Water Plant Operator Apprentice

Catawba River Water Supply Project 

Job Description

Job Title: Water Plant Operator Apprentice (Part-time)

Department: Water Treatment

Reports To: Water Plant Operations Manager

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Prepared Date: November 14, 2025

SUMMARY

The Water Plant Operator Apprentice assists in the daily operation and maintenance of the water treatment plant serving the Lancaster County Water & Sewer District and Union County, NC. This position is designed as a hands-on training opportunity to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to become a licensed Water Plant Operator in South Carolina. The apprentice works under the close supervision of licensed operators to ensure safe, reliable, and compliant drinking water to its customers in accordance with state regulations and District policies.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Learn and assist in the operation of water treatment processes, including chemical feed systems, pumps, filters, and storage tanks.
• Monitor plant operations through SCADA systems, gauges, and meters to maintain optimal treatment performance.
• Learn and assist with ensuring water demands are met within the distribution system control tanks.
• Collect water samples for laboratory analysis and perform basic field testing. This may include chlorine residuals, turbidity, pH, etc.
• Accurately record operational data, maintenance activities, and water quality results in plant logs and digital records.
• Assist in the adjustment of chemical dosages and treatment parameters as directed by licensed operators.
• Support maintenance tasks such as cleaning basins, lubricating equipment, inspecting pumps, and flushing lines.
• Learn to interpret and apply rules and regulations related to the treatment of water and operating procedures.
• Participate in safety and emergency response training, including proper handling of treatment chemicals and confined-space entry.
• Maintain the cleanliness and organization of treatment facilities and work areas.
• Actively pursue the appropriate operator license for South Carolina (Level D or higher).
• Maintain water certification and safety by attending classes and participating in training opportunities.
• Perform other related duties as assigned to support treatment operations.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge and interest in environmental science and/or utilities.
• Able to perform mathematical calculations and draw logical conclusions.
• Able to work with and around chemicals used in a water treatment plant.
• Able to identify visual, sound, and odor indicators during routine and non-routine plant rounds.
• Prioritize work tasks and complete assignment within specified time periods or by meeting deadlines.
• Able to lift and carry 50 pounds.
• Routinely ascend/descend ladders, stairs and ramps.
• Able to work at elevated height levels as needed to perform various tasks.
• Able to operate motor vehicles such as trucks and golf carts.
• Able to work a rotating shift that includes daytime and nighttime hours.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

High school diploma or GED equivalent is required. This apprentice position is an entry level position that will require a variety of training. Examples may include online, classroom, work site, or on-the-job training, independent learning, and skill demonstration with a qualified trainer. All training completions have effective deadlines which must be met.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

Must have a valid driver's license. Must be able to pass the water treatment operator examination as outlined by the South Carolina LLR Environmental Certification Board and meet deadlines to advance to an "A" level license.

COMPUTER SKILLS

To perform this job successfully, an individual should have basic computer skills. Experience with Microsoft software including outlook, word, and excel is preferred.

COMPENSATION

The employee will be paid on an hourly basis and will receive paychecks every two weeks, for a total of 26 pay periods each year.

WORK HOURS 

This is a part-time position working 20-25 hours per week with the possibility to advance to a full-time position. The employee may be required to work a rotating shift schedule and during the nighttime hours.