Hydrant Maintenance Operator- 26-111

Job Announcement No: 26-111 | Vacant Position(s): 1 | Department: Water Distribution | Applications Accepted through Sunday, September 6, 2026

About the Role

Under limited supervision, performs hydrant and valve maintenance. Works on a two-person UDF or Valve Operation crew or as a one-person crew performing hydrant painting and miscellaneous preventive maintenance procedures. Other associated duties include performing hydrant flow tests, minor hydrant repairs, and valve box adjustments.

Responsibilities

• Performs preventive maintenance and repairs on fire hydrants, including cleaning, painting, repair, replacement, and/or lubrication of nozzles, caps, operating nuts, stems, gaskets, chains, etc.
• Inspects and tests fire hydrants to ensure proper operation and itemize deficiencies.
• Performs hydraulic testing on fire hydrants to establish flow capabilities and locate flow deficiencies.
• Collects pertinent hydrant data through office and field investigation for permanent records within the mainframe database (e.g., hydrant number, manufacturer, model, connections, year, valve opening size, depth, accurate location).
• Operates distribution and transmission valves to ensure proper position and operation.
• Prepares reports.
• Locates valves and water mains in the field using electronic detection equipment.
• Follows up on deficiencies to ensure repairs are made promptly and correctly.
• Assists in resolving customer complaints and problems reported by local fire departments.
• Responds to customer water quality concerns.
• May be required to work during emergency conditions.
• Ensures job performance conforms to all CWS policies and procedures.
• Demonstrates specific knowledge of CWS Environmental Management System Policy and Procedures.
• Operates a personal computer and/or keyboard for inputting data into the Mainframe Database and CMMS (Computer Maintenance Management System).
• Performs water quality testing in accordance with DHEC regulations.
• Subject to 24-hour on-call availability.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• Ability to operate and maintain motor vehicles.
• Constantly works in internal and external environmental conditions, including exposure to atmospheric conditions affecting the respiratory system or skin (e.g., fumes from paint, odors, dust, gases).
• Frequently positions self to move and traverse in the field, maneuver objects weighing up to 30 lbs, and occasionally up to 60 lbs (objects over 50 lbs require a two-person operation).
• Frequently applies up to 50 ft-lbs of torque and occasionally up to 200 ft-lbs to operate valves, hydrants, etc.
• Considerable movement and traversing involved, up to 6 miles per day frequently and in excess of 8 hours per day occasionally, on unpaved streets, uneven ground, and cluttered work areas.
• Ability to properly use and maneuver various powered and non-powered tools (e.g., shovels, wrenches, oversized pipe wrenches, bush ax, weed eater, metal files).
• Ability to effectively communicate in writing, verbally, and via two-way radio, including comprehension of complex oral and written instructions.
• Ability to make fine distinctions in sound, such as when adjusting equipment.
• Routinely ascends/descends ladders to access excavations, embankments, meter vaults, manholes, confined spaces, etc.
• Must be able to make visual observations in daylight and night conditions.
• Routinely and safely operates computers, including desktop and rugged notebook laptops in the field.
• Subject to noise levels requiring shouting to be heard above ambient noise; hearing protection required.
• Subject to vibrations and oscillating movements of extremities or whole body.
• Must be able to wear Personnel Protective Equipment (PPE) as defined in the Job Safety Analysis (JSA).

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• One (1) year of general maintenance experience preferred.
• Prior work record indicating dependability and conscientiousness.
• “D” level Water Distribution Operator’s License required within 24 months of hire.
• Valid South Carolina Driver’s License required.

Training

• 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.

Pay

Salary Range: $45,760.00 ($22.00/hr.) - $68,640.00 ($33.00/hr.) | Hiring Range: $45,760.00 ($22.00/hr.) - $57,200.00 ($27.50/hr.) | Grade: 105

Schedule

Hours: 7:00 am – 3:30 pm

Career Growth

Eligibility for promotion to various positions throughout the Commission depends on individual qualifications. Noted job progressions are not a guarantee of career path to these or any other roles, including:

• Unidirectional Flushing Foreman
• Distribution System Technician