Water Quality Technician

City-of-Minneapolis; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 44,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Minneapolis is seeking a Water Quality Technician to perform collection and analysis of water samples, support chemists, and assist plumbers and operators with laboratory procedures. The role ensures compliance with regulatory testing and supports multiple treatment facilities in Fridley and Columbia Heights.

Responsibilities include operating lab instruments, performing tests for turbidity, pH, alkalinity, and disinfectant residuals, collecting samples at various treatment stages,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in chemistry, microbiology, biology, biochemistry or environmental science or equivalent.
• One year of performing laboratory work in a chemical or water testing environment within the last 10 years.
• Possess and maintain a valid Driver's License.

Responsibilities

• Perform water analysis for turbidity, color, alkalinity, hardness (total and calcium), pH, temperature, conductivity, and chlorine residual.
• Perform quality assurance tests of materials and methods used in the laboratory and water treatment plant.
• Operate lab instruments (including calibration) such as pH meters, balances, Radiometer, and Sterilizer.
• Collect samples at various stages of treatment at Fridley and Columbia Heights facilities and from sources outside the plants.
• Report to customer concerns via telephone or in person and handle 311 calls as needed.
• Satisfy regulatory requirements including the 180 monthly distribution samples for Total Coliform Rule and quarterly phosphate/THM/HAA monitoring.

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry, Microbiology, Biology, Biochemistry or Environmental Science or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

Job description

Perform collection and analysis of water samples to ensure the safe and efficient production of water for commercial, industrial and public use, assist chemists with various laboratory proceedings, and provide assistance and training to plumbers and operators.

Salary

The anticipated starting salary for this role is: $32.48-$39.49/hourly, depending on qualifications.

Work Location

This position currently works on-site only.

The City of Minneapolis does not sponsor applicants for work visas.

Job Responsibilities

• Perform water analysis for turbidity,color, alkalinity, hardness (total and calcium), pH, temperature, conductivity, and chlorine residual.
• Perform quality assurance tests of materials and methods used in the laboratory and water treatment plant.
• Operate lab instruments (including calibration). Some examples are pH meter(s), balances, Radiometer, and Sterilizer in performing chemical and water analysis.
• Collect samples at various stages of treatment at both the Fridley and Columbia heights facilities; for example, the Softening plant, Pump Stations 4, 5, 7, and 8, Filter plant, and Membrane plant, and from sources outside the plants.
• Assist other units like the Dewatering plant, i.e., handling the weekly and monthly Lagoon and LOTP samples, and help the plumbers with sampling temporary water lines.
• Provide assistance with, and help the East-Side-Yard with Dirty Water complaints and/or "Non-routine" distribution samples.
• Respond to customer concerns via the telephone or in person (e.g., answering water quality questions or concerns). Including handling forwarded 311 calls.
• Satisfy compliance/regulatory requirements. Including collecting the 180 samples throughout the distribution needed each month to meet the Total Coliform Rule. Also, quarterly samples for phosphate, THM, and HAA monitoring – for the Minnesota Department of Health Water Quality Report.
• Provide training to the Water Treatment Plant Operators on the use of the HACH DR-5000 Spectrophotometer; and familiarizing them with the SOPs for measuring fluoride, ortho-phosphate, free and total ammonia.
• Keep abreast of changes in the water treatment testing and monitoring of water quality.

Working Conditions

Exposure to hazardous materials.

Minimum Education

Bachelor's Degree from an approved program in Chemistry, Microbiology, Biology, Biochemistry or Environmental Science or equivalent.

Minimum Experience

One year of performing laboratory work in a chemical or water testing environment within the last 10 years.

Equivalency

An equivalent combination of education and experience closely related to the duties of the position MAY be considered.

Licenses/Certifications

Possess and maintain a valid Driver's License.

Selection Process

The selection process will consist of one or more of the following steps: a rating of relevant education and experience 100%. It is important that your application show all the relevant education and experience you possess. This information will be used to determine which candidates will proceed in the selection process. A submitted application is also used to verify the answers to any supplemental questions. Only those candidates who attain a passing score 70% on each step in the selection process will be placed on the eligible list. The City of Minneapolis Human Resources Department reserves the right to limit the number in any phase of the selection process.

Background Check

The City has determined that a criminal background check and /or qualifications check may be necessary for certain positions with this job title. Applicants may be required to sign an informed consent form allowing the City to obtain their criminal history and /or verify their qualifications in connection with the position sought. Applicants who do not sign the informed consent form will not be further considered for the position.

Drug and Alcohol Testing

All job applicants must pass a pre-employment drug and alcohol test once a conditional offer of employment has been made. Applicants will be required to sign a notification and consent form prior to undergoing drug and alcohol testing. Applicants who do not consent to undergo drug and alcohol testing will not be required to do so and the City will withdraw the conditional job offer, resulting in the job applicant no longer being considered for the position.

Union Representation

This position is represented by a collective bargaining agreement between the City of Minneapolis and the AFSCME General Unit (CAF). For more information on the terms and conditions of this agreement please visit: https://www2.minneapolismn.gov/government/departments/hr/labor-agreements/afscme-general-unit/

Eligible List Statement

The names of applicants who meet minimum qualification and who pass the screening process shall be placed on the eligible list for employment consideration. This list will be certified to the hiring manager who may use the list to fill a vacancy of the same job title. This eligible list will expire three (3) months after it has been established.

Interview Selection

• Ability to work independently in the field performing collection and investigation.
• Working knowledge of computer software, e.g., Microsoft Word and Excel spreadsheets.
• Good verbal and written communication skills, and human relations skills.
• Knowledge of laboratory principles, techniques, terminology, and equipment.
• Ability to make mathematical computations for lab work.
• Ability to assist in performing laboratory tests and other laboratory work.
• Willingness to work a flexible schedule, i.e., weekends and holidays as scheduled.