Regional Title 5 Independent Contractor

The Title 5 Independent Contractor supports the Mill Towns Shared Public Health Collaborative which is comprised of the Towns of Ludlow, Palmer, Warren, and West Brookfield Health Departments. The Health Departments are engaged in an innovative initiative to strengthen core local public health services, to advance the recommendations of the 2019 Special Commission on Local and Regional Public Health and promote healthier communities across the region.
The Title 5 Independent Contractor reports to the Ludlow Health Director and the Ludlow/Mill Towns Shared Public Health Services’ Board and provides code enforcement support for issues related to the Massachusetts Environmental Code Title 5 and various tasks associated with onsite wastewater treatment and disposal. The Contractor oversees soil evaluations and determines groundwater elevations, witnessing percolation tests, and documenting results on Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) approved forms; reviewing proposed system installation plans; doing final inspections on septic system installations prior to backfilling; and providing guidance to the District and Local Boards of Health in their deliberations on variance requests and Local Upgrade Approvals. Attendance at Board of Health meetings may be required at times.

Key Responsibilities

• In accordance with 310 CMR 15.000, witnessing soil evaluations to determine estimated seasonal high ground water elevations. Fills out the Ludlow/Mill Towns coalition members soil suitability assessment for on-site sewage disposal form and submits with invoice for work.
• In accordance with 310 CMR 15.000, witnessing percolation tests. Fills out the Ludlow/Mill Towns coalition members Percolation Test Form and submits with invoice for work.
• Soil Evaluations and percolation tests must be scheduled within two weeks of notification or sooner.
• In accordance with 310 CMR 15.000, reviewing engineered plans of onsite sewage disposal systems for Disposal Works Construction Permits and ensures compliance with state and local regulations. Fills out the checklist for Septic System Plan Review and submits with invoice for work.
• Plan reviews must be completed, and an approval or denial must be given within three weeks of submittal or sooner.
• Signs and dates applications for Disposal System Construction Permits Form 1A for approval or disapproval; Disposal System construction Permits Form 2A when septic design plans have been approved; and the Certificate of Compliance Form 3 after satisfactorily completing the final inspection of the onsite septic system, and satisfactory as built plans are submitted by the engineer with signatures from the engineer and installer.
• In accordance with 310 CMR 15.000, performs final and if necessary, follow up inspections of the installation of subsurface sewage disposal systems prior to backfilling and gives approval to backfill the components. Fills out the DEP septic system installation checklist and submits with invoice for work.
• Final inspections of septic systems must be done within 24-72 hours of notification.
• Attends Board of Health meetings as needed to provide guidance on local upgrade approvals and variance requests of proposed onsite sewage disposal systems.
• Maintains knowledge and expertise in relevant areas of Title 5 and environmental issues in order to maintain required licenses and certifications and changes in pertinent public health laws and regulations as well as enforcement practices.
• Performing any other relevant duties as required and assigned by the Ludlow Health Director and in accordance with 310 CMR 15.000.

Minimum Qualifications

Position requires a bachelor’s degree in public health, Environmental Health or a related field; and three (3) to five (5) years of prior work experience in the field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience; must have work experience in the design of on-site sewage disposal systems and in conducting percolation tests and soils evaluation.  Must hold the following licenses/certifications: DEP Licensed Soil Evaluator, DEP Licensed Septic System Inspector, Registered Sanitarian, Civil or Professional Engineer or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job. Massachusetts Class D Driver’s License. Mustbe able to pass a CORI check; and possess strong interpersonal, communication and written skills.  Must be able to pay attention to detail and maintain professional working relationships with employees and the public. Attendance may be required at Board of Health meetings if requested.  

This position can earn up to $10,000/year. This is a non-benefited position. Hours are flexible depending on Contractor’s schedule to complete designated work from the Mill Town Coalition.