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Selectmen authorize advertising for wastewater superintendent/assistant after staffing concerns
Summary
Facing a shortage of licensed wastewater operators, the board authorized sewer commissioners and the superintendent to advertise for a licensed assistant or superintendent to ensure continuity of plant operations.
The North Brookfield Board of Selectmen on Jan. 28 voted to allow the sewer commissioners and the superintendent to advertise for a wastewater superintendent or assistant after the department raised staffing and continuity concerns.
Aaron, the town's wastewater superintendent, told the board that he cannot reliably take time away from the plant because no other licensed operator is on staff. "Right now I technically can't even take a day away from the plant because there's nobody on staff that's licensed to operate the plant," Aaron said, describing a staffing gap that could leave the town dependent on expensive outside contractors.
Aaron recommended placing recruitment ads on wastewater-industry sites and on job boards. He said the annual salary for the assistant position had been listed at about $72,000 and that the town has previously used paid job postings (he referenced a roughly $1,200 advertising cost) without attracting qualified applicants. The board approved a motion allowing the sewer commissioners and superintendent to advertise "as they see fit." The motion was made, seconded and approved.
Aaron said the plant recently brought new equipment online and that operations are technical and require experienced operators. He described a range of recruitment steps the department will take, including clearer salary listings and broader outreach.
The board also discussed budget implications and confirmed that funds were available in the upcoming budget to support the position if a hire is made.
