Water Quality Technician

Responsibilities

• 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). Examples include pH meter(s), balances, Radiometer, and Sterilizer for 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, and Membrane plant—and from sources outside the plants.
• Assist other units such as the Dewatering plant with weekly and monthly Lagoon and LOTP samples, and help 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 telephone or in person—answering water quality questions or concerns, including handling forwarded 311 calls.
• Satisfy compliance/regulatory requirements, including collecting the 180 samples across the distribution each month to meet the Total Coliform Rule, and quarterly samples for phosphate, THM, and HAA monitoring for the Minnesota Department of Health Water Quality Report.
• Provide training to Water Treatment Plant Operators on using the HACH DR‑5000 Spectrophotometer and familiarize them with the SOPs for measuring fluoride, ortho‑phosphate, free and total ammonia.
• Keep abreast of changes in water‑treatment testing and monitoring.

• Work independently in the field performing collection and investigation.
• Use computer software such as Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Communicate effectively in writing and verbally; maintain good human‑relations skills.
• Apply laboratory principles, techniques, terminology, and equipment knowledge.
• Perform mathematical computations for laboratory work.
• Assist in performing laboratory tests and other laboratory work.
• Work a flexible schedule, including weekends and holidays as scheduled.

• Minimum Education:
  
  Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry, Microbiology, Biology, Biochemistry, or Environmental Science, or equivalent.
• Minimum Experience:
  
  At least one year of laboratory work in a chemical or water testing environment within the last ten years.
• Equivalency:
  An equivalent combination of education and experience closely related to the duties of the position may be considered.
• Licenses/Certifications:
  
  Possession of and maintenance of a valid driver’s license.
• Ability to work independently in the field, use computer software, communicate effectively, apply laboratory knowledge, perform calculations, assist in lab tests, and work a flexible schedule.

Exposure to hazardous materials.

This position currently works on‑site only.

Projected starting salary: $32.48 - $39.49 per hour, depending on qualifications.

This position is represented by a collective bargaining agreement between the City of Minneapolis and AFSCME General Unit (CAF). For more information on the terms and conditions of this agreement, visit https://www
2.minneapolismn.gov/government/departments/hr/labor-agreements/afscme-general-unit/.