Drinking Water Quality Inspector

Position Description

An online application, including responses to the supplemental questionnaire, must be fully completed for consideration. Please do not attach resume and cover letter, as they will not be considered in the review of 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 members protect 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 is an opportunity to truly see Seattle by supporting all its citizens, from individual homes to large commercial and industrial properties. We all need safe and reliable drinking water, and these positions help protect Seattle’s drinking water through water quality monitoring, regulatory enforcement, and trouble-shooting complex issues. Candidates must have strong observation, teamwork communication, and critical thinking skills.

For more information about Seattle Public Utilities (SPU), check out the:

• SPU Website
• SPU Workplace Expectations (Download PDF reader)
• Strategic Business Plan

SPU commits to Our City Values and Race and Social Justice as core principles that guide our work. We actively take steps to dismantle systemic racism and increase service equity. We value diverse life experiences and strive to create a workplace that is welcoming to all. We take steps to be inclusive and equitable in our recruiting, hiring and promotional opportunities.

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 a 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 water main 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.

Please note this job advertisement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

• 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…