Water Plant Lead Operator- Lake Murray

Position: WATER PLANT LEAD OPERATOR- LAKE MURRAY
Salary: $53,449.00 - $68,147.50 Annually
Location : Columbia, SC
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number:
Department: UTILITIES
Division: LAKE MURRAY WATER PLANT
Opening Date: 01/26/2026
Closing Date: 2/27/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Pay Grade: 112

Description

This position performs skilled technical and manual work in the daily operation of an assigned water treatment plant; directs and provides instruction and leadership to lower-level operators as assigned; 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 heavy in nature and involves walking, standing, climbing, balancing, stooping, crouching, crawling, reaching, and constantly lifting, pushing or raising objects, exerting between 35 and 50 pounds of force on a recurring basis and 100 pounds of force on a frequent basis.

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 dynamic that requires sensitivity to change and responsiveness to changing goals, priorities, and needs.
Essential Job Functions

• Provides direct supervision of Water Plant Operators engaged in monitoring and performing all daily plant operations to achieve compliance and maximum efficiency of operations;
• Inspects equipment and processes to determine efficiency of operations, maintenance requirements, and cleanliness;
• Troubleshoots technical and mechanical problems; initiates corrective action as necessary;
• Advises and consults with appropriate Water Treatment Plant staff on unusual operational issues and/or the need for adjustments/repairs of equipment that may potentially affect compliance and/or efficiency with respect to the overall process control of the Water Treatment Plant;
• Provides assistance to the Assistant Water Treatment Plant Superintendent with plant safety and other work related programs;
• In the absence of the Water Plant Chief Operator, may assume those duties and responsibilities on a temporary basis as assigned;
• 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;
• Assists in determining chemical dosages and feed rates;
• Collects and prepares water samples for laboratory analysis; performs lab tests and prepares laboratory reports;
• Orders and assists in maintaining inventory of chemicals and supplies as needed; unloads delivery trucks;
• Cleans and maintains assigned vehicles and equipment;
• Advises and consults with supervisors on unusual operating problems or the need for major repairs to equipment;
• 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;
• Assists in ensuring plant security at all times;
• Provides leadership to and assists in training and scheduling assigned operators;
• Prepares and maintains accurate and complete work records;
• Completes special projects as assigned;
• 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, etc.;
• Attends meetings, training, seminars, etc., as appropriate to enhance job knowledge and skills;
• Receives and responds to inquiries, requests for assistance and complaints from City personnel and customers in areas of responsibility;
• 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;
• Two (2) years of relevant prior experience;
• Valid South Carolina Class "D" Driver's License;
• Class "B" Water Treatment Plant Operator's License;
• Must obtain a…