Water Distribution System Operator-Trainee S​/S

Position: WATER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM OPERATOR-TRAINEE S/S
Salary: $40,975.00 - $52,243.00 Annually
Location : Columbia, SC
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number:
Department: UTILITIES
Division: WATER DISTRIBUTION & MAINT
Opening Date: 01/30/2026
Closing Date: 3/2/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Pay Grade: 107

Description

This position installs, tests, inspects, locates, troubleshoots, evaluates, maintains and repairs all components and assets associated with standard operational and maintenance practices of the water distribution system; operates, evaluates and maintains light and heavy equipment in operation and maintenance of the water distribution system; and performs related duties 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, lifting, digging, pushing or raising objects and 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, traffic, moving machinery, electrical shock, heights, animals/wildlife, toxic/caustic chemicals, confined spaces, disease/pathogens, dangerous gases. Work involves light to heavy equipment and machinery that could result in bodily harm to co-workers or others. Safe and secure work environment that may periodically have unpredicted requirements or demands.

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

• Installs, tests, inspects, locates, troubleshoots, evaluates, maintains and repairs all components and assets associated with standard operational and maintenance practices of the water distribution system;
• Operates, evaluates and maintains light and heavy equipment in operation and maintenance of the water distribution system;
• Loads/unloads materials onto/from vehicles;
• Operates light to heavy off-road equipment or trucks (e.g., dump trucks and other trucks, excavators, cranes, motor graders, bull dozers, bob cats, front-end loaders, skid steers, bush hogs, back hoes, compactors, trailers, tractors, low boys, or trenchers) to excavate or compact earth, load or unload materials, move or haul materials, install pipe, etc.
• Maintains assigned trucks and equipment; performs cleaning, preventive and routine maintenance and simple repair work as required;
• Uses hand and power tools in various manual tasks as required;
• Performs general manual labor tasks as required;
• Conducts analysis of water distribution system.
• Inspects equipment to ensure proper and safe working condition; reports defects or required maintenance to the supervisor;
• Maintains accurate and complete work records as required;
• Prepares and submits detailed work records and reports;
• Receives and responds to inquiries, concerns, complaints and requests for assistance in areas of responsibility;
• Provides leadership to or assists co-workers with various duties as required.
• Attends meetings, training, etc., as appropriate to enhance job knowledge and skills;
• Performs all duties in accordance with applicable policies, procedures, laws, regulations, and standards of quality and safety;
• May be required to work additional hours, holidays, weekends, nights and on-call rotation as needed in order to accomplish assigned work; and
• Required to work on call rotation; 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;
• Valid South Carolina Class "D" Driver's License;

• Must obtain DOT Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) medical examiner's…