Water / Wastewater Operator in Training

WATER SYSTEMS INC. OF WEST COLUMBIA

Water/Wastewater Operator in Training

Location: West Columbia, SC
Employment Type: Full-Time
Starting Pay: $16.00–$19.00 per hour, based on experience and qualifications

POSITION OVERVIEW

Water Systems Inc. of West Columbia is seeking a dependable and motivated individual to join our team as a Full-Time Water/Wastewater Operator in Training.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone interested in beginning or advancing a career in the water and wastewater industry. A current Water or Wastewater Operator license is not required to apply.

The selected candidate will initially be responsible for checking assigned wastewater lift stations while receiving structured training and hands-on experience designed to prepare them to obtain their Water and/or Wastewater Operator licenses.

Water Systems is committed to developing the right candidate. We will provide training, study materials, on-the-job experience, and assistance with the licensing process.

TRAINING & LICENSING

The selected candidate will receive approximately 1–2 days per week of dedicated water and wastewater training, in addition to hands-on experience gained while performing regular job duties.

Water Systems will:

• Provide on-the-job water and wastewater operations training;
• Provide study materials to prepare for licensing examinations;
• Pay for the employee's applicable Operator-in-Training/trainee license;
• Provide practical experience working with water and wastewater systems;
• Assist the employee in preparing for applicable Water and Wastewater Operator licensing examinations; and
• Provide a pay increase for each Water or Wastewater Operator license successfully obtained.

This position is intended to provide a pathway for an employee to develop into a licensed Water/Wastewater Operator with opportunities for increased responsibility and compensation as licenses, knowledge, and experience are obtained.

INITIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

The employee's initial primary responsibility will be performing an assigned route to inspect and check wastewater lift stations.

Duties will include, but are not limited to:

• Travel to assigned wastewater lift stations on a scheduled daily route;
• Inspect lift stations for proper operation;
• Check pumps, controls, alarms, wet wells, and related equipment;
• Record required readings and observations;
• Identify and report abnormal operating conditions, equipment problems, alarms, leaks, or other concerns;
• Maintain accurate daily logs and inspection records;
• Immediately communicate significant operational or maintenance concerns to the appropriate supervisor;
• Maintain assigned Company vehicle and equipment in a clean and professional condition; and
• Follow Company safety procedures and operational requirements.

As training progresses, the employee will be introduced to additional water and wastewater operational responsibilities.

WATER & WASTEWATER TRAINING

Depending upon the employee's progress and training schedule, additional duties may include:

• Water system operations;
• Wastewater system operations;
• Water treatment and distribution systems;
• Wastewater collection and treatment systems;
• Wells, pumps, tanks, and related equipment;
• Water and wastewater sampling;
• Basic laboratory and field testing;
• Reading meters, gauges, and monitoring equipment;
• Regulatory recordkeeping and operational documentation;
• Preventive maintenance;
• Troubleshooting operational issues; and
• Other duties necessary to develop the skills required of a licensed Water/Wastewater Operator.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Applicants for this position must possess a state-issued high school diploma or GED.

Applicants must also:

• Possess a valid driver's license;
• Maintain an acceptable driving record;
• Be eligible to operate a Company vehicle;
• Be willing and able to study for and take Water and Wastewater Operator licensing examinations;
• Be dependable and punctual;
• Be comfortable working independently while completing an assigned route;
• Be willing to learn through both study materials and hands-on training;
• Have good communication and recordkeeping skills;
• Be able to recognize and report unusual operating conditions;
• Be comfortable working outdoors in varying weather conditions; and
• Be willing to assist with other operational duties as training and experience increase.

A current Water or Wastewater Operator license is not required.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE & EDUCATION

Some previous experience in water/wastewater, utilities, plumbing, mechanical work, environmental services, municipal systems, or another related industry is preferred but not required.

Industry-specific college coursework or college credit related to water/wastewater operations, environmental science, engineering technology, utilities, or a related field is also preferred but not required.

We are willing to train the right candidate who demonstrates a strong work ethic, dependability, willingness to learn, and an interest in developing a career in the water and wastewater industry.

DRIVING REQUIREMENTS

Because this position requires daily travel between customer facilities and assigned stations, applicants must:

• Possess a valid driver's license;
• Maintain an acceptable driving record;
• Be eligible to operate a Company vehicle; and
• Follow all Company vehicle and fuel-card policies.

COMPANY VEHICLE & FUEL CARD

A Company vehicle and Company fuel card will be provided for the employee's assigned daily route and authorized Company business.

The Company vehicle and fuel card are to be used only in accordance with Water Systems policies and for authorized business purposes.

COMPENSATION & CAREER DEVELOPMENT

Starting Pay: $16.00–$19.00 per hour

Starting compensation will be based upon the candidate's previous experience, education, industry knowledge, and qualifications.

Most importantly, this position offers a defined opportunity for advancement:

Each Water or Wastewater Operator license successfully obtained will result in a pay increase.

As the employee obtains licenses and demonstrates increased knowledge, experience, and ability, additional responsibilities and opportunities for advancement may become available.

WHY JOIN WATER SYSTEMS?

This is more than an entry-level route position. It is an opportunity to learn a skilled profession while working and earning a paycheck.

Water Systems will provide the selected candidate with the tools and opportunity to build a career in an essential industry, including:

• Paid, hands-on training;
• 1–2 days per week dedicated to water/wastewater training;
• Company-provided study materials;
• Company-paid applicable training/Operator-in-Training license;
• Preparation for Water and Wastewater Operator licensing exams;
• Real-world operating experience;
• Company vehicle and fuel card for assigned routes; and
• Pay increases as licenses are earned.

We are looking for someone who wants to learn, grow, obtain professional licenses, and develop a long-term career in the water and wastewater industry.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Water Systems Inc. of West Columbia is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made based on qualifications, experience, performance, and the needs of the Company without unlawful discrimination.

Pay: $16.00 - $19.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Dependent health insurance coverage
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person