Water Quality Specialist

Job Title

This position will remain open until filled, with applications reviewed on an ongoing basis. This job posting may be removed at any time without prior notice. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible for full consideration.

Our Core Values

We LOVE DeSoto •L- We lift up our community •O- We take ownership of our collective performance •V- We value and respect all employees •E- We empower employees to grow

The purpose of the position is to administer the City's water quality and sampling programs; ensure work quality and adherence to established policies and procedures; and performs technical tasks relative to assigned area of responsibility. Performs various tasks related to water quality compliance with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TECQ) and Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA).

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

• Create, implement, and coordinate water quality programs; establish and implement testing and monitoring plans to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations;
• Prepares and organizes water sampling bottles, containers, and related tracking documents; collect water samples from the distribution system;
• Collect liquid and/or semi-liquid samples; perform a variety of routine water quality laboratory tests; performs process control testing including, but not limited to: dissolved oxygen, stability, microscopic evaluation, alkalinity, fluoride, hardness, specific conductance, turbidity, chlorine residual, pH, and carbon dioxide;
• Delivers water samples to the laboratory for analysis, ensures the required documentation for each sample is complete and correct, monitor sampling schedules daily to ensure the timely completion of sampling;
• Flush the distribution system and maintain system flushing records;
• Reviews statistical data for regulatory compliance and store that statistical data according to regulation;
• Investigates, diagnose and seek resolution to customer complaints and inquiries regarding taste, odor, pressure, and physical characteristics of the drinking water;
• Participate in oversight of the backflow prevention program.
• Performs other assigned duties.

Qualifications

• MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO PERFORM WORK:

  • HS diploma or GED; Bachelor's degree from accredited university or college in biology, chemistry, environmental science, or other related field preferred;
  • One (1) year of related work experience of hands-on utility plant operations or maintenance of water and/or wastewater systems;
  • Or equivalent training, education, and/or experience; and
  • Valid Driver's License.

• LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS:

  • Possession of a valid Texas driver's license with good driving record and ability to maintain while employed;
  • Possession of TCEQ-issued Customer Service Inspector License within 18 months of start date;
  • Possession of current TCEQ-issued Water Operators License or ability to obtain within one (1) year of start date.

• SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Position is subject to callback during and after business hours.

Supplemental Information

• Knowledge of City policies and procedures and ability to interpret and apply Federal, State and local policies and regulations;
• Knowledge of techniques involved in taking water samples and performing related field measurements;
• Knowledge of standard safety processes, work gear and procedures;
• Knowledge of functions and purposes of water treatment systems;
• Knowledge of basic principles of chemistry, biology and mathematics;
• Knowledge of basic laboratory analysis techniques;
• Skill in the operation and use of standard office software which includes databases and presentation programs, along with standard Microsoft products;
• Ability to effectively communicate, both verbally and in writing, with co-workers, the public, and elected and appointed officials;
• Ability to operate heavy equipment;
• Ability to establish and maintain working relationships with City administration, other employees, and the general public.

Employee Benefit Information

Health Insurance- BCBS

Dental Insurance- BCBS

Vision Insurance - EyeMed Insight

Flexible Spending - Payflex

Employees can set aside pre-tax dollars to pay for yearly out of pocket medical expenses. Subject to IRS annual limits and restrictions.

Life Insurance- Dearborn National

The City provides each employee with a life insurance policy of 3 times their annual salary up to a maximum of $150,000.

Voluntary Term Life Option- Dearborn National

This is additional low cost life insurance available to employees and their dependents.

Employee Assistance Program- Deer Oaks

Assists in recommending counselors for any city employee experiencing personal problems.

Education Pay

Employees can receive a monthly additional pay for Associates, Bachelors, Masters and PHD degrees.

Social Security

Employee participates at 7.65% contribution with matching city funds.

Texas Municipal Retirement System

Employees participate in a statewide retirement program at 7% contribution with a city match of 2:1. Five years vesting, 20 years retirement at any age.

Vacation

Non-civil service employees accrue 6.67 hours per month (2 weeks per year). All police employees accrue 10 hours per month (3 weeks per year). All Fire employees accrue 15 hours per month (7.5 - 24 hour shifts a year).

Sick Leave

Non-civil service employees accrue 10 hours per month (3 weeks per year). All police employees accrue 10 hours per month (3 weeks per year). All Fire employees accrue 15 hours per month (7.5 - 24 hour shifts a year).

Holidays

Non-civil service employees receive 13 paid holidays per year including one personal or "floating" day.

Longevity Pay

Earned at a rate of $4 per month. This is calculated on number of years of service up to and including 25 years (maximum $1200).

Worker's Compensation

Worker's compensation coverage is provided for all employees.

Fire/Police

Eligible for Education/Certification pay.

Deferred Compensation Plans- Mass Mutual/Empower

Payroll deduction for employee participation. City does not contribute.