1. (1) There shall be seven grades of operators to coincide with the classification of plants set forth in 257 CMR 2.13. Operator grades shall be issued which correspond to the class of facility which the operator is qualified to operate.

2. (2) Experience, to be acceptable, shall be the result of satisfactory accomplishment of work. Education-Experience equivalents are set forth below:

   Education Experience Equivalent

   Master's Degree 5 years (in one of the fields below) Bachelor's Degree in -- 4 years Engineering; Chemical, Civil, Electrical, Environmental, Mechanical, or Sanitary. Environmental Science, Biology, Chemistry, Bacteriology, or Public Health Associates Degree in the above 3 years or Wastewater Treatment Technology Bachelor's Degree in other fields 3 years Graduation from High School or 2 years its equivalent

Short courses in wastewater treatment and related technical fields may qualify applicants for additional experience equivalents ranging from three to eighteen months as determined by the Board. Additional education experience may only be added up to the maximum per grade level.

1. (3) Operators shall possess experience and/or education as follows:

   1. (a) Grade 1 Operators shall have passed a Grade 1 examination and possess at least one year of experience at a level of responsibility comparable to that of a Class I plant or higher. Education may be substituted for not more than six months of experience.
   2. (b) Grade 2 Operators shall have passed a Grade 2 examination and possess at least three years of experience at a level of responsibility comparable to that of a Class 1 plant or higher. Education may be substituted for not more than two years of experience.
   3. (c) Grade 3 Operators shall have passed a Grade 3 examination and possess at least five years of experience at a level of responsibility comparable to that of a Class 2 plant or higher. Education may be substituted for not more than three years of experience.
   4. (d) Grade 4 Operators shall have passed a Grade 4 examination and possess at least six years of experience at a level of responsibility comparable to that of a Class 3 plant or higher. Education may be substituted for not more than four years of experience.
   5. (e) Grade 5 Operators shall have passed a Grade 5 examination and possess at least six years of experience at a level of responsibility comparable to that of a Class 4 plant or higher. Education may be substituted for not more than four years of experience.
   6. (f) Grade 6 Operators shall have passed a Grade 6 examination and possess at least seven years of experience at a level of responsibility comparable to that of a Class 5 plant or higher. Education may be substituted for not more than five years of experience.
   7. (g) Grade 7 Operators shall have passed a Grade 6 examination and possess at least eight years of experience at a level of responsibility comparable to that of a Class 6 plant or higher. Education may be substituted for not more than five years of experience.