Water Quality Technician I

City of Greeley•Greeley, CO

3d•$22 - $32•Onsite

About The Position

The Water Quality Technician I supports the City of Greeley's water quality monitoring, sampling, and regulatory compliance programs within the Water and Sewer Department. This entry-level position performs routine field sampling, basic water quality testing, data collection, and customer service activities under established procedures and general supervision. The position assists in maintaining compliance with applicable drinking water regulations, responding to customer water quality concerns, and ensuring accurate documentation and quality control. Work is performed primarily in an office environment (approximately 80%), with occasional fieldwork (approximately 20%) at water distribution facilities, reservoirs, lakes, customer locations, and other sampling sites. The role involves occasional local travel within the County and travel to City facilities and sampling locations using City vehicles. Fieldwork may involve varying weather, uneven terrain, wet or slippery surfaces, and potential exposure to chemicals, biological materials, electrical and moving equipment, noise, and water-related hazards. Employees must follow safety procedures and use appropriate personal protective equipment. This benefits-eligible position requires successful completion of applicable pre-employment screenings and employment eligibility verification. The City of Greeley is an at-will employer.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Zero (0) to one (1) year of related experience, or an equivalent combination of related education, experience, certifications, and licenses that enables successful performance of the essential job functions.
Colorado Class D Water Treatment Operator certification or Class 1 Water Distribution Operator certification, or ability to obtain one within one year of employment.
Valid driver's license.
Knowledge of basic water quality principles, sampling methods, laboratory practices, and quality assurance and quality control procedures.
Ability to collect water samples, conduct basic field and laboratory analyses, and accurately document results in accordance with established procedures.
Ability to learn, understand, and apply applicable drinking water regulations, technical instructions, and standard operating procedures.
Ability to operate, maintain, and calibrate water quality sampling and testing equipment.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and related data management systems.
Ability to read maps, follow directions, and navigate to sampling locations throughout the City's service area.
Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to maintain accurate records and manage assigned tasks.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including ability to explain technical information clearly to customers and coworkers.
Ability to provide professional, courteous, and responsive customer service.
Ability to exercise sound judgment, identify problems, and communicate concerns to appropriate personnel.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, customers, and external partners.
Ability to follow established safety procedures and work independently or collaboratively as assigned.
Sufficient mobility to perform office duties, access field sampling locations, navigate uneven terrain, and occasionally climb stairs or ladders.
Ability to operate computers, sampling equipment, and laboratory instruments and perform repetitive hand movements.
Ability to read and interpret technical information and communicate effectively with coworkers, supervisors, and customers.
Ability to occasionally lift or move up to 30 pounds and perform bending, stooping, reaching, kneeling, and walking associated with fieldwork.
Ability to sit for extended periods and occasionally stand or walk while performing assigned duties.
Must successfully complete all pre-employment screenings and employment eligibility verification; screenings include a drug test, background and national sex offender search, motor vehicle record search, and, for some positions, a physical demands evaluation.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree in environmental science, chemistry, biology, water quality, or a closely related field from an accredited college or university.
One (1) or more years of experience in a water quality laboratory, environmental monitoring, or drinking water sampling.
Intermediate to advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and experience with databases or laboratory information management systems.

Responsibilities

Collect regulatory drinking water samples throughout the distribution system, including samples for lead and copper, disinfection byproducts, chlorite, and total coliform monitoring, in accordance with established procedures.
Conduct routine field water quality testing, including chlorine residual, temperature, pH, and conductivity measurements, using approved methods and equipment.
Respond to customer water quality inquiries and concerns by telephone, email, and in person; perform assigned field investigations and communicate findings to appropriate staff.
Follow established standard operating procedures, sampling protocols, and quality assurance and quality control requirements to ensure accurate and reliable results.
Perform basic water quality analyses, identify unusual results or conditions, and promptly report findings requiring additional investigation or corrective action.
Inspect, clean, maintain, and calibrate sampling and testing equipment to ensure proper operation and readiness for use.
Maintain accurate sampling records, field observations, test results, and related documentation in designated databases and reporting systems.
Monitor and maintain inventories of sampling supplies, laboratory consumables, and related equipment.
Participate in required training, certification programs, and professional development activities to strengthen technical knowledge and proficiency.
Assist with source water and raw water sampling, including lake and reservoir field activities, under appropriate supervision and in accordance with established safety procedures.
Perform other duties as assigned.