Associate Plant Engineer (26-012)

Job Description Associate Plant Engineer-HWTP Job Announcement No:

26-012

Vacant Position(s):

1

Department:

Environmental Resources

Applications Accepted through Sunday, January 18, 2026. Salary Range: 78,457.60($37.72/hr.) - $121,617.60($58.47/hr.) Grade:

111

Hours: 7:00 am – 5:00pm (flexible) Position Summary

Under limited supervision prepares project designs, drawings, construction documents, cost estimates, material orders, reports, addenda and change orders, and planning recommendations as required for each project. Provides technical guidance to assist in the operations and maintenance of the wastewater and/or water treatment facilities. Lead statistical process control projects as necessary and coordinate operations and maintenance activities.

Essential Functions

- Provide operations oversight as necessary including training on technical, safety and regulatory subjects.

- Develop capital projects for plant optimization, manpower efficiency, and regulatory compliance.

- Develop and prioritize equipment upgrades and new purchases.

- Routinely inspect and spot-check all facilities to identify physical plant deficiencies and needs.

- Supervise the Engineering Co-Op as needed.

- Perform studies and engineering investigations and provide cost estimates.

- Provide project management for projects assigned to outside engineering consultants and assist Maintenance Dept. as necessary.

- Coordinate with Engineering & Construction department engineers on completion of major capital projects.

- Manage technical aspects of implementing net recurring projects. Coordinate with all stakeholders.

- Evaluate work process that are labor intensive and develop systems and procedures to automate and simplify work processes.

- Assess and develop projects that leverage use of manpower.

- Identify, locate, and evaluate equipment to maximize use of personnel and reduce other operating cost.

- Assist operations department in identifying and developing improvement opportunities.

- Job performance must conform to all CWS Policies and procedures

- Specific knowledge of CWS Environmental Management System policies and procedures.

- May be required to work during emergency (hazardous) 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

- Subject to 24-hour on-call.

- Perform other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements

Physical Requirements, Activities, and Working Conditions

- Routinely ascend/descend ladders, stairs and ramps as high as thirteen (13) stories at Plum Island and three (3) stories at Hanahan. Ability to work at elevated height levels as needed to perform various task.

- Ability to make visual observations of repairs, construction, equipment installation and field work in progress to ensure compliance.

- Ability to communicate effectively in writing, verbally and with a 2-way radio, to include comprehension of complex oral and written instructions.

- Ability to move about extensively for long distances over an extensive plant site with varied topography and features.

- Ability to read and comprehend detailed technical reports.

- Occasionally positions self to exert up to 50 lbs of force and/or up to 25 lbs of force constantly to move objects. Objects greater than 50 lbs require a two-person operation.

- Constantly works in internal / external environmental conditions. Subject to atmospheric conditions of one or more of the following that affect the respiratory system or skin: Fumes (paint), odors, dusts, gases, etc. Personnel Protective Equipment Required.

- May be required to wear a full-face respirator.

- Required to work with chemicals used in wastewater treatment processes.

- Ability to convey detailed instructions to associates and contractors accurately, loudly, and quickly.

- Frequently positions self to move, traverse to perform required work.

- Frequent sedentary work with extended sitting required.

- Occasional exposure to loud machinery. Hearing Protection Required.

- Ability to issue, receive and understand complex oral and written instructions.

- Ability to observe and comprehend computer screens.

- Must be able to make visual observations in daylight and night.

- Ability to operate and maintain motor vehicles.

- Ability to communicate effectively in writing, verbally and with a 2-way radio to include comprehension of complex oral and written instructions.

- Must be able to wear Personnel Protective Equipment (PPE) as defined in the Job Safety Analysis (JSA) to perform the required essential functions.

Education And/or Experience

- Bachelor's degree in engineering or technical degree in chemistry, biology, physics etc. from ABET accredited program with four (4) years of progressive engineering work.

- At least 3 years’ experience managing capital projects strongly preferred.

- Computer skills: must have extensive experience with windows-based word processing and spreadsheet software (prefer Word or Excel). Including use of complex, menu driven programs.

- Experienced in presenting technical concepts to regulatory boards, environmental groups and non-technical interested parties.

- Must possess good oral and written communication skills.

- Experience in experimental design and statistical process control strongly preferred.

- Prior work record indicating dependability and conscientiousness.

- Proven leadership skills strongly preferred.

Licenses, Certifications, Registrations

- Engineer-in-Training registration required where applicable.

- “A” level Water Certification exam required within 24 months of hire.

- "C" level Water Certification exam required within 12 months of hire.

- Valid South Carolina Driver's License required.

Training Needs

- OSHA and Departmental safety training as required.

- Skills Based Training

- Standard Operating Instruction (SOI) per department requirements

- ISO 14001 standards for department and company.

- See Department Competency and Training Matrix for this position

Potential Career Path

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.

- Plant Engineer

- Engineer

Computer Skills:

Advanced

To perform this job successfully, an individual should have a thorough knowledge of Microsoft Windows, Outlook, Excel and Word or similar software, i.e. Mainframe System Program, CMMS, other specialized software.

Mathematical Skills:

Advanced

Ability to apply concepts of advanced algebra, statistics and geometry to practical and abstract situations. Ability to develop and analyze budgets, complex spreadsheets, financial analyses, etc. Ability to calculate statistics, trends and make projections.

Decision-making Authority:

Procedural (Exempt)

Follows general policies and procedures and makes regular decisions impacting subjects or employees under their responsibility. The employee may collect data, establish facts and draw conclusions on which to base decisions. The decisions affect the immediate workgroup or customer involved and may impact the operations of the division or organization. Decisions may be reviewed and reversed by a higher authority.

Reasoning Ability:

Advanced

Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, draw valid conclusions and make recommendations. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions furnished in a variety of forms. Ability to deal with a variety of abstract concepts and variables.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Full Line w/ HR Responsibility

This job supervises assigned employees and/or subordinate supervisors and is responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of the unit(s). Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

Safety Sensitive Position:

Yes

This position falls under our Substance Abuse Policy and is subject to: post-accident, reason suspicion, random, periodic, and pre-employment alcohol/controlled substance testing. For additional information about safety sensitive drug testing, see CWS Substance Abuse Policy ad Procedures

Language Skills:

Professional

Ability to comprehend abstract instructions. Ability to read and analyze complex periodicals and journals, financial reports, and government regulations. Ability to write general reports, correspondence, procedure manuals, and articles for publication. Ability to effectively present information to top management, The Commissioners, and the general public. Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from the general public.

Environmental Sensitive Position:

Yes

Charleston Water System is an ISO 14001 Certified company that promotes activities which support environmental protection, prevention of pollution, positive impacts on human health, and continual improvement to work processes and the environment. The carrying out of the job requirements as herein described present the potential to significantly impact the environment. Therefore, specific knowledge and application of CWS Environmental Management System (EMS) policies, procedures, and instructions is needed to carry out job responsibilities and requirements.