Water Quality Technician

Water Quality Technician                                                      

Water Treatment Plant   

JOB SUMMARY 

This position is responsible for monitoring water quality by assisting with water sampling and testing. 

MAJOR DUTIES 

1.     Collects and analyzes water samples taken from source water reservoirs, the distribution system, and various stream locations.

2.     Performs standard chemical, microbiological, and physical analyses.

3.     Collects and submits water samples to state and private laboratories for testing as required by EPA and EPD.

4.     Performs fire hydrant flushing on a schedule or as otherwise assigned to address immediate and long-term water quality within the distribution system.

5.     Performs routine valve exercising.

6.     Assembles sampling stations to aid in distribution system sample collection for compliance and water quality assessment.

7.     Updates sampling stations and other infrastructure locations in GIS.

8.     Maintains and performs periodic quality control procedures and calibrations of equipment and instruments to ensure accuracy and precision.

9.     Documents and reports accurate records for all laboratory and maintenance functions.

10.  Analyzes data and communicates findings with management.

11.  Performs other related duties as assigned. 

KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION                                                                                   

·   Knowledge of standard laboratory techniques, principles, terminology, equipment, and materials.

·   Knowledge of standard procedures for sample collection, sample handling and preservation requirements.

·   Knowledge of basic biology, chemistry, and math.

·   Knowledge and general understanding of distribution system operations and safe practices, best practices for flushing, as well as safety protocols for system personnel and the public. Simple plumbing and mechanical skills.

·   Familiarity with analytical equipment such as pH meters, turbidimeters, spectrophotometers, and colorimeters.

·   Familiarity with mobile GIS applications.

·   Familiarity with inputting and analyzing data using Microsoft Excel.

·   Skill in interpersonal communication.

·   Understanding of FCWS policies. 

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS 

The Laboratory and Compliance Specialist assigns work in terms of general instructions. The supervisor spot-checks completed work for compliance with procedures, accuracy, and the nature and propriety of the final results. 

GUIDELINES 

Guidelines include Georgia Rules for Safe Drinking Water, Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater as well as EPA Methods. Rules & Regulations for the State of Georgia Rules of State Board of Examiners for Certification of Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators and Laboratory Analysts. Georgia EPD guidelines, and accepted practices and standard operating procedures. These guidelines are generally clear and specific but require some interpretation in application. 

COMPLEXITY/SCOPE OF WORK 

·         The work consists of related duties in laboratory analysis that require weather and safety guidelines. A wide variety of customer expectations contributes to the complexity of the work.

·         The purpose of this position is to monitor water quality by assisting with water sampling and testing. Success in this position contributes to water quality assurance and protection of public health. 

CONTACTS 

·         Contacts are typically with co-workers, vendors, regulatory personnel and members of the general public.

·   Contacts are typically to give or exchange information; resolve problems; and provide services. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ WORK ENVIRONMENT 

·         The work is typically performed while sitting, standing, stooping, and walking.  The employee must occasionally lift light and heavy objects and use tools or equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity.

·         The work is performed in a laboratory and outdoors, where the employee may be exposed to machinery with moving parts, contagious or infectious diseases, irritating chemicals, and occasional inclement weather. The work requires the use of protective devices such as masks, goggles, and gloves. 

SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY

 None. 

SPECIAL CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES 

• Possession of a valid State of Georgia driver's license (Class C) and a satisfactory Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) in compliance with County Safety and Loss Control Guidelines. Completion of the State of Georgia Department of Transportation Defensive Driving Course and/or Emergency Vehicle Operation Certification within twelve (12) months of employment.
• Possession of or ability to readily obtain appropriate state certification as Distribution System Operator and Water Lab Analyst. 

ADA COMPLIANCE 

• Fayette County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  ADA requires the County to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are invited to discuss accommodations. 

HIPAA COMPLIANCE 

• The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, as amended, requires employees to protect the security of Protected Health Information (PHI) however it is obtained, handled, learned, heard or viewed in the course of their work. 

DRUG AND ALCOHOL COMPLIANCE 

·               In accordance of Fayette County's Substance Abuse Policy of 1996, as amended, all job applicants offered employment will undergo testing for the presence of illegal drugs and alcohol as a condition of employment. In the course of employment, employees are subject to random, reasonable suspicion, post accident and routine fitness for duty testing for illegal drugs and alcohol abuse. Employees are prohibited to work under the influence, to possess, to distribute or to sell illegal drugs in the work place or abuse alcohol on the job. Confirmed positive is reason for denial of employment and/or termination. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 

·               Knowledge and level of competency commonly associated with the completion of specialized training in the occupational field, in addition to basic skills typically associated with a high school education.

·               Sufficient experience to understand the basic principles relevant to the major duties of the position, usually associated with the completion of an apprenticeship/internship or having had a similar position for one to two years.

·               Possession of or ability to obtain a valid driver's license issued by the State of Georgia for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.