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Job Description

SENIOR WATER QUALITY INSPECTOR

JOB CODE 51210

Effective Date:	01/00X

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:

The fundamental reason this classification exists is to perform skilled technical work in water sampling, and in the inspection of industrial and commercial establishments to ensure compliance with permit requirements, ordinances, and Federal and State regulations regarding industrial wastewater discharges, potable and non-potable water, and storm water management. Assignments involve securing the cooperation of private management in making modifications to existing facilities, installing new facilities or in implementing effective environmental control measures; using specialized sampling equipment; and writing and enforcing permits. The Senior Water Quality Inspector is a journey level classification which requires experience in a minimum of two functional areas. Employees work independently in the field and are responsible for making decisions requiring sound judgement and technical knowledge to include familiarity with a variety of codes, ordinances, and/or treatment options. Work is frequently performed under adverse climatic conditions, in underground and other enclosed spaces, and may involve exposure to hazardous gases and chemicals including natural gas, sewer gases, chlorine, and other toxic chemicals or infectious materials. Functional supervision is occasionally exercised Water Quality Inspectors. Employees refer the more difficult technical or public relations problems to a Chief Water Quality Inspector for advice or handling. Work is subject to review through conferences, reports, and observations of results achieved.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Implements and enforces federal, state and local regulations pertaining to the drinking water, sanitary sewer, and storm water systems;
• Informs, educates and provides outreach to industrial, commercial and residential customers;
• Samples/monitors industrial and domestic wastewater using specialized equipment;
• Samples new and existing drinking water supplies;
• Responds to customer concerns;
• Reviews commercial/industrial architectural and engineering plans for conformance with the requirements of Plumbing Codes, City Ordinances and Local and Federal regulations;
• Keeps files of inspection reports, sampling reports, chain of custody records, quality assurance records and other written correspondence;
• Inspects the dimensions, operations and maintenance of floor drains, sand traps, settling tanks, clarifiers, neutralizing tanks, grease removal equipment and other equipment used in the treatment, disposal and control of industrial waste;
• Inspects waste processing equipment and procedures employed by industrial firms and provides technical advice on systems development and maintenance;
• Monitors the air space in the sewer for the presence of explosive gases and toxic constituents using chemical testing devices and sophisticated electronic detection equipment.
• Prepares and issues notices violations of City Ordinances governing the discharge of industrial waste;
• Performs chemical and physical field tests for pH, residual chlorine, cyanides and other physical or chemical parameters;
• Uses proper techniques to ensure that all samples collected are properly preserved and identified for submittal to the laboratory for analysis;
• Makes recommendations and prepares information packages for escalated enforcement activities and/or administrative hearings;
• Reads and interprets federal, state and local regulations;
• Prepares documentation for billing purposes;
• Assists with the training of new employees;
• Operates a remote video camera and related equipment used in the inspection of storm drains;
• Demonstrates continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality seamless customer service.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• Federal, State and Local rules and regulations governing the treatment, control and discharge of industrial waste into sanitary sewers or involving discharges into the storm water system.
• Techniques involved in taking water, sewage and industrial waste samples and making related tests.
• Installation, maintenance and operation of pretreatment facilities used for the control of industrial wastes.
• Chemical compositions of industrial waste and the effect of chemicals on sewers, treatment facilities or storm drain systems.

Skill in:

• The use and care of testing and sampling equipment used in work activities.
• The use and care of remote video recording equipment used in storm drain inspections.

Ability to:

• Direct a broad range of activities over others.
• Read and interpret plans for industrial waste treatment devices.
• Communicate orally in the English language with customers, clients, and the public using a telephone or in a one-to-one or group setting.
• Produce written documents in the English language with clearly-organized thoughts with proper sentence construction, punctuation, and grammar.
• Work in small cramped areas.
• Perform physical and chemical tests for applicable parameters.
• Observe, compare, and monitor data to determine compliance with prescribed operating, regulatory or safety standards.
• Enter data or information using a terminal, PC or other keyboard device.
• Learn new computer applications.
• Move heavy objects (50 pounds or more) short distances (20 feet or less).
• Perceive the full range of the color spectrum.
• Comprehend and make inferences from written material.
• Work at heights or depths greater than 10 feet.
• Use safety and personal protective equipment.
• Use field kits to perform tests for physical and chemical parameters.
• Create and maintain accurate documentation.
• Prepare concise, clear and accurate oral and written reports in the English language.
• Work cooperatively with others.
• Work safely without presenting a direct threat to self or others.

Additional Requirements:

• Some positions require that the individual be able to meet Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) physical examination requirements established by the City designated physician and successfully complete departmental SCBA training/certification requirements.
• All positions require the use of personal or City vehicles on City business. Individuals must be physically capable of operating the vehicles safely, possess a valid drivers' license and have an acceptable driving record. Use of a personal vehicle for City business will be prohibited if the employee is not authorized to drive a City vehicle or if the employee does not have personal insurance coverage.
• Some positions will require the performance of other essential or marginal functions depending upon work assignment, location, or shift.

ACCEPTABLE EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:
Three years of experience which includes a minimum of one year each in two different functional areas of water, wastewater, or storm drain systems sampling, montoring, or inspecting, and some public contact work; plus the completion of two years of college level courses in chemistry, chemical engineering, or a related field. Other combinations of experience and education that meet the minimum requirements may be substituted.