Water Quality Technician

Water Quality Technician I

Are you passionate about protecting public health and ensuring safe, high-quality drinking water? The City of Graham is seeking a motivated Water Quality Technician I to join our Water & Sewer team. If you enjoy a combination of fieldwork, laboratory testing, and problem-solving, this is an excellent opportunity to build a rewarding career in the water industry.

Collect and analyze samples for the purpose of compliance and process control work within the distribution and collections systems. Performs routine skilled work in the maintenance of the water quality within the distribution system; performs related work as required.

An employee in this class is responsible for performing a variety of standardized laboratory tests and analyses of water within the distribution and collection systems. Work primarily involves bacteriological testing, maintaining water quality, sample collection of new water lines, customer complaints, maximum resident time sampling sites, and all required distribution compliance sampling. Assist with annual FOG inspections and sample collection within the collection system.

Work is evaluated for correctness in analyses, the accuracy of reports, and knowledge of current safety regulations, through observation of work in progress, review of analyses, and review of reports. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Field Operations Manager. Work is evaluated through the conference, and reviewing records for adherence to laboratory standards, instructions, and safety practices.

Collects water samples as needed to meet compliance and process control for the department.

Flushing and maintaining water quality within the distribution system.

Utilizing various laboratory equipment, to include but not limited to, pH meter, colorimeter, incubator, turbidity meter.

Sampling for bacteriological testing.

Performing quality control by calibrating field equipment.

Collecting water samples for customer complaints and new lines.

Typing letters and chain of custody forms; filing; and other clerical duties.

Assist with Lake Survey.

Assist with annual FOG inspections.

As needed collection system sampling.

Sample collection at sewer pump station.

Other required duties as assigned.

General knowledge of modern laboratory techniques, materials, and equipment, including those used in standard chemical and biochemical analysis of water.

General knowledge of the principles of organic and inorganic chemistry.

Ability to collect water samples, and perform necessary laboratory tests.

Ability to prepare and maintain accurate records and reports.

Ability to understand and carry out oral and written directions.

Ability to manage sampling schedules with exemplary time management skills.

Work in this position is light work (exerting up to 40 pounds of force occasionally, and/or negligible amounts of force constantly to move objects). Physical activities include balancing, stooping, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions. The employee must have the visual acuity to operate a computer terminal, make visual inspections, use measurement devices, and determine the accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness of the work assigned.

The employee is subject to both indoor and outdoor environmental conditions.

Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license equivalent to the required North Carolina license classification and recognized for operation in North Carolina. High school diploma or GED required. Some experience in laboratory analysis, or an Associate's degree in biology, chemistry, environmental science or a related field required. The position also requires the ability to obtain Water Bacteriology and a DEQ Grade "C" Distribution Water Certification within two years of employment.

Incumbent is essential for Inclement Weather/Emergency Response and is a Safety Sensitive Position. FLSA Status:
Non-Exempt.