springfield Water and Sewer Commission is a public sector employer and time spent working at SWSC counts for federal loan forgiveness (please check with your lender to see if your loan qualifies). 

For information about SWSC including its current projects, please visit our YouTube channel.

Review of applications will begin on Monday, May 11, 2026.  Position will remain posted on a day-by-day basis as needed after May 11, 2026.  We require a cover letter as part of your application.  A cover letter should explain in your own words how your education, experience, skills, and/or background make you qualified for the position.

The Springfield Water and Sewer Commission (SWSC) is seeking Treatment Plant Operators for its West Parish Filters Water Treatment Plant in Westfield, MA. This position is responsible for operating the plant 24/7, over three shifts, with the sole focus on water treatment processes and maintaining adequate supply.  Qualified candidates must possess at least a Grade 2 Treatment License to operate the Grade 3 Treatment Plant. Successful applicants must also be computer literate, team focused, detail oriented, and dedicated to providing high quality drinking water to the community. 

Construction of a new treatment plant is underway and anticipated to be online in 2028. This $300 million plant upgrade will include additional treatment processes including Dissolved Air Flotation and a dewatering system. Treatment plant operators will have the opportunity to watch construction and assist with the startup and operation of this new state-of-the-art plant. 

For more information about the SWSC, please visit our YouTube channel.

Duties include but are not limited to:

• Operate assigned machinery and equipment to control the flow and treatment of water. 
• Operate pumping stations, overhead hoists, pumps, blowers, heating boilers and systems, compressors, tanks, channels and related auxiliary and appurtenant machinery and equipment.
• Monitor and operate a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system.
• Operate valves and gates either manually or remotely.
• Sample and analyze water samples periodically for online meter quality control.
• Assist in the handling of chemicals including gaseous chlorine.
• Essential qualifications include but are not limited to:
• Working knowledge of the principles, procedures, practices, methods and techniques of operating water treatment machinery and equipment.
• Working knowledge of occupational hazards and standard safety practices and procedures of water treatment plants.

Ability to:

• Do mathematical calculations
• Read and understand Safety Data Sheet (SDS) sheets for chemicals
• Perform basic computer skills (including Microsoft Office products)
• Read and follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)
• Lift and carry boxes and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds as necessary 
• Negotiate slopes and rugged terrain, climb ladders, and work in confined space including underground

A complete job description is available upon request.

Working for SWSC:

Operator positions are unionized and pay is tiered based upon experience as a treatment plant operator and grade of the applicant’s certification from the Massachusetts Board of Certification of Operators of Drinking Water Supply Facilities.

Effective July 1, 2026, hourly rates for first shift operators (7:00-3:30) are:

TPO I $22.93

TPO II $32.27

TPO III $36.57

TPO IV $39.54

TPO V $42.46

SWSC runs 24 hours/day, 7 days/week and operators are assigned to second and third shift as well as weekends and holidays.  There are shift differentials for second, third and weekend schedules. Opportunities for overtime are available.

The Commission offers a competitive compensation package including 3 weeks of vacation, 13 paid holidays, paid sick and personal time, pension, and an affordable health/dental plan. Successful applicants will be required to complete a pre-employment drug test, criminal background check and respirator fit testing.

Current MA municipal employees will have their years of service in a PERAC pension plan transfer to the City of Springfield retirement system.

To apply, please upload a resume and a cover letter and complete our application questions.  Application deadline is Sunday, May 31, 2026.