Lead Operator

Weston & Sampson; Columbia, Northern (SC, KY); Hybrid; USD 48,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

Weston & Sampson is seeking a Lead Industrial Wastewater Treatment Operator in Columbia, SC. The role requires a SC license (Grade B+), strong rounds, sampling, and regulatory compliance experience.

You will operate and maintain treatment systems for municipal and industrial clients from our Columbia or Greenville offices. The ideal candidate will perform routine rounds, collect samples, adjust processes, and cooperate with clients and teams.

Qualifications

• South Carolina wastewater license may be required or preferred depending on project needs.
• Experience with plant rounds, sampling, and monitoring.
• Ability to operate and maintain treatment equipment and monitor process performance.

Responsibilities

• Operate wastewater treatment systems safely, reliably, and per permit limits.
• Perform routine operator rounds, inspect equipment, record data, and escalate when needed.
• Collect samples, perform basic tests, read meters, and maintain accurate records.
• Monitor and adjust treatment processes to meet quality targets.
• Perform basic preventive maintenance on pumps, valves, and tanks.
• Support permit compliance by following SOPs and documenting plant performance.
• Handle chemicals safely and follow all safety and environmental procedures.
• Communicate with clients, supervisors, and other operators to support operations.
• Use Outlook and Microsoft Office for reporting and communication.
• Be available for after-hours response and site coverage.
• Work outdoors in industrial environments and adhere to safety rules.
• Continue developing operator knowledge and pursue higher certifications.
• Other duties as assigned by management.

Skills

Wastewater operations

Regulatory compliance

Field sampling

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

SC wastewater license (Grade B or higher)

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Lead Operator

Full Time Columbia, SC, US

4 days ago Requisition ID: 1139

Salary Range: $35.00 To $42.00 Hourly

Weston & Sampson Services is seeking a Lead Industrial Wastewater Treatment Operator to support contract operations and maintenance for municipal and industrial clients from our Columbia or Greenville, South Carolina offices. The ideal candidate will hold a South Carolina Physical/Chemical Wastewater Treatment Operator license, Grade B or higher, and have hands‑on experience with routine plant rounds, process monitoring, sampling, equipment maintenance, chemical handling, and regulatory compliance.

What you’ll do:

• Operate assigned physical/chemical wastewater treatment systems safely, reliably, and in accordance with client requirements, permit limits, and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Perform routine operator rounds, inspect treatment equipment, record operating data, and identify conditions that may require adjustment, maintenance, or escalation.
• Collect wastewater samples, perform field and basic process testing, read meters and gauges, and maintain accurate records for operational and compliance purposes.
• Monitor and adjust physical/chemical treatment processes, which may include pH adjustment, chemical feed, clarification, filtration, metals removal, solids handling, and related process controls.
• Perform basic preventive maintenance and troubleshooting on pumps, valves, mixers, tanks, chemical feed systems, instrumentation, and other treatment plant equipment.
• Support permit compliance by following standard operating procedures, documenting plant performance, communicating abnormal conditions, and helping implement corrective actions when needed.
• Handle treatment chemicals safely and follow all applicable safety, PPE, housekeeping, and environmental procedures.
• Communicate professionally with clients, supervisors, laboratory personnel, contractors, and other operators to support dependable contract operations.
• Use common computer programs and digital tools, including Outlook, Microsoft Office, Teams, and site‑specific data entry or reporting systems.
• Be available for after‑hours response, weekend or holiday coverage, and emergency support as needed for assigned facilities.
• Work outdoors and in industrial plant environments, including performing physical tasks in varying weather conditions and around operating equipment.
• Stay organized, dependable, and responsive when prioritizing daily rounds, sampling, maintenance needs, alarms, and client requests.
• Continue developing operator knowledge and pursue higher levels of certification as experience and project needs increase.
• Other duties as assigned by management.

What you will bring:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Current South Carolina Physical/Chemical Wastewater Treatment Operator license, Grade B or higher, preferred or required depending on assigned project needs.
• Applicants with a South Carolina Physical/Chemical trainee license or relevant industrial wastewater experience may be considered on a case‑by‑case basis.
• Applicants licensed in another state who are eligible for South Carolina reciprocity will be considered.

Overview:

At Weston & Sampson, you’ll work alongside more than 1,000 employee‑owners who are passionate about improving our communities. From providing clean water to designing resilient infrastructure and sustainable environments, our work has a direct impact on quality of life. We’re looking for curious, driven professionals who want to contribute to innovative, impactful projects and grow with a team that supports them.

We are a 100% employee‑owned, interdisciplinary firm offering design, engineering, and environmental services. Since our founding in 1899, we have worked to build a collaborative, forward‑thinking environment grounded in respectfor each other’s ideas.

We offer:

• Meaningful work:Contribute to projects that protect and enhance the natural and built environments
• Ownership mindset: As an employee‑owner, your work directly contributes to our shared success
• Growth opportunities: Build your career through mentorship, diverse projects, and clear advancement pathways
• Flexible workplace: Work in a way that supports your life and not the other way around
• Strong culture: Join a team that values collaboration, inclusion, and recognition

Our Commitment to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Access (IDEA)

We believe diverse perspectives make us stronger. Weston & Sampson is committed to fostering a culture of belonging where all employees feel valued, respected, and empowered. We actively support IDEA principles across our organization and in our daily work.

Ready to transform your environment? Let’s work together.