Charleston Water System · 7 hours ago
Distribution System Operator Apprentice/ Distribution System Operator II (26-005)
Charleston Water System is seeking a Distribution System Operator Apprentice/ Distribution System Operator II. This entry-level position involves participating in a training program and performing skilled duties related to water distribution, including installations, maintenance, and repairs of water services and equipment.
Government
Responsibilities
Removes and/or replaces soil, water, materials and/or debris from work sites
Loads and unloads equipment and materials from vehicles at work sites
Operates jackhammers, compactors, pumps, and boring equipment
Disassembles and removes damaged or worn pipes
Assembles and installs new pipes
Disassembles/assembles pipe and meter appurtenances in the installation and/or repair of meters, meter boxes/vaults and service lines
Make repairs to meters up to 36” in size
Field test meters 3” to 10”
Performs routine tasks with hand tools (e.g. shovels, rakes, brooms, pipe wrenches, hammer and saws)
Performs PM inspections, testing, data collection, and general maintenance and repair of valves, fire hydrants, water mains, blow offs and sampling stations
Operation of distribution and transmission valves to ensure proper position and operation
Prepares reports
Locate valves and water mains in the field using electronic detection equipment
Follows up on deficiencies found to ensure repairs are made promptly and correctly
Help to solve customer complaints and problems as well as those reported by local fire departments
Responds to customer water quality concerns
Responsible for maintaining equipment used i.e.; tapping machines, pumps, compactor, saws Backhoe or Bobcat
Measures and cuts pipe according to specifications
Make various taps 3/4” up to 10” onto water mains up to 36” in size using tapping machine
Ability to complete work tickets, inventory supply requests and accident reports
Drives utility vehicles that require a CDL
Operates backhoes and bobcats
Draws as-built diagrams for new installation or repairs
Complies with and maintains all safety procedures according to CWS and OSHA standards at all job sites and while traveling to and from job sites
May be required to work during emergency conditions
Regular attendance is required
Job performance must conform to all CWS policies and procedures
Specific knowledge of CWS Environmental Management System Policy and Procedures
May be required to supervise work crews on a daily basis
Selects specified type and size of pipe and material
Ability to use tape measure and level
Using Backhoe and/or Bobcat removes and replaces soil or debris from work site daily
Drives large utility vehicle daily
Monitors and maintains proper fluid levels and tire pressures daily
Cleans and maintains appearance levels of vehicle and equipment
Ability to operate a personal computer and/or keyboard for inputting into the Mainframe Database and CMMS (Computer Maintenance Management System)
Ability to perform water quality testing in accordance with DHEC regulations
Subject to 24-hour on-call
Perform other duties as assigned
Qualification
Required
High school diploma or GED required
Skill and knowledge in the use of tools, materials, and equipment commonly used in the performance of job function
Prior work record indicating dependability and conscientiousness
‘D' level Water Distribution Operator's License. (Within 24 months of hire)
Valid South Carolina driver's license
Valid South Carolina Commercial Driver's License Class A required within 6 months of hire
Must successfully complete a proficiency in the job skills required for each level as outlined in the CWS Apprenticeship Program for Water Distribution
South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation requires that water distribution operators obtain an operator's license from the Environmental Certification Board. Must be able to pass the Water Distribution Operator License exam through the ‘C' level as outlined in the CWS Apprenticeship Program for Water Distribution
Specific CWS schedule for attaining certification level is as follows: ‘D' Level Water Distribution Operator License exam passed within 2 years of employment, ‘C' Level Water Distribution Operator License exam passed within 3 years of employment
Ability to effectively communicate in writing, verbally and with a 2-way radio, to include comprehension of complex oral and written instruction
Ability to receive detailed information through oral communication and to make fine distinctions in sound, such as when making adjustments on equipment
Constantly positions self to move, traverse in the field as necessary to perform required work
Must be able to make visual observations in daylight and night
Daily move and transport equipment and/or materials at job sites weighing up to 50 lbs. Objects greater than 50 lbs requires a two-person operation
Considerable movement and traversing involved up to 6 miles per day frequently and in excess of 8 hours per day occasionally at work sites on unpaved streets, uneven ground and cluttered work areas
Routinely ascend/descend a ladder to climb in and out of excavations, embankments, meter vaults, manholes, confined spaces, etc
Subject to noise to cause the worker to shout in order to be heard above the ambient noise level. Hearing Protection Required
Subject to vibrations. Exposure to oscillating movements of the extremities or whole body
Constantly works in internal / external environmental conditions. Subject to atmospheric conditions, one or more of the following conditions that affect the respiratory system or the skin: fumes, odors, dusts, gasses or poor ventilation. Personnel Protective Equipment Required
Occasionally positions self to use up to 200 ft lbs of force and / or up to 20 ft lbs of force frequently to move objects
Frequently positions self to use up to 50 ft lbs of torque and up to 200 ft lbs of torque occasionally, to operate valve, hydrants, etc
Ability to operate and maintain motor vehicles. Required to operate and maintain heavy equipment to include but not limited to backhoes and /or bobcats
Routinely and safely operate computer to include desktop and tough notebook laptops in the field
Ability to properly use and maneuver various powered and non-powered tools and/or equipment (to include but not limited to: shovels, probing equipment, measuring devices, wrenches, bush ax, weed eater, metal files, etc.)
Must be able to wear Personnel Protective Equipment (PPE) as defined in the Job Safety Analysis (JSA) to perform the required essential functions
Preferred
Two (2) years' experience in general maintenance and construction in a utility environment preferred
Benefits
CDL Hiring Bonus: $3,000
(If valid Class A CDL is held at time of hire) ($1500 at hire, $1500 after successful 6-month orientation)
Company
Charleston Water System
Charleston Water System is a public water and wastewater utility serving the Greater Charleston area.
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageRecent News
Charleston Business
2025-08-26
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