Description

Under general supervision of the Wastewater Manager, is responsible to assist and advise in development, implementation, and maintenance of wastewater system quality control standards. Lead the development and implementation of Water and Wastewater Systems programs including backflow and cross connection control, sampling plans, backflow device management, FOG (fats oils and grease), regulatory reporting, and sample collection. Prepare technical reports as directed.

Water Quality Specialist is journey-level class who works independently and is expected to perform essential job duties to ensure the continued compliance of the City’s drinking water and wastewater systems with a minimum of supervision.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE/LICENSING & TRAINING:
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:
Associate's degree or 60 semester units from an accredited college with coursework in chemistry, biology, microbiology, engineering or related field is highly desired.

Three (3) years of work experience in water production/treatment and wastewater collection/treatment is required.

LICENSING & TRAINING:
Must possess a valid driver's license in conformance with adopted City driving requirements.
Possess any Three (3) AZ Certified Operator licenses: Water Treatment, Water Distribution. Wastewater Collection or Wastewater Treatment with a minimum of grade II in any two (2) categories.

Requirements

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Monitors and coordinates activities with and submits reports to the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality, coordinates and reports to this agency to ensure the City remains in compliance with environmental regulations.
• Manages, executes, and implements water and wastewater testing programs.
• Analyzes water and wastewater quality and recommends corrective actions.
• Manages development and implementation of back flow and cross connection control programs.
• Manages development and implementation of FOG (fats oils and grease) pre-treatment programs.
• Assist and advise in development, implementation, and maintenance of drinking water and wastewater system quality control standards.
• Coordinates with and assists Utilities Department to ensure compliance with federal, state and local environmental regulations and provides education as needed; provides advice to management on policy and compliance related issues.
• Develops, prepares, and implements educational programs and presentations on water and wastewater quality control measures.
• Assists in the development of annual budget proposal for water and wastewater quality control programs.
• Inspects, tests and repairs City facilities for compliance in back flow and cross connection control programs.
• Conducts audits of businesses grease interceptors. Develop and manage FOG program, inspect and document grease interceptor program.
• Operates and maintains motor vehicles or other work-related equipment requiring a valid Arizona driver license.
• Sample within the water and/or wastewater treatment, distribution or collection systems. 
• Performs routine to complex tasks associated with utilities equipment and quality control. This includes recording and logging test results, gauge and/or meter readings and observed conditions. 
• Monitors wastewater quality and flow data; collects samples of wastewater for lab analysis; performs routine tests on samples; adheres to chain of custody protocols and ADEQ sampling requirements. 
• Develop and manage cross connection control program and inventory of backflow prevention devices.
• Inspects and ensures proper operation of equipment; reads meters, gauges, and instruments; reports and records any failures or operating difficulties.
  Organizes work assignments and sets priorities. 
• Prepares and maintains records of work performed and materials used.
• Checks job sites for potential hazards; ensures appropriate traffic control; understands and adheres to all applicable safety rules, regulations, practices, or procedures.
• Contributes to the efficiency and effectiveness of the department’s service to its customers by offering suggestions and directing or participating as an active member of a team. 
• Performs and/or assists with work on all utility systems and related equipment as necessary. 
• Effectively present information and respond to questions from fellow employees and customers.
• Calculate figures and amounts such as proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume and apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.
• Solve practical problems and deal with variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
• Troubleshoot and recommend solutions for water and wastewater quality problems.
• Interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
• Rapidly learn the specific procedures related to the work.
• Represents the City with dignity, integrity, and a spirit of cooperation in all relationships with staff and the public.

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Methods and procedures for reading and calibrating basic monitoring equipment.
• The geography, topography and general place locations within the City service area.
• Working knowledge of the operation and maintenance of water supply and distribution system including cross connection control and back flow prevention.
• Working knowledge of the operation and maintenance of wastewater collection/treatment and reclaimed water systems including FOG, cross connection control and backflow prevention. 
• Understand backflow prevention assemblies and cross connection control programs.
• Working knowledge of pressure zones and their affect on a water distribution system.
• Working knowledge of FOG and pre-treatment techniques.
• The use of common hand tools.
• The safe and proper handling of chemicals used in water and wastewater. 

SKILL IN:

• Analyzing water and wastewater quality and recommending corrective actions.
• Responding to customer complaints regarding backflow prevention assemblies and grease interceptors.
• Making basic mathematical calculations quickly and accurately.
• Organizing and maintaining records.
• Making repairs and adjustments to backflow preventors and FOG equipment.
• Dealing tactfully with customers.
• Use of common office software including Microsoft Office.
• Providing outstanding customer satisfaction (internally and externally).

ABILITY TO:

• Climb stairs, embankments and navigate uneven terrain.
• Lift, carry or otherwise move 35 lbs.
• Adapt to changing priorities and complex situations.
• Read, analyze, and interpret professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations.
• Write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.
• Effectively present information and respond to questions from fellow employees and customers.
• Calculate figures and amounts such as proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume and apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.
• Solve practical problems and deal with variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
• Troubleshoot and recommend solutions for wastewater quality problems.
• Interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
• Rapidly learn the specific procedures related to the work.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.
• Work independently with little supervision.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIORNMENT:

This work requires the occasional exertion of up to 35 pounds of force; work regularly requires standing and using hands to finger, handle or feel, frequently requires walking and reaching with hands and arms and occasionally requires sitting, speaking or hearing, climbing or balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling and repetitive motions; work has standard vision requirements; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels; work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data, visual inspection involving small defects and/or small parts, using of measuring devices and operating motor vehicles or equipment; work regularly requires exposure to toxic or caustic chemicals and exposure to bloodborne pathogens and may be required to wear specialized personal protective equipment and occasionally requires exposure to fumes or airborne particles and exposure to outdoor weather conditions.