Water Quality Technician

Position Description

Perform collection and analysis of water samples to ensure the safe and efficient production of water for commercial, industrial and public use, assist chemists with various laboratory proceedings, and provide assistance and training to plumbers and operators.

Salary: $32.48-$39.49/hourly, depending on qualifications.

Work Location: This position currently works on-site only.

The City of Minneapolis does not sponsor applicants for work visas.

• Perform water analysis for turbidity, color, alkalinity, hardness (total and calcium), pH, temperature, conductivity, and chlorine residual.
• Perform quality assurance tests of materials and methods used in the laboratory and water treatment plant.
• Operate lab instruments (including calibration). Some examples are pH meter(s), balances, Radiometer, and Sterilizer in performing chemical and water analysis.
• Collect samples at various stages of treatment at both the Fridley and Columbia Heights facilities; for example, the Softening plant, Pump Stations 4, 5, 7, and 8, Filter plant, Membrane plant, and from sources outside the plants.
• Assist other units like the Dewatering plant, handling the weekly and monthly Lagoon and LOTP samples, and help the plumbers with sampling temporary water lines.
• Provide assistance with, and help the East-Side-Yard with Dirty Water complaints and/or "Non-routine" distribution samples.
• Deal with customer complaints via the telephone or in person (e.g., answering water quality questions or concerns). Including handling forwarded 311 calls.
• Satisfy compliance/regulatory requirements. Including collecting the 180 samples throughout the distribution needed each month to meet the Total Coliform Rule. Also, quarterly samples for phosphate, THM, and HAA monitoring - for the Minnesota Department of Health Water Quality Report.
• Provide training to the Water Treatment Plant Operators on the use of the HACH DR-5000 Spectrophotometer; and familiarizing them with the SOPs for measuring fluoride, ortho-phosphate, free and total ammonia.
• Keep abreast of changes in the water treatment testing and monitoring of water quality.

Exposure to hazardous materials.

• Minimum Education: Bachelor's Degree from an approved program in Chemistry, Microbiology, Biology, Biochemistry or Environmental Science or equivalent.
• Minimum Experience: One year of performing laboratory work in a chemical or water testing environment within the last 10 years.
• Equivalency: An equivalent combination of education and experience closely related to the duties of the position may be considered.
• Licenses/Certifications: Must possess and maintain a valid Driver’s License.

• Ability to work independently in the field performing collection and investigation.
• Working knowledge of computer software, e.g., Microsoft Word and Excel spreadsheets.
• Good verbal and written communication skills, and human relations skills.
• Knowledge of laboratory principles, techniques, terminology, and equipment.
• Ability to make mathematical computations for lab work.
• Ability to assist in performing laboratory tests and other laboratory work.
• Willingness to work a flexible schedule, i.e., weekends and holidays as scheduled.

The City of Minneapolis is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.