Industrial Pretreatment Program & Lab Manager 26-122

Charleston Water System Careers; Charleston (SC); On-site; USD 78,000 - 122,000; Full time

Job summary

Charleston Water System is seeking an Industrial Pretreatment Program & Laboratory Manager to oversee the IWPP and Environmental Resources lab, ensuring regulatory compliance and data accuracy. You will supervise staff, manage budgets, and maintain certification standards while coordinating reporting and process improvements.

The role requires a BS in chemistry/biology or related field, SC S.C. wastewater license within two years, and at least three years of lab experience in wastewater

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biology or related discipline and chemistry coursework.
• South Carolina Biological Wastewater Treatment Operator License within 2 years of hire.
• Minimum 3 years of progressive wastewater laboratory experience with regulatory knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Administer and supervise the IWPP and Environmental Resources laboratory.
• Ensure compliance with DHEC/EPA monitoring and reporting schedules.
• Manage budgeting, data management, and regulatory reporting.
• Oversee training, personnel issues, and ISO 14001 documentation.
• Perform lab analyses and assist with daily laboratory operations.

Education

Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Chemistry, Biology, Microbiology, or related discipline

S.C. A Biological Wastewater Treatment Operator License

3 years of progressive laboratory experience in wastewater treatment

Tools

Laboratory Information Management System

Job description

We're a public water and wastewater utility serving the greater Charleston area. Our water and wastewater services protect public health and the environment, provide fire protection, and support our economy.We’re always looking to add talented, enthusiastic people to our team!

About Charleston Water System

We're a public water and wastewater utility serving the greater Charleston area. Our water and wastewater services protect public health and the environment, provide fire protection, and support our economy.We’re always looking to add talented, enthusiastic people to our team!

About Charleston Water System

We're a public water and wastewater utility serving the greater Charleston area. Our water and wastewater services protect public health and the environment, provide fire protection, and support our economy.We’re always looking to add talented, enthusiastic people to our team!

About Charleston Water System

We're a public water and wastewater utility serving the greater Charleston area. Our water and wastewater services protect public health and the environment, provide fire protection, and support our economy.We’re always looking to add talented, enthusiastic people to our team!

job title, task or skill

Industrial Pretreatment Program & Laboratory Manager

Job Announcement No: 26-122

APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED UNTIL SEPTEMBER 27, 2026

Salary Range: $78,457.60 ($37.72/hr.) – $121,617.60 ($58.47/hr.)

Hiring Range: $78,457.60 ($37.72/hr.) – $98,072.00 ($47.15/hr.)

Grade: 111

(Flexible)

Position Summary:

Responsible for the administration and supervision of both the Industrial Waste Pretreatment Program (IWPP) and the Environmental Resources laboratory which includes DHEC IWPP regulatory compliance and Lab Certification requirements; WIM’s configuration, data management, and reporting; along with training and personnel issues.

Essential Functions:

Responsible for all administration activities of the ER IWPP and laboratory including but not limited to the following:

• Handle supervisory, payroll, personnel matters, and employee evaluations for ER laboratory personnel according to CWS policies and procedures
• Submits budgets for IWPP and Process Lab Requirements
• Maintains a working knowledge of all applicable regulations and permit reporting requirements
• Assure compliance with DHEC and EPA monitoring and reporting schedules for NPDES and IWPP
• Responsible for ER IWPP with respect to permitting, inspections, sampling and regulatory reporting
• Responsible for Laboratory Certification and compliance for field parameters
• Responsible for ER Chemical Hygiene Program
• Manages the development and maintenance of the HACH WIM’s process database
• Assist with ISO 1401 documentation for the laboratory and IWPP. Including written procedures-SOI’s, reports, and management of historical records/data
• Assist with daily laboratory activities when needed
• 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

Additional Duties

• Train and assist other laboratory personnel in intermediate and advanced analysis, laboratory procedures, and Statistical Process Control (SPC)
• Assist with visitor tours and customer outreach programs
• Must be available for assignment at all CWS facilities for both intra and inter-department cross training.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Physical Requirements, Activities, and Working Conditions

• Must be able to work during emergency conditions.
• The ability to express and receive detailed information through written and oral communication
• Ability to operate and maintain motor vehicles
• Ability to obtain process samples or perform analysis in the field.
• Ability to lift up to 40 lbs. to perform required tasks. Objects greater than 50 lbs. require a two-person operation
• This position requires the handling of chemicals, and therefore may be exposed to certain atmospheric conditions which may affect the respiratory system or skin (fumes, odors, dust, mists, and gasses)
• Must be able to physically perform detailed lab analysis associated with wastewater treatment
• Must be able to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as defined in the Job Safety Analysis (JSA) to perform the required essential functions.

Education and/or Experience

• Must have a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Chemistry, Biology, Microbiology, or other related discipline and 16 semester hours of chemistry classes
• Must possess a S.C. “A” Biological Wastewater Treatment Operator License within two (2) years of hire.
• A minimum of one (1) year of industrial pretreatment experience to include good working knowledge of regulations and permitting requirements, preferred.
• A minimum of three (3) years of progressive laboratory experience in wastewater treatment which should include:
  • Environmental analysis, such as TSS, Bacteria, Ammonia, etc.
  • Detailed knowledge of process control testing and laboratory Quality Assurance and Quality Control procedures
  • Good working knowledge of regulations and treatment techniques associated with NPDES permits.
  • Good computer skills with working knowledge of database software to manage laboratory and process data and analysis; i.e. Laboratory Information Management System
  • Laboratory management experience a plus
• Prior work record indicating dependability and conscientiousness.

Licenses, Certifications, Registrations

• Valid South Carolina Driver's License required.

Training Needs:

• OSHA and Departmental safety training as required.
• Skills Based Training.
• ISO 14001 standards for department and company.
• See Department Competency and Training Matrix for this position.

ELIGIBILITY FOR PROMOTION TO VARIOUS POSITIONS THROUGHOUT THE COMMISSION DEPENDS UPON INDIVIDUAL QUALIFICATIONS, AND NOTED JOB PROGRESSIONS ARE NO GUARANTEE OF CAREER PATH TO THESE OR ANY OTHER JOB(S) AT THE COMMISSION.

Our Mission Support public health and protect the environment.

Our Vision Achieve excellence and exceed customer expectations.

Our Core Values

• Continuous pursuit of excellence
• Customer Service
• Open and honest communication
• Accountability
• Teamwork
• Innovation
• Ethical behavior and integrity

Charleston Water System is an at-will, drug-free, equal opportunity employer.

U. S. Patents 7,080,057; 7,310,626; 7,558,767; 7,562,059; 7,472,097; 7,606,778; 8,086,558 and 8,046,251.