Distribution System Operator Jobs in Boston, MA (NOW HIRING)

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Summary
Locates water leaks in MWRA Distribution System and for MWRA communities. Locates and marks out the location of MWRA water mains. Performs flow tests for meter testing. Assists in training personnel of MWRA communities in methods of leak detection.

Posting Period: 8/04/2026 to 9/04/2026
Location: Chelsea, MA
Salary: $69,579.72 - $94,005.57 Annually $1,338.07 - $1,807.80 Weekly
External Hires Start at $69,579.72
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 7:00am - 3:30pm

Key Responsibilities

• Performs leak detection of MWRA Distribution System through use of leak correlator, of leak correlate and sonic leak apparatus and other leak detection equipment.
• Opens manholes and valve boxes in the MWRA Distribution System to inspect for deficiencies.
• Connects and collects data from pressure recorders and gauges. Operates hydrants, manual air valves, and corporation stops as necessary to connect pressure recorders and gauges.
• Marks leak locations and assists contract and community repair crews in pinpointing leaks.
• Prepares a variety of written reports for MWRA and MWRA communities including survey, progress and leak site reports.
• Collects field data from in-house valve replacements and leak sites including sketches with distance ties to newly installed equipment and leaks.
• Conducts and inspects pitot-type flow tests for meter-checking programs and inspects emergency connections and bypasses.
• Installs hydraulic monitoring instrumentation equipment (i.e. pressure transmitters, etc.) Downloads and prepares data for presentations.
• Assists in training workers employed by MWRA communities in leak detection methods.
• Enters labor and equipment maintenance data into computer maintenance management software (MAXIMO)
• Locates and marks out the location of MWRA water mains.
• Performs related duties as required.

Required Qualifications

• Basic reading, writing, mathematical and oral communication skills as normally attained through a high school education or equivalent required; Associate's degree in civil engineering or related field preferred; and
• At least two (2) years of waterworks or underground utility construction experience preferably in water distribution systems; or
• Any equivalent combination of education and experience.
• A valid Class D Motor Vehicle Operators License.
• Water Treatment Operator Grade 1 License or Water Distribution Operator Grade 1 License, or ability to obtain within 1 year.
• This position has been designated as essential in instances where the MWRA Executive Director requires essential personnel to report to work such as inclement weather or other emergencies.

Knowledge and Abilities

• Ability to read and interpret plans, maps, and drawings.
• Working knowledge of personal computers, mobile devices, Microsoft Office, and Adobe Acrobat pdf editing.
• Ability to perform simple mathematical calculations and write accurate reports.
• Knowledge of general pipeline construction.
• Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills.

Tools and Equipment Used
Motor vehicle, metal detector, pipe locator, ground microphone, leak correlator, sonic leak detection equipment, and power and hand tools

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 regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls and reach with hands and arms. The employee frequently is required to stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, stand, walk, talk or hear, sit, climb, or balance. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move more than 100pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance and peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Specific hearing abilities required by this job include being able to distinguish between varying tones and frequencies.

Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in outside weather conditions.
The employee regularly works near moving mechanical parts and is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions and vibration. The employee occasionally works in precarious places and is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, and risk of electrical shock. The noise level in the work environment is very loud in field settings, and moderately loud at other work locations.

Supervision Received and Exercised
Works under the general supervision of the Supervisor, Inspection.

Other Position Information
PCR: 3384051
Division: Operations
Department: Pipe Inspection - Water
Union/Grade: United Steelworkers Local 9358 (Unit 1)/ Grade 17

Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, disability, sex or gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or veteran status.