What are the responsibilities and job description for the Water Quality Specialist position at WSSC Water?
The Water Quality Specialist is responsible for helping to ensure production and distribution of safe water for the public while meeting regulations and customer satisfaction. Areas of responsibility include water quality monitoring, customer inquiry and complaint handling, regulatory compliance monitoring, and water quality emergency response.
Essential Functions
- Investigates customer complaints, conducts water quality problem investigations, and works with the appropriate staff to identify problems, solutions, and preventive measures; may communicate directly with customers to coordinate investigation and sampling
- Conducts technical analysis of water quality and operational data to support the Water Quality Division in developing logical solutions or alternatives to water quality problems, both immediate and long-term
- Conducts complex computational work to analyze historical and current water quality data, including trending and forecasting analysis using spreadsheet and database tools
- Serves as a standing member of the Contamination Rapid Response Team (CRRT); participates in all CRRT activities including proficiency training and exercises
- Performs emergency response technical support and routine distribution system baseline water quality analysis
- Maintains and operates online water quality monitoring systems and CRRT equipment for contaminant detection. Conducts routine services and minor repairs to maintain all monitoring equipment in good operational condition. Participates in training, exercises, and workshops
- Routinely reports the operational status of monitoring systems to the Water Quality Response Section Manager
- Coordinates with regional partners and their staff to exchange technical knowledge and maintain regional monitoring operation
- Drives a vehicle to conduct WSSC Water business
Other Functions
- May conduct Safe Drinking Water Act compliance sampling in the distribution system
- May collect customer complaint samples, serving as a backup sampler
- Reviews, approves, and enters all resulting data into the Materials Management Information System (MMIS), Water Quality Information Management System, and all other appropriate databases
- Develops internal operating procedures for water quality operation
- Trains new or subordinate staff
- Performs major support tasks for the Response Section Manager/Division Manager, Water Quality
- Assists in achieving compliance with new regulations that may affect the Commission’s water treatment facilities
- Provides technical advice/assistance to the Response Section Manager/Division
Manager, Water Quality as necessary - Conducts special research projects for the Response Section Manager/Division Manager, Water Quality
- Performs other related duties as assigned
Work Environment And Physical Demands
Professional lab and field environment
Required Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities
- Thorough knowledge and understanding of source water protection, treatment processes, water distribution system, and water quality monitoring and emergency response
- Thorough knowledge of federal, state, and local laws and regulations governing water quality and environmental compliance
- Knowledge of the theories and practices in the fields of civil or environmental engineering, chemistry, microbiology, or biochemistry which are applied in water quality operation
- Thorough knowledge of proper laboratory procedures and good laboratory practices (GLP)
- Skill in operation of analytical instrumentation including routine maintenance and minor repairs; ability to coordinate with service contractors
- Ability to interact with customers regarding water quality complaints effectively and professionally; ability to deliver superior customer service
- Ability to gain knowledge of Material Safety Data Sheets, Safety Manual, and all WSSC Water emergency procedures
- Ability to maintain detailed and accurate records
- Ability to perform computational analyses of large and complex datasets
- Ability to prepare comprehensive analytical reports and interpret test results
- Ability to accurately perform chemical, bacteriological, or biological tests
- Ability to follow complex verbal and written instructions
- Ability to effectively prioritize work and manage time to meet tight deadlines and constant rush orders
- Ability to establish and maintain amicable, effective working relationships
Minimum Education, Experience Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree
- 3 years of environmental science/engineering experience (or related work experience) in water supply, water quality, and/or water treatment/distribution system operations
- Environmental laboratory analysis experience with water and/or wastewater
Or
- High school diploma or equivalent
- 7 years of environmental science/engineering experience (or related work experience) in water supply, water quality, and/or water treatment/distribution system operations
- Environmental laboratory analysis experience with water and/or wastewater
