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WATER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM OPERATOR

City of Columbia
City of Columbia Salary
Columbia, SC Full Time
POSTED ON 1/23/2025
AVAILABLE BEFORE 3/23/2025
This position installs, tests, inspects, locates, troubleshoots, evaluates, maintains and repairs all components and assets associated with standard operational and maintenance practices of the water distribution system; operates, evaluates and maintains light and heavy equipment in operation and maintenance of the water distribution system; and performs related duties as required.  The incumbent works within a general outline of work to be performed, and develops work methods and sequences under general supervision.

The work is considered medium-to-heavy in nature and involves walking, standing, stooping, lifting, digging, pushing or raising objects and involves exerting between 20 and 50 pounds of force on a recurring basis and 50 to 100 pounds of force on an occasional basis.  The work requires the following physical abilities to perform the essential job functions: balancing, climbing, crawling, crouching, fingering, handling, hearing, kneeling, lifting, mental acuity, pulling, pushing, reaching, repetitive motion, speaking, standing, stooping, talking, visual acuity, and walking.

Work environment may involve exposure to bright/dim light, dusts and pollen, extreme heat and/or cold, wet or humid conditions, extreme noise levels, vibration, fumes and/or noxious odors, traffic, moving machinery, electrical shock, heights, animals/wildlife, toxic/caustic chemicals, confined spaces, disease/pathogens, dangerous gases.  Work involves light to heavy equipment and machinery that could result in bodily harm to co-workers or others.  Safe and secure work environment that may periodically have unpredicted requirements or demands.  Work is dynamic and requires sensitivity to change and responsiveness to changing goals, priorities, and needs.
  • Installs, tests, inspects, locates, troubleshoots, evaluates, maintains and repairs all components and assets associated with standard operational and maintenance practices of the water distribution system;
  • Operates, evaluates and maintains light and heavy equipment in operation and maintenance of the water distribution system;
  • Loads/unloads materials onto/from vehicles;
  • Operates light to heavy off-road equipment or trucks (e.g., dump trucks and other trucks, excavators, cranes, motor graders, bull dozers, bob cats, front-end loaders, skid steers, bush hogs, back hoes, compactors, trailers, tractors, low boys, or trenchers) to excavate or compact earth, load or unload materials, move or haul materials, install pipe, etc.
  • Maintains assigned trucks and equipment; performs cleaning, preventive and routine maintenance and simple repair work as required;
  • Uses hand and power tools in various manual tasks as required;
  • Performs general manual labor tasks as required;
  • Conducts analysis of water distribution system.
  • Inspects equipment to ensure proper and safe working condition; reports defects or required maintenance to the supervisor;
  • Maintains accurate and complete work records as required;
  • Prepares and submits detailed work records and reports;
  • Receives and responds to inquiries, concerns, complaints and requests for assistance in areas of responsibility;
  • Provides leadership to or assists co-workers with various duties as required.
  • Attends meetings, training, etc., as appropriate to enhance job knowledge and skills;
  • Performs all duties in accordance with applicable policies, procedures, laws, regulations, and standards of quality and safety;
  • May be required to work additional hours, holidays, weekends, nights and on-call rotation as needed in order to accomplish assigned work; and
  • Required to work on call rotation; and
  • Performs other related duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications to Perform Work:
  • High school diploma or GED;
  • One (1) year relevant prior experience.
  • Valid South Carolina Class “D” Driver’s License.
  • Must obtain DOT Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) medical examiner’s certificate within thirty (30) days from date of hire;
  • Must possess or obtain a South Carolina Class “A” CDL within timeframe required in the CDL Program;
  • Must possess a LLR Water Distribution System Operator Class “D” License.
  • Able to demonstrate competency and complete the minimum requirements for
  • Operator D as defined in the Water Distribution System Operator Training Program within two (2) years of date of hire;
  • Must possess or obtain Asbestos certification, A Frame certification, and Trench and
  • Shoring certification within one (1) year from date of hire.


Pay grade will be dependent upon certification and work experience for applicants who possess Class “A, B, C or D” level of certification:

LevelPay GradeSalary Range
Trainee107$39,024.00
Operator Level "D"108$40,975.00 - $52,243.00
Operator Level "C"109$43,024.00 - $54,855.50
Operator Level "B"110$46,251.00 - $58,970.00
Operator Level "A"111$49,720.00 - $63,393.00


  • Ability to read routine sentences, instructions, regulations, procedures or work orders; writing routine sentences and completing routine job forms and incident reports; speaking routine sentences using proper grammar;
  • Knowledge of personal computer equipment with skill in doing data entry and in the use of Microsoft Office preferred 2000, utilizing Outlook, word processing and spreadsheet software programs preferred;
  • Ability to make decisions, requiring very few decisions affecting only the individual; works in a very stable environment with clear and uncomplicated written/oral instructions;
  • Knowledge of addition and subtraction, multiplication and division; ability to capture accurate measurements and calculate ratios, rates and percentages;
  • Knowledge of basic algebra involving variables and formulas and/or basic geometry involving plane and solid figures, circumferences, areas and volumes, and/or computing discounts and interest rates;
  • Ability to perform semi-routine work following procedures with occasional problems;
  • Ability to handle or use machines, tools or equipment requiring moderate instruction and experience, such as line locating devices, light off-road equipment; may repair power tools and light equipment;
  • Ability to perform routine work using common sense;
  • Ability to perform clerical, manual or technical tasks prescribed by standard practices but which may require computation, the use of several procedures, and the use of independent judgments with obvious choices; requires normal attention for accurate results;
  • Ability to compare or inspect items against a standard; and
  • Ability to follow instructions and orders of supervisor.

Salary : $39,024 - $48,780

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