Water Quality Specialist

City of Sachse; Sachse (TX); On-site; USD 32,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Sachse is seeking a Water Quality Specialist to support compliance with drinking water regulations. You will collect and analyze samples, monitor system performance, and assist with reporting to ensure safe drinking water for the community.

The role involves cross-connection control, backflow testing coordination, and collaboration with Public Works to maintain health and safety standards. A valid Texas license and driver’s license are required.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of federal and state drinking water regulations and testing procedures.
• Proficient in collecting water samples and documenting results accurately.
• Experience with regulatory reporting, data management, and recordkeeping.
• Strong customer service orientation and effective written and verbal communication.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines in field and office settings.

Responsibilities

• Performs water quality sampling and testing to ensure regulatory compliance.
• Assists with regulatory reports and maintains accurate records and databases.
• Oversees cross-connection and backflow prevention program activities.
• Conducts system inspections, flushing, hydrant meter work, and investigations.
• Provides responsive customer service and interdepartmental support.

Skills

Water sampling

Regulatory knowledge

Technical reporting

Customer service

Time management

Communication

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office

Databases

Job description

Hiring Range:

Water Quality Specialist I: $23.31-$30.30 Water Quality Specialist II: $24.71-$32.12

Under supervision, the Water Quality Specialist performs technical and field work to support the City’s compliance with federal, state, and local drinking water regulations. This position is responsible for collecting and analyzing water samples, monitoring system performance, supporting cross-connection and backflow prevention programs, and assisting with regulatory reporting to ensure the delivery of safe, high-quality drinking water to the community.

The Water Quality Specialist supports departmental operations by maintaining accurate compliance records, assisting with inspections and investigations, responding to water quality concerns, and collaborating with other Public Works divisions to uphold public health standards and operational excellence.

The ideal candidate will embody the City’s core values of Service, Humility, Innovation, Neighborly, and Excellence (SHINE).

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Water Quality Monitoring and Sampling:

Performs water quality sampling, including chlorine residual, bacteriological, chemical, mineral, metal, radiological, and other required testing to ensure compliance with regulatory standards. Coordinates with regulatory agencies as needed to conduct required testing and maintain compliance with applicable drinking water regulations. Assists in identifying and modifying water quality sample sites, recommending appropriate sampling frequency, and designing sampling routes. Maintains and updates the City’s water quality monitoring plan.

Regulatory Compliance and Reporting:

Assists in the preparation of regulatory reports, including the annual Consumer Confidence Report and documentation required by state and federal agencies. Develops and maintains accurate records of testing dates, sampling locations, laboratory results, and compliance activities utilizing databases, spreadsheets, and related systems. Provides technical support to management to ensure adherence to drinking water standards and public health requirements.

Cross-Connection and Backflow Prevention:

Oversees and supports the Cross Connection Control Program, including scheduling, performing, and documenting backflow prevention device testing. Coordinates testing requirements with local businesses and property owners. Calibrates and maintains backflow testing equipment and performs necessary repairs.

System Inspections and Operational Support:

Conducts inspections and investigations of the water system, including flushing water mains, identifying illegal connections, completing monthly flushing of dead-end mains, and maintaining flushing reports related to unaccounted-for water and hydrant activity. Installs, reads, tests, and inspects hydrant meters for construction projects. Investigates, researches, and resolves complaints related to water quality and pressure concerns in a timely and professional manner.

Interdepartmental and Customer Support:

Assists other Public Works divisions as needed by providing maintenance support, securing work areas with proper traffic control devices, participating in special projects, and documenting completed work activities. Provides a high level of customer service to both internal and external customers, responding to inquiries and concerns with professionalism and accuracy.

Other Duties:

Performs other related duties as assigned.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Regulatory and Technical Knowledge:

Knowledge of federal and state drinking water regulations, sampling procedures, reporting requirements, and hazardous material handling. Understanding of cross-connection control principles and public health protection standards.

Technical and Analytical Skills:

Skill in collecting water samples in varied field conditions and accurately documenting results. Proficiency in using office technology and software applications, including Microsoft Office and related databases. Ability to adapt to new technologies and process improvements.

Safety and Operational Practices:

Knowledge of materials, tools, equipment, safety hazards, traffic control procedures, and safe work practices applicable to water system operations.

Organization and Time Management:

Ability to organize workload, manage multiple assignments, meet deadlines, and maintain accurate records.

Communication and Customer Service:

Ability to communicate tactfully and effectively, both orally and in writing, with staff, regulatory agencies, city officials, and the public. Demonstrates strong customer service skills and the ability to respond professionally to concerns and inquiries.

Water Quality Specialist I

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• One year of experience in water sampling or water utility operations.
• An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provide the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.
• Must possess and maintain a State of Texas Class C driver’s license.
• Must hold a Class D Water License as issued by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ).
• Must hold or obtain a Class C Water Distribution License as issued by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) within twelve months of date of hire.
• Must hold or obtain a Backflow Prevention and Testing (BPAT) license as issued by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) within twelve months of date of hire.
• Must have the ability to remain on call as required for after-hours repairs, emergencies, and related operational needs.

Water Quality Specialist II

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Two years experience in water sampling or water utility operations.
• An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provide the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.
• Must possess and maintain a State of Texas Class C driver’s license.
• Must hold a Class C Water Distribution License as issued by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ).
• Must hold a Backflow Prevention and Testing (BPAT) license as issued by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ).
• Must have the ability to remain on call as required for after-hours repairs, emergencies, and related operational needs.