Environmental Technician

Orange County Water District•Fountain Valley, CA

15d•Onsite

About The Position

The Environmental Technician is the first level in a six-level Water Quality Environmental Specialist series. The Environmental Technician is an entry-level position focused on training to become an Environmental Specialist and assisting experienced Water Quality personnel. The Environmental Technician is distinguished from the Environmental Specialist, which assumes a greater accountability in field sampling events and is involved in higher priority field monitoring activities as well as some water quality monitoring program management. Incumbents are responsible for assisting in the collection of a wide variety of water quality samples utilizing routine to sophisticated sampling techniques, water level measurements, and data collection activities. The Environmental Technician will be trained in sampling protocol and procedures, monitoring programs, equipment usage, proper documentation, and other requirements of the Environmental Specialist position. Upon satisfactory completion of training in all necessary aspects of the Environmental Specialist position, an Environmental Technician may become eligible for promotion to the Environmental Specialist position.

Requirements

Basic groundwater hydrology principles.
Inorganic and organic chemistry; water chemistry principles.
General microbiological water chemistry.
General biology principles.
Mathematical and algebraic concepts.
Environmental and data management concepts.
Basic hydraulic principles.
General mechanical principles.
State and federal drinking water regulations desirable.
Water and field sampling collection and documentation protocols desirable.
Basic traffic control and establishing safe work zones desirable.
Reading and interpreting maps, charts, and flow diagrams.
Strong attention to detail.
Safely driving and operating various sized vehicles, including manual transmission, and towing heavy equipment and/or a boat.
Maintaining, calibrating, and using water quality field equipment preferred.
Preparing and maintaining thorough documentation.
Operating pumps, generators, and special monitoring equipment preferred.
Mechanically inclined and familiar with use of small hand and shop tools.
Using computers and related software applications (i.e., Microsoft applications, Dashboards, AI).
Measuring and recording depth to water (water levels) desirable.
Some applicable field experience including strong observation skills.
Understanding the scientific method.
Good team player.
Good organization and time management skills.
Good critical thinking/analytical skills to define problem, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
Communicating and interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisor, the general public, etc. sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.
Collect water quality samples using approved protocols and methodologies preferred.
Basic traffic control procedures preferred.
Bachelor’s degree in a related science field preferred.
One year of related environmental or applicable field experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above.
Valid California Class “C” Driver’s License.

Nice To Haves

State and federal drinking water regulations
Water and field sampling collection and documentation protocols
Basic traffic control and establishing safe work zones
Maintaining, calibrating, and using water quality field equipment
Operating pumps, generators, and special monitoring equipment
Measuring and recording depth to water (water levels)
Basic traffic control procedures

Responsibilities

Assists in conducting a variety of surface and groundwater sampling, which may include virus, coliphage, and protozoa sampling; sampling using a submersible pump and ancillary equipment; Title 22 regulatory compliance drinking water production well sampling for inorganic, organic, radioactive, and synthetic organic chemicals; PFAS Treatment sampling; multi-point monitoring well sampling; surface water sampling; stable isotope sampling; microscopic particulate analysis sampling; and other related sampling.
Sampling may involve determining where and how to conduct sampling; how to handle samples; determining appropriate equipment to use; determining if data values are reasonable; safely transporting samples; determining appropriate type and quantity of containers to put samples in; determining if preservation is required; ensuring conditions are proper for sampling; taking field measurements and documenting site/weather conditions; and performing other related activities.
Assists in maintaining and repairing equipment, which may include calibrating equipment; fixing minor problems with pumps, generators, vehicles, and other related equipment; coordinating the servicing of equipment; ensuring instruments are in proper working order; troubleshooting and/or overhauling equipment; recommending equipment replacement; designs specialized sampling equipment, groundwater mobile treatment systems, and protocols; and performing other related activities.
Prepares and/or verifies chain of custodies; ensures samples are turned in and documented for in-house and outside laboratories.
Delivers and picks up samples at contract laboratories; coordinates with personnel at contract labs to ensure appropriate sample containers are available; and ensures appropriate analytical method is used for sample processing and analysis.
Monitors and maintains equipment inventory.
Measures depth to water (water levels) at numerous well sites throughout the County; determines the validity of measurements.
Assists in field investigative response activities to environmental water quality emergencies, unauthorized watershed discharges or releases resulting in degraded water quality in the river, recharge basins, Prado basin, and groundwater basins.
Safely implements proper traffic control procedures including setting up traffic control diversions, signage, and temporary traffic control lane closures.
Handles job stress.
Interacts effectively with others in the workplace.
Follows all workplace and job safety rules and policies.
Performs other duties of a similar nature or level as required.