The Water Quality Specialist is responsible for activities to help ensure production and distribution of safe water for the public while meeting regulations and customer satisfaction. Responsibilities include: water quality monitoring, customer inquiry and complaint handling, regulatory compliance monitoring, and water quality emergency response. Work requires experience in laboratory/field analysis and knowledge of water treatment and distribution system operation.
Essential Functions
- Investigates customer complaints, conducts water quality problem investigations, and works with the appropriate staff to identify problems, solutions, and preventive measures
- May communicate directly with customers to coordinate investigation and sampling
- Conducts technical analysis of water quality and operational data to support Water Quality Division in developing logical solutions or alternatives to water quality problems, both immediate and long-term
- Conducts complex computational work to analyze historical and current water quality data, including trending and forecasting analysis using spreadsheet and database tools
- Serves as a standing member of the Contamination Rapid Response Team (CRRT), participates in all CRRT activities including proficiency trainings and exercises
- Performs emergency response technical support and routine distribution system baseline water quality analysis
- Maintains and operates on-line water quality monitoring systems and CRRT equipment for contaminant detection
- Conducts routine services and minor repair to maintain all monitoring equipment in good operational condition
- Participates in trainings, exercises, and workshops. Routinely reports to Water Quality Response Section Manager on the operational status of the monitoring systems
- Coordinates with regional partners and their staff to exchange technical knowledge and to maintain regional monitoring operation
- Drives a vehicle to conduct WSSC Water business
Other Functions
- May conduct Safe Drinking Water Act compliance sampling in distribution system
- May collect customer complaint samples, serving as a backup sampler
- Reviews, approves, and enters all resulting data into the Materials Management Information System (MMIS), Water Quality Information Management System, and all other appropriate databases
- Develops Internal Operating Procedures for water quality operation and trains new or subordinate staff
- Performs major support tasks for the Response Section Manager/Division Manager, Water Quality
- Assists in achieving compliance with new regulations that may affect the Commission’s water treatment facilities
- Provides technical advice/assistance to the Response Section Manager/Division Manager, Water Quality as necessary
- Conducts special research projects for the Response Section Manager/Division Manager, Water Quality
- Performs other related duties as assigned
Work Environment And Physical Demands
Professional lab and field environment
Required Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities
- Thorough knowledge and understanding of source water protection, treatment processes, water distribution system, and water quality monitoring and emergency response
- Thorough knowledge of federal, state, and local laws and regulations governing water quality and environmental compliance
- Knowledge of the theories and practices in the fields of civil or environmental engineering, chemistry, microbiology, or biochemistry which are applied in water quality operation
- Thorough knowledge of proper laboratory procedures and good laboratory practices (GLP)
- Skill in operation of analytical instrumentation including routine maintenance and minor repairs; ability to coordinate with service contractors
- Ability to interact with customers regarding water quality complaints in an effective and professional manner; ability to deliver superior customer service
- Ability to gain knowledge of Material Safety Data Sheets, Safety Manual, and all WSSC Water emergency procedures
- Ability to maintain detailed and accurate records
- Ability to perform computational analyses of large and complex data sets
- Ability to prepare comprehensive analytical reports and to interpret test results
- Ability to accurately perform chemical, bacteriological, or biological tests
- Ability to follow complex oral and written instructions
- Ability to effectively prioritize work and manage time in order to meet tight deadlines and constant rush orders
- Ability to establish and maintain harmonious and effective working relationships
Minimum Education, Experience Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in environmental science/engineering, chemistry, biology, or related scientific fields
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3+ years professional environmental science/engineering experience related to water supply and treatment/distribution system operation
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Environmental laboratory analyses experience performing wet chemistry testing, microbiology testing, and advanced analyses on water and wastewater
OR
- High school diploma or equivalent
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7+ years professional environmental science/engineering experience related to water supply and treatment/distribution system operation
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Environmental laboratory analyses experience performing wet chemistry testing, microbiology testing, and advanced analyses on water and wastewater