Water Quality Special Projects Lead

Overview

Under minimal supervision, the candidate will perform the day‑to‑day duties associated with the operation of a water distribution system. The role requires substantial working knowledge of required procedures, equipment, and operating standards, and the ability to resolve complex problems. The employee reports and collaborates with the Water Quality Supervisor, requiring minimal guidance, and will primarily address special projects in water distribution systems while troubleshooting both existing and potential water quality issues.

Responsibilities

• Report to and collaborate with the Water Quality Supervisor.
• Review and inventory water distribution system maps for all districts, including the use of GIS.
• Optimize routes for dead‑end flushing in each district.
• Optimize NAP sampling in each monochloramine district.
• Assist the Water Quality Supervisor in analyzing nitrification results from laboratories and field data to determine the best course of action.
• Identify and trace the path of nitrification until the source is found.
• Administer Special Assignment Operators’ work resources under the Water Quality Supervisor’s direction.
• Monitor phosphate, nitrification, and residual collection; analyze lab and field data; and help implement plans to address related concerns.
• Coordinate and organize initial flushing or directional flushing of new sections in districts with contractors and Special Assignment Operators.
• Perform data management of water quality information in the database.
• Participate in and administer training on correct flushing procedures and chlorine‑residual analysis for Special Assignment Operators as directed by the Water Quality Supervisor.
• Assist in coordinating water‑quality compliance in assigned areas and support staff with complex distribution‑system issues.
• Attend TCEQ drinking‑water quality complaint investigations.
• Demonstrate excellent time‑management, organizational, and communication skills.
• Show personal accountability through effective use of resources in daily procedures, processes, and practices.

Requirements

• High School diploma or GED.
• Minimum “D” Water Certification issued by the TCEQ.
• Three or more years of experience in the water industry, with water‑quality experience preferred.
• Good driving record.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to prioritize multiple tasks.
• Ability to analyze data and prepare clear, concise records, reports, and correspondence.
• Proficiency in learning and navigating department software and processes.
• Capability to multi‑task, stay organized, and be detail‑oriented while meeting deadlines.
• Professional interaction with customers.
• Ability to work in all weather conditions.
• Physical ability to push, pull, and/or lift items weighing approximately 50 lb.

Work Environment

Employees are subject to exposure to dust, fumes, vibrations, noise, and dirty working conditions. The role involves intermittent physically demanding work, including reaching, bending, stooping, kneeling, or crouching, and may require lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling moderately heavy objects and materials (20‑50 lb). Physical strength and agility are necessary to perform strenuous tasks under varying weather conditions.