Water Quality Specialist

Under general supervision of the Deputy Utility Director, is responsible to assist and advise in development, implementation, and maintenance of drinking water and wastewater system quality control standards. Lead the development and implementation of backflow and cross connection control, water quality monitoring, and water management plans as directed. Assist in the operation of Water and Wastewater Systems programs including sampling plans, backflow device management, FOG (fats oils and grease), regulatory reporting, and sample collection.

Prepare technical reports as directed.

Water Quality Specialist is journey-level class who works independently and is expected to perform essential job duties to ensure the continued compliance of the City’s drinking water and wastewater systems with a minimum of supervision.

• Associate's degree or 60 semester units from an accredited college with coursework in chemistry, biology, microbiology, engineering or related field is highly desired.
• Three (3) years of work experience in water production/treatment and wastewater collection/treatment is required.

• Must possess a valid driver's license in conformance with adopted City driving requirements.
• Possess any Three (3) AZ Certified Operator licenses:
  Water Treatment, Water Distribution. Wastewater Collection or Wastewater Treatment with a minimum of grade II in any two (2) categories.

• Monitors and coordinates activities with and submits reports to the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality, coordinates and reports to this agency to ensure the City remains in compliance with environmental regulations.
• Manages, executes, and implements water and wastewater testing programs.
• Analyzes water and wastewater quality and recommends corrective actions.
• Manages development and implementation of back flow and cross connection control programs.
• Manages development and implementation of FOG (fats oils and grease) pre-treatment programs.
• Assist and advise in development, implementation, and maintenance of drinking water and wastewater system quality control standards.
• Assists in the preparation of City's annual Consumer Confidence Reports.
• Coordinates with and assists Utilities Department to ensure compliance with federal, state and local environmental regulations and provides education as needed; provides advice to management on policy and compliance related issues.
• Develops, prepares, and implements educational programs and presentations on water and wastewater quality control measures..
• Assists in the development of annual budget proposal for water and wastewater quality control programs.
• Inspects, tests and repairs City facilities for compliance in back flow and cross connection control programs
• Conducts audits of businesses grease interceptors. Develop and manage FOG program, inspect and document grease interceptor program.
• Updates and maintains the City website to contain active information regarding water quality information.
• Operates and maintains motor vehicles or other work related equipment requiring a valid Arizona driver license
• Sample within the water and/or wastewater treatment, distribution or collection systems.
• Performs routine to complex tasks associated with utilities equipment and quality control. This includes recording and logging test results, gauge and/or meter readings and observed conditions.
• Monitors water quality and flow data; collects samples of water for lab analysis; performs routine tests on samples; adheres to chain of custody protocols and ADEQ sampling requirements.
• Develop and manage cross connection control program and inventory of backflow prevention devices.
• Develop and manage water quality monitoring, and water management plans
• Inspects and ensures proper operation of equipment; reads meters, gauges, and instruments; reports and records any failures or operating difficulties.
• Assists with customer service requests and provides excellent customer service; responds to questions and complaints from the public.
• Monitors system conditions and makes process control adjustments using computer and SCADA systems.
• Organizes work assignments and sets priorities.
• Prepares and maintains records of work performed and materials used.
• Checks job sites for potential hazards; ensures appropriate traffic control; understands and adheres to all applicable safety rules, regulations, practices, or procedures.
• Contributes to the efficiency and effectiveness of the department’s service to its customers by offering suggestions and directing or participating as an active member of a team.
• Performs and/or assists with work on all utility systems and related equipment as necessary.
• Effectively present information and respond to questions from fellow employees and water service customers.
• Calculate figures and amounts such as proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume and apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.
• Solve practical problems and deal with variables in…