SYSTEM OPERATOR APPRENTICE, (CAREER LADDER POSITION)

Job Title

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.

Essential job functions include constructing, installing, maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing water and sewer service lines, mains and associated appurtenances; completing water and sewer taps and service connections; plugging, unplugging and washing sewer lines as needed; locating and marking sewer lines and taps; connecting/disconnecting/reconnecting water and sewer services; performing preventive maintenance on water distribution system including exercising water valves, disinfecting new lines and flushing fire hydrants; installing and repairing pipes, conduits, meters, hydrants and fittings; assisting in making various sized taps and types of joints; assisting in repairing all types of broken mains, valves, meters, lines and hydrants; maneuvering and setting manhole rings and covers; reading, removing, setting or shutting off meters; replacing and repairing defective or leaking water meters; installing, testing and calibrating water meters; repairing meter boxes; reading/re-reading water meters on assigned route; performing cement work; performing general landscaping work as required to repair worksites; attending meetings, trainings, etc., as appropriate, to enhance job knowledge skills; operating 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.; inspecting equipment for proper and safe working condition; cleaning and maintaining assigned vehicles and equipment; and stocking 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 for System Operator Apprentice include a high school diploma or GED. Six (6) months of construction work experience is preferred. Special qualifications include possession of a valid state driver's license.

Qualifications for System Operator D include a high school diploma or GED and at least two (2) years of general maintenance and construction work experience; experience in a utility environment preferred. Special qualifications include possession of a valid South Carolina driver's license, a D" level water distribution or a "D" sewer collection license, and proficient operation of heavy equipment including the skid steer, excavator and backhoe.

Qualifications for System Operator C include a high school diploma, GED equivalent or specialized vocational training and two years (2) years of general maintenance and construction work experience; experience in a utility environment preferred. Special qualifications include possession of a valid Driver's License, a "C" level water distribution or "C" sewer collection license, and proficient operation of heavy equipment to include the skid steer, excavator desired.

Qualifications for System Operator B include a high school diploma or GED and at least three (3) years of general maintenance and construction work experience; experience in a utility environment preferred. Special qualifications include possession of a "B" level water distribution or a "B" sewer collection license and proficiency in operation of heavy equipment including the skid steer, excavator and backhoe.

Qualifications for System Operator A include a high school diploma or GED and at least four (4) years of general maintenance and construction work experience; experience in a utility environment preferred. Special qualifications include possession of a valid South Carolina driver's license with a Class A or equivalent endorsement, an "A" level water distribution or an "A" sewer collection license, and proficiency in operation of heavy equipment including the skid steer, excavator and backhoe.

Work environment includes performing work 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 include this being 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.