Water Quality Specialist 1

City of Chattanooga • Chattanooga, TN

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Incumbents in this classification are responsible for performing technical duties in support of the storm water management program. Duties include: monitoring watershed activities such as stream inspections, detecting and eliminating illicit discharge, analyzing a variety of watershed data, enforcing applicable ordinances and regulations, conducting investigations, preparing enforcement letters, and participating in community outreach activities. Works under limited supervision. The Water Quality Specialist 1 is the second level of a three-level water quality series. The primary focus of this position will be to manage, and expand as allowed, the Single Family Residential Ponds program and the Green Grants program.

Requirements

• Bachelor Degree in Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Science or related field and two (2) years water quality experience.
• Must have at least six (6) months GIS experience.
• Valid Driver’s License
• Must be able to obtain Erosion and Sediment Control and HazMat Certifications within 6 months of hire.
• Must be able to obtain a Special Police Commission.
• Knowledge of water quality sampling techniques and concepts; applicable Federal, State, and Local laws, ordinances, codes, rules, and regulations associated with storm water management; stream assessment protocols; customer service principles; and community outreach and education techniques.
• Skill in collecting water samples; preparing and maintaining a variety of forms, records, and documentation; operating GIS systems, interpreting and applying applicable laws, ordinances, codes, rules, and regulations, assessing stream protocols; providing customer service; preparing community outreach and educational materials; using a computer and related software applications; and, communication and interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisor, and the general public, sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.

Responsibilities

• Monitors watershed operations, which includes: implementing stream inspections and monitoring to assess general physical and biological water quality conditions; collecting and documenting related data/findings.
• Conducting ambient, wet weather, and benthic macroinvertebrate sampling and hydrologic monitoring; assisting in planning, installing, maintaining, and programming automatic samplers and flow meters; implementing stream assessment protocols; and identifying and documenting erosion problems.
• Detects and eliminates illicit discharge, which includes: preparing and conducting field screening sampling of watershed outfall points to identify and eliminate sources of pollutants; conducting complaint investigations of illicit discharge.
• Preparing and conducting pesticide, herbicide, and fertilizer sampling to identify sources of problem areas; identifying sources of sanitary discharge from sanitary infrastructures (private service laterals and public trunk lines).
• Analyzes data related to watershed characteristics for the development of illicit discharge scoring; maintains logs and computerized records of inspection activities and interprets, reviews and completes a variety of forms, invoices, sampling labels, reports, correspondence, applications, plans, drawings, ordinances, regulations, and maps.
• Enforces storm water ordinances and regulations and initiates enforcement actions to include but not limited to: written warnings, notices of violation letters and civil penalties, and court citations.
• Maintains related records for potential judicial review and testifies in court on water quality enforcement cases.
• Performs community outreach and education, which includes: planning and attending community meetings to raise awareness of water quality and storm water issues.
• Assisting in planning and conducting school presentations and watershed awareness programs to inform the public of watershed problems, conditions, concerns, and constructive actions for watershed management.
• Conducts and documents investigations and inspections relative to storm water and watershed management to include but not limited to inspection of post-development best management practices, storm water fee reduction requests and sanitary sewer overflows.
• Uses, carries, and answers their cell phone for business purposes as determined by the assigned job duties and the department head.
• On-call Spill Response (24/7) required Haz-Mat training.
• Must meet regular attendance requirements.
• Must be able to maintain good interpersonal relationships with staff, co-workers, managers and citizens.
• Must accomplish the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodations, in a timely manner.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Manage the Water Quality fee credits program, manage Water Quality Fee Appeals, receive and evaluate annual Storm Water Inspection Reports

Benefits

• Competitive Compensation: Robust pay scales that reflect our commitment to our staff.
• Work-Life Balance: Generous paid time off and flexible scheduling where possible.
• Exceptional Wellness: Comprehensive health benefits and wellness programs designed for you and your family that deliver savings to you beyond your paycheck, featuring a centralized health clinic and pharmacy for all City employees.
• Growth: A focus on professional development and upward mobility within the organization.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level