Wastewater Operator

Weston & Sampson Engineers Inc • Columbia, SC

73d • $32 - $38 • Onsite

About The Position

Weston & Sampson Services is hiring an Industrial Wastewater Treatment Operator to support contract operations and maintenance for municipal and industrial clients from its Columbia or Greenville, South Carolina offices. The operator will run physical/chemical wastewater treatment systems, support permit compliance, and help maintain dependable plant operations. The role involves outdoor work and work in industrial plant environments, including physical tasks in varying weather and around operating equipment. After-hours response, weekend or holiday coverage, and emergency support may be needed for assigned facilities.

The preferred candidate holds a South Carolina Physical/Chemical Wastewater Treatment Operator license, Grade D or higher, and has hands-on experience with plant rounds, process monitoring, sampling, equipment maintenance, chemical handling, and regulatory compliance. A high school diploma or equivalent is required. Candidates with a trainee license or relevant industrial wastewater experience may be considered case by case, as may out-of-state license holders eligible for South Carolina reciprocity. The posted pay range is $32.00–$38.00 per hour, depending on experience.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Current South Carolina Physical/Chemical Wastewater Treatment Operator license, Grade D or higher, preferred or required depending on assigned project needs.
• 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 may be considered if eligible for South Carolina reciprocity.

Nice To Haves

• South Carolina Physical/Chemical Wastewater Treatment Operator license, Grade D or higher.
• Hands-on experience with routine plant rounds, process monitoring, sampling, equipment maintenance, chemical handling, and regulatory compliance.
• Relevant industrial wastewater experience or a South Carolina Physical/Chemical trainee license.
• An out-of-state license with eligibility for South Carolina reciprocity.

Responsibilities

• Operate assigned physical/chemical wastewater treatment systems safely and reliably in accordance with client requirements, permit limits, and applicable regulations.
• Conduct routine operator rounds, inspect equipment, record operating data, and identify conditions requiring adjustment, maintenance, or escalation.
• Collect wastewater samples; perform field and basic process testing; read meters and gauges; and maintain accurate operational and compliance records.
• Monitor and adjust treatment processes, including pH adjustment, chemical feed, clarification, filtration, metals removal, solids handling, and related process controls.
• Perform basic preventive maintenance and troubleshoot 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.
• Handle treatment chemicals safely and follow applicable safety, PPE, housekeeping, and environmental procedures.
• Communicate with clients, supervisors, laboratory personnel, contractors, and other operators to support contract operations.
• Use Outlook, Microsoft Office, Teams, and site-specific data entry or reporting systems.
• Provide after-hours response, weekend or holiday coverage, and emergency support as needed for assigned facilities.
• Prioritize daily rounds, sampling, maintenance needs, alarms, and client requests while remaining organized, dependable, and responsive.
• Continue developing operator knowledge and pursue higher certification levels as experience and project needs increase.
• Perform other duties as assigned by management.

Benefits

• Meaningful work on projects that protect and enhance natural and built environments.
• Employee ownership, with work contributing to shared success.
• Growth opportunities through mentorship, diverse projects, and advancement pathways.
• Flexible workplace.
• Collaborative, inclusive culture that values recognition.

What This Job Offers

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