Senior Water Quality Specialist

Job Description:

Senior Water Quality Specialist

Description

The Position

OPEN/PROMOTIONAL EXAMINATION - ONE YEAR PROBATION PERIOD

This position is responsible for more complex duties in evaluating, testing, analyzing data and making recommendations relative to water quality issues, cross-connection, water production and disinfection systems.

Essential functions of the job include, but are not limited to, the following:
Ensures Department services are provided with exceptional customer service and the highest level of ethical standards.

Coordinates the collection and analysis of water samples from Glendale Water and Power's (GWP) distribution system, including groundwater wells, treatment plants, and storage facilities to ensure compliance with Federal, State and Local water quality regulations.

Coordinates, performs, and assigns tasks related to GWP's Cross-Connection Control and Recycled Water Programs. Tasks include, but are not limited to communicating with customers about annual backflow prevention assembly (BPA) testing, managing BPA database, conducting property surveys and hazard assessments, reviewing and approving plans related to the installation of BPAs and recycled water systems, and preparing reports.

Schedules and performs routine field and laboratory water quality tests of source and treated water, including, but not limited to tests for disinfection, nitrification and microbiological contamination to ensure safety of drinking water.

Assists in training new employees in all activities performed by the Water Quality Group.

Compiles sample data, test results and logs of water quality activities. Interprets water quality analysis results.

Conducts studies, keeps records and prepares periodic reports for submission to appropriate regulatory agencies such as Division of Drinking Water, Regional Water Quality Control Board, Water Quality Control Board, Environmental Protection Agency, Los Angeles County of Public Health and Watermaster.

Develops policies and procedures regarding water quality monitoring, sampling, and operations.

Performs research and studies of water quality and assists staff on special projects.

Receives and responds to inquiries and concerns from the general public by conducting field investigations and communicating with citizens and customers regarding water quality issues.

Provides technical support for the operation of water treatment facilities, calculates chemical dosages needed in treatment plant operation.

Assists in maintaining groundwater well chlorinators.

Performs and assigns tasks related to the maintenance of chloramine residual control systems.

Makes calculations for dosing water storage facilities and pipelines with calcium and sodium hypochlorite.

Climbs in and out of trenches, construction excavations and utility vaults.

Climbs ladders on facilities greater than 40 feet in height.

Makes simple mathematical calculations as required.

Generates water quality tracking and reports. Reviews accuracy of collected data.

Assists with hands-on sampling and dosing activities as needed.

May have the opportunity to participate in related divisional cross-training efforts.

Experience and qualifications gained in this cross-training may apply towards promotional opportunities and transfers.

Coordinates and assigns work to others in the collection of water samples, provides feedback to the Water Quality Manager on staff performance.

Represents GWP at meetings with other City Departments and outside agencies on water quality and other environmental regulatory issues.

Responsible for the success of the water quality program area to which they are assigned.

Maintains knowledge of other program areas to provide coverage and support as needed.

Plans, monitors, orders, receives Water Quality Section chemicals and supplies and verifies accuracy of invoices.

Assumes responsibility for ensuring the duties of the position are performed in a safe, efficient manner.

Drives on City business.

Performs other related duties as assigned or as the situation requires.

Minimum Requirements

Experience
Four years of experience in the water industry operations, environmental field, laboratory analysis, field sampling or a related field.

Education/Training
Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Health, Biology, Chemistry or a related field.
A Master's Degree in a related field is desirable.

License(s)/Certification(s)
Valid Class C California driver's license.

A Water Distribution Operator Grade 3 (D3) and a Treatment Operator Grade 3 (T3) issued by the State Water Resources Control Board, Division of Drinking Water.

A Cross-Connection Control Program Specialist Certification from the University of Southern California Foundation of Cross-Connection Control and Hydraulic Research is desirable.

An LA County-issued Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester certificate is desirable.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Knowledge of:
Federal, State and local laws, codes and regulations relating to drinking water and recycled water.
Methods and techniques for record keeping and report preparation.
Occupational hazards and standard safety practices.
Principles and methods of water testing, methods and techniques of scheduling work assignments.
Proper English, spelling and grammar.

Knowledge of and skill in:
Exceptional customer service practices.

Ability to:
Provide exceptional customer service to all employees and vendors.
Climb in and out of trenches, construction excavations and utility vaults.
Climb ladders on facilities greater than 40 feet in height.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both in orally and in writing.
Coordinate the work of others engaged in operations and routine maintenance activities.
Effectively work independently and as part of a team.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships. Interpret, explain and apply applicable laws, codes and regulations relating to water quality.
Interpret water sampling and testing equipment.
Make sound decisions within established guidelines.
Model and practice the highest standards of ethical conduct.
Observe safety principles and work in a safe manner.
Organize, prioritize and follow-up on work assignments.
Perform research on water quality matters.
Prepare complex reports on water and environmental regulations.
Read, interpret and record data accurately.
Review, understand, and determine applicability of water and other environmental regulations to the water system.
Work effectively in the absence of supervision.

Skill in:
Operating a variety of basic water testing and related equipment in an effective and safe manner.
Operating an office computer and proficiently using a variety of database, spreadsheets and word processing software applications.

Other Characteristics
Willingness to:
Assume responsibility for maintaining a safe working environment.
Attain and hold the required certification(s) as required for each classification.
Work the necessary hours and times, including overtime, to accomplish goals, objectives and required tasks.

Promotional Eligibility Any City of Glendale employee who meets the minimum qualifications for this position, has completed probation or six months of City employment, and is occupying a permanent full-time classification. Hourly City employees may be considered, provided that they furnish proof of continuous employment immediately preceding the final filing date, which would equal a minimum of six months of full-time service or 1040 part-time hours. (Civil Service Rule VIII 4-E).

Note
An equivalent combination of experience, education and/or training may be considered as a substitute for the listed minimum requirements.

Exceptional Customer Service Policy
The City of Glendale values quality customer service and takes pride in the exceptional service provided by every employee. As a part of the Glendale team, we are dedicated to delivering courteous, considerate, and personalized attention to our diverse community and to one another.
Please click on the link to read the Exceptional Customer Service Policy .

Selection Process

EVALUATION OF APPLICATION: All applications, resumes and submitted reference materials will be reviewed and evaluated and only the best-qualified candidates based on applicable experience will be invited to the selection process.

ORAL INTERVIEW: (Weight: 100%) To evaluate the applicant's experience, education, and general background for the position.

Candidates must pass the exam with a minimum score of 70.00% in order to be placed on the eligible list.

TIME AND PLACE OF THE EXAMINATION WILL BE ANNOUNCED. Evaluations will be based on the candidate's education and experience relevant to the position. Examinations will assess evaluate the candidate's education, experience, knowledge and skills related to the job. The City of Glendale reserves the right to modify the examination components or their weighting. If changes are necessary, candidates will be informed of the specific examination components and their weight before the examination is administered. The selected candidate will undergo a background check, including Livescan fingerprinting. The City of Glendale complies with state and federal obligations to provide reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with special needs are encouraged to inform the Human Resources Department at least five days before the first examination to ensure reasonable accommodations can be arranged. The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an express or implied contract.

The City of Glendale offers a comprehensive benefit package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, and long-term disability insurance.

The above listed benefits apply to full-time, salaried positions only.

Closing Date/Time: Continuous

Salary:

$5,569.11 - $9,016.60 Monthly