Water Quality Technician

City of Killeen; Killeen (TX); On-site; USD 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a dedicated team ensuring the safety of the community's water supply in an essential role that combines fieldwork and technical expertise. This position offers the opportunity to work closely with the public, resolve water quality issues, and maintain compliance with state regulations. You'll engage in hands-on tasks such as collecting samples, operating various equipment, and preparing reports. If you're passionate about environmental safety and community service, this role is a perfect fit for you. Embrace the challenge of maintaining water quality standards while working in diverse conditions and making a tangible impact every day.

Qualifications

• 1 year of experience in water distribution or treatment.
• Ability to operate various tools and equipment safely.

Responsibilities

• Collect and inspect water samples to maintain quality.
• Calibrate testing equipment and resolve quality complaints.

Skills

Effective Communication

Problem-Solving

Heavy Equipment Operation

Water Quality Monitoring

Chemical Safety Knowledge

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalent

Tools

Dump Truck

Forklift

Backhoe

Chlorine Residual Test Kits

Gas Detectors

Job description

GENERAL PURPOSE
Under general supervision, ensures the safe and continuing service of the City’s water supply by collecting daily water samples and inspecting water system disinfection levels.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED
Employee has no supervisory responsibilities.Develops and maintains databases and records relating to water quality, including spreadsheets, files, and maps to record dates, locations, test results, etc.

Maintains water quality by obtaining samples from various sites and participating in special projects such as water sampling for unique situations.

Maintains water quality logs and resolves daily complaints and problems related to water quality.

Calibrates and maintains all testing equipment and makes repairs as needed.

Works closely with the public in the resolution of water quality issues.

Assists in reporting water quality data for all required water quality reports.

Completes sample chain of custody records and delivers samples to laboratories as needed.

Prepares, reviews, and maintains operating reports, work orders, and records as required by State regulations.

Monitors through computerized systems; the pump stations and chlorination systems; lift stations and water storage facilities; reports abnormal conditions.

Serves on stand-by shifts and may be required to work overtime.

Adheres to assigned work schedule as outlined in the Department and City attendance policies and procedures; ensures all behaviors comply with the City’s Personnel Rules and Regulations; possesses and maintains a valid driver's license, if required, and comply with City of Killeen driving policy accordingly.

Performs other duties as assigned.EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
1. Graduation from high school or equivalent.
2. One year of direct experience in water distribution, wastewater collections or water/wastewater treatment.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
1. Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
2. Ability to understand and carry out written and oral instructions.
3. Ability to establish effective working relationships with other employees, supervisors, and the public.
4. Skill in operation of the listed tools, materials, and equipment.
5. Knowledge of computer based equipment.
6. Ability to work safely.
7. Working knowledge of facilities, equipment, materials, and safe methods and techniques used in wastewater collection and water distribution activities.
8. Knowledge of light equipment operation, the hazards and safety precautions common to light equipment operations.
9. Ability to perform the duties in which a Certificate of Competency is held.
10. Ability to identify tasks that require a certified operator and oversee, perform, or seek guidance appropriately.
11. Ability to monitor, read, interpret various diagrams, devices, charts, gauges, and correctly interpret and react to those interpretations.
12. Ability to learn the characteristics of individual pump station, lift station and water storage facilities.
13. Ability to perform heavy manual tasks under varying weather conditions.
14. Ability to drive and operate a variety of equipment under varying conditions.
15. Knowledge of the general operating rules of City and the State of Texas in W/S Operations.
16. Ability to think and act quickly in emergencies, judge situations accurately, dispatch appropriate personnel under normal and emergency situations.
17. Knowledge of chemical and fuel storage, hazards, and safety precautions.
18. Ability to maintain regular and punctual attendance.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
1. Must have a valid Texas Driver’s License by date of hire;
2. Class D Water Operator License within one year of date of hire;
3. Class D Water and Class I Wastewater Collection License within two years of date of hire;
4. Haz-mat Endorsement to Texas Driver’s License within six months of date of hire;
5. Ability to complete FEMA courses with certificate within six months of date of hire.TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED
Various motorized vehicles and equipment including dump truck, pickup truck (w/trailer), utility truck, forklift, and mowers. Medium to heavy equipment including backhoes, front-end loaders and ditcher.
Various power tools, lawn maintenance equipment/tools, chain saws.
Various common hand tools, shovels, wrenches, safety equipment such as gas detectors, personal retrieval system, blower, chlorine residual test kits, air packs (SCBA), trench shoring and trench boxes, back support belts, two-way radio, telephone and any other tool or equipment inherent to the job.
Computer, fax machine, duplicating equipment.
Chemical sampling equipment

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential function of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in outside weather conditions. The employee regularly works near moving mechanical parts and is frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions and vibration. The employee is frequently exposed to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, blood borne pathogens and risk of electrical shock.
The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.
This position is a safety sensitive position.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Work is accomplished both in the office and in field. In field, walks over rough terrain and is exposed to unpleasant odors, hazardous chemicals, pests, high wind, and dust levels. Required to perform manual labor as needed. In office, uses computer, copier, telephone, and calculator. Frequent high mental, visual, and aural concentration required. Stands, walks, bends, and reaches continually. Frequently drives vehicle.
May be exposed to all types of weather conditions including adverse weather conditions when working in the field.
The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.

SELECTION GUIDELINES
Formal application, rating of education and experience; oral interview and reference check; job related tests may be required.
The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.
The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.