Water Operator Trainee, I, II, III, or IV

Beaufort-Jasper Water & Sewer Authority•Hardeeville, SC

6h•$25 - $48•Onsite

About The Position

This job posting outlines four distinct but related roles within water operations: Water Operator Trainee, Water Operator I, Water Operator II, Water Operator III, and Water Operator IV. All positions involve assisting in or operating groundwater systems, wells, surface water treatment plants, and distribution systems in compliance with state and federal regulations. Key responsibilities include operating and maintaining facilities, collecting and analyzing water samples, performing routine and preventive maintenance, and documenting operations. The roles require shift work and may involve emergency response duties, including being on call and participating in hurricane preparedness. The Trainee role focuses on assisting in operations and obtaining necessary certifications within specified timeframes. Operator I and II roles involve more direct operation of groundwater systems and assistance with surface water treatment plants, with increasing levels of responsibility and required certifications. Operators III and IV are responsible for operating surface water treatment plants, groundwater systems, and Aquifer Storage and Recovery systems, with Operators III and IV designated as Lead Operators when necessary, performing a higher degree of treatment functions and overseeing shift personnel.

Requirements

Requires a high school diploma or equivalent.
Must have the ability to read and write and perform basic arithmetic calculations.
Must possess basic mechanical skills to perform equipment checks, preventive maintenance, and instrument calibration.
Must possess the ability to operate a variety of equipment used in water systems.
Requires computer experience in Excel, Word, and the ability to learn software used by BJWSA.
Must obtain South Carolina Trainee Water Treatment License within 30 days of start (Trainee only).
Must obtain South Carolina Class E Water Treatment License within 9 months of start (Trainee only).
Must obtain South Carolina Class D Water Treatment License within 18 months of start (Trainee only).
Must pass South Carolina Class B Water Treatment exam within three (3) years of start (Trainee only).
Must possess a valid driver's license.
Must possess South Carolina Class “D” Water Treatment License (Operator I only).
Must pass South Carolina Class “B” Water Treatment exam within two (2) years of start (Operator I only).
Must possess SC Class C Water Treatment License (Operator II only).
Must pass SC Class B Water Treatment exam within one (1) year of start (Operator II only).
Requires three years’ experience as a water treatment plant operator (Operator III only).
Must possess or obtain training in confined space entry, work zone safety, HAZMAT safety, first aid/CPR, and forklift operations (Operator III and IV).
Must possess South Carolina. Class “B” Surface Water Plant Operator Certification (Operator III only).
Requires four years’ experience as an operator of a public water treatment facility (Operator IV only).
Must possess a South Carolina Class “A” Surface Water Treatment Plant Operator License (Operator IV only).

Responsibilities

Assists in the operation of BJWSA’s ground water production wells in accordance with all applicable South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) regulations and BJWSA policies.
Operates these facilities in a manner that consistently produces safe drinking water in a cost-effective manner that meets all regulatory requirements.
Assists in the operations of a surface water treatment plant, ASR wells, and water transmission system including pump stations and tanks.
Ensures that all booster pump stations and tank sites are operated and maintained safely in accordance with BJWSA’s prescribed maintenance schedule including the performance of preventive maintenance and routine maintenance.
Performs regular checks/inspections of plant, wells, tanks, and booster pumps stations including pumps, motors, instruments, and equipment in accordance with maintenance program.
Maintains documentation and informs Water Plant Superintendent and/or Water Operations Manager of problems or concerns.
Collects a variety of samples from raw and distribution system and performs a variety of tests.
Performs chemical and bacteriological analysis, analysis of water, adjusts and calibrates chemical feeders as required, etc.
Works safely at all times in accordance with all appropriate BJWSA policies and procedures.
Receives reviews, performs and closes out work orders associated with the routine and preventive maintenance of the ground water production wells including instrument calibration.
Submits Work Requests for corrective maintenance and coordinates actions to ensure completion in a timely manner.
Receives reviews, prepares and processes various forms and documentation including monthly and quarterly Water Quality reports, calibration logs, SOPs, chart recorders, well logs, bacteriological records, chlorine data sheets, diagrams, system maps, etc.
Communicates these results clearly and in a timely fashion to other departments as needed.
Performs minor maintenance and repairs.
Conducts security checks of building and grounds.
May conduct tours of the facility.
Enters data into Laboratory Information System (Hach WIMS).
May be required to serve as part of the hurricane stay-behind team, report to work, or work modified days/hours or schedules in response to adverse weather or other emergencies.
May be required to be on call for emergency response.
Performs other duties as required within the scope of responsibility.
Operates Surface Water Treatment Plant, ground water systems, and Aquifer Storage and Recovery systems in accordance with applicable SCDES regulations.
Operates the plant in a manner that produces clear, palatable and safe drinking water in a cost-effective manner that consistently meets all regulatory requirements.
Operates the Treatment Plant in accordance with the goal of EPA’s Partnership for Safe Water Program and SCDES’s Area Wide Optimization Program.
Performs daily checklist/inspections of all WTP pumps, motors and equipment in accordance with BJWSA’s Maintenance Program.
Records abnormal levels, noises, leaks, etc. on work orders.
Completes instrument calibrations.
Monitors and maintains adequate surface water and ground water distribution system pressures and operates booster pump stations as needed to meet normal and seasonal demands.
Receives, reviews, transmits, prepares and/or processes a variety of required reports and records including but not limited to daily operations and calibration logs, SCDES Surface Water Supply Monthly operation report, BJWSA monthly log, pumpage report, chemical filter and temperature logs, billing statements, invoices, bacteriology reports, event logs, etc.
May perform other duties related to the operation, distribution and administration of the water treatment plant as assigned.
Acts as the Shift Lead Operator in accordance with SCDES regulations, responsible for all duties and activities conducted by the personnel assigned to that shift including lab analysis, chemical dosage changes and plant/distribution rate changes.