Lead Operator

Weston & Sampson Engineers Inc • Columbia, SC

10d • $35 - $42 • Onsite

About The Position

Weston & Sampson Services is seeking a Lead Industrial Wastewater Treatment Operator to support contract operations and maintenance for municipal and industrial clients from our Columbia or Greenville, South Carolina offices. The ideal candidate will hold a South Carolina Physical/Chemical Wastewater Treatment Operator license, Grade B or higher, and have hands-on experience with routine plant rounds, process monitoring, sampling, equipment maintenance, chemical handling, and regulatory compliance.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Current South Carolina Physical/Chemical Wastewater Treatment Operator license, Grade B or higher, preferred or required depending on assigned project needs.
• Applicants with a South Carolina Physical/Chemical trainee license or relevant industrial wastewater experience may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
• Applicants licensed in another state who are eligible for South Carolina reciprocity will be considered.

Responsibilities

• Operate assigned physical/chemical wastewater treatment systems safely, reliably, and in accordance with client requirements, permit limits, and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Perform routine operator rounds, inspect treatment equipment, record operating data, and identify conditions that may require adjustment, maintenance, or escalation.
• Collect wastewater samples, perform field and basic process testing, read meters and gauges, and maintain accurate records for operational and compliance purposes.
• Monitor and adjust physical/chemical treatment processes, which may include pH adjustment, chemical feed, clarification, filtration, metals removal, solids handling, and related process controls.
• Perform basic preventive maintenance and troubleshooting on pumps, valves, mixers, tanks, chemical feed systems, instrumentation, and other treatment plant equipment.
• Support permit compliance by following standard operating procedures, documenting plant performance, communicating abnormal conditions, and helping implement corrective actions when needed.
• Handle treatment chemicals safely and follow all applicable safety, PPE, housekeeping, and environmental procedures.
• Communicate professionally with clients, supervisors, laboratory personnel, contractors, and other operators to support dependable contract operations.
• Use common computer programs and digital tools, including Outlook, Microsoft Office, Teams, and site-specific data entry or reporting systems.
• Be available for after-hours response, weekend or holiday coverage, and emergency support as needed for assigned facilities.
• Work outdoors and in industrial plant environments, including performing physical tasks in varying weather conditions and around operating equipment.
• Stay organized, dependable, and responsive when prioritizing daily rounds, sampling, maintenance needs, alarms, and client requests.
• Continue developing operator knowledge and pursue higher levels of certification as experience and project needs increase.
• Other duties as assigned by management.

Benefits

• Meaningful work: Contribute to projects that protect and enhance the natural and built environments
• Ownership mindset: As an employee-owner, your work directly contributes to our shared success
• Growth opportunities: Build your career through mentorship, diverse projects, and clear advancement pathways
• Flexible workplace: Work in a way that supports your life and not the other way around
• Strong culture: Join a team that values collaboration, inclusion, and recognition

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED