GREENFIELD — To remain compliant with Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection standards, the city’s Department of Public Works must hire a potable water specialist who holds a Grade 3T drinking water license and certification before the second week of April, according to DPW Director Marlo Warner II.

Warner said the department’s last potable water specialist, responsible for overseeing operations and maintenance for all the city’s water supply and treatment facilities, including pump stations, resigned March 7. Since then, Warner said certified specialists and operators holding lower-tier licenses have taken over the process of testing, treating and maintaining the city’s water.

Addressing concerns expressed on social media that the city’s drinking water had been left untested in the resigned operator’s absence, Warner clarified that the city’s drinking water is being tested daily, as it normally is.

“As of right now, it doesn’t impact [water testing] because we have operators that ... can do the testing and make the rounds of the system,” he said in an interview Monday. “We have a certain period of time to have that position filled, so we’re not in any kind of violation or anything at this point.”

Warner said the position must be filled within 30 days of the previous operator’s date of resignation to remain in compliance with MassDEP standards. Should the DPW be unsuccessful in its effort to hire an operator, Warner said he plans to hire a private Grade 3T-licensed operator to keep the city in compliance.

“If we don’t have that Grade 3T license, we could be in a position to hire a consulting firm that has the license, or a freelance operator with that license, so we have other options,” Warner explained. “We certainly need to meet the DEP requirements under the licensing and we’re working hard on that.”

According to Mayor Ginny Desorgher, the city is working to fill three separate licensed water specialist roles, including the Grade 3T license position. She echoed Warner’s remark that the DPW will be able to maintain its water quality standards until, and after, the operator role is filled.

The city’s job posting states that the potable water specialist position pays an hourly rate of $28.09 to $35.09, with an $8,000 sign-on bonus for Grade 3T license holders.

“There isn’t going to be a lapse in certification, that’s what our goal is,” Mayor’s Office Communications Director Matthew Conway said. “We’re being very aggressive about attracting applicants for the other two open positions.”

Anthony Cammalleri can be reached at acammalleri@recorder.com or 413-930-4429.