Supervises, plans, coordinates and oversees water quality and sampling programs. Performs various tasks related to water quality compliance with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and Safe Water Drinking Act (SWDA). Exercises direct supervision over Water Quality Specialist I. Performs other duties as assigned.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:Single incumbent position; reports to the Utilities Operations Manager of Field Operations.
The duties listed below represent the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them if the work is related or a logical assignment to this class.
- Supervises staff, which includes prioritizing and assigning work; conducting performance evaluations; ensuring staff is trained; ensuring employees follow policies and procedures; maintaining a healthy and safe working environment; and, making hiring, termination, and disciplinary decisions or recommendations.
- Create, implement, and coordinate water quality programs; establish and implement testing and monitoring plans to ensure compliance with the local, state and federal regulations.
- Prepare and organize water sampling bottles, containers, and related tracking documents; collect water samples from the distribution system, and water treatment plants.
- Collect liquid and/or semi-liquid samples; perform a variety of routine water quality laboratory tests; perform process control testing including, but not limited to: dissolved oxygen, stability, microscopic evaluation, alkalinity, fluoride, hardness, specific conductance, turbidity, chlorine residual, pH, and carbon dioxide.
- Deliver water samples to the laboratory for analysis; ensure the required documentation for each sample is complete and correct; monitor sampling schedules daily to ensure the timely completion of sampling.
- Monitor disinfectant residuals in the distribution system; water levels in storage tanks;; submit monthly reports and samples.
- Monitor sampling supplies and maintain adequate inventory to maintain the sampling program.
- Operate various lab equipment, hand tools and power tools, and various office equipment.
- Flush the distribution system and maintain system flushing records.
- Review statistical data for regulatory compliance; organize and compile water quality lab reports; store data in both hard copy and digital formats.
- Inspect sample sites and perform repairs and/or upgrades, as needed.
- Operate and maintain assigned motor vehicles.
- Investigate, diagnose, and seek resolution to customer complaints and inquiries regarding taste, odor, pressure, and physical characteristics of the drinking water. May respond to all water quality call-outs during, or after, business hours.
- Follow established safety policies, procedures, and protocol.
- Build strategic relationships and conduct a variety of outreach activities.
- Attend and participate in professional group meetings; stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of water quality.
- Attend and participate in regularly scheduled operations and safety meetings.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS:
Knowledge of:
- Operations, services and activities of a comprehensive treatment program.
- Methods and techniques of basic water treatment plant operations.
- Techniques involved in taking water samples and performing related field measurements.
- Dynamics and characteristics of water pressure and flow.
- English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation.
- Operations, services and activities of the city.
- Basic principles and procedures of record keeping.
- Basic principles of chemistry, biology and mathematics.
- Basic laboratory analysis techniques.
- Research methodology and sound scientific principles
- Distribution system flushing techniques.
- Functions and purposes of water distribution systems.
- Operational characteristics of mechanical and hydraulic equipment utilized in water distribution systems, including pumps, valves, storage facilities, and related infrastructure.
- Properties, handling, and safety considerations of chemicals used in water system operations and regulatory compliance activities.
- Federal, State and local laws, codes and regulations including environmental health and safety codes.
Ability to:
- Interpret and apply Federal, State and local policies, laws, and regulations.
- Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
- Work independently in the absence of supervision.
- Interpret, explain, and enforce departmental policies and procedures.
- Conduct bacteriological sampling and field testing using standard techniques.
- Take liquid samples and perform routine laboratory tests with portable lab equipment.
- Test water samples for chlorine, conductivity, temperature, VOCs, SOCs, pH, dissolved oxygen, inorganics, and other analysis as required.
- Interpret and explain city policies and procedures.
- Interpret GIS Data,
- Prepare clear and concise reports. (Utilizing Microsoft Office Programs, such as Word, Excel, Power Point, etc.).
- Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
- Effectively use current computer software applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Education, Training and Experience:- High School Diploma or GED.
- Three (3) years of experience in water quality, environmental compliance, or utility-related operations, including monitoring, sampling, laboratory analysis, or regulatory reporting.
- Supervisory or lead experience preferred
- Bachelor’s degree, from an accredited college or university, in biology, chemistry, environmental science, or other related fields preferred.
LICENSES AND CERTIFICATES:- A valid State driver license is required at the time of appointment and must be maintained throughout employment.
- Possession and maintenance of an appropriate, valid class "C" water distribution license issued by the TCEQ within 18 months of the start date.
- Possession of a current Class “D” Water Operator’s License from TCEQ.
- Possession of a current TCEQ issued Customer Service Inspector License preferred.
Utilities Department team members are considered essential employees for the community and play a critical role in maintaining and restoring water and wastewater services during emergencies. Team members will be required to be reachable and ready to come to work immediately when a critical situation arises, like severe weather events, power outages, or significant equipment malfunctions, to help manage the response and minimize disruption to operations.
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
Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, walk and stand; talk and hear; use hands to handle, feel or operate objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; perform repetitive movements of hands or wrists, and operate a motor vehicle. The employee is frequently required to lift up to 50 pounds unaided. Specific vision abilities required for this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus and to distinguish color changes in chemical testing.
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 and dissatisfied/abusive individuals.
Work Environment:
Water/Wastewater Utilities environment; exposure to inclement weather conditions; noise, dust, grease, smoke, fumes, gases; work around heavy construction equipment. The employee works in an outdoor/field environment subject to high noise levels and exposure to extreme weather conditions. Certain positions within the classification may require availability to work flexible schedules or irregular hours.
