Associate Plant Engineer (25-106)

Company logo
Charleston Water System
Provides water, wastewater, and stormwater services to the Charleston, SC area.
Engineering oversight & project management for water treatment plant operations.
6 days ago ago
$67,579 - $104,748
Intermediate (4-7 years)
Full Time
Hanahan, SC
Onsite
Company Size
600 Employees
Service Specialisms
Water Treatment
Wastewater Treatment
Utility Management
Water Distribution
Sewer Collection
Environmental Services
Project Management
Engineering
Sector Specialisms
Water
Utilities
Government
Role
What you would be doing
equipment evaluation
capital projects
project management
process automation
facility inspection
stakeholder coordination
  • Identify, locate, and evaluate equipment to maximize use of personnel and reduce other operating cost.
  • Develop capital projects for plant optimization, manpower efficiency, and regulatory compliance.
  • Coordinate with Engineering & Construction department engineers on completion of major capital projects.
  • Provide operations oversight as necessary including training on technical, safety and regulatory subjects.
  • Supervise the Engineering Co-Op as needed.
  • Manage technical aspects of implementing net recurring projects. Coordinate with all stakeholders.
  • Assist operations department in identifying and developing improvement opportunities.
  • Develop and prioritize equipment upgrades and new purchases.
  • Provide project management for projects assigned to outside engineering consultants and assist Maintenance Dept. as necessary.
  • Perform studies and engineering investigations and provide cost estimates.
  • Assess and develop projects that leverage use of manpower.
  • May be required to work during emergency (hazardous) conditions.
  • Routinely inspect and spot-check all facilities to identify physical plant deficiencies and needs.
  • May be required to wear a full-face respirator.
  • Evaluate work process that are labor intensive and develop systems and procedures to automate and simplify work processes.
What you bring
engineering degree
eit
iso 14001
water cert
project management
communication
  • Specific knowledge of CWS Environmental Management System Policy and Procedures.
  • Must be able to wear Personnel Protective Equipment (PPE) as defined in the Job Safety Analysis (JSA) to perform the required essential functions.
  • Must possess good oral and written communication skills.
  • Ability to operate and maintain motor vehicles.
  • Proven leadership skills strongly preferred.
  • Specific knowledge of CWS Environmental Management System policies and procedures.
  • Frequent sedentary work with extended sitting required.
  • "C" level Water Certification exam required within 12 months of hire.
  • Regular attendance is required.
  • Ability to read and comprehend detailed technical reports.
  • Job performance must conform to all CWS policies and procedures.
  • ISO 14001 standards for department and company.
  • Engineer-in-Training registration required where applicable.
  • Routinely ascend/descend ladders, stairs and ramps as high as thirteen (13) stories at Plum Island and three (3) stories at Hanahan. Ability to work at elevated height levels as needed to perform various task.
  • Valid South Carolina Driver's License required.
  • Job performance must conform to all CWS Policies and procedures
  • “A” level Water Certification exam required within 24 months of hire.
  • Standard Operating Instruction (SOI) per department requirements
  • Required to work with chemicals used in wastewater treatment processes.
  • Subject to 24-hour on-call.
  • Occasional exposure to loud machinery. Hearing Protection Required.
  • Ability to make visual observations of repairs, construction, equipment installation and field work in progress to ensure compliance.
  • Occasionally positions self to exert up to 50 lbs of force and/or up to 25 lbs of force constantly to move objects. Objects greater than 50 lbs require a two-person operation.
  • Must be able to make visual observations in daylight and night.
  • Bachelor's degree in engineering or technical degree in chemistry, biology, physics etc. from ABET accredited program with four (4) years of progressive engineering work.
  • Ability to communicate effectively in writing, verbally and with a 2-way radio to include comprehension of complex oral and written instructions.
  • Computer skills: must have extensive experience with windows-based word processing and spreadsheet software (prefer Word or Excel). Including use of complex, menu driven programs.
  • Ability to move about extensively for long distances over an extensive plant site with varied topography and features.
  • Ability to communicate effectively in writing, verbally and with a 2-way radio, to include comprehension of complex oral and written instructions.
  • OSHA and Departmental safety training as required.
  • At least 3 years’ experience managing capital projects strongly preferred.
  • Ability to observe and comprehend computer screens.
  • Ability to issue, receive and understand complex oral and written instructions.
  • Constantly works in internal / external environmental conditions. Subject to atmospheric conditions of one or more of the following that affect the respiratory system or skin: Fumes (paint), odors, dusts, gases, etc. Personnel Protective Equipment Required.
  • Experience in experimental design and statistical process control strongly preferred.
  • Prior work record indicating dependability and conscientiousness.
  • Experienced in presenting technical concepts to regulatory boards, environmental groups and non-technical interested parties.
  • Ability to convey detailed instructions to associates and contractors accurately, loudly, and quickly.
Benefits
  • Skills Based Training
Training + Development
Information not given or found
Company
Overview
Over 500,000 residents
Residents Served
Provides essential water, wastewater, and stormwater services to the local community.
Over 4,000 miles
Infrastructure Network
Operates a vast network of water and sewer lines across the region.
Since 1927
Years of Service
Has been providing water services, evolving from a small utility to a leading provider.
Millions daily
Water Handled
Processes millions of gallons of water each day, ensuring clean water reaches homes and businesses.
  • Handles infrastructure maintenance and offers innovative solutions for water treatment and waste management.
  • plays a key role in stormwater management, protecting against flooding and environmental risks.
  • Undertakes projects like sewer system expansion and modernization of water treatment plants for efficiency.
  • supports sustainable growth initiatives in the local government.
Culture + Values
  • Dedicated to providing high-quality, reliable, and efficient services.
  • Committed to fostering a workplace that is safe, diverse, and inclusive.
  • Value continuous improvement and innovation.
  • Committed to environmental stewardship.
  • Encourage teamwork, integrity, and professionalism in all that we do.
  • Maintain a customer-first approach, focusing on responsiveness and community engagement.
Environment + Sustainability
2050
Net-zero Target
A clear commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by the year 2050, demonstrating strong environmental responsibility.
  • Focus on reducing energy use and greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Investing in renewable energy solutions and sustainable infrastructure.
  • Ongoing improvements in water conservation and waste reduction practices.
  • Collaborating with local and regional organizations to improve environmental outcomes.
  • Regular monitoring and reporting on environmental performance and compliance.
Inclusion & Diversity
  • Developing strategies to increase diversity in leadership and technical roles.
  • Engaging with underrepresented communities to build a more inclusive workforce.
  • Ensuring fair and equitable hiring practices across all job functions.
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