SYSTEM OPERATOR APPRENTICE, (CAREER LADDER POSITION)

Salary : $38,680.54 - $42,548.59 Annually
Location : Summerville, SC, SC
Job Type: FULL-TIME
Job Number: 02340
Department: WATER & SEWER
Opening Date: 02/11/2026
Closing Date: 7/17/2026 5:00 PM Eastern


Description
The purpose of the class is to construct, install, maintain and repair water and sewer lines, pump stations, and associated appurtenances within the County wastewater collection and water distribution system; and to perform other skilled and semi-skilled work as required. This class works under general supervision and is given general work requirements.

CANDIDATE IS SELECTED AT THE LEVEL QUALIFIED.

This post is being extended.

Duties

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
• Constructs, installs, maintains, troubleshoots, and repairs water and sewer service lines, mains and associated appurtenances; completes water and sewer taps and service connections.
• Plugs, unplugs and washes sewer lines as needed.
• Locates and marks sewer lines and taps.
• Connects/disconnects/reconnects water and sewer services.
• Performs preventive maintenance on water distribution system including, but not limited to, exercising water valves, disinfecting new lines and flushing fire hydrants.
• Installs and repairs pipes, conduits, meters, hydrants and fittings.
• Assists in making various sized taps and types of joints; assists in repairing all types of broken mains, valves, meters, lines and hydrants.
• Maneuvers and sets manhole rings and covers.
• Reads, removes, sets or shuts off meters; replaces and repairs defective or leaking water meters; installs, tests and calibrates water meters; repairs meter boxes; and reads/re-reads water meters on assigned route.
• Performs cement work.
• Performs general landscaping work as required to repair worksites.
• Attends meetings, trainings, etc., as appropriate, to enhance job knowledge skills.
• May operate a variety of light and heavy automotive, construction or specialized equipment as required to complete assigned tasks including a back hoe, tractor, dump truck line truck, tapping machine, boring equipment, packer, air hammer, etc.; inspects equipment for proper and safe working condition; cleans and maintains assigned vehicles and equipment; and stocks trucks.
• Responds to the public inquires and investigates complaints associated with wastewater collection and water distribution systems.
• Works on emergency repairs and services unsupervised.
• Performs routine tasks with hand tools (shovels, rakes, wrenches, trowels, etc.).
• Performs other related job duties as assigned.

Qualifications
SYSTEM OPERATOR APPRENTICE:
Education and Experience:
High school diploma or GED.

Six (6) months of construction work experience preferred.


Special Qualifications:
Must possess a valid state driver's license.

SYSTEM OPERATOR D:
Education and Experience:

High school diploma or GED.

Requires at least two (2) years of general maintenance and construction work experience; experience in a utility environment preferred.
Special Qualifications:

Must possess a valid South Carolina driver's license.

Must possess a D" level water distribution or a "D" sewer collection license.


Proficient operation of heavy equipment including the skid steer, excavator and backhoe desired.

SYSTEM OPERATOR C:
Education and Experience:

Requires high school diploma, GED equivalent or specialized vocational training.

Requires two years (2) years of general maintenance and construction work experience; experience in a utility environment preferred.
Special Qualifications:

Valid Driver's License.

Must possess a "C" level water distribution or "C" sewer collection license.


Proficient operation of heavy equipment to include the skid steer, excavator desired.

SYSTEM OPERATOR B:
Education and Experience:

High school diploma or GED.

Requires at least three (3) years of general maintenance and construction work experience; experience in a utility environment preferred.
Special Qualifications:

Must possess a "B" level water distribution or a "B" sewer collection license.


Must be proficient in operation of heavy equipment including the skid steer, excavator and backhoe.
SYSTEM OPERATOR A:
Education and Experience:

High school diploma or GED.

Requires at least four (4) years of general maintenance and construction work experience; experience in a utility environment preferred.
Special Qualifications:

Must possess a valid South Carolina driver's license with a Class A or equivalent endorsement.


Must possess an "A" level water distribution or an "A" sewer collection license.


Must be proficient in operation of heavy equipment including the skid steer, excavator and backhoe.
Additional Requirements

WORK ENVIRONMENT
Work is performed in a safe and secure work environment that may periodically have unpredicted requirements or demands.


Dorchester County has the right to revise this job description at any time. This description does not represent in any way a contract of employment.

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work
This is a full-time position; typical work 40 hours per week Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Some flexibility in hours is allowed, but employees must be available during the "core" work hours of 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. and must work 40 hour each week to maintain full-time status. Subject to 24-hour on-call status as assigned; may be required to work holidays and weekends during emergencies. This is a safety sensitive position and employees holding this position have the responsibility for their own safety and the safety of others. This position is subject to random drug testing.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
For more information on Dorchester County Government please view the information below:
Benefits for County Employees
County Employees may be eligible for a variety of State benefits associated with their employment. From a comprehensive health and dental insurance program, to generous annual and sick leave policies, to a solid and secure retirement system.
Healthcare Benefits
(Full-time employees)

Dorchester County is a part of the State Benefits Program. The State program offers its employees a comprehensive health and dental program, along with a wide array of supplemental insurance programs. South Carolina has long been committed to providing its employees the best possible insurance benefits at the greatest possible value. We've maintained that commitment, too, even in the face of healthcare costs that continue to soar. You may refer to the link for more information.
Retirement Benefits

In addition to our health and dental insurance programs, all county employees are a part of the South Carolina Retirement System. These programs are designed to help provide county employees secure retirement alternatives that will best meet their needs. You may refer to the link for more information.
Workplace Benefits
In addition, county employees may be eligible for other benefits, such as holidays, annual leave, and sick leave.
Note: The above benefits are available to most county employees, with the exception of those in temporary positions. Employees in temporary grant and time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some, or none of these benefits based on the benefits associated with each position. For these positions, please contact the hiring agency to determine what benefits may be available for the particular position.
01


The following Supplemental Questions are specific to the position for which you have applied to assist the hiring manager in screening applications for specific experience being sought. Please be specific in answering these questions as they will be used to evaluate which applications will be given further consideration in the process. Do not answer "see resume" or "see application" as these are not valid answers. Please note that if you are invited to be interviewed by the department, your responses to the following questions may be subject to verification. I understand and will answer the following supplemental questions completely and thoroughly.

• Yes
• No

02


Do you have a minimum of a high school diploma or GED?

• YES
• NO

03


Do you have at least six (6) months of construction work?

• Yes
• No

04


Do you have a valid state driver's license?

• Yes
• No

05


Do you have any experience in water and sewer line installation, tap installation or meter knowledge?

• Yes
• No

06


Do you have experience maintaining associated water/wastewater service lines?

• Yes
• No

07


How did you hear about this position?Government Website (dorchestercountysc.gov)Career FairSC WorksIndeed.comRadio AdvertisementDorchester County EmployeeOther
08


If you answered "other", please tell us how you learned of this position.
09


If you answered "Dorchester County Employee" to the previous question, please list employee's name.
10


Please provide an explanation of any periods of unemployment that are 30 days or longer. Indicate N/A if you have not experienced any periods of unemployment.
Required Question