Analytical Operations Specialist Trainee
Salary
$37,668.80 Annually
Location
Aiken, SC
Job Type
Full-Time
Department
Engineering & Utilities
Division
Water Plant
Opening Date
10/01/2026
Closing Date
Continuous
Description
The City of Aiken is accepting applications for an Analytical Operations Specialist Trainee to join our Engineering & Utilities Department in the Water Plant.
Performs technical work in the production of water for the City ensuring all federal and state rules and regulations are followed.
Examples of Duties
- Assist in the collection of daily, weekly, and monthly water samples; performs tests for bacteria sampling, pH, chlorine, turbidity, and alkalinity and hardness; records results in log. Assist the Analytical Operations Specialist in operation of the City's Lab to maintain state and federal regulations in accordance with water quality monitoring programs and ensure regulatory compliance and safeguard public health.
- Assist the Analytical Operations Specialist in preforming daily calibrations and verifications of equipment.
- Assist the Analytical Operations Specialist on a regular, pre-scheduled basis to drive to source water locations and sampling points, around the county, collect and preserve water samples for analysis; maintain associated records; maintains safety and security of sampling sites.
- Learns to maintain concise chain of custody records; ensures integrity of the sample preservation and recordation for all water quality samples, and any customer related sampling.
- Learns to prepare lab standards which may include; identifying and labeling of standards. Ensure that all lab reagents and samples are properly labeled. Stay updated with water quality standards, regulations, and operating permit; communicates results to Lab Supervisor.
- Learns to analyze, compiles, and imports data provided by contract laboratories into a computerized data base; maintains accuracy and integrity of database records; assist in compiling quality information and reports.
- Learns to performs maintenance, calibration, and repairs equipment, performs security checks of the buildings and grounds. Enter data into the City of Aiken's Laboratory Information System.
- Learns to assist Lab Supervisor in responding to customer water quality complaints or concerns; explains water quality monitoring program; makes home visits to collect water samples for analysis.
- Adheres to all laboratory safety precautions in the lab and field while collecting samples.
- Learns to maintains records, logs, and files for water production, power usage, chemical dosages, bacteria and turbidity reports, and filter washing.
- Learns to run tests for water purification testing including Ph, chlorine, fluoride, turbidity, bacteria, and confirmation of coliform and e-coli bacteria.
- Learns to inspect main plant, Shiloh Springs, Pine Log, Town Creek, Silver Bluff, and The Vale to ensures proper pressure, flows, Ph, chlorine, and fluoride; ensures proper pump maintenance is performed and recorded.
Other Responsibilities
- Learns to maintain pumps and motors; greases and oils; maintains and repairs equipment.
- Learns to respond to questions and resolve problems or complaints concerning the water.
- Learns to operate various types of Lab equipment as needed; ensures assigned lab equipment is properly maintain and reading are accurate.
- Learns to help maintain a good relationship with other City departments and the general public on a daily basis.
- Learns to perform Quality Control Checks as well as bacteriologically. Follows all company policies and procedures to ensure integrity of the water system is maintained.
Minimum Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Valid state drivers license and a satisfactory motor vehicle record
- Oral and written communication ability equivalent to that normally acquired through a high school education is required
- Ability to run chemical tests and analyze results
- Interpersonal skills necessary to be courteous of fellow employees, citizens, and businesses while technical duties
- Ability to concentrate and pay close attention to detail for up to 60% of the work day
- Acquire a Level E, D, and C level Water Treatment Certification to become Analytical Operations Specialist, and maintain with CEUs
- Self-contained Breathing Apparatus Certification
- Incumbent is required to work varying shifts as needed
Supplemental Information
This position is subject to a criminal background check for any convictions directly related to its duties and responsibilities. Only job-related convictions will be considered and will not automatically disqualify the candidate. The City of Aiken is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a drug-free workplace.
Full-time Benefits include:
Medical, Vision, and Dental insurance, life insurance (5x salary), flex health spending account, short-term disability, an employee wellness program, paid vacation and sick leave, paid holidays, paid parental leave, participation in a Defined Contribution 401(a) Retirement Plan, and South Carolina Deferred Compensation Program.
Paid Holidays include:
- New Years Day
- Martin Luther King Day
- Good Friday
- Memorial Day
- Independence Day
- Labor Day
- Veterans Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Day after Thanksgiving
- Christmas Eve
- Christmas Day
- Day after Christmas (Dec. 26th)
- Employees Birthday
- Floating holiday (must be on payroll prior to January 1st )
Retirement
Full-time employees participate in the Defined Contribution 401(a) Retirement Plan. After one year of employment, the employee will begin contributing 6% to the Plan, with the City making a matching 6% contribution. Employees are fully vested after 5 years of service.
Employer City of Aiken
Address 111 Chesterfield St S
Aiken, South Carolina, 29801
Phone 803-642-7660
803-643-2160
Website https://www.cityofaikensc.gov/