Water Treatment Plant Operator Apprentice / Transitional Operator 25-069
Charleston Water System
Provides water, wastewater, and stormwater services to the Charleston, SC area.
Assist in operating & maintaining the water treatment plant under supervision.
9 days ago ago
$41,600 - $59,654
Entry-level
Full Time
Charleston, 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
Description
equipment operation
chemical dosing
sample analysis
maintenance
data entry
reporting
Monitor and operate the most economical and efficient equipment based upon treatment process needs, distribution system demands, and power consumption.
Maintain accurate and complete plant operation logs.
Monitor and ensure that all equipment is in proper working condition; communicate with the shift supervisor and/or maintenance department personnel concerning problems encountered.
Order chemicals and handle deliveries as required.
Perform preventive and corrective maintenance on equipment as required.
Enter data into a computer database.
May be required to work under emergency conditions.
Light maintenance of equipment on weekends and in absence of maintenance staff.
Monitor and perform calculations, implement, and optimize chemical dosages.
Residuals treatment and disposal meeting all state and federal regulations.
Collect and analyze samples for control and optimization of all treatment plant processes.
Prepare and maintain accurate daily and monthly plant operations reports, and chemical inventory records. Input data into various databases
Conduct bench-top tests for control and optimization of all treatment plant processes.
May be required to participate in Intra/Inter Departmental cross training.
Using upper extremities to exert force in order to draw, drag, haul, or tug objects in a sustained motion. On occasion this can require greater than 50 lbs of force. Objects greater than 50 lbs require a two-person operation.
Using upper extremities to press against something with steady force in order to thrust forward, downward, or outward.
Requirements
operator license
b‑level exam
six years
osha
hazmat
word excel
Job performance must conform to all CWS policies and procedures.
Ability to receive detailed information through oral and written communication and to make fine discriminations in sound, such as when making adjustments to equipment.
Prior work record indicating dependability and conscientiousness.
Essential functions will advance in complexity as the associate accelerates through the Water Treatment Plant Operator Apprenticeship Program (reference job descriptions for other Water Treatment Plant Operator positions listed below in the Education and/or Experience section).
Valid South Carolina driver’s license required.
OSHA and Departmental safety training as required.
Required to work with chemicals used in water treatment processes.
Additional Duties will advance in complexity as the associate accelerates through the Water Treatment Plant Operator Apprenticeship Program (reference job descriptions for other Water Treatment Plant Operator positions listed below in the Education and/or Experience section.
South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation require that persons operating an environmental treatment facility obtain an operator's license from the Environmental Certification Board. Must be able to pass the Water Operators Examination through the "B" level as outlined in the CWS Apprenticeship Program for Water Treatment Plant Operator. Failure to complete this requirement may result in Termination.
Must be able to wear Personnel Protective Equipment (PPE) as defined in the Job Safety Analysis (JSA) to perform the required essential functions.
HAZMAT training preferred.
Minimum of six years’ relevant industrial experience, for example – chemical manufacturing, industrial boilers, nuclear operator, or water/wastewater treatment.
Ability to communicate effectively in writing, verbally and with a 2-way radio, to include comprehension of complex oral and written instructions.
Constantly positions self to move, traverse for long distances as necessary to perform required work. Must be able to move about extensively to make inspections of treatment plant with varied topography and features.
ISO 14001 standards for department and company.
Ability to lift, carry and/or pour 50 pound bags of dry chemicals from a height of four feet from the floor.
Must have a strong technical aptitude.
Ability to work 12 hour shifts, rotating. (Both day and night)
Worker may be required to wear a respirator and/or self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).
Ability to navigate restricted spaces such as chemical pits, spiral stairwell, etc as needed to perform required job functions.
Must successfully complete a proficiency in the job skills required for each level as outlined in the CWS Apprenticeship Program for Water Treatment Plant Operator.
High school diploma or GED required.
Must be able to maneuver large valve operator wheels and chain mechanisms.
Good written and verbal communication skills.
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.
Specific knowledge of CWS Environmental Management System Policy and Procedures.
Standard Operating Instruction (SOI) per department requirements.
Required to work with chemicals.
Basic computer skills with windows based word processing and spreadsheet software. (Prefer Word and Excel)
Regular attendance is required.
Once fully proficient (as outlined by the Operator Apprenticeship Program), the Transitional Operator will advance to Journeyman Operator.
Ability to use a calculator.
Ability to make visual observations of all basins and equipment, obtain instrument readings, collect samples and field test readings from numerous sample points.
Ability to convey detailed instructions to other workers accurately, loudly, and quickly.
Routinely ascend/descend ladders, stairs and ramps as high as three stories. Ability to work at elevated height levels as needed to perform various task.
Benefits
Skills Based Training.
Candidates may receive applicable bonuses or pay increases as they progress through the program.
Training + Development
Information not given or found
Interview process
Information not given or found
Visa Sponsorship
Information not given or found
Security clearance
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.