Position InformationFunctional TitleWater Quality TechnicianRecruitment Category TypeStandardFunctional CategoryProductionGradeGS.09FLSA StatusNon-ExemptRequisition Number24-0252Number of Vacancies1Job LevelStaffJob CodeN/AJob Description SummaryOrganization NameWater QualityReports toSection Manager, Water Quality OperationsFull or Part TimeFull TimeIf Part Time how many hours per weekRegular or TemporaryRegularPosition End Date (if temporary)Work ScheduleMonday – Friday 8:00 am-4:30 pmMay be required to work nights and weekends on as-needed basisPosition LocationSilver SpringPosition Summary InformationGeneral SummaryTheWater Quality Technicianis responsible for water quality sampling from the drinking water distribution system and water filtration plants, wastewater plants, rivers, and reservoirs. In addition, the responsibilities include responding to customer inquiries about water quality and activities related to maintaining contamination response preparedness.Essential Functions
Collects samples in accordance with the Safe Drinking Water Act, Clean Water Act, Industrial Discharge Control, and all other applicable local, state, or federal regulations
Performs daily activities related to customer complaints handling and coordination of customer sampling logistics. Communicates directly with customers to coordinate investigations and sampling
Conducts non-compliance, operational sampling at water filtration plants and distribution system sites
Maintains online water quality monitoring instruments, performs routine site inspections, sensor calibration, and minor repairs
May serve as a standing member of Contamination Rapid Response Team ( CRRT )
Performs activities related with uninterrupted CRRT preparedness. Responsibilities include maintaining CRRT inventory, uninterrupted equipment functions, routine equipment checks and calibrations
Participate in CRRT trainings and exercises
Prepares reagents and standards for both routine and non-routine analyses and maintains accurate, relevant, and timely records
Prepares sample bottles for field work, including cleaning, adding chemical preservatives, labeling, and organizing sample transport in accordance with method requirements
Other Functions
Maintains compliance with all QA/QC and safety requirements at pre-scheduled intervals
Creates legible and accurate records of all analytical work
Cross trains in other water quality disciplines
Supports Division Manager or Section Manager in developing Standard Operating Procedures
Performs other related duties as required
Work Environment And Physical DemandsWork is performed in a professional lab environmentRequired Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities
Knowledge and understanding of drinking water treatment processes, water distribution system operation, water quality monitoring, and contamination response
Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws and regulations governing drinking water regulatory monitoring
Knowledge of chemistry and/or microbiology principles, terminology, practices, techniques, and instrumentation in performing qualitative and quantitative analysis
Knowledge of OSHA safe work requirements and practices, including MSDS and personal protective equipment
Ability to interpret data, identify water quality problems, and take proactive actions Ability to prepare comprehensive analytical reports
Ability to interact with internal and external customers in an effective and professional manner
Ability to effectively prioritize work and manage time to meet deadlines and rush orders
Minimum Education, Experience Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Engineering/Science, Chemistry, Physics, Life Sciences or related field
2+ years experience in water quality operations in water utility or municipal utility agencies.
OR
Associate’s degree in Environmental Engineering/Science, Chemistry, Physics, Life Sciences or related field
4+ years experience in water quality operations in water utility or municipal utility agencies.
OR
High school diploma or equivalent
5+ years experience in utility or governmental operations in the environmental field
Additional Requirements
Possession of a valid driver’s license, with no more than 4 points, and the ability to obtain and maintain a WSSC Water driver’s permit within 90 days of hire or transfer date
Obtain MDE Water Sampler certification within 3 months of employment and maintain certification for the duration of employment
Obtain MDE certification for required field analysis within 6 months and maintain for the duration of employment
Able to work nights, weekends, and holidays as needed; may be required to participate in
stand-by call-back program
Employees in this position are designated or considered emergency personnel; therefore, the employee must report to work as scheduled or as directed by their supervisor when WSSC Water declares an event that requires emergency personnel to report to work
Preferences
Possession of MDE Water Sampler certification
3+ years of water quality sampling and analysis experience in a water utility
Salary$57,237 - $97,303Posting Detail InformationEEO StatementAN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER It is the policy of the Commission to select new employees and to promote current employees without regard to race, sexual orientation, sex, religion, national origin, marital status, or handicap. The Commission does not discriminate against qualified individuals with a disability and will make reasonable accommodation for any disability that does not result in undue hardship for the Commission.Close Date04/01/2024Open Until FilledNoSpecial Instructions to ApplicantsAdditional InformationAll applicants selected will be subject to drug screening and a background check/verification.Supplemental QuestionsRequired fields are indicated with an asterisk ().
Do you have a MDE water sampler certification?
yes
no
Do you have 3+ years of water quality sampling and water analysis experience?
Yes
No
Do you have a valid driver's license with no more than 4 points and with no restrictions (except eyeglasses/contact lenses)?
Yes
No
Employees in this position are designated or considered emergency personnel; therefore, the employee must report to work as scheduled or as directed by their supervisor when WSSC Water declares an event that requires emergency personnel to report to work. Are you able to meet this requirement?
Yes
No
Are you able to work nights, weekends, and holidays as needed?
Yes
No
Do you have experience working in a water and/or wastewater utility environment?
Yes
No
Will you, now or in the future, require sponsorship for employment visa status?
Yes
No
Are you an eligible veteran of any branch of the armed forces who has received an honorable discharge or Certificate of Satisfactory Completion of Military Service, the spouse of an eligible veteran who has a service-connected disability or the surviving spouse of a deceased eligible veteran?
Yes
No
Applicant DocumentsRequired Documents
Resume
Optional Documents
Cover Letter/Letter of Application