Water Quality Sampling Specialist

This position is designated as safety-sensitive. As such, a pre-employment physical examination and drug screening are mandatory. The incumbent will also be subject to random drug and alcohol testing throughout the duration of employment.

This position carries responsibilities that include collecting water and/or wastewater samples from locations throughout the distribution and collection system. Locations include, but are not limited to, industries, commercial facilities, restaurants, car washes, new water lines, residences and hydrants. Field data is collected and samples are submitted to the City Laboratory to assure that water distribution quality is exceptional and that wastewater pretreatment is sufficient to be discharged to the collection system.

Collecting Wastewater Samples from predetermined locations that may include manholes, flumes and open pipes located at various facilities that include poultry, pharmaceutical, metal finishers and others to ensure compliance with Industrial Pretreatment Discharge Permits and the City’s Sewer Use Ordinance and other regulatory requirements.

Collecting Potable Water Samples from predetermined locations in the distribution system that may include residential spigots, fire hydrants and new line pipe.

Collecting Samples from restaurants and commercial facilities that are subject to the policies of the city’s Grease Trap Program.

Uses field probes and analyzers to determine chlorine residual, pH readings and other parameters.

Calibrate field probes to ensure accuracy of instruments.

Observes and documents changes of water and wastewater quality and appearance at predetermined locations to display trends.

Cleans, maintains and carries sampling equipment, probes, collection vessels.

Uses technology that includes computers and cell phones.

Uses software and databases to document results.

Works in laboratory and analyzes samples (when qualified and applicable).

Performs other related duties as required.

Employee subject to recall to duty in cases of emergency. Education and Experience:

High School Diploma

Water and/or Wastewater Experience Preferred

Licenses and Certifications:

Must possess a valid Class C Georgia driver’s license and satisfactory motor vehicle record.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of sampling techniques and procedures.

Knowledge of the location of water and sewer lines and manholes.

Knowledge of large and small industries.

Ability to use automatic and manual samplers.

Ability to distinguish colors during a chlorine test.

Ability to perform mathematical calculations.

Ability to keep records.

Ability to work under adverse weather and environmental conditions.

Ability to develop effective working relationships with the public.

Ability to lift up to 100 pounds daily.

Ability to work in a laboratory and analyze samples (when applicable).

This class specification should not be interpreted as all inclusive. It is intended to identify the major responsibilities and requirements of this job. The incumbents may be required to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this specification. Incentives:

• Position qualifies for a 5% certification incentive upon attainment of a Water Distribution System Operator License.
• Position qualifies for a 5% certification incentive upon attainment of a Water Laboratory Analyst License.
• Position qualifies for a 5% certification incentive upon attainment of a Wastewater Laboratory Analyst License.
• Position qualifies for a 5% certification incentive to attain a Water Distribution Operator License.
• Position qualifies for a 5% certification incentive to attain a Water Operator License.
• Position qualifies for a 5% certification incentive to attain a Wastewater Operator License.
• Position qualifies for a 5% incentive upon attainment of an Associates Degree from an accredited college or university in a water, wastewater, biology or chemistry related field.
• Position qualifies for a 5% incentive upon attainment of a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in a water, wastewater, biology or chemistry related field.

15% maximum allowable for certification incentives.