Technician III, Water Quality - (26-WQ&T-813012-117)

DC Water and Sewer Authority•Washington, DC

27d•Onsite

About The Position

The Technician III, Water Quality is responsible for the day-to-day actual physical mechanics of the water quality programs. Collects samples, conducts water quality testing, communicates with customers and other DC Water staff regarding water quality, and conducts data entry and analyses. This position participates in the chlorination process of water mains and assists in responding to all water quality emergencies.

Requirements

Five (5) years of progressive experience in water quality related programs.
At least two (2) years involving water sampling, testing, and analysis.
High School diploma or General Educational Development (GED) certificate.
Thorough knowledge and understanding to conduct disinfection which includes chlorine chemistry, calculating amount of chemical to add based on volume and flow of water.
Thorough knowledge of equipment including operation of small chemical feed pumps, connecting hoses or pipes, etc.
Ability to understand general manufactured recommended maintenance of equipment.
General knowledge of the water system distribution valve and hydrant operations.
Oral and written communication skills.
Maintains a working knowledge of applicable current software programs.
Must possess and maintain a current valid Motor Vehicle Operating License.
Ability to lift and carry equipment weighing up to 50 lbs.
Field environment, outdoor exposure, and some general office environment.

Nice To Haves

One (1) year of experience in water sampling, testing, and analysis.
Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Science or Environmental Engineering or other related public health, water quality or environmental science fields from an accredited college or university.

Responsibilities

Follows AWWA Standard C651 guidelines for chlorinating drinking water infrastructure after repairs where potential for contamination was high, or risk of contaminated water entering the main was high.
Chlorinates water mains for operational and contractual activities to include emergency and planned work. Disinfecting includes the usage of chemicals such as calcium hypochlorite and sodium hypochlorite.
Visually checks valves prior to disinfection to ensure they are positioned so that the highly chlorinated water in the main being treated does not flow into water mains that are in active service.
After disinfection, collects samples from the mains for bacteriological testing as a means to confirm the effectiveness of the disinfection procedure.
Tracks and maintains inventory of all equipment necessary for chlorination projects and emergency connections.
Collects samples from hydrants and inside buildings throughout the District. Performs hydrant sampling using proper sampling methods and equipment.
Conducts field and bench analysis for water quality parameters such as pH, hardness, total chlorine, fluoride, conductivity, etc.
Compiles data for all water quality activities, enters data into Access and other databases, and writes reports.
Conducts customer complaint investigations in homes and commercial buildings.
Communicates to customers following investigations about their water quality concerns and the testing and results.
Communicates with customers by phone or in person regarding water quality concerns and other DC Water related questions.
Communicates with other Water Services branches and departments regarding water quality and operations.
Evaluates operational activity in relation to water quality.
Visually conducts plumbing inspections inside customer homes and commercial buildings to identify pipe materials and possible cross connections.
Responds to water-related emergencies as directed by the immediate supervisor
Serves as a community liaison for various programs.
Provides assistance and guidance to lower graded and new employees.
Complies with applicable safety rules and regulations.
Operates DC Water vehicles as an essential function of the position. Maintains vehicles and/or equipment in a clean and orderly manner. Reports any operating deficiencies to the appropriate personnel.
Must set up equipment for disinfection process, with physically moving and operating small pumps, physically connecting pipe and hoses, and lifting and carrying of small equipment used in the process.
Performs other related duties and projects as assigned at the discretion of the immediate supervisor.