Jobs and Careers

WATER PLANT MAINTENANCE TECHNCIAN TRAINEE

City of Columbia

United Statesfull_timeVerifiedPosted 29 Jun 2026

💰 $48,900/yr($39,024/yr – $48,900/yr)

About the role

Posting number: 202600172

Department: UTILITIES

Division: COLUMBIA CANAL WATER PLANT

Job classification: WATER PLANT MAINT TECH I TRAIN

Posting type: Open

Categories: Water Treatment, Water Agency, Utilities

Summary

This position provides leadership and participates in the inspection, maintenance and repair of the City's water treatment plants and related equipment and facilities; and perform other skilled and semi-skilled work as required.

The work is considered heavy in nature and involves walking, standing, climbing, balancing, stooping, crouching, crawling, reaching, and constantly lifting, pushing or raising objects, exerting between 35 to 50 pounds of force on a recurring basis and 100 pounds of force on a frequent basis. The work requires the following physical abilities to perform the essential job functions: balancing, climbing, crawling, crouching, grasping, handling, kneeling, lifting, mental acuity, standing, and visual acuity.

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, toxic/caustic chemicals, confined spaces; and is safe and secure that may periodically have unpredicted requirements or demands.

Examples of duties

• Provides leadership and participates in the inspection, maintenance and repair of the City's water treatment plants and related equipment and facilities;

• Conducts checks at tank locations and pump stations;

• Rebuilds pumps;

• Performs preventative maintenance;

• Troubleshoots problems and provides solutions;

• Performs chemical feeder calculations;

• Performs all duties in accordance with applicable policies, procedures, regulations, and standards of quality and safety;

• Receives and responds to inquiries, concerns, complaints and requests for assistance from customers and the general public regarding areas of responsibility;

• Works on-call 24 hours per day for emergency response to ensure uninterrupted service to customers;

• Attends meetings, training, etc., as appropriate to enhance job knowledge and skills; and

• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO PERFORM WORK:

• High school diploma or GED;

• Three (3) years of relevant prior experience;

• Experience with medium voltage electrical equipment (480V/4160V) or Master Electrician’s License preferred;

• Valid South Carolina Class “D” Driver’s License;

• Must possess or be able to obtain a South Carolina Commercial Driver’s License within one (1) year from date of hire or promotion;

• Be able to obtain the Water Plant Operator “D” License within one (1) year from date of hire or promotion.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Selected applicant must pass a respiratory physical in compliance with OSHA Regulation 1920.134 Section (b);

• May be required to work additional hours, weekends, holidays, and on-call for emergency situations;

• Written Competency Assessment is required.

Pay grade will be dependent upon certifications, education and work experience for applicants who meet the Apprenticeship Program benchmarks.

Trainee: Pay Grade 107 and Salary Range: $39,024 - $48,780
Technician I: Pay Grade 108 and Salary Range: $40,975 - $52,243
Technician II: Pay Grade 109 and Salary Range: $43,024 - $54,855
Technician III: Pay Grade 110 and Salary Range: $46,251 - $58,970

Supplemental information

• Knowledge of basic algebra involving variables and formulas and/or basic geometry involving plane and solid figures, circumferences, areas and volumes, and/or computing discounts and interest rates;

• Knowledge of personal computer equipment with skill in the use of Microsoft Office preferred, utilizing e-mail, word processing and spreadsheet software programs;

• Ability to gather, organize, analyze, examine or evaluate data or information and may prescribe action based on such data or information;

• Ability to provide information, guidance or assistance to people to directly facilitate task accomplishment; may give directions or assignments to helpers or assistants;

• Ability to lead, operate or repair complex machinery or equipment that requires extended training and experience, such as water meters; may involve installation and testing. Involves operations of limited scope;

• Abil