Job Descriptions

DEFINITION

Under general supervision, performs chemical, biological and bacteriological analysis of water/wastewater, related solids and liquids in support of efficient operation of water and wastewater treatment operations. This position works closely with Water/Wastewater/Distribution Operations and Environmental Compliance staff.

This classification is assigned to the Turlock City Employees Association bargaining unit for labor relations purposes and is subject to overtime assignments.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is an advanced/lead level class. Individuals working in this classification work under close supervision to perform more complex and difficult laboratory testing procedures.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

General supervision is provided by the Water Quality Control Supervisor or Laboratory Analyst Supervisor and may provide technical direction to assigned staff.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS - INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO THE

FOLLOWING:

• Performs a variety of basic and advanced chemical, biological, and bacteriological tests of water, wastewater, and solids necessary to ensure that plant processes meet wastewater treatment and NPDES discharge permit standards and that drinking water meets State and Federal regulations.
• Collects samples for analysis, prepares glassware and equipment for lab use and performs lab housekeeping duties as necessary.
• Ensures sufficient supply of materials and supplies for lab operation.
• Perform mathematical calculations and statistical analysis for test results.
• Coordinate sample collection and provide input for process evaluation.
• Develop quality assurance and quality control methods which will meet accreditation standards.
• Assist in establishing laboratory processes and workflow procedures.
• Solve technical problems related to the analysis of water and wastewater test results; monitor overall quality control of laboratory tests.
• Maintain and perform minor repairs on laboratory and field equipment.
• Makes recommendations for budgetary items.
• Assist with the preparation of technical and administrative reports, and other written documents, including the submittal of all regulatory required reports.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with staff, Cities employees, outside agencies, and the public through clear and concise communication.
• Maintain necessary reports and records.
• Observe and enforce safety rules.
• Supervise and train subordinate staff.
• Participate in special projects or studies as assigned.
• Subject to rotating shifts, weekends, and holidays.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge of:

• Intermediate to advanced chemistry and microbiology as applied in a water or wastewater treatment laboratory.
• Analytical procedures used in testing water and wastewater samples and the mathematics used to obtain results.
• Quality assurance and quality control procedures in the laboratory and water and wastewater sample collection procedures.
• General principles and procedures of wastewater treatment, water treatment and distribution systems.
• Safety rules and regulations
• Regulatory reporting
• Use of modern office equipment and applicable software

Ability to:

• Perform a variety of chemical and biological laboratory tests.
• Recognize and communicate water and wastewater process control and compliance issues.
• Perform sample collection.
• Manage multiple tasks while maintaining accurate results.
• Understand and troubleshoot laboratory procedure/equipment/analysis problems and serve as a resource to staff to solve problems.
• Plan and schedule work activities
• Prepare complete and concise reports and records
• Work with minimal supervision.
• Ability to follow oral and written instruction.
• Assess changing conditions and initiate appropriate action.
• Operate modern office equipment and software programs.
• Communicate clearly and concisely orally and in writing.

Experience and Training Guidelines

Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge

and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience:

Four years of increasingly responsible experience in a water and wastewater laboratory similar or greater in size and complexity to the City of Turlock.

Training:

Equivalent to a high school diploma or GED certification and six college units or CEUs in a related field or scholastic general education (i.e. Speech, Math, English, Science, Foreign Language, etc.) and three college units or CEU’s in Supervision or Management for a total of nine college units or CEU’s.

License:

Possession of an appropriate, valid Class C California Driver's License at the time of appointment, to be maintained as a condition of continued employment.

Possession of a valid Grade II Laboratory Analyst Certification from the California Water Environment Association or a Grade II Water Quality Laboratory Analyst Certification from the CA-NV Section of the American Water Works Association.

Obtain Grade III Laboratory Analyst Certification from the California Water Environment Association or a Grade III Water Quality Laboratory Analyst Certification from the CA-NV Section of the American Water Works Association within 24 months of appointment to the position.

California Water Environment Association Environmental Compliance Inspector, Water Distribution and Water Treatment Certification is desired.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Physical Conditions:

Maintain the following physical abilities: See well enough to read fine print, computer screens and analytical equipment; hear well enough to receive and understand instructions, converse on the telephone, and in person; use of hands and fingers for use sensitive analytical equipment, computer keyboard, filing, writing and answering telephones; ability to differentiate odors; capable of clear speech; bodily mobility to stand for extended periods, stoop, bend as needed; able to lift and carry objects weighing up to 25 pounds.