Water Quality Specialist

Water Quality Specialist

Under general supervision, performs a variety of technical tasks to implement and administer the City's water quality monitoring plan and cross-connection control plan; conducts field inspections to ensure compliance with regulations related to backflow, cross-connection prevention, and water quality; performs a variety of technical tasks relative to conducting and interpreting standard to complex laboratory analysis; and perform related duties as assigned.

This is a journey level classification in the Utility Division of the Public Works Department and is responsible for performing a variety of general and technical tasks specifically related to water quality, cross connection, backflow prevention and other water related issues. This single incumbent class works independently and is responsible for maintaining records and submitting reports to the various regulatory agencies and for assisting water operations and Public Works staff in maintaining water quality standards.

Examples of Duties

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Oversees water sampling programs and monitors results to insure compliance with all applicable regulatory agencies.
• Collects bacteriological samples at sampling stations throughout the distribution system; collects water samples at all City sources including, reservoirs and import connections; compiles and reports all monitoring data to various regulatory agencies.
• Reviews the results of test samples and produces various public reports; reads, interprets and implements changes in state and federal water regulations.
• Reviews and updates the City's Title 22 Drinking Water Quality Plan
• Assist with preparation of water quality reports and conservation.
• Oversees the City's cross connection program, including coordinating cross connection control activities and inspections for unauthorized cross connections and potential inter-connections.
• Coordinates water production and cross connection activities with other divisions, outside agencies and organizations.
• Reviews construction plans to determine compliance with cross connection program regulations. Issues shutdown orders for non-compliance with City's cross connection control ordinances.
• Drives a City vehicle on City business; travels to offsite locations within and outside the City.
• Perform related duties, as assigned.

Typical Qualifications

Experience and Education

To qualify for this classification, an individual must possess any combination of experience and education that would likely produce the required knowledge and abilities, and enable the individual to successfully perform the essential functions of the position.

A typical combination is:

Experience :

Two (2) years of experience in water systems.

Experience in water quality or maintaining, coordinating, and administering a cross connection program is preferred.

Education :

Equivalent to an Associate's degree in chemistry, biology, natural science or a related field

OR

An additional two (2) years of experience in water systems can supplement for the Associate's degree.

License and Certificates Possession of a valid Class C Driver's License issued from the California Department of Motor Vehicles. Possession of an American Water Works Association (AWWA) Cross Connection Control Program Specialist Certificate. Possession of a Grade 2 Water Treatment Operator Certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board. Possession of a Grade 2 Water Distribution Operator Certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board. Possession of a Backflow Prevention Device Tester Certification issued by the Orange County Health Care Agency or equivalent must be acquired prior to the completion of one year of employment.