Water Quality Supervisor

The Modesto Irrigation District is currently recruiting to fill one full-time regular position to plan, organize, direct and supervise the District's water quality laboratory operations within the Water Operations Division; and to perform a variety of technical tasks relative to assigned area of responsibility.

Supervision Received and Exercised 
 Receives general direction from the Water Treatment Plant Manager. 
 Exercises direct supervision over assigned technical personnel.

Any qualified individual may apply. This is an exempt position and part of the Professional and Supervisory Bargaining Unit. The list established as a result of this recruitment may be used to fill other Water Quality Supervisor vacancies within the District that may occur through April 2, 2026.Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Recommend and assist in the implementation of goals and objectives; establish schedules and methods for the collection, sampling and biological, chemical and physical analyses of water; implement policies and procedures.
• Plan, prioritize, assign, supervise and review the work of staff involved in the collection, testing and analysis of water; ensure compliance with regional, State and Federal regulations.
• Evaluate water treatment plant and process control laboratory operations and activities ; recommend improvements and modifications; prepare various reports on water treatment operations and laboratory results.
• Participate in budget preparation and administration; prepare cost estimates for budget recommendations; submit justifications for equipment, materials, supplies, and services; monitor and control expenditures.
• Participate in the recruitment and selection of staff; provide or coordinate staff training; work with employees to correct deficiencies; implement discipline procedures and conduct performance evaluations.
• Review laboratory data and maintain records ensuring compliance with drinking water regulations; prepare and oversee the development of various technical reports.
• Monitor test results and investigate and resolve inconsistent data; research, evaluate and develop new laboratory techniques and instruments.
• Maintain Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (ELAP)/TNI certification by implementing and ensuring QA/QC requirements including performance testing, instrument calibrations, verifications, standards tracking; develop and maintain Standard Operating Procedures; conduct internal audits.
• Maintain currency with regulations and reporting requirements.
• Train staff on Modesto Regional Water Treatment Plant safety procedures; perform inspections and maintain safety inspections.
• Participate in plant expansion and upgrade activities; review specifications and construction progress to ensure proper production of drinking water in a manner that is in compliance with regulations.
• Oversee the Storm Water Discharge program and sludge waste disposal program; maintain appropriate records.
• Serve as Plant Manager in his/her absence.
• Answer questions and provide information to the public; investigate complaints and recommend corrective action as necessary to resolve complaints.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other District employees, outside agencies, the City of Modesto, and the public using principles of good customer service.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience: Five years of increasingly responsible experience involving the testing and analysis of water; including one year providing technical and functional supervision over assigned personnel.

Education: Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, or a related field.

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of chemistry, biology, physics, mathematics, statistics and technical writing as they relate to the operation of a drinking water laboratory.
• Equipment, tools and materials used in the collection and analysis of drinking water.
• Principles and practices of supervision, training and performance evaluations.
• Principles and practices of budget monitoring.
• Principles and practices of safety management.
• Pertinent local, State and Federal laws, ordinances and rules.
• Drinking water treatment and distribution processes.
• ELAP/TNI certification requirements, California Department of Public Health regulations and EPA regulations as they relate to the treatment and distribution of drinking water and discharge of storm water.
• EPA and State regulations as they related to the disposal of treatment residuals and hazardous waste.
• Modern office equipment including use of applicable computer applications.
• Principles and practices of effective customer service.

Ability to:

• Organize, implement and direct laboratory operations/activities.
• On a continuous basis, know and understand all aspects of the job; intermittently analyze work papers, reports and special projects; identify and interpret technical and numerical information; observe and problem solve operational and technical policy and procedures.
• Interpret and explain pertinent local, State, Federal, District and department policies and procedures.
• Develop and maintain a quality control program.
• Assist in the development and monitoring of an assigned program budget.
• Develop and recommend policies and procedures related to assigned operations.
• Operate and use modern office equipment including a computer and applicable software.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Supervise, train and evaluate assigned staff.

License and Certificate: Possession of a valid California class C driver's license at the time of appointment. Individuals who do not meet this requirement due to a disability will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Possession of a valid State Water Resource Control Board Water Treatment Operators Certificate, Grade 3 (T3). Possession of a valid State Water Resource Control Board Water Distribution Operators Certificate, Grade 2 (D2). Possession of a valid Water Quality Analyst Certificate, Grade 3 from either CA-NV AWWA or the CWEA.

Qualified applicants must submit a completed District application. APPLY IMMEDIATELY. The position is open until filled.  Screening of applications will begin on or after Wednesday, April 16, 2025. Applications received after this date are not guaranteed consideration.

Applications will be reviewed on a comparative basis and only those most qualified will be invited to continue in the selection process which will consist of an overall assessment of the individual's skills through (1) oral interview and (2) contacting of references to include current and former supervisors. The applicant must perform successfully in each phase of the recruitment in order to continue in the recruitment process.

Applicants requiring necessary accommodations to the application process may contact Human Resources at (209) 526-7341. California Relay Service is available at (800) 735-3933 voice and (800) 735-2929 TDD. 

THE SUCCESSFUL APPLICANT WILL BE REQUIRED TO PROVIDE VERIFICATION OF HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA OR GED AND APPLICABLE HIGHER EDUCATION DEGREE AND A COMPLETE BACKGROUND CHECK PRIOR TO BEGINNING WORK.

INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS ANNOUNCEMENT MAY BE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE

Salary : $135,637 - $173,618