Water Quality Technician

Summary/Objective
Under direct supervision, perform routine duties in the area of sampling and monitoring the watershed, treatment plants, potable and recycling distribution systems, and domestic wells. Perform inspection and disinfection activities within the distribution systems, treated water reservoirs, and during special projects. Carry out water quality investigations resulting from customer complaints and emergency response situations.

Essential Functions
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Collect raw and treated water samples using appropriate sample collection methods.
• Test for DO, pH, stream flow, conductivity, total and free chlorine, ammonia, turbidity, total suspended solids, total dissolved solids, UV254, etc.
• May perform inorganic and mineral analyses and operate ion chromatography instruments to analyze anions and cations. May perform microscopic analysis of algae in source water.
• Perform physical/video inspections of mains or conduits, disinfection of new and existing facilities, and de-chlorination of environmental discharges.
• Perform investigation activities for less complex customer inquiries or water quality surveys, Regulation 84 compliance, leak and cross-connection identification, emergency threat, and environmental contamination events.
• Calibrate and maintain laboratory instruments and equipment used in laboratory analysis.
• Calculate, record, and report test results on appropriate forms and computer databases including quality assurance and quality control results. Notify stakeholders regarding out of specification results.
• Prepare media, reagents, standard solutions, and sample bottles. Clean and wash glassware and maintain a clean and safe environment. Work in accordance with prescribed safety regulations.
• Perform a variety of laboratory administrative duties including copying and binding materials and reports. Enter information into Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS)
• Load, lift, and move various items such as containers or automatic staplers.
• Perform emergency Response stand-by Duty per Water Quality Operation stand-by rotation schedule.
• Perform related duties as required.

Work Environment
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to fumes or airborne particles, moving mechanical parts and vibration. The employee is occasionally exposed to a variety of extreme conditions at job sites. The noise level in the work environment and job sites can be loud. This job also operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk, see or hear. The employee frequently is required to walk; stand; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms.

Travel
Travel is daily and primarily local during the business day, although some out-of-the-area and overnight travel may be expected

Essential Functions

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This position will perform the following key responsibilities:

• Perform routine water quality monitoring of watersheds, reservoirs, discharge gravel pits, and raw or untreated water from within treatment plants.

• Collect water samples and conduct field analyses for key parameters including:

  • Dissolved oxygen (via portable luminescence)

  • pH and specific conductance (conductivity)

  • Turbidity

  • Free and total chlorine residuals

  • Monochloramines and free ammonia

  • Nitrite levels

• Measure stream flow using handheld FlowTracker devices.

• Gather reservoir water quality parameters utilizing YSI EXO2 Sonde instrumentation.

• Operate and maintain company trucks, UTVs, and trailers to safely transport sampling equipment and materials.

• Use the LIMS and mField computer system databases for water quality data collection, logging, and verification.

• Assist in the preparation and implementation of updated EPA-approved protocols for chlorophyll analysis.

• Perform other related duties as assigned to support departmental water quality initiatives and compliance monitoring.

Required Education and Experience

• High school diploma or GED required.

• Minimum of two (2) years of related work experience in water quality, environmental science, laboratory, or field sampling.

• Any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required skills, knowledge, and abilities will be considered.

Licenses, Registrations, and Certifications

• Must possess and maintain a valid Class ‘R’ Colorado driver’s license with a satisfactory driving record.

Work Environment

This position involves both field and treatment plant work and requires exposure to outdoor elements such as weather, water, and varying terrain. The role may include occasional travel between facilities or field sites.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to:

• Stand, walk, and carry field sampling equipment

• Lift and move materials weighing up to 50 pounds

• Operate field instruments and handheld equipment

• Work safely in and around water sources and treatment facilities

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work

• This is a full-time, contracted, on-site position.

• Standard work schedule: Monday – Friday, with occasional flexibility required for field conditions or sampling needs.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties, or responsibilities that may be required. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.