Water Quality Tech

Position Summary

Water Quality Technician

The Water Quality Technician is an entry level team member working under direct supervision, training and performing the following assigned routine duties:

Conducts water quality monitoring, chemical, and bacteriological tests on a variety of environmental matrices.  Is responsible for field work including sampling and monitoring in the watershed, potable and recycle treatment plants,   permitted discharges, and wells. In addition, Water Quality Technicians assist with a variety of research and development projects across the organization.

Water Quality Sr. Technician

The Water Quality Senior Technician is an experienced team member performing assigned routine and complex duties depending on the team assignment:

Conducts water quality monitoring, chemical, and bacteriological tests on a variety of environmental matrices. Assists with a variety of research and development projects. Is responsible for field work including sampling and monitoring in the watershed, potable and recycle treatment plants, permitted discharges, and wells. In addition, Water Quality assists with a variety of research and development projects across the organization. Performs as a resource during the WQ Lead's absence and assists with training Water Quality Technicians in various aspects of the job.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Participates in and monitors work to ensure safe and proper work practices and procedures are implemented, adopted, and followed.
• Utilizes various software programs (LIMS, Tokay, Eris) as applicable to complete daily assignments.
• Champions the utilization and implementation of Continuous Improvement tools.
• Loads and lifts various items such as containers, instruments, or other equipment.
• Participates in emergency response and on-call duties that include nights and weekends.
• Performs other duties as assigned and cross trains within the Water Quality section as needed.
• Adheres to the sample collection and laboratory testing procedures in accordance with Federal and State regulations applicable in the State of Colorado in the areas of microbiology, inorganic and organic chemistry for water quality analysis.
• Supports and adheres to the Denver Water Quality Assurance Program.
• Analyzes samples using techniques in microbiology, inorganic chemistry, and organic chemistry such as but not limited to bacteriological tests, Heterotrophic Plate Count, phytoplankton count, pH, conductivity, total organic carbon, alkalinity, total nutrients, and ion chromatography.
• Authors and updates laboratory standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Collaborates on experimental design, testing, and report generation for research projects and stakeholders.
• Calibrates and maintains laboratory instrumentation and equipment in operational condition and takes part in preventative maintenance procedures.
• Prepares standards, QC samples, media, and sample bottles for sampling and analysis as needed.
• In the field, collects raw, recycled, and treated water samples using appropriate sample collection procedures and standard methods under the Safe Drinking Water Act.
• In the field, analyzes samples for total chlorine, temperature, pH, conductivity, turbidity, , nitrite, nitrate, dissolved oxygen, , and measures watershed steam flow.
• Assesses and evaluates the performance of Source of Supply potable water treatment systems.
• Is responsible for compliance monitoring for discharges under the Clean Water Act.
• Provides tours of Denver Water Laboratory facilities.
• Operates boat and utility terrain vehicle (UTV).
• Performs related work as assigned.

Additionally, the Water Quality Sr. Technician is also responsible for the following:

• Procures materials and assists in inventory management for their assigned teams.
• Assists and trains others on standard protocols.
• Translates industry best practices into standard operating procedures and standard work documents.
• Ensures work practices align with the Safety Plan, the Quality Assurance Program, and all applicable state and federal regulatory requirements.
• Assists with the daily execution of the work.
• Schedules, prioritizes, coordinates, and monitors work activities to ensure compliance with established policies and procedures.
• Updates regulatory compliance metrics for compliance reporting and internal tracking.
• Maintains records using a range of software tools including LIMS, Tokay, Eris, Excel, and Word.
• Prepares reports for internal/external customers as assigned.
• Loads and lifts various items such as containers, instruments, or other equipment.
• Plans and leads presentations, tours, and educational events.
• Analyzes samples using techniques in microbiology, inorganic chemistry, and organic chemistry such as but not limited to fluorescence spectroscopy, IC, GC-MS (various), HPLC-MS, and ICP-MS.
• Utilizes LIMS system to record results of unknown samples and QA/QC standards.
• In the field, collects raw, recycled, groundwater, permitted discharge, and treated water samples using appropriate sample collection procedures and standard methods.
• Compiles data and information for customers via CORA or other forms of request.
• Develops, maintains, and executes comprehensive sampling plans related to raw water and treatment supply.
• Assists with enforcing the daily execution of field operations and administration of compliance water quality monitoring per federal and state regulations for raw water, drinking water, recycled water, treated wastewater, and discharges.
• Becomes technical expert in assigned instrumentation.
• Coordinates with vendors for new instrument installation, training, and troubleshooting as needed.
• Leads studies within Denver Water Water Quality monitoring systems.

Minimum Requirements

Education and Experience

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Associates degree in related field. – Water Quality Sr. Technician Only
• Minimum 1 year of related work experience preferred.
• Minimum of 2 years related work experience. – Water Quality Sr. Technician Only
• Any equivalent combination of certifications, education, or experience that provides the required skills, knowledge, and abilities for the position.

Licenses, Registration, and Certifications

• Within twelve months of hire, must possess one of the following licenses:

o State of Colorado Distribution Level 1, or

o State of Colorado Water Treatment Operator Class D.

• Must obtain a FEMA ICS 100,200, and 700 certificate within 36 months of appointment.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Class 'R' Colorado driver's license and have a satisfactory driving record at time of hire.

Must possess one of the following six licenses or licensing combinations at time of hire (Water Quality Sr. Technician Only):

o State of Colorado Distribution Operator Level 3

o State of Colorado Water Treatment Operator Class B

o ABPA/ASSE Tester and Specialist AND State of Colorado Distribution Operator Level 1

o ABPA/ASSE Tester and Specialist AND State of Colorado Water Treatment Operator Class D

o RMWQAA Class 2 AND State of Colorado Distribution Operator Level 1

o RMWQAA Class 2 AND or State of Colorado Water Treatment Operator Class D

Respiratory Protection Testing

This position is subject to respiratory protection testing as directed per Denver Water Physician.