Hillsborough Wastewater Plant Operator III Shawn Maines will retire June 1 after over 28 years with the town.

“Shawn has proven himself to be detailed oriented and always reliable throughout his career. He was able to achieve the highest level of wastewater operator certification and mentored others to do the same,” said Jeff Mahagan, Hillsborough’s deputy utilities director for water treatment. “Shawn’s hard work ethic and dedication to the town will be very difficult to replace.”

Maines began his career with the Utilities Department in April 1998. He quickly became certified as a wastewater treatment plant operator I and later gained additional credentials and responsibilities. He qualified as a plant operator II in 2008 and as operator III the following year. In 2013, he became the town’s chief wastewater plant operator and served in that role until last year. Maines credits Mahagan with encouraging him to achieve the additional certifications.

As a plant operator, Maines has run the plant, which includes startup and shutdown processes, testing the treated wastewater before it flows to the Eno River, and operating the belt press that removes solids from wastewater near the head of the plant. The work has included many overnight and weekend shifts and keeping the plant operational through ice storms and other inclement weather. 

"The waking up early and fighting traffic and running around to accomplish things by deadlines — none of that will I miss,” Maines said. “But the people — I will miss the people.”

In retirement, he plans to work on his house, do some gardening, make pasta from scratch and catch minor league baseball games in the southern states.

“It is always bittersweet to see longtime dedicated employees like Shawn leave the town,” Utilities Director Marie Strandwitz said. “However, I wish him equal success in his retirement as he had with us here at the wastewater plant. His smile, wit and knowledge will be missed!”

Job Opportunities 

The town is accepting applications for a police officer and a municipal sanitation and equipment operator. See the Job Opportunities website. Also view the town’s recruitment video.