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Treatment Operations Foreman- Water Treatment

City of Portsmouth, NH
Portsmouth, NH Full Time
POSTED ON 3/22/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 4/25/2026

The City of Portsmouth is seeking a dedicated and knowledgeable Water Treatment Operations Foreman. This role plays a vital part in protecting public health by ensuring the safe, reliable, and efficient delivery of drinking water to the City of Portsmouth and the Pease International Tradeport.

Starting pay range is $36.05- $39.74 an hour (plus on-call pay) depending on experience and license per the Supervisory Management Association (SMA) Working Agreement.

We encourage you to apply even if you don’t satisfy every single bullet on this list.

The City offers a generous compensation and benefits package that includes retirement paid time off including vacation holidays medical & dental insurance flexible spending account professional development career growth longevity incentives and more!


NATURE OF WORK
This position reports out of Madbury Water Treatment Plant and/or Pease Water Treatment Plant and includes overseeing the operation and maintenance of water treatment facilities, pump stations, well sites, and storage tanks that supply drinking water to the City of Portsmouth and the Pease International Tradeport. This includes optimizing treatment processes to ensure that the quality of treated water meets all applicable rules and regulations. The Treatment Operations Foreman is responsible for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data related to system operations. Other duties include assisting the Chief Plant Operator in scheduling, directing staff, purchasing, taking the lead on projects, facility upkeep, and maintaining operational reports as needed. The Treatment Operations Foreman functions under the provisions of the Working Agreement between the City of Portsmouth and the Portsmouth Supervisory Management Alliance (SMA) collective bargaining agreement.


SUPERVISION
Incumbent works under general direction of the Director of Public Works, Water Resources Director, Water Treatment Operations Manager, Chief Plant Operator (CPO), Assistant Chief Plant Operator (ACPO) or their designee. Work is performed in accordance with standard practices and previous training, with independence in determining the sequence and timing of duties and in planning and organizing work activities. Incumbent uses sound judgment to solve problems of varying degrees of complexity or unusual situations by adapting methods or interpreting instructions. Position assists the CPO with technical and procedural evaluations.

Position may be responsible for the immediate supervision of full-time facility operators as directed by the CPO or WOM. Incumbent assists with training and provides input for performance evaluations, discipline, and hiring of employees. Workload fluctuates predictably throughout the year. Incumbent is on rotational on call schedule for evenings, weekends and holiday coverage and must be available for emergencies at all times.


ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustration of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to, or extension of, the position.

1. Works with CPO to oversee all aspects of process control and maintenance at the Madbury and Pease Water Treatment Plants, the Bellamy Reservoir, City well sites, storage tanks, and pumping stations.

2. Adjust process control practices based on performance data and optimize treatment system performance using industry metrics and site-specific trends.

3. Possesses a working knowledge of water chemistry, water treatment operations, mechanical systems, and laboratory procedures. Strong problem-solving skills are essential.

4. Maintains and utilizes the City's computerized maintenance management system (CMMS), SCADA, HACH RIO, WIMS, and Microsoft Office tools to manage daily operations, maintenance records, and reporting.

5. Prioritizes being hands on and leading by example in all aspects of plant operations, equipment maintenance, and repair. Comfortable with work that includes but is not limited to plumbing, mechanical repair, carpentry, instrumentation installation /calibration, and minor electrical.

6. Keeps adequate inventory of spare parts using CMMS and/or other asset management applications.

7. Maintains and operates treatment facility equipment including pumps, motors, laboratory equipment, chemical feed systems, and other equipment essential to operations.

8. Attends training sessions to obtain credits necessary to maintain a valid New Hampshire Grade III water treatment license and to remain current with developments in the industry.

9. Coordinates and performs buildings and grounds maintenance including mowing, weed trimming, leaf blowing, custodial upkeep, and snow removal at treatment facilities to keep a clean, orderly, and safe working environment.
10. Corresponds with vendors, contractors, and consultants regarding plant projects and inventory purchases.

11. Administers and adheres to City policies and plant standard operating procedures.

12. Assists CPO in performing administrative duties for the treatment plant.

13. Maintains water of sufficient quality and quantity, with chemicals and procedures, to ensure compliance with State and EPA guidelines.

14. Will be part of on-call rotation and be available to respond to after-hour emergencies.
15. Oversees daily log books for plant operations and maintains laboratory records.
16. Orders and maintains chemical inventory and ensures proper storage.
17. Performs laboratory work for operational controls and for compliance with standard methods, and/or State and EPA guidelines.

18. Assists the Chief Plant Operator in the development and implementation of policies and standard operating procedures (SOPs).

19.Performs other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
An incumbent in this position consistently demonstrates a(n)...

1. Knowledge of water treatment processes, regulatory compliance, and plant operations.

2. Proficiency with laboratory testing procedures, instrumentation, and data interpretation.

3. Effective supervisory, communication, and problem-solving skills.

4. Ability to actively troubleshoot process issues independently.

5. Working proficiency of cell phones and computers to utilize SCADA, CMMS, Hach RIO, Hach WIMS, and Microsoft Office applications.

6. Ability to evaluate mechanical and electrical systems and implement corrective actions.

7. Strong understanding of safety standards in water treatment.

8. Ability to interpret and apply local, state, and federal drinking water regulations.

9. Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with internal staff, regulatory agencies, and the public.

10. Ability to communicate effectively with the general public, City staff, and government officials at all levels.


ENVIRONMENT, WORKING CONDITIONS, PHYSICAL AND MENTAL EFFORT
The job takes place in an office, workshop, water treatment facilities, and outdoor settings with moderate to loud noise. Position needs to talk, listen, frequently use their hands and may stand, walk, sit, bend, or reach for a significant portion of the day. Work is performed in offices, laboratories, plants, field locations and vehicles which require substantial physical dexterity and use of all limbs and fingers. This includes the ability to work in, around, under and on top of machinery and equipment.

Frequently lifts items up to 30 pounds and occasionally lifts up to 60 pounds unassisted. Work is performed inside and outdoors in all weather conditions. There will be exposure to outdoor weather, harmful chemicals, diseases, fumes, extreme temperatures, and moving parts with some risk of electric shock.

Normal vision is required. Equipment used includes light trucks, cars, light machinery, power and hand tools, computers, and laboratory equipment.


MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Incumbent must have a high school diploma or GED and at least four (4) years of experience in the operations of a water treatment facility. The candidate must be certified as a New Hampshire Water Treatment Operator Grade III or have the ability to obtain with 12 months of hire. Obtaining additional certification or licensing may be required.

Must possess a valid driver’s license and have no offenses which would prohibit or restrict insurability by any insurance carrier providing coverage to the City.

Obtaining additional certificates and/or licensing may be required.

(The above descriptions are illustrative. They are intended as guides for personnel actions and are not complete itemizations of all facets of any job.)


DISCLAIMER

The essential functions and duties described herein are normal for this position. They are intended as an illustration of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if work is similarly related or a logical assignment to or extension of the position. Other duties may be required and assigned by the supervisor. The City of Portsmouth is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. The City is committed to providing access to equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, contact our Human Resources Director by phone 603-610-4478.

APPLICATION SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS
Finalist must complete pre-employment screening drug testing & background check.

Salary : $36 - $40

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