Position Information

　　Functional TitleWater Quality Specialist

　　Recruitment Category TypeStandard

　　Functional CategoryProduction

　　GradeGS.11

　　FLSA StatusExempt

　　Requisition Number24-0068

　　Number of Vacancies2

　　Job LevelStaff

　　Job Code

　　Job Description Summary

　　Organization NameWater Quality

　　Reports toSection Manager, Water Quality Response

　　Full or Part TimeFull Time

　　If Part Time how many hours per week

　　Regular or TemporaryRegular

　　Position End Date (if temporary)

　　Work Schedule

　　Monday – Friday

　　8:00 am – 4:30 pm

　　Position LocationSilver Spring

　　Position Summary Information

　　General Summary

　　TheWater Quality Specialistis responsible for activities to help ensure production and distribution of safe water for the public while meeting regulations and customer satisfaction. Areas of responsibility include: water quality monitoring, customer inquiry and complaint handling, regulatory compliance monitoring, and water quality emergency response. Work requires experience in laboratory/field analysis and knowledge of water treatment and distribution system operation.

　　Essential Functions

　　Investigates customer complaints, conducts water quality problem investigations, and works with the appropriate staff to identify problems, solutions, and preventive measures. May communicate directly with customers to coordinate investigation and sampling

　　Conducts technical analysis of water quality and operational data to support Water Quality Division in developing logical solutions or alternatives to water quality problems, both immediate and long-term

　　Conducts complex computational work to analyze historical and current water quality data, including trending and forecasting analysis using spreadsheet and database tools

　　Serves as a standing member of the Contamination Rapid Response Team ( CRRT ), participates in all CRRT activities including proficiency trainings and exercises

　　Performs emergency response technical support and routine distribution system baseline water quality analysis

　　Maintains and operates on-line water quality monitoring systems and CRRT equipment for contaminant detection. Conducts routine services and minor repair to maintain all monitoring equipment in good operational condition. Participates in trainings, exercises, and workshops. Routinely reports to Water Quality Response Section Manager on the operational status of the monitoring systems

　　Coordinates with regional partners and their staff to exchange technical knowledge and to maintain regional monitoring operation

　　Drives a vehicle to conduct WSSC Water business

　　Other Functions

　　May conduct Safe Drinking Water Act compliance sampling in distribution system

　　May collect customer complaint samples, serving as a backup sampler

　　Reviews, approves, and enters all resulting data into the Materials Management Information System ( MMIS ), Water Quality Information Management System, and all other appropriate databases

　　Develops Internal Operating Procedures for water quality operation and trains new or subordinate staff

　　Performs major support tasks for the Response Section Manager/Division Manager, Water Quality

　　Assists in achieving compliance with new regulations that may affect the Commission’s water treatment facilities

　　Provides technical advice/assistance to the Response Section Manager/Division Manager, Water Quality as necessary

　　Conducts special research projects for the Response Section Manager/Division Manager, Water Quality

　　Performs other related duties as assigned

　　Work Environment And Physical Demands

　　Worked is performed in a lab facility.

　　Required Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

　　Thorough knowledge and understanding of source water protection, treatment processes, water distribution system, and water quality monitoring and emergency response

　　Thorough knowledge of federal, state, and local laws and regulations governing water quality and environmental compliance

　　Knowledge of the theories and practices in the fields of civil or environmental engineering, chemistry, microbiology, or biochemistry which are applied in water quality operation

　　Thorough knowledge of proper laboratory procedures and good laboratory practices ( GLP )

　　Skill in operation of analytical instrumentation including routine maintenance and minor repairs; ability to coordinate with service contractors

　　Ability to interact with customers regarding water quality complaints in an effective and professional manner; ability to deliver superior customer service

　　Ability to gain knowledge of Material Safety Data Sheets, Safety Manual, and all WSSC emergency procedures

　　Ability to maintain detailed and accurate records

　　Ability to perform computational analyses of large and complex data sets

　　Ability to prepare comprehensive analytical reports and to interpret test results

　　Ability to accurately perform chemical, bacteriological, or biological tests

　　Ability to follow complex oral and written instructions

　　Ability to effectively prioritize work and manage time in order to meet tight deadlines and constant rush orders

　　Ability to establish and maintain harmonious and effective working relationships

　　Minimum Education, Experience Requirements

　　Bachelor’s degree in environmental science/engineering, chemistry, biology, or related scientific fields

　　3+ years professional environmental science/engineering experience related to water supply and treatment/distribution system operation

　　Environmental laboratory analyses experience performing wet chemistry testing, microbiology testing, and advanced analyses on water and wastewater.

　　OR

　　High school diploma or equivalent

　　7+ years professional environmental science/engineering experience related to water supply and treatment/distribution system operation

　　Environmental laboratory analyses experience performing wet chemistry testing, microbiology testing, and advanced analyses on water and wastewater

　　Additional Requirements

　　Ability to acquire within 6 months and maintain laboratory certifications for State of MD laboratory compliance programs

　　Possession of a valid driver’s license, with no more than 4 points, and the ability to obtain and maintain a WSSC Water driver’s permit within 90 days of hire or transfer date

　　Valid Maryland Department of the Environment Sampler’s License (must be obtained within six months of employment and be retained for duration in position)

　　Employees in this position are designated or considered emergency personnel; therefore, the employee must report to work as scheduled or as directed by their supervisor when WSSC Water declares an event that requires emergency personnel to report to work

　　Must be able to work nights, weekends, and holidays as needed on an on-call basis

　　Preferences

　　Experience in water security monitoring and consequence management practices

　　Salary$69,257 - $117,736

　　Posting Detail Information

　　EEO Statement

　　AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

　　It is the policy of the Commission to select new employees and to promote current employees without regard to race, sexual orientation, sex, religion, national origin, marital status, or handicap. The Commission does not discriminate against qualified individuals with a disability and will make reasonable accommodation for any disability that does not result in undue hardship for the Commission.

　　Close Date

　　Open Until FilledYes

　　Special Instructions to Applicants

　　Additional Information

　　All applicants selected will be subject to drug screening and a background check/verification.

　　Supplemental Questions

　　Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

　　Do you have a valid driver's license with no more than 4 points and with no restrictions (except eyeglasses/contact lenses)?Yes

　　No

　　Will you, now or in the future, require sponsorship for employment visa status?Yes

　　No

　　Are you an eligible veteran of any branch of the armed forces who has received an honorable discharge or Certificate of Satisfactory Completion of Military Service, the spouse of an eligible veteran who has a service-connected disability or the surviving spouse of a deceased eligible veteran?

　　Yes

　　No

　　Applicant Documents

　　Required Documents

　　ResumeOptional Documents

　　Cover Letter/Letter of Application