Water Quality Technician

Responsible for compliance reporting and testing of the City's water treatment and distribution system in accordance with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations. Responsible for collection, testing and documentation of all compliance tests within the system.  Collects chlorine residuals, disinfection by-product sampling and other required water samples for analytical testing associated with the operation of a potable water supply.  Performs fire hydrant flushing and record keeping on flows and water quality of each hydrant flushed.

1.  Administers dead end main line flushing program. 
2.  Administers bacteriological sampling for potable water system.
3.  Inspects and interprets water analysis and implements corrective measures to resolve potential water quality problems.
4.  Monitors, analyzes, and records water treatment plant operations including chemical feed rates, water flows, storage tank levels, system pressures, filter backwash cycles, and instrumentation readings; adjusts chemical concentrations and treatment processes as required.
5.  Operates the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system to monitor and control plant processes, alarms, and distribution system conditions.
6.  Inspects instruments and equipment for proper operation and assists with the repair. 
7.  Investigates, researches and resolves complaints associated with water quality. 
8.  Performs hydrant and blow-off flushing to help alleviate and or maintain distribution water quality.  Follows appropriate rules and regulation for dechlorination from flushed water.
9.  Collects and tests water samples to identify trihalomethanes, HAA’s, lead, copper, bacteriological, chlorine, nitrites and other water quality parameters to maintain quality within guidelines.
10.  Participates in meetings related to water quality issues and provides input and technical data.
11.  Collaborates with applicable internal departments regarding water quality issues.
12.  Accounts for all water usage due to flushing and testing.
13.  Prepares documentation for state agencies regarding flushing.
14.  Provides verbal and written reports to management. 
15.  Provides information to citizens concerned about water quality.
16.  Prepares, maintains, and reviews accurate records, logs, and regulatory documentation including SWMOR, bacteriological reports, flushing reports, water loss audits, water use surveys, and other required state and federal submissions. 
17.  Assists water plant personnel as needed with work throughout the facility.
18.  Regularly reviews regulations for distribution testing and updates procedures as necessary.
19.  Writes, revises, reviews, removes and updates the procedures and forms for the position as necessary.
20.  Performs driving duties to collect water samples and perform other related functions at various locations within the City or outside of the City as directed.
21.  Trains plant personnel on all equipment used for the position.
22.  Ensures that water quality meets or exceeds regulated standards.
23.  Accountable for the safe and cost effective operation of sampling and testing.
24.  This position requires working a rotating on-call schedule and will require work outside normal business hours.
25.  Performs related duties as directed when such duties are a logical and appropriate assignment to the position.
26.  Regular and timely attendance are required for this position.
27.  Interacts professionally and respectfully with the public, coworkers and others in the course of daily work.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES 

• Knowledge and experience commensurate with city size, water volumes, water laboratory techniques, and operating complexities, etc.

• Up-to-date knowledge of TCEQ and EPA regulations.

• Must have skill in collecting and testing water samples.

• Must be skilled in performing intricate laboratory analyses and examination.

• Must be able to perform a high percentage of tasks independently without supervisory assistance.

• Must exercise independent judgement, personal discretion and resourcefulness in interpreting and applying guidelines.

• Ability to work in a team environment, contribute as a team member and treat co-workers and customers with respect.

• Ability to effectively communicate information and ideas in writing, as well as through speech, so others will understand.

• Ability to communicate with internal and external customers and possess excellent customer service skills.

• Ability to accept responsibility and account for his/her actions.

• Ability to follow instructions, safety practices and standard operating procedures in performing assigned tasks.

• Ability to work any day of the week (weekends and weekdays) and long hours.

• Ability to perform heavy manual labor and to work in adverse conditions when required.

• Understanding of the following State and EPA required tests:

              o              Lead and Copper Testing

              o              UCMR Testing (Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule)

              o              LT2 Testing (Long Term)

              o              BacT Testing

              o              NAP Testing (Nitrification Activation Plan)

              o              RTCR (Revised Total Coliform Rule)

• Understanding of the following reports per requirements:

              o              Water Use Survey

              o              Water Loss Audit

              o              Water Utility Profile

              o              Water Conservation Plan

              o              CCR (Consumer Confidence Report)

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS 

Requires a Class B Surface Water license issued by the TCEQ and a minimum of three years of experience at a water treatment facility; or possession of a Class C license with the ability to obtain a Class B license within 18 months.

Must pass a Federal/National criminal background check. Must have a valid Texas driver's license with an acceptable driving record as defined by City policy.

Must pass a pre-employment basic physical, drug screen, pulmonary function test, functional assessment screening (Level 2), Titmus vision screening, and an Ishihara vision screening.

WORKING CONDITIONS 

While performing the essential functions of this position, there will be routine and frequent exposure to:

•             Bright/dim light

•             Dusts and pollen

•             Extreme heat and/or cold

•             Wet or humid conditions

•             Extreme noise levels

•             Animals/wildlife

•             Vibration

•             Fumes and/or noxious odors

•             Traffic

•             Moving machinery

•             Electrical shock

•             Heights

•             Disease/pathogens

•             Toxic/caustic chemicals

•             Other extreme hazards not listed above

Safety equipment such as gloves, goggles, hard hats, safety vests, steel-toe boots, back support belts, and seat belts are provided and must be worn as required by department procedures and good safety practices.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations maybe be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

This job entails moderate physical labor, which requires strength and agility.  While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently is required to stand; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk and hear.  The employee is occasionally required to sit and taste or smell.  The employee must occasionally lift, shovel, and carry 55 to 60 pounds and exert up to 115 pounds of force.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the person assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties and skills required. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and the employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and the job requirements change.