Water Treatment Engineer

Job no: 529146
Work type: Staff Full Time
Location: UMass Amherst
Department: Building Maintenance
Union: PSU
Categories: Facilities/Grounds, PSU A

About UMass Amherst

The flagship of the Commonwealth, the University of Massachusetts Amherst is a nationally ranked public land-grant research university that seeks to expand educational access, fuel innovation and creativity, and share and use its knowledge for the common good. Founded in 1863, UMass Amherst sits on nearly 1,450-acres in scenic Western Massachusetts and boasts state-of-the-art facilities for teaching, research, scholarship, and creative activity. The institution advances a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community where everyone feels connected and valued—and thrives, and offers a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees across 10 schools and colleges, and 100 undergraduate majors. We believe every member of our university community can contribute to our ongoing success by striving for the highest level of excellence as we seek breakthrough solutions to mounting environmental, social, economic, and technological challenges in our world.

Job Summary

The Water Treatment Engineer leads the design, implementation, and validation of a comprehensive water treatment program to protect HVAC hydronic systems from corrosion, scaling, biological fouling, and legionella risks. This position establishes SOP's, provides training, and serves as a technical consultant to facilities and design teams to ensure maximum system uptime. It also includes selecting, administering, and monitoring chemical treatments and control strategies to prevent system failures.

Essential Functions

• Develops, implements, oversees, documents, and validates a complete industrial water treatment program to reduce corrosion, scale formation, biological fouling, and potential for legionnaires disease in campus HVAC hydronic systems.
• Develops standard operating procedures (SOP) and maintenance standards; conducts training events; and acts as an in-house water treatment consultant working with architects, designers, planners, HVAC staff, plumbers, pipe fitters and control technicians to ensure maximum up time of the University’s HVAC infrastructure.
• Tests, specifies, selects, and administers chemical treatments and control measures to support the goal of reducing corrosion, scaling, biological fouling, and unplanned down time due to system or component failure.
• Accurately administers and monitors the water treatment program and communicates appreciate recommendations with quantifiable business-oriented justifications.
• Monitors expenses within budget allotment. Prepares reports that provide required data to indicate systems compliance with all applicable water characteristics and control limits.
• Minimizes the use and handling of industrial treatment chemicals and containers to prevent safety hazards. The water treatment engineer is familiar with each component or loop to which treatment chemicals will be applied and works to reduce water treatment program costs.
• Provides professional, knowledgeable service to departments needing technical support. Reduces overall energy/utility consumption through improved heat transfer efficiency and improved water quality. Through improved processes and procedures, reduces systems contamination and minimize scale, corrosion, fouling, and microbiological growth.
• Provides annual training for all personnel involved in the day- to-day water treatment operations.
• Performs operational and compliance responsibilities that the MA DEP assigns to the "Chief Operating Officer" role for the Effluent Treatment Facility.
• Assists in the review and monitoring of the Central Heating Plant's boiler water/feed water treatment program.
• Monitors biological activity in the cooling systems to prevent system failures. Addresses biological control with intermittent operation and weatherization plans. Ensure equipment is laid up properly during idle periods.
• Performs checks for biological activity in all treated systems. Run corrosion coupon studies & test for proper levels of active treatment in all systems for all seasons and conditions.
• Produces detailed treatment records for each chemically treated system. Conducts amine studies to ensure condensate systems area the appropriate pH level and have zero ingress of raw water.
• Complies with local and state standards for chemical storage and discharge. Participate in boiler and chiller inspections and operate a bore scope if needed.
• Manages contracts with water treatment vendors including crating and reviewing scope of work, quotes and invoices. Monitors quality of work and lockout and tagout procedures.
• Manages reclaimed water processes.
  
  

Other Functions

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Marine Engineering, Chemistry or related discipline and five (5) years of experience in industrial water treatment distribution systems management; or an Associate's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Marine Engineering, Chemistry or related discipline and seven (7) years of experience in industrial water treatment distribution systems management.
• Possession of MA Industrial Grade 3 Wastewater Treatment License or ability to acquire one within twelve (12) months from hire.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in using computers and common business software applications, including Microsoft office and Design/drawing software.
• Ability to read and review construction blueprints for new construction, renovation, and repair of water systems.
• Knowledge of lock out/tag out procedures and industrial safety related practices.
• Valid Class D Driver's License.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

• Ability to perform manual work for extended periods and under varying climatic conditions.
• Ability to carry heavy objects of at least 50 lbs.
• Ability to climb and work on a ladder.
  
  

Work Schedule

• Monday-Friday, 7am-3pm
• This position is essential. This includes the obligation to return to work between scheduled shifts when directed, and to report to work during any delays, early departures, closures, campus weather and facility related emergencies. It is your responsibility to update the service desk with your current phone numbers.

Salary Information

Level 27

PSU Hiring Ranges

Special Instructions to Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a resume, and cover letter. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references.

The University of Massachusetts Amherst welcomes all qualified applicants and complies with all state and federal anti-discrimination laws.

Advertised: Nov 24 2025 Eastern Standard Time
Applications close: Feb 27 2026 Eastern Standard Time

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