Water Quality Technician I

City of Graham•Graham, NC

9d•Onsite

About The Position

The City of Graham is seeking a motivated Water Quality Technician I to join our Water & Sewer team. This role involves a combination of fieldwork, laboratory testing, and problem-solving, focusing on protecting public health and ensuring safe, high-quality drinking water. The position is responsible for performing standardized laboratory tests and analyses of water within the distribution and collection systems, including bacteriological testing, maintaining water quality, sample collection for new water lines, customer complaints, maximum resident time sampling sites, and all required distribution compliance sampling. The role also assists with annual FOG inspections and sample collection within the collection system.

Requirements

Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license equivalent to the required North Carolina license classification and recognized for operation in North Carolina.
High school diploma or GED required.
Some experience in laboratory analysis, or an Associate’s degree in biology, chemistry, environmental science or a related field required.
Ability to collect water samples and perform necessary laboratory tests.
Ability to prepare and maintain accurate records and reports.
Ability to understand and carry out oral and written directions.
Ability to manage sampling schedules with exemplary time management skills.
Ability to obtain Water Bacteriology and a DEQ Grade "C" Distribution Water Certification within two years of employment.

Nice To Haves

General knowledge of modern laboratory techniques, materials, and equipment, including those used in standard chemical and biochemical analysis of water.
General knowledge of the principles of organic and inorganic chemistry.

Responsibilities

Collect and analyze samples for compliance and process control within the distribution and collection systems.
Perform routine skilled work in maintaining water quality within the distribution system.
Perform standardized laboratory tests and analyses of water.
Conduct bacteriological testing.
Maintain water quality within the distribution system.
Collect samples of new water lines.
Collect samples for customer complaints.
Collect samples from maximum resident time sampling sites.
Perform all required distribution compliance sampling.
Assist with annual FOG inspections and sample collection within the collection system.
Collect water samples as needed to meet compliance and process control for the department.
Flush and maintain water quality within the distribution system.
Utilize various laboratory equipment, including pH meter, colorimeter, incubator, and turbidity meter.
Perform quality control by calibrating field equipment.
Type letters and chain of custody forms.
File documents and perform other clerical duties.
Assist with Lake Survey.
Assist with annual FOG inspections.
Perform collection system sampling as needed.
Perform sample collection at sewer pump stations.
Perform other required duties as assigned.