Drinking Water Quality Inspector

Overview

An online application, including responses to the supplemental questionnaire, must be fully completed for consideration. Please do not attach a resume or cover letter, as they will not be considered in the review of the candidate’s qualifications.

At Seattle Public Utilities, we are looking for a team member who wants to be a part of achieving our mission to provide our customers with the highest quality utility services. If you thrive in a small team environment and are a detail-oriented and safety-focused professional, then apply for the Drinking Water Quality Inspector position.

Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is the largest drinking water provider in Washington State, directly serving over 1.5 million customers. SPU is dedicated to protecting the environment and public health through our Drinking Water Quality Division. Our Utility Service Inspection team protects the city’s drinking water by performing regulatory inspections, replying to water quality concerns, investigating illegal activities, responding to emergencies, and providing direct customer support for many water-related issues.

This role involves water quality monitoring, regulatory enforcement, and troubleshooting complex issues. Candidates must have strong observation, teamwork, communication, and critical thinking skills.

About Seattle Public Utilities: Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is a community-centered utility that delivers vital services to Seattle residents and businesses including drinking water, drainage and wastewater, and garbage/recycling/compost. SPU also provides drinking water for 1.5 million customers in the region. SPU’s work includes system maintenance and improvements and keeping Seattle clean. Over 1,400 SPU employees work with our community to provide affordable and equitable stewardship of our water and waste resources for future generations.

For more information about Seattle Public Utilities (SPU), check out the SPU Website and related resources.

We know work isn’t only about what you do—it's also about who you work for and with. SPU provides a fun and family-friendly work environment that supports work-life balance, including:

• Family-friendly and multicultural work environment
• Generous benefits package
• Free Orca Pass
• City pension plan with employer/employee contributions
• Growth potential and advancement opportunities

• Investigate concerns raised by the community regarding their drinking water, including health, aesthetics, and high-water pressure.
• Collect drinking water and surface water samples. Perform field analysis for chlorine, ammonia, and temperature.
• Perform technical inspections at water main construction sites to help protect public health and drinking water quality.
• Perform technical inspections of underground drinking water piping systems within private property to ensure compliance with local policy. Accurately document inspection results.
• Attend pre-construction meetings and deliver notices for planned watermain construction.
• Provide high levels of technical support for customers, contractors, developers and other SPU teams.
• Verify water services and meter installation accuracy for new and existing properties.
• Provide customer support for flooding damages within private property.
• Provide specialized support for unexplained high-water consumption.
• Participate in an after-hours standby rotation and provide support for event responses.

• Requires two (2) years of experience in a utility in installation, maintenance and repair of water distribution systems or engineering inspection or one (1) year of formal training in an approved waterworks training program
• OR: A combination of education/experience/training which provides an equivalent background required to perform the work of the class.

• Current Washington State driver’s license
• Certification as Washington State Water Distribution Manager I within one year of employment.

• Work is completed in an office environment, from a city-assigned vehicle, in the public right of way, within private property, and at construction sites, includes…