Wages are increasing for Wareham’s sewer operators to address longstanding staffing issues. 

At the Aug. 12 Sewer Commission meeting, department director Guy Campinha announced that the wages for those jobs — which require sophisticated knowledge of chemistry and equipment — will be increased to be closer to market rate.

Currently, the department doesn’t have any sewer operators on staff, and instead relies on a contract with a local company. 

The Commission also approved a contract for on-demand assistance on weekends that the department can use as needed until the sewer operator positions are filled.

“We’re doing everything possible to bring in operators,” said Campinha. He said that his current staffing levels are so low it’s nearly impossible to stay on top of the plant’s operation.