Water Quality Specialist

Pay: $21.29 to $25.54 per hour   

Under general supervision, performs water quality testing to ensure the City is in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.  This is accomplished by collecting and testing samples; analyzing data; testing backflow; and maintaining testing equipment.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Performs water quality monitoring, sampling, testing, and related activities to ensure compliance with TCEQ, EPA, Safe Drinking Water Act, and applicable City requirements.
• Performs dead-end main flushing, targeted water-quality flushing, and other distribution-system flushing necessary to maintain water quality.
• Collects drinking water samples throughout the distribution system in accordance with regulatory requirements and the City's approved monitoring and sampling plans.
• Performs field testing for chlorine residual, monochloramine, free ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, pH, temperature, and other water quality parameters as required.
• Analyzes water-quality data, customer complaints, system information, and field observations to identify trends, recurring issues, and distribution-system conditions requiring operational attention or corrective action.
• Reviews laboratory and field-testing results for completeness and compliance and immediately reports results outside established regulatory or operational parameters to the appropriate supervisor.
• Performs bacteriological sampling throughout the distribution system and coordinates delivery of samples to approved laboratories within required holding times.
• Identifies recurring water-quality problem areas and recommends long-term corrective measures for consideration by Utility Operations, Engineering, and management.
• Maintains compliance documentation such as chain-of-custody sheets, compliance logs, and/or internal tracking forms.
• Collects or coordinates regulatory samples including bacteriological, disinfectant residual, lead and copper, disinfection byproducts, and other samples required by TCEQ, EPA, or the City's monitoring programs.
• Performs water quality monitoring, sampling, testing, and related activities to ensure compliance with TCEQ, EPA, Safe Drinking Water Act, and applicable City requirements.
• Performs calibrations of analyzers, document results and provides reports to immediate Supervisor.
• Performs field testing for chlorine residual, monochloramine, free ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, pH, temperature, and other water quality parameters as required.
• Maintains adequate inventory of sampling supplies, testing reagents, calibration standards, bottles, equipment, and other materials necessary to conduct the City's water-quality program.
• Assesses and records customer complaints and collects samples from homes in a professional and tactful manner in order to enhance customer relations and water quality.
• Interprets and understands all relevant required ordinances, rules, and regulations governing sampling and protection of water distribution system.
• Uses GIS, Cityworks, laboratory results, and other available system data to evaluate geographic and historical patterns in water quality.
• Utilizes proper safety precautions in all work performed; recognizes, avoids, and reports unsafe acts, conditions, accidents, and injuries.
• Assures that work assignments are completed according to specified work orders.
• Performs maintenance, repair, inspection, and operational activities on the City’s water and wastewater utility systems as assigned, including assisting utility crews with routine, emergency, and preventative maintenance activities.
• Responds to water-quality emergencies, main breaks, loss-of-pressure events, contamination concerns, and other events requiring sampling or investigation.
• Cross-trains work crews in proper work methods and safety procedures.
• Participates in an after-hours or on-call response when necessary for water-quality or regulatory compliance activities.
• Maintains the integrity, professionalism, values, and goals of the City by assuring that all rules and regulations are followed, and that accountability and public trust are preserved.
• Cooperates with co-workers professionally to accomplish work efficiently and effectively.
• Has regular, predictable attendance; attendance is a factor in continued employment with the City.
• Performs other duties as assigned or required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience:

High school diploma or GED equivalent; AND TWO years work experience in water distribution or related field, including one year experience in Water Quality sampling preferably with the City of Corinth; OR an equivalent combination of related education, experience, or demonstrated abilities or proficiencies that result in a candidate successfully performing the essential functions of the job. 
 

Required Licenses or Certifications:

• Must possess a valid Texas Commercial Driver’s License and Tankers endorsement, or the ability to obtain it within one year.
• Class C Water license from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) are required or must be obtained within twelve months of hire; additional technical skills training and certifications may be required for some job assignments.

Required Knowledge of:

• City policies and procedures.
• Federal, state and City safety rules and regulations, occupational hazards, and safety precautions.
• Principles and methods of maintenance of water and wastewater stations and components.
• Methods and procedures used to test, maintain and repair electrical and mechanical components.
• Tools and equipment used in water utilities system maintenance.
• Maintenance and repair standards for water utility equipment.
• Occupational hazards and safety precautions.
• Proper use and storage of chemicals, including OSHA Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for hazardous chemicals used in the workplace.
• Customer service standards and protocols.

Required Skill in:

• Prioritizing tasks and assigning and coordinating work of assigned personnel.
• Reading and understanding construction blueprints, plans, specifications, and technical documents.
• Safe and efficient operation and maintenance of specialized tools and equipment to perform W/WW maintenance and repair work.
• Making routine operating adjustments and repairs to assigned equipment.
• Following and enforcing safety standards.
• Closely following verbal and written instructions and procedures.
• Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with co-workers and the public.
• Operating a personal computer utilizing a variety of business software.

Physical Demands / Work Environment: 

• Work is performed indoors and outdoors at work sites throughout the City; required to perform moderate physical work, and lift and carry up to 80 pounds.