Utilities Water Quality Technician

General Description

This position conducts specialized field and technical work performing flushing tasks and associated job duties in monitoring, scheduling and performing water quality related functions connected with the operation of a highly complex urban/rural water distribution system; works on flushing the water distribution system utilizing flushing equipment systems and flushing devices utilizing equipment and technologies that ensure drinking water and service water discharge in compliance with federal and state regulations; checks and monitors the water quality in the distribution system; reviews reports and implements maintenance schedules for equipment to maintain proper water quality and flushing for an assigned area; reviews and monitors flushing equipment; initiates, prepares and reviews work orders and administratively tracks work orders covering maintenance, repairs and improvements; identifies, describes, schedules and tracks flushing related plans and activities.

Essential Job Functions

• Makes independent water quality assessments on how to correct distribution system water quality issues through flushing and initiates or performs actions to implement corrections to resolve customer complaints.
• Performs independent evaluations and makes recommendations for installations of Automatic Flushing Devices (AFD), and new blow-offs to maintain water quality.
• Performs problem-solving, assembly, part replacement and inventory activities related to automatic flushing devices (AFDs).
• Reviews utility distribution system maps to determine water source and flow, proper valves and adequate flushing locations to conduct specific flushing activities throughout the distribution system.
• Determines the frequency of flushing activity in an area based upon acquired knowledge of a water distribution area and what is needed to maintain compliant water quality parameters.
• Determines the operational status of valves, hydrants and blow-offs and has the knowledge and skills necessary to properly document the equipment and the repairs needed so that work orders can be generated for follow up repairs.
• Operates water distribution system infrastructure including valves, hydrants and blow-offs to utilize various flushing techniques to restore and maintain water quality.
• Operates programmable equipment to control and adjust automatic flushing devices to ensure water quality compliance.
• Maintains and operates monitoring equipment and assures applicable quality control/quality assurance procedures are followed.
• Implements water distribution flushing plan and procedures using automated technologies for mapping and other applications.
• Prepares written or electronic reports covering customer complaints and generates service maps of the water distribution system, calculations, maintenance requirements, and water quality characteristics.
• Performs basic water monitoring procedures while utilizing flushing techniques and operating valves, blow-offs, and fire hydrants in connection with distribution system maintenance and other flushing processes.
• Monitors, schedules, tracks and ensures completion of planned or scheduled preventative/corrective maintenance flushing, projects and tasks.
• Collects and maintains technical water locations, infrastructure utilized, flow and water loss.
• Maintains inventory of parts and tools required for repairs.
• Responds to customer complaints and offers answers to routine issues.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of conventional, unidirectional and alternative pipe cleaning and flushing methods.
• Knowledge of drinking water quality characteristics including odor, color, clarity and disinfectant levels.
• Knowledge of OSHA regulations and recognized safety operating practices for field monitoring activities and safe workplace.
• Knowledge of the operation and maintenance of utilities lines, pumps, electrical machinery, controls and water deliver system.
• Knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques of water distribution system operations.
• Knowledge of water distribution system hydraulics.
• Ability to apply computer applications to communicate with others, coordinate, track and document activities as well as prepare customer complaint reports.
• Ability to complete written or electronic field data records.
• Ability to formulate and present ideas and findings clearly and concisely in written, oral or graphic form.
• Ability to interact tactfully and courteously with the public and other agencies.
• Ability to operate water distribution infrastructure such as valves, fire hydrants and blow-offs along with the ability to evaluate maintenance requirements.
• Ability to perform flow and water discharge mathematical calculations.
• Ability to perform water quality monitoring utilizing field test equipment.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, plats, maps, aerial photos and diagrams.

Minimum Requirements

Physical Skills: Ability to lift and/or move up to 80 pounds and push or pull heavy objects. May use a handling device (dolly, cart, etc.) or work with another team member to lift and/or move excessively heavy objects. Ability to frequently bend, climb, stoop, squat and walk. Ability to communicate effectively using verbal, written and visual communication. Ability to work outside, occasionally under adverse conditions. Ability to perform strenuous physical labor for extended periods of time. Must pass a pulmonary function test and fit test within 60 days of hire. Position may require to be clean shaven in order to meet safety requirements.

Education, Training and Experience: Graduation from high school or possession of an acceptable equivalency diploma and one (1) year of direct experience in water distribution or maintenance OR an Associate degree from an accredited college or university.

Licenses, Certifications or Registrations: Must possess a valid Florida driver's license. Must possess a FDEP Class 3 Water Distribution License. Applicants that do not have a FDEP Class 3 Water Distribution License may apply and if selected, will be hired as a Water Quality Technician Trainee with an hourly rate of $20.66. The trainee must be able to obtain FDEP Class 3 Water Distribution License within eighteen (18) months from date of employment to meet the minimum qualifications of the Water Quality Technician.