Water Quality Specialist Senior

This position performs advanced technical and administrative work in the collection, testing, treatment, analysis and recording of source, drinking, and discharge water that is processed through the City of Great Falls Missouri River Water Treatment Plant. The role directly supports the protection of public health and safety for residents, environmental integrity, and compliance with state and federal laws. This work is essential to effective water treatment operations, mandatory compliance, and providing knowledgeable assistance to contractors, citizens, and staff within the City. This position operates under the general supervision of the Water Plant Operations Superintendent or the Water Treatment Branch Manager. 

Sampling and Analyzing Samples (30%)

• Collects samples throughout the plant and distribution system for the analysis of various microbiological and chemical constituents. 
• Collects samples for analysis to satisfy the discharge monitoring report.
• Analyzes and interprets water samples for the presence/absence of target bacteria.
• Performs coliform and E. coli sampling for the public, as well as main replacement projects.

Records Keeping and Reporting for Regulatory Compliance (30%)

• Prepares treatment process reports to meet state and federal regulatory requirements.
• Maintains thorough knowledge of LCRI to perform the distribution of required public notification documentation, public education materials, and other miscellaneous documentation.  

• Prepares bi-annual Consumer Confidence Reports to educate the public about the quality of their drinking water and the steps being taken to ensure safety of the water. 

Training and Advising on Water Quality Parameters (20%)

• Assists in determining and adjusting chemical feed rates for water treatment to ensure the consistent production of drinking water that meets stringent standards for safety, quality, palatability, and visual clarity. 
• Advises supervisors, City officials, and the public regarding regulatory compliance. 
• Maintains ongoing training related to required laboratory qualifications.
• Participates in laboratory and water plant performance audits. 
• Provides technical support and training for laboratory and plant personnel. 
• Assist with and promotes all Laboratory safety programs and procedures, ensuring compliance and fostering a strong culture of safety. Provides guidance, training, and mentorship to other plant staff while collaborating with other staff to identify risks, implement corrective actions, and drive continuous improvement across all facility operations.

Maintains and Calibrates Laboratory and Process Equipment (20%)

• Procures all materials and maintains a working stock of all laboratory and process control equipment, and chemical inventories. 
• Cleans, maintains, repairs and calibrates laboratory and process control equipment to ensure proper performance, efficiency and accuracy.        
• Maintains and adheres to strict quality control and quality assurance programs for the laboratory.

• A bachelor’s degree in chemistry, bacteriology, microbiology, or a related field.
• Two years of relevant laboratory and quality assurance experience.
• A combination of equivalent education and experience will be considered. 

NECESSARY QUALIFICATIONS

• Pass the Montana Class I Water Treatment Plant Operator certification within 1 year and be fully certified within 2.5 years.
• Montana Water Laboratory Technician certification or ability to obtain within one year of employment.

• Knowledge of City and department policies and procedures.
• Proficiency with the chemical, physical, and microbiological principles of water quality analysis and water treatment processes.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, and regulations related to water treatment and laboratory analysis.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, organize, prioritize, and manage work effectively.
• Demonstrated ability to perform mathematical computations.
• Thorough knowledge of laboratory techniques and reporting, as well as equipment used in water testing, including maintenance and calibration.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to work independently and evaluate and resolve problems with laboratory procedures and process equipment. 

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Strong Technical & Problem-Solving Skills
• Self-Motivated Initiative
• Exceptional Customer Service Skills
• Collaboration Across and Within Departments or Divisions

• Communication 
• Organizational skills 
• Risk Evaluation 
• Strong analytical skills 
• Data Interpretation and Accuracy
• Documentation and Reporting Precision

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY
While this position does not supervise employees, it provides technical leadership and oversight of laboratory operations to ensure accurate data production, regulatory compliance, and consistent adherence to quality standards and control. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT
Work is generally performed in a lab setting within the Water Plant with periodic field sampling required at off-site locations, construction/industrial sites and in customers’ homes. Duties routinely involve working in proximity to water treatment chemicals and related materials. Some tasks require entering or working in confined spaces. The work environment may include elevated noise levels and other conditions typical of industrial settings. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to perform heavy physical work and be able to lift and carry up to 75 pounds at a time. Employee must have the ability to stand, walk, sit, climb, bend, twist, reach, crawl, grasp, pinch, pull and perform similar body movements. Employee must possess hand/eye coordination. Must be able to efficiently operate a computer, various laboratory equipment and drive a motor vehicle. Employee must be able to talk and hear in person or by telephone or two-way radio and see and read instructions and reports. 

EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK
The work week is Sunday through Saturday with a typical 40-hour work schedule performed Monday through Friday.   Employees are expected to be in their designated work area, dressed and ready to work at the start time. This position is non-exempt and eligible for overtime.  Overtime may be required and must be authorized by the Water Treatment Branch Manager prior to working.

TRAVEL
Travel is primarily local during the business day. Occasional travel may be required to attend off-site training, educational opportunities and for sample collection.