Description

City of Lowell
Job Description
Please Post: August 13, 2026
Deadline: September 10, 2026
Water Utility
Filter Operator
Job Title: Filter Operator (2000-60, J#6477, 4129)
Department: Water Utility
Reports To: Executive Director, Operation Superintendent, Head Operator
Rate of Pay: $24.5605/hour (min) to $30.4160 /hour (max); 40 hours/week
*Bidding of different shifts will be once a year*
FLSA Status: Non-exempt
Union: AFSCME 1705

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
Under the direction of the Executive Director, Operation superintendent, head filter operator and other designated personnel:

An operator is responsible for the operation, lubrication and maintenance of electric water pumps in various locations of the water utility;
Assists in the operation of a filtration plant, including the examination, inspection, repair, operation and maintenance of a Harding's automatic backwash rapid sand filter and the connections, gates, valves, recorders, indicators, etc;
Makes routine control tests such as chlorine residuals, lead, pH tests, etc;
Keeps an inventory of chemicals;
Assists in the control of coagulation as required; washes filters;
Increases or decreases rate flow as necessary; takes water samples and reads, records and replaces charts.
Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
Knowledge of the principles, procedures, methods, equipment and material used in water treatment; Knowledge of the methods and techniques used in order to properly handle variations in water quality and quantity. Knowledge of the safety practices which should be observed in the operation and maintenance of a water treatment facility. Knowledge of the sampling and laboratory test procedures.
Ability to interpret logs, gauges and test results relative to treatment plant operations. Ability to
read, understand and interpret federal, state and local laws relative to water treatment and
facilities. Knowledge of the safety precautions used in water filtration and testing procedures.

LANGUAGE SKILLS
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals,
technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business
correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond
to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS
Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions,
percentages, area, circumference, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and
geometry.
REASONING ABILITY
Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations
where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished
in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS
Must have a current and valid Water Treatment Plant Operator's Grade 1 License issued from the
Board of Certification of Operators of Water Treatment Facilities, or able to obtain this license
within one year of appointment. Must have valid, current driver's license.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
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 essential
functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand. The
employee is occasionally required to walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with
hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hear. The
employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required
by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception,
and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee
encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations
may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or
humid conditions; moving mechanical parts; high, precarious places; fumes or airborne particles;
toxic or caustic chemicals; outside weather conditions; risk of electrical shock; and risk of
radiation. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.

The City of Lowell is a smoke and drug free employer and requires a physical with drug screen,
and CORI post offer.

Qualified individuals should apply by the deadline of September 10, 2026 by submitting
application/resume with cover letter using the City of Lowell job opportunities online
portal:
https://cityoflowellma.munisselfservice.com/ess/employmentopportunities/default.aspx
The City of Lowell is an Equal Opportunity Employer and remains steadfast in its commitment to
compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws prohibiting employment
discrimination. The City is further committed to providing fair and equitable treatment
throughout the hiring and employment process.
The City of Lowell provides reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with
disabilities in the application and employment process. If you need assistance or
accommodation due to a disability, please contact the Human Relations Office.
EOE/AA/504 Employer