Water Quality Specialist

Performs moderately complex, journey-level work. Work involves assisting with the daily operation and maintenance of the water distribution systems and performing various tasks related to water quality compliance with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and Safe Water Drinking Act (SWDA). Administering the City's water quality and sampling programs; ensuring work quality and adherence to established policies and procedures;

and performing technical tasks relative to assigned area of responsibility. Works under general supervisor with limited latitude for initiative and independent judgment. Employee must be able to be scheduled for "on-call" rotation.

Essential Duties &

Required Qualifications

Duties and Responsibilities:

* Work schedule is Monday - Thursday, 6:30 am to 4:00 pm and Friday, 6:30 am to 10:30 a.m.

* Creates, implements, and coordinates water quality programs; establishes and implements testing and monitoring plans to ensure compliance with the local, state, and federal regulations.

* Prepares and organizes water sampling bottles, containers, and related tracking documents; collects water samples from the distribution system, and water treatment plants.

* Collects liquid and/or semi-liquid samples; performs a variety of routine water quality laboratory tests; performs process control testing including, but not limited to dissolved oxygen, stability, microscopic evaluation, alkalinity, fluoride, hardness, specific conductance, turbidity, chlorine residual, pH, and carbon dioxide.

* Delivers water samples to the laboratory for analysis; ensures the required documentation for each sample is complete and correct; monitors sampling schedules daily to ensure the timely completion of sampling.

* Monitors disinfectant residuals in the distribution system; water levels in storage tanks; pump operations and pump run times; submits monthly reports and samples.

* Monitors sampling supplies and maintains adequate inventory to maintain the sampling program.

* Operates various water and/or wastewater treatment equipment and machinery including vehicles, lawn mowers, lab equipment, hand tools and power tools, mop, and various office equipment.

* Flushes the distribution system and maintains system flushing records.

* Reviews statistical data for regulatory compliance; organizes and compiles water quality lab reports; stores data in both hard copy and digital formats.

* Inspects sample sites and performs repairs and/or upgrades, as needed.

* Investigates, diagnoses, and seeks resolution to customer complaints and inquiries regarding taste, odor, pressure, and physical characteristics of the drinking water. May respond to all water quality call-outs during, or after, business hours.

* Maintains fire hydrants.

* Subject to after-hours call out for emergency situations including on call rotation and special events.

* Performs other duties as assigned.

Required

Education and Experience:

* High School diploma or it's equivalent.

* Three years work experience of hands-on utility plant operations, maintenance of water distribution system or relatable work experience.

Required Certificates and Licenses:

* Valid Texas Class C driver's license or equivalent from another state.

* Must have a TCEQ Class "C" Water Distribution License.

* Must have a Basic first aid certificate or must obtain one within one year of hire.

Preferred Qualifications:

* Four years related work experience of hands-on utility plant operations or maintenance of water distribution system or relatable work experience.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

* Knowledge of water distribution systems; water quality testing technique; personal policies and procedures; mathematical practices.

* Knowledge of water quality testing.

* Knowledge of EPA-approved standards.

* Skill in prioritizing critical tasks.

* Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing; and follow detailed verbal and written instructions.

* Ability to communicate with other employees and the general public in a courteous and diplomatic manner.

* Ability to attend and understand technical courses; maintain appropriate licenses and certifications.

* Ability to work hours other than the regular daytime schedule such as shift work, on call, or emergency response situations (i.e., early-mornings, afternoons, evenings, and late-nights shifts, weekends).

* Knowledge of location of city water meters.

* Ability to work safely.

* Must be able to wear city provided uniform and city issued personal protective equipment - Steel-toed leather boots, gloves, eye protection, head protection, safety vest, and ear protection.

* Workers must be able to follow safety procedures and usage of safety equipment to ensure personal, public, and personnel safety.

* Ability to operate heavy (vehicular) construction equipment such as dump truck, bucket lift truck, trenchers, ventilating equipment, hydraulic equipment, hand and electric tools, jackhammer, sewer rodding machines, tapping machines, air compressor, pumps, signs and…