Environmental Technician

Under general direction, assist in the activities and operations of the Industrial Pre-treatment Program, the Industrial Waste Hauler Program, and the Cross Connection and Backflow Prevention Program within the Utilities Department. Performs and coordinates other assigned activities with other divisions, departments and outside agencies.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

Single incumbent position: reports to the Environmental Programs Coordinator.

• Assist in industrial waste monitoring activities including ensuring compliance with the industrial waste ordinance; assist in the administering of the industrial pretreatment program and, the cross-connection program ensuring compliance with applicable state and federal laws.
• Sample wastewater at various points within the City of Waxahachie; conduct industrial monitoring inspections to ensure industry compliance with associated permit levels.
• Assist in implementation of goals and objectives for the industrial pretreatment program.
• Investigate reports of accidental discharge; perform inspections of industrial users to determine industrial discharge source; conduct follow-up inspections to ensure compliance with regulations.
• Investigate environmental complaints, oversee corrective actions and enforcement activities.
• Assist in maintaining records of the annual backflow testing program.
• Prepare and maintain sampling equipment; prepare sample containers for field use; pick up and drop off samples; repair and maintain various equipment including pH meters and various other equipment.
• Respond to public inquires in a courteous manner; provide information within the area of assignment; resolve complaints in an efficient and timely manner.
• ·Inspect grease interceptors for correct operation, provide clear and courteous information to food service establishments.
• Support Wastewater Treatment Plant operations during plant upsets or quarterly sample events.[LO1]
• Performs other duties as assigned.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS:

Knowledge of:

• Operations, services and activities of a comprehensive industrial pretreatment monitoring program.
• Bio-Monitoring and other required reporting documents.
• Principles and practices of industrial monitoring and sampling.
• Functions and purposes of water and wastewater treatment systems.
• Operational characteristics of mechanical and hydraulic equipment found in water and wastewater treatment plants and lift stations.
• Properties of hazardous chemicals used in the treatment of water and wastewater.
• Fundamental principles of chemistry, biology and mathematics.
• Basic laboratory analysis techniques.
• Basic principles and procedures of record keeping.
• Principles and practices of program development and administration of an industrial pretreatment program.
• Pertinent Federal, State and local laws, codes and regulations.

Ability to:

• Interpret and apply federal, state and local policies, laws, and regulations.
• Analyze and interpret data to prepare reliable records and concise reports; ascertain that industrial sampling data is compliant with current federal and state requirements.
• Perform complex mathematical calculations.
• Collect liquid samples and perform routine laboratory tests.
• Recognize and react to treatment process changes and demands.
• Maintain an efficient records management system.
• Respond to questions and complaints.
• Explain and enforce departmental policies and procedures.
• Work independently and make sound judgements while enforcing State and Federal regulations.

Education, Training and Experience:

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Bachelor’s degree, from an accredited college or university, in biology, chemistry, environmental science, or other related field preferred.

Licenses and Certificates:

• A valid State driver license is required at the time of appointment and must be maintained throughout employment.
• Possession of a current Class “D” Water or Wastewater Operator’s License or ability to obtain within 12 months of employment.
• Possession of a current TCEQ issued Customer Service Inspector License preferred.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS:

The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by employees to successfully perform the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to work outside under local environmental conditions. Must sit, walk and stand; talk and hear; use hands to handle, feel or operate objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; and perform repetitive movements of hands or wrists. The employee is frequently required to lift up to 60 pounds unaided.

Specific vision abilities required for this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

Mental Demands

While performing the duties of this class, an employee uses written and oral communication skills; reads and interprets data, information and documents; analyzes and solves problems; uses math and mathematical reasoning; performs highly detailed work; deals with multiple concurrent tasks; and interacts with others encountered in the course of work, including frequent contact with customers and/or the public, other federal/state officials.

Work Environment:

The employee may be required to work both outdoors and in an office environment; when working outdoors, may be subject to extreme weather conditions or other adverse environmental conditions, including high noise, dust, exposure to toxic chemicals, etc. Incumbent within the classification may require availability to work flexible schedule/hours.