Frequently Asked Questions

1. How can I find out about available positions in the PSD and how can I apply for jobs? What is the hiring process like? Visit the Employment section of this web site, call Human Resources, view the human resources bulletins posted in individual departments or stop by the Human Resources Department 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday. Listings are updated weekly. You may apply only for an open position that is posted and available. All applications are considered. Qualified applications are referred to the department for the Position Title indicated on the application. When you have submitted an application for a position and then later wish to be considered for another position, you must submit another application. Each application submitted must include Position Title and an original signature and date. Past employment history will be verified. Applicants are responsible for providing sufficient information to accomplish this. All applicants must complete the JIPSD Application Form. A resume may be attached; however, all sections of the application form must be completed. Please give detailed information about previous job duties and responsibilities. If the application is not completed in its entirety, it will not be considered. In addition, the application must include the Position Title for which you are applying. Applications that are submitted for open positions will be reviewed and screened to ensure that applicants meet the basic requirements for the position. Qualified applications are referred to the hiring department and considered for interviews. Applicants who are selected for an interview will be contacted directly by the department. An employment physical is required for all individuals selected for regular full-time, regular part-time or selected temporary positions. This appointment is scheduled after a job offer has been made and accepted. Failure to complete or pass the physical will result in withdrawal of a job offer. New employees must present evidence of U.S. citizenship or legal residence in the U.S. in order to be eligible for employment. All new employees assigned to regular full-time or regular part-time positions are required to enroll in the District's direct deposit program.
   
   
2. What's the difference between Garbage and Trash? Garbage is defined as household waste, including material associated with the handling, preparation, cooking and serving of foods, and other organic matter. Garbage includes, but is not limited to, small cardboard containers, cans, paper products, plastics and similar related items. Trash includes four categories which must be placed out in separate piles. These include White Goods, Furniture/Building materials, Yard Waste, and Leaves/Grass Clippings.
   
   
3. I had my trash out on time, but the trash truck did not stop at my house or did not get all the trash? Is your trash sorted into like items? We are unable to pick up mixed loads of trash. If the truck only got part of your trash, there should be another truck coming later. Usually a different truck will come by to pick up the different types of trash so it does not get mixed in the truck. The landfill will not allow us to dump mixed loads.
   
   
4. I am a new wastewater customer - What must I do? If wastewater service is being provided to your neighborhood for the first time, the District will notify you by letter about exact requirements, with specific forms you must fill out. If you do not wish to wait, you may contact our Customer Service Office @ (843) 795-9060 for assistance. If you are constructing a new home or building in an area where sewer service is already available, you must apply for new service by requesting a "Letter of Availability". Complete the "Sewer Availability Form" and fax to the number listed on the form. A written response will be mailed to you within two business days.
   
   
5. What if I am a new owner and my property has been on wastewater before? New owners whose property is already connected to the sewer will receive a minimum charge sewer bill of $19 for two months, until the District begins to receive your water usage information from CWS.
   
   
6. What if I have questions about my account and how can I pay my account? Call our Customer Service Department at (843) 795-9060 weekdays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. or stop by our office @ 1739 Signal Point Road on James Island. Payments may be made by enrolling in Automatic Draft, MC/VISA, Cash or Check.
   
   
7. How is my bill calculated? Because it is not cost effective to meter wastewater use, your bill is based on the amount of water that passes through your meter. Wastewater charges are based on either metered "city" water usage provided by Charleston Water Systems (CWS) or by fixture Units established by the Southern Standard Building Code for properties on wells. You should be aware that there is a time lag in obtaining the water usage data from CWS. As a result, wastewater billing is always based on water usage data two months old. If you have no metered water consumption, monthly billing will be based on Fixture Units. (See "Rate & Fee Schedule" for minimum and additional usage calculation.)
   
   
8. What if my wastewater is backed up or overflowing in my house? Within business hours (Monday-Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm) call (843) 795-9060 or after hours and weekends call (843) 795-2094.
   
   
9. How do we get on your bidder's list for various services and products? Please mail an introduction letter to the attention of the Deputy Manager/CFO, indicating what type of bid list you would like your company to be placed on, and the services or products you provide and you will be placed on that/those particular bid list(s).
   
   
10. May a vendor see copies of bids prior to award? If so, where? A vendor may review copies of the bids prior to award, after the bid opening, in the office of the Deputy Manager/CFO, by appointment.
    
    
11. Is there a charge for the JIPSD to check my wastewater tap? There is no charge to the customer.
    
    
12. What do I do if I have a wastewater odor in my house? The JIPSD offers free smoke tests to customers to check for leaks in the plumbing system.
    
    
13. What is the number for Palmetto Utility Protection Services (P.U.P.S.) locating service? 1-888-721-7877 from 7:30am to 5:30pm Monday thru Friday.
    
    
14. How do I get a letter of wastewater availability? An availability form can be picked up at the JIPSD office or one can be faxed or mailed to you. Return the completed form to the JIPSD office. An availability letter will be mailed to you.
    
    
15. If wastewater is not available to my property, what should I do? Contact SCDHEC at 202-7020 for information on a septic system.
    
    
16. How much are tap and impact fees for wastewater? Tap fees are $400 and impact fees are $1,470 ($680 to JIPSD and $790 to CWS).
    
    
17. Do I need to have a new service inspected? The JIPSD will need to inspect the connection at the tap once a wastewater service is installed. Call the JIPSD Wastewater Department to schedule an inspection. Also check with the issuer of the permit for further inspections.

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