Water Utility Operator III - Water Quality

About the role

The Town of Oro Valley Water Utility seeks a highly motivated individual with a strong water quality testing and backflow prevention background to work in the Water Quality Department. The successful candidate will report to the Water Operations Supervisor and be expected to work collaboratively with other water operations staff.

Responsibilities

• Assists water quality programs including water quality sampling and backflow prevention compliance, updating and modifying department policies and Town Ordinances related to water quality monitoring and backflow compliance.
• Produces sampling schedules and performs water quality sampling in accordance with State and Federal Regulations.
• Creates and submits sampling plans, SOP’s and documents required by the Department of Environmental Quality {ADEQ}.
• Maintains working relationship with laboratories, reviews and interprets laboratory analysis and requests the required and appropriate bottle sets for different and various sampling analyses.
• Creates and maintains databases for water quality data to be kept on record or submitted to ADEQ.
• Assists with reports for compliance purposes that includes consumer confidence reports and utility annual reports.
• Works with the Utility’s management to assist in solving water quality issues.
• Aids in departmental budget planning and monitoring.
• Aids in purchasing of materials and equipment related to water quality programs.
• Aids in ensuring that the water quality monitoring and backflow prevention programs are in compliance with Federal and State drinking water regulations.
• Stays informed on current water quality regulations, pending changes and reporting on the potential impact of those changes to the utility.
• Acts as a key member of the Utility’s Emergency Response Team.
• Investigates and responds to complex customer inquiries regarding water quality concerns.
• Maintains knowledge of Arizona Drinking Water Rule and stays current with additions and changes related to the rule.
• Performs backflow duties if the program administrator is not present.

Requirements

• A high school diploma or GED.
• Three (3) years of work experience in a public water utility as an ADEQ certified Grade II Distribution Operator.
• Possess a valid Class D Arizona driver license upon the first day of employment.
• Possess a Grade II Water Distribution certificate issued by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality and must obtain a Grade III within one year of hire date.
• May require a Cross Connection Control Specialist Certificate (Water Quality Assignment).
• Must complete Arizona Department of Corrections inmate work program training or the ability to obtain within one (1) year of employment.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of applicable Town, State and Federal statutes, ordinances, codes, rules and regulations governing water utility and system operations.
• Knowledge of both distribution and production facility components, maintenance, repair and installation methods, material and equipment.
• Knowledge of customer service techniques and methods.
• Knowledge of Emergency Response Planning.
• Knowledge of Town and Department policies and procedures.
• Skills in computerized database management.
• Skills in creating and maintaining accurate and applicable reports and records.
• Skills in database entry, spreadsheets, Microsoft Excel, Access, Word, OneNote and Cubic.
• Ability to organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines and follow up on work assignments with minimal supervision.
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.

Skills

• Effective communication skills both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to control the water system’s water production facilities using SCADA and/or ability to oversee water utility construction projects (Production assignment).
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to interpret and apply relevant Town, State and Federal statutes, ordinances, codes, rules and regulations governing water utility and system operations.
• Ability to organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines and follow up on work assignments with minimal supervision.
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.

Benefits

Please click on the following link to get a full description of all the benefits that the Town of Oro Valley offers.

Town of Oro Valley Benefits Guide 2026/2027

Pay

Starting Salary Depending On Experience And Qualifications

Schedule

Regular, daily attendance is an essential function for this position. Must be willing to work overtime as required. Position is subject to after-hours call out 24/7. Position is included in an on-call rotation.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The Town of Oro Valley is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. The Town does not discriminate in the provision of employment opportunities, benefits or privileges; create discriminatory work conditions; or use discriminatory evaluative standards in employment if the basis of that discriminatory treatment is, in whole or in part, the person's race, color, national origin, age, religion, disability status, gender, veteran status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, genetic information or marital status.