Water Quality Specialist

City of Corinth; Corinth (MS); On-site; USD 61,092,000 - 73,182,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Corinth is seeking a Water Quality Technician to perform sampling, testing, and data analysis to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. The role includes collecting drinking water samples, performing field tests, and maintaining documentation for the City’s water quality program.

The position requires two years of related experience, a high school diploma or GED, and appropriate licenses or the ability to obtain them within specified timelines.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Two years water distribution or related field experience; at least one year in water quality sampling.
• Must possess a valid CDL and Tankers endorsement or ability to obtain within one year.
• Class C Water license from TCEQ or ability to obtain within twelve months.

Responsibilities

• Perform water quality monitoring, sampling, testing, and related activities to ensure regulatory compliance.
• Conduct flushing and sampling to maintain water quality in the distribution system.
• Collect drinking water samples per monitoring plans and regulatory requirements.
• Perform field tests for chlorine residual, pH, nitrite, nitrate, and other parameters.
• Maintain compliance records and reports; document results and issues.

Skills

Water quality testing

Regulatory compliance

Data analysis

Sample collection

Safety procedures

Report writing

Communication

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Pay: $21.29 to $25.54 per hour

Under general supervision, performs water quality testing to ensure the City is in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. This is accomplished by collecting and testing samples; analyzing data; testing backflow; and maintaining testing equipment.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Performs water quality monitoring, sampling, testing, and related activities to ensure compliance with TCEQ, EPA, Safe Drinking Water Act, and applicable City requirements.
• Performs dead-end main flushing, targeted water-quality flushing, and other distribution-system flushing necessary to maintain water quality.
• Collects drinking water samples throughout the distribution system in accordance with regulatory requirements and the City’s approved monitoring and sampling plans.
• Performs field testing for chlorine residual, monochloramine, free ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, pH, temperature, and other water quality parameters as required.
• Analyzes water-quality data, customer complaints, system information, and field observations to identify trends, recurring issues, and distribution-system conditions requiring operational attention or corrective action.
• Reviews laboratory and field-testing results for completeness and compliance and immediately reports results outside established regulatory or operational parameters to the appropriate supervisor.
• Performs bacteriological sampling throughout the distribution system and coordinates delivery of samples to approved laboratories within required holding times.
• Identifies recurring water-quality problem areas and recommends long-term corrective measures for consideration by Utility Operations, Engineering, and management.
• Maintains compliance documentation such as chain-of-custody sheets, compliance logs, and/or internal tracking forms.
• Collects or coordinates regulatory samples including bacteriological, disinfectant residual, lead and copper, disinfection byproducts, and other samples required by TCEQ, EPA, or the City’s monitoring programs.
• Performs water quality monitoring, sampling, testing, and related activities to ensure compliance with TCEQ, EPA, Safe Drinking Water Act, and applicable City requirements.
• Performs calibrations of analyzers, document results and provides reports to immediate Supervisor.
• Performs field testing for chlorine residual, monochloramine, free ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, pH, temperature, and other water quality parameters as required.
• Maintains adequate inventory of sampling supplies, testing reagents, calibration standards, bottles, equipment, and other materials necessary to conduct the City’s water-quality program.
• Assesses and records customer complaints and collects samples from homes in a professional and tactful manner in order to enhance customer relations and water quality.
• Interprets and understands all relevant required ordinances, rules, and regulations governing sampling and protection of water distribution system.
• Uses GIS, Cityworks, laboratory results, and other available system data to evaluate geographic and historical patterns in water quality.
• Utilizes proper safety precautions in all work performed; recognizes, avoids, and reports unsafe acts, conditions, accidents, and injuries.
• Assures that work assignments are completed according to specified work orders.
• Performs maintenance, repair, inspection, and operational activities on the City’s water and wastewater utility systems as assigned, including assisting utility crews with routine, emergency, and preventative maintenance activities.
• Responds to water-quality emergencies, main breaks, loss-of-pressure events, contamination concerns, and other events requiring sampling or investigation.
• Cross-trains work crews in proper work methods and safety procedures.
• Participates in an after-hours or on-call response when necessary for water-quality or regulatory compliance activities.
• Maintains the integrity, professionalism, values, and goals of the City by assuring that all rules and regulations are followed, and that accountability and public trust are preserved.
• Cooperates with co-workers professionally to accomplish work efficiently and effectively.
• Has regular, predictable attendance; attendance is a factor in continued employment with the City.
• Performs other duties as assigned or required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience:

High school diploma or GED equivalent; AND TWO years work experience in water distribution or related field, including one year experience in Water Quality sampling preferably with the City of Corinth; OR an equivalent combination of related education, experience, or demonstrated abilities or proficiencies that result in a candidate successfully performing the essential functions of the job.

Required Licenses or Certifications:

• Must possess a valid Texas Commercial Driver’s License and Tankers endorsement, or the ability to obtain it within one year.
• Class C Water license from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) are required or must be obtained within twelve months of hire; additional technical skills training and certifications may be required for some job assignments.

Required Knowledge of:

• City policies and procedures.
• Federal, state and City safety rules and regulations, occupational hazards, and safety precautions.
• Principles and methods of maintenance of water and wastewater stations and components.
• Methods and procedures used to test, maintain and repair electrical and mechanical components.
• Tools and equipment used in water utilities system maintenance.
• Maintenance and repair standards for water utility equipment.
• Occupational hazards and safety precautions.
• Proper use and storage of chemicals, including OSHA Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for hazardous chemicals used in the workplace.
• Customer service standards and protocols.

Required Skill in:

• Prioritizing tasks and assigning and coordinating work of assigned personnel.
• Reading and understanding construction blueprints, plans, specifications, and technical documents.
• Safe and efficient operation and maintenance of specialized tools and equipment to perform W/WW maintenance and repair work.
• Making routine operating adjustments and repairs to assigned equipment.
• Following and enforcing safety standards.
• Closely following verbal and written instructions and procedures.
• Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with co-workers and the public.
• Operating a personal computer utilizing a variety of business software.

Physical Demands / Work Environment:

• Work is performed indoors and outdoors at work sites throughout the City; required to perform moderate physical work, and lift and carry up to 80 pounds.