Water Quality Specialist

JOB SUMMARY

This is a technical position that performs duties under the general direct supervision of the Water Quality Supervisor related to the operation of the City’s Water Quality Services Monitoring programs and other related field activities in the distribution system. This position is responsible for collecting samples and field measurements, reporting field and laboratory test results on various logs, forms and computer programs, using sampling and testing equipment. Perform dead end main flushing activities, annual fire hydrant maintenance and additional duties include providing water quality sampling and testing other City departments.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES  
                                               

• Properly collect samples from the surface and ground water distribution system or other sources as required using established standard operating procedures and quality control criteria to ensure accurate techniques and quality data procedures.
• Perform field and laboratory analysis for pH, chlorine residual, temperature, nitrification, and other required water quality tests using EPA approved test methods.
• Report field and laboratory test results on various logs, forms and computer programs for process control monitoring and reporting purposes.
• Communicate clearly, establish and maintain effective and harmonious working relationships with co-workers, supervisors, management, regulatory officials, and the public and deal tactfully and effectively with all those contacted in the course of work.
• Inspect, calibrate, operate, maintain, and properly document the use of sampling and testing equipment.
• Inspect, operate, maintain, and perform annual maintenance on fire hydrants, flush valves, sampling stations or other water systems appurtenances to verify or maintain water quality in the distribution system. Perform security checks and various housekeeping, landscaping and maintenance duties at sample station sites, automatic flush stations, and fire hydrants. 
• Perform data entry activities, issue internal / external work orders, conduct data analysis, and review maps, detailed records, and reports.
• Safely operate a vehicle and other required equipment, follow proper safety procedures, anticipate unsafe circumstances, and respond accordingly to prevent accidents.
• Perform other related duties as assigned. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of: 

• Basic chemistry principles, field monitoring and laboratory procedures.
• Basic water treatment principles.
• Field sampling and testing equipment.
• Field and laboratory safety practices.
• Water distribution system components.
• Basic knowledge of surface and ground water principles.
• Basic knowledge of personal computers and associated operating systems.

Ability to:

• Learn procedures for collecting samples, conducting required tests and use of necessary equipment.
• Demonstrate acceptable field monitoring and laboratory technique.
• Follow detailed oral and written instructions and adhere to prescribed procedures.
• Learn and maintain knowledge of assigned program activities. 
• Pay attention to details and maintain accurate records.
• Convey technical information to supervisory personnel.
• Read, interpret, rules, regulations, and apply to complex technical documents and instructions.  
• Conduct detailed data analysis; prepare required reports and other correspondence using computer software applications.
• Conform to requirements of the department’s data integrity and ethics policy and other standard operating procedures. 
• Communicate clearly and concisely in English both orally and in writing.
• Perform heavy manual labor for extended periods under variable weather conditions. 
• Perform repetitive tasks requiring constant attention to detail.
• Must be able to stand and/or sit for extended periods of time while performing tests.
• Utilize required PPE, including special fitted full-face respirator.
• Work evenings, weekends, holidays, and on-call as required.
• Physically perform the essential duties of the position.
• Work Effectively in a team and independent environment.

Experience and Education: Any combination equivalent to the level of experience and education that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities may qualify. 

Experience: 

• Previous water quality sampling/testing and or previous water/wastewater laboratory experience.
• Previous water operations or distribution system experience is desirable. 

Education: 

• High School Diploma or GED required.   
• College level coursework in biology, chemistry and/or mathematics is desirable.

Licenses:

• Possession of a valid Class “C” Motor Vehicle Operator’s License.
• Possession of a Class “C” Water Operator License or equivalent from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), or
• Possession of a Class “D” Water Operator License within 6 months, and the ability to acquire a Class “C” Ground Water Operator License or a Class “C” Surface Water License within eighteen (18) months.
• Possession of a Class “C” Surface and Class “C” Ground Water Operator License is required within 24 months of hire date.  

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS 

Many of the essential duties of this position are performed in the field at sites in the water distribution system and in a laboratory environment. Incumbents assigned to this position work in and around water under pressure with potential unknown hazards and along roadways with traffic requiring the incumbent to wear protective clothing and other personal protective equipment and follow traffic safety protocols. Incumbents assigned to this position must be physically capable of operating a half-ton pickup and have an acceptable driving history.  Incumbents assigned to this position must be physically capable of lifting, carrying monitoring and testing equipment weighing up to 50lbs without assistance. Incumbents assigned to this position must be physically able to bend, stoop, squat, kneel, crawl, reach above shoulder height and climb in the performance of their daily duties. Additionally, incumbents assigned to this position must be able to perform essential job duties in all weather conditions. Incumbents assigned to this position must be capable of distinguishing between colors and must be able to hear audible alarms and see visual signals.

Protective equipment, including personal protective equipment for eyes, face, head, and extremities, protective clothing, respiratory devices, and protective shields and barriers, shall be provided, used, and maintained in a sanitary and reliable condition wherever it is necessary by reason of hazards of processes or environment, chemical hazards, radiological hazards, or mechanical irritants encountered in a manner capable of causing injury or impairment in the function of any part of the body through absorption, inhalation or physical contact.

This position has been classified as a “safety-sensitive” position. All incumbents assigned to a “safety-sensitive” position shall be required to comply with all provisions of the City of Sherman, Texas Commercial Motor Vehicle Driver’s Drug and Alcohol Testing Program.