Water Quality Specialist I
Job Title: Water Quality Specialist I
Department: Public Works Department, Water Division
Reports To: Water Quality Manager
Open Date: July 15, 2021
Close Date: Open Until Filled
Hiring Range: $15.70 - $20.06 per hour, DOE
Salary Range: $15.70 - $23.55 per hour, DOE
Job Summary: The Water Quality Specialist I’s primary responsibilities are to operate, maintain, and repair all aspects of the Production Section’s treatment/pumping facilities and associated monitoring/control equipment. This classification performs a full range of intermediate activities that include, but are not limited to analyzing, troubleshooting and operation the water production and treatment systems, operates proactive maintenance programs, assists in maintaining regulatory and local compliance, water quality monitoring, monitoring disinfection processes, source and system sampling, and resolving water quality-related customer service activities. This position continually strives to maintain and improve water quality and system operations with assistance from Engineering and others. The incumbent must perform work safely, efficiently, and accurately, occasionally under adverse conditions. Provide assistance and support to Meridian Utility Billing Services (MUBS) and other Departments when needed. Expected to exercise initiative and independent judgment both individually, and as part of a team, in assisting with maintenance, operations, projects and technical related activities of the Water Division. The Water Quality Specialist I works under the direction of Water Quality Manager.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities: Provide excellent customer service to both internal and external customers; Assist in operating and maintaining water production and treatment facilities; perform repairs, troubleshooting, flushing and preventative maintenance; recognizes the need for and makes operational changes to processes and systems to meet water quality standards; recommend resources as needed; Conduct compliance, special source, and microbiological sampling; ensure sampling schedules are followed as required by Sampling Program; conduct and provide backup for special and routine source, chlorine residual, and microbiological sampling; Monitor inventory levels of equipment, chemicals and supplies; monitor usage; request purchase of required supplies and materials; Continuously strive to improve water quality, operations, decrease turnaround times, and streamline work processes; work cooperatively and jointly to maintain compliance and provide safe and compliant high quality drinking water and seamless customer service; Respond to and resolve water quality complaints; perform routine flushing and additional flushing activities as needed of water distribution mains; utilize Utility Billing Software to maintain records of activities and to ensure timely response and follow-up; ensure commitments and resolution of concerns are met; recommend changes/improvements as needed; Operate and monitor SCADA system; monitors and adjusts set points, control panels, gauges, meters, including SCADA system, to detect and correct variations in operating conditions; initiate repairs/programming when needed; Assist in the calibration, maintenance and repair of chlorine analyzer and sampling equipment; perform quarterly or as needed inspection and calibration of PH probes, turbidimeter, and colorimeter equipment, etc.; Operate and maintain chemical injection pumps, tanks, and systems; monitor chlorine residuals at production sites and throughout the distribution system; coordinate with Water Quality Manager and staff to ensure proper chlorine residual levels are maintained throughout the distribution system at all times; Assist with well maintenance activities that include, but are not limited to: servicing, HVAC system and site maintenance, well inspections and replacements; ensure cleanliness of assigned production and treatment facilities; ensure proper and safe storage of equipment and supplies; Prepare and maintain work records, including work/service orders, according to asset management program and service order software; capture data and maintain accuracy through timely collection; ensure deadlines are met and adjustments/recommend changes as needed; Assist to ensure well sites are in compliance with IDEQ standards at all times; Provide assistance and guidance to co-workers in regards to sampling, production, and treatment facility maintenance and operation; Perform administrative duties as required accurately and timely; accurately track water loss flushing, sampling results, and other required activities per record retention and Division requirements; Maintain and ensure work environment is in alignment and in compliance with the City’s Standard Operating Policies, Safety Policies and other related policies / procedures in regards to safety prevention; works in a safe manner and reports unsafe activities, conditions and faulty equipment. Perform general cleaning / maintenance tasks necessary to keep facilities, vehicles, equipment, and tools in operable condition; Maintain through and accurate records and computer entries in Division and other department data bases, understand and follow written and verbal instructions, regulations and policies, read and interpret blueprints of water distribution system, service orders, maintenance manuals and other related literature; Communicate with supervisor, employees, other departments and agencies to coordinate work activities, collaborate, exchange information, or resolve problems; lead by example demonstrating City CARE values and promoting teamwork; Assist other crews, departments and others with regular maintenance and special projects when required; Effectively and courteously communicates with supervisor, employees, other departments, public, outside agencies, or other individuals or groups as needed; Operate a personal computer, SCADA, and other software platforms required to complete duties; Operate a variety of equipment, machinery and tools used in department projects and activities, which may include a utility truck, dump truck, backhoe, vacuum excavator, forklift and / or other related equipment and hand tools; When required, assist administration by answering questions or office phones; Position is subject to callback, overtime, weekend/holiday emergency call outs and on-call duty; Perform other duties as assigned; Position subject to cross-training in other sections of the Water Division, as deemed necessary.
Job Specifications: High school graduate or equivalent; Associate's or bachelor’s degree is preferred; One (1) year of progressive experience in the water production/treatment, water distribution, and customer service; or, any combination of experience, education sufficient to perform the essential duties of the position.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: Understanding and basic ability to effectively operate computers, software and related operating systems/platforms; Basic understanding and demonstrated experience with water treatment facilities and techniques (adsorption preferred), water chemistry, disinfection, analytical methodology, pressure and sampling practices; Basic knowledge and experience with pumps, motors, wells and disinfection systems; ability to work effectively and safely with electrical and mechanical equipment, recognize equipment failure, and to act appropriately in an emergency; Basic knowledge and capability of operating and maintaining SCADA systems and monitoring analyzers, etc.; ability to maintain well logs/reports and anticipate system changes; Ability to effectively communicate orally and written with management, supervisors and co-workers with respect and integrity in a pleasant, professional and courteous manner; Possess an basic understanding of meter reading systems and industry principles; AMR (Automated Reading Systems), and AMI (Advanced Metering Infrastructure) systems; Basic knowledge of water meter operations, installations, testing and selection; have ability to install, repair, replace, test and troubleshoot water meters and related equipment; Basic knowledge of water meter reading and programming equipment; read and programing water meters; Basic understanding of uploading and downloading solid state interrogator’s (SSI), handheld radio readers; Basic understanding of creating and completing various service orders required in the City’s Utility Billing System; Possess an advanced understanding of utility billing systems and industry principles; Ability to perform analytical review and operate the read collection equipment; Ability to operate and maintain meters, multiplexers, transceivers, and related equipment; Ability to recognize equipment failure and inappropriate test results and take appropriate steps to troubleshoot problems; Basic understanding of monitoring, auditing and updating various reports; Generate table list reports, excel spreadsheet reports; General knowledge of water regulations and water quality sampling. Have ability to monitor water quality and assist with water sampling; Basic understanding of water system layout, hydraulic pressure and volume. Have the ability to troubleshoot intermediate system flow and pressure problems; Basic knowledge of water system infrastructure and equipment. Have the ability to assist and provide general guidance with the installation, maintenance, operation and repair of fire hydrants, water services, blow offs, valves, main lines and other related water system facilities; Basic knowledge of pumps, wells, chlorinators and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems; have ability to assist in operation and maintenance of related equipment; Basic knowledge of cross connection control and backflow prevention; Have ability to identify cross connections and assist with backflow prevention program; Basic understanding of line locating and one-call rules; have ability to perform line locations; Basic knowledge of water system reading infrastructure, software, and equipment; Ability to perform advanced mathematical computations to perform billing calculations, volume equations, dosage and flow formulae; interpret reports and develop queries; Ability to interpret water related GIS and paper maps and plans; Understanding and ability to effectively operate computers, equipment, GPS devices, software, and related operating systems/platforms; Knowledge of safety standards and procedures, confined space entry, excavation, fire safety, lock out / tag out and trenching, PPE; have ability to identify and perform safe working practices; Knowledge of emergency response procedures and disaster response; have ability follow and execute emergency assistance when called upon; Must be able to work independently and cooperatively with internal and external stakeholders and make sound judgments; Display an attitude of cooperation and the ability to work well with others as a team; Must be willing to take classes in related fields to keep skills and knowledge current with industry.
Licensing and Certification: Must hold the following State of Idaho licenses: Class I Water Distribution Operators License within one (1) year of hire; Class I Water Treatment Operators License within eighteen (18) months of hire; Must hold and maintain a valid State of Idaho driver’s license (Class A CDL Preferred) and safe driving record; Must be Incident Command System (ICS) 100 & 200 certified within one year of hire; Must be able to attend and complete all required safety training requirements and certifications which may include but is not limited to: confined space entry, CPR/AED, ICS, fall protection, and flagger/traffic safety.
Work Environment and Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works near or on moving mechanical equipment in outside weather conditions. The noise level often in the work environment is sometimes loud; Occasionally works in high precarious places and is frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, heavy machinery, vibration and biological hazards; Constantly requires driving a motor vehicle or maintenance equipment; Occasionally is exposed to risk of electrical shock; Occasionally requires lifting and moving up to 50 pounds and occasionally lifts and/or moves more than 100 pounds; Must be capable of walking, climbing, and bending safely without undo strain.
Travel Requirements: Local travel is occasionally required via city vehicle; Some in state and out of state travel may be required for training.