Water Quality Coordinator

Water Quality Coordinator

Northshore Utility District in Kenmore, WA is seeking a Water Quality Coordinator. Work Schedule: Non-Exempt, Full-Time, M-F 7:00am-3:30pm OR 9/80 schedule (Monday - Thursday 7:00am - 4:30pm, Friday 7:00am - 3:30pm, with every other Friday off). This position is responsible for drinking water quality, wastewater quality compliance and employee safety programs. Water and wastewater quality compliance is the primary focus of this position at 80% the other 20% is focused on safety. These are accomplished by managing various programs to ensure compliance with all drinking water, wastewater requirements, safety, standards, and regulations. An incumbent in this position is expected to have a well-developed understanding of the maintenance and operations of the District's water distribution and wastewater collection systems. Responsible for job site safety; provides technical and regulatory requirement advice; coordinates and works effectively with others to achieve objectives. Reporting Directly To: Utility Superintendent

Examples Of Duties

• Administers District's cross-connection control program, fats, oil, and grease (FOG) and water quality programs.
• Oversees and assesses water quality and safety programs – such as regulatory sampling and administer applicable programs.
• Travels to water facilities, customer locations, and other assigned work sites to perform inspections, water quality sampling, testing, investigations, training, and other related duties using a District vehicle.
• Mail notices to customers, water quality customer service, perform field surveys to identify hazards to water system.
• Prepares and submits the annual summary report to the Department of Health.
• Reviews new water services application to identify hazards and the level of protection required.
• Reviews backflow testing reports.
• Troubleshoots, maintains and services water quality sampling and safety equipment.
• Serves as District representative for water quality-related regional meetings.
• Participates in selected inter-agency activities with City, County, State, and Federal agencies as directed.
• Monitors other municipal and governing entities' programs and activities that could impact District operations.
• Assembles, assesses, and provides technical assistance to Utility Workers for on- and off-site conditions to determine proper layout and approach.
• Organizes, accurately inputs, and analyze data in the District Cross Connection Software program.
• Serves as the designated Safety Officer for the District. Some of the specific duties related to that include:

1. Coordinates, conducts, monitors, and informs staff about worker safety regulatory updates.
2. Coordinates, writes, updates, and implements safety programs and procedures in accordance with the applicable regulations and standards. Plans and executes corrective actions as needed and makes recommendations to supervisors.
3. Reports safety infractions by employees to the respective direct supervisors and HR. Prepares incident reports, maintains records compliance with regulatory agency.
4. Monitors various safety equipment for required maintenance, service, certification, and recalibration.
5. Provides technical assistance for work activities related to safety.
6. Fulfills Safety Officer's role when assigned to larger or safety sensitive job sites.
7. Coordinates and conducts monthly safety and weekly Tailgate meetings.
8. Coordinates and facilitates training classes such as Forklift and other training topics as identified.
9. Maintains and prepares incident reports, logs daily activities; performs data entry in various software systems in compliance with all regulatory agencies.
10. Prepares and submits OSHA log 300 and all year end reporting per regulatory agency requirements.

• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Working knowledge of laws, regulations, and standards related to cross connection control, disinfection and testing of public water supplies.
• DOH and EPA reporting requirements.
• Safety and health hazards as related to cross connection control, disinfectant reactions, disinfection equipment and processes.
• Ability to coach, train, present and oversee the safety practices of a work crew.
• Understanding of appropriate safe working methods.
• Strong communication oral, written, and interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with co-workers, supervisors, and the public.
• Accident reporting procedures and requirements.

Experience/Education: Any equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the applicant with the knowledge, skills and abilities required to perform the job. A typical way to obtain knowledge and abilities would be three (3) years' experience in water distribution, testing and sampling of water supply, cross-connection and control and water system flushing; training in cross-connection control, water quality; and a High School Diploma or General Equivalency Diploma (GED). Public speaking and formal instruction experience preferred.

Licensing Requirements:

• Valid Washington State Driver's License, or the ability to obtain one before employment, is required because operating a District vehicle to travel to job sites is an essential function of this position.
• Must maintain an acceptable driving record that meets the employer's vehicle insurance requirements throughout employment.
• Cross-connection Control Specialist Certification - within 9 months in this position.
• Water Distribution Manager Level II Operator in Training within 2.5 years in this position. Obtain the Water Distribution Manger II certification within 3.5 years in this position.
• Washington Wastewater Collection Personnel Association Level II Certification – within 3.5 years in this position.
• Confined Space Training – within 6 months in this position.
• Flagging, trenching, shoring and First Aid CPR certifications within 6 months in this position.
• ICS 100, 200 and 700 training within 6 months in this position. Other Requirements: Reliable and regular attendance, and the ability to work harmoniously with other employees.

Working Conditions: Work is performed both indoors and outdoors in an office setting, and field environments. Regular travel to water system facilities, customer locations, construction sites, reservoirs, pump stations, and other District locations is required. Field work is performed in varying weather conditions and may involve exposure to heat, cold, rain, snow, wind, uneven terrain, moving traffic, construction activities, confined spaces, elevated work areas, underground vaults, noise, vibration, dust, chemicals, disinfectants, hazards, and other hazards associated with public water and wastewater system operations. Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) must be worn, and all applicable District safety policies, OSHA/WISHA regulations, and established safe work practices must be followed.

This position requires the ability to safely operate a District vehicle and travel throughout the District's service area as an essential function of the job. The position is subject to emergency call-out, after-hours response, and occasional work outside normal business hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, as operational needs require.

The position requires sufficient strength, stamina, mobility, manual dexterity, vision, hearing, and coordination to safely perform inspections, collect water samples, operate testing and monitoring equipment, complete required documentation, and respond to emergency situations. Duties require frequent standing, walking, bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, climbing, balancing, reaching, grasping, and repetitive hand and arm movements. The employee must be able to enter and exit vehicles, climb ladders, access underground vaults and elevated work areas, navigate uneven or slippery surfaces, lift, carry, push, or pull equipment, tools, and materials weighing up to 50 pounds independently, or heavier items with assistance or mechanical lifting devices.