What are the responsibilities and job description for the WATER PLANT OPERATOR-TRAINEE position at City Of Columbia?

Salary : $42,144.00 Annually

Location : Columbia, SC

Job Type : Full-Time

Job Number : 202400062

Department : UTILITIES

Division : COLUMBIA CANAL WATER PLANT

Opening Date : 01 / 07 / 2025

Closing Date : Continuous

Pay Grade : 107

Description

This position performs skilled technical and manual work in the daily operation of an assigned City water treatment plant; prepares and maintains required records and reports; and performs related work 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, crouching, crawling, climbing, balancing, lifting, digging, pushing or raising objects and also 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, moving machinery, electrical shock, heights, toxic / caustic chemicals, disease / pathogens, confined spaces; and is safe and secure that may periodically have unpredicted requirements or demands.

Essential Job Functions

Monitors and performs all daily plant operations;
Inspects equipment and processes to determine efficiency of operations, maintenance requirements, and cleanliness;
Assists in troubleshooting technical and mechanical problems;
Performs preventive maintenance on equipment; performs and / or assists with equipment repairs as needed;
Monitors and records readings from meters, gauges and instruments;
Starts up, shuts down, regulates and adjusts motors, pumps, compressors, grinders, blowers, valves and other apparatus to meet changing operating conditions;
Performs various other operations, including filling hoppers with chemicals, backwashing filters, changing pumps, cleaning and repairing basins, etc.;
Loads chemicals and adjusts chemical rates as indicated;
Maintains plant waste discharge at proper levels;
Collects and prepares water samples for laboratory analysis; performs lab tests and prepares laboratory reports;
Orders chemicals and supplies as needed; unloads delivery trucks;
Cleans and maintains assigned vehicles and equipment, including safety equipment;
Alerts supervisors to unusual operating problems;
Assists in ensuring plant security at all times;
Assists in ensuring plant compliance with City / department policies and procedures, S.C. DHEC regulations, and all other applicable laws, regulations, and standards of quality and safety;
Prepares and maintains accurate and complete work records;
Performs general clerical work as required, including preparing records and reports, completing forms, copying and filing documents, entering and retrieving computer data, answering the telephone, greeting and assisting plant visitors, etc.;
Attends meetings, training, seminars, etc., as appropriate to enhance job knowledge and skills;
Serves on call 24 hours per day to ensure uninterrupted service for customers; and
Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO PERFORM WORK :

High school diploma or GED;

No prior experience required for entry level trainee positions;

Preference may be given for prior work experience in a water plant;

Valid South Carolina Class "D" Driver's License;

Will be required to work rotating shifts to include nights, weekends, and holidays;

Will be required to demonstrate competency and complete the necessary requirements in the Apprenticeship Program for Water Plant Operators;

Pay grade will be dependent upon certification, education, and work experience for applicants who possess Class "A, B, C or D" level of certification.

Operator Trainee Pay Grade and Starting Salary : 107 - $42,144.00.

Operator Level "D" Pay Grade 108 and Salary Range : $44,095 - $55,363.

Operator Level "C" Pay Grade 109 and Salary Range : $46,144 - $57,975.

Operator Level "B" Pay Grade 110 and Salary Range : $49,371 - $62,090.

Operator Level "A" Pay Grade 111 and Salary Range : $52,840 - $66,513.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of addition and subtraction, multiplication and division, and / or calculating ratios, rates and percentages;

Knowledge of personal computer equipment with skill in the use of Microsoft Office preferred, utilizing e-mail, word processing and spreadsheet software programs;

Ability to gather, organize, analyze, examine or evaluate data or information and may prescribe action based on such data or information;

Ability to speak or signal to people to convey or exchange information of a general nature;

Ability to lead, operate or repair complex machinery or equipment that requires extended training and experience, such as wastewater plant equipment, or the application of complex software or systems; may involve installation and testing. Involves operations of limited scope;

Ability to perform skilled work involving rules / systems with almost constant problem-solving;

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;

Ability to perform clerical, manual or technical tasks requiring a wide range of procedures and requiring intensive understanding of a restricted field or complete familiarity with the functions of a unit or small division of an operating agency; requires normal attention with short periods of concentration for accurate results or occasional exposure to unusual pressure; and

Ability to guide others, requiring frequent decisions affecting co-workers and others who depend on the service or product; works in a somewhat fluid environment with rules and procedures but with many variations from the routine.

The City of Columbia is proud to offer a complete benefits package to full-time employees. This package includes health care, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick leave.

Part-time or temporary employees, including interns, are not eligible for City benefits.

To learn more details, visit our benefits page at :

Do you have a High School diploma or GED?

Do you have a valid Driver's License?

Required Question

Salary : $42,144 - $107,000

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