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Job Description

WATER QUALITY INSPECTOR

JOB CODE 51260

Effective Date:	01/00A

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:

The fundamental reason this classification exists is to perform entry level technical work to ensure compliance with permit requirements, ordinances, and federal and state regulations regarding industrial wastewater discharges, potable and non-potable water, and storm water. Depending on assignment, work may include sampling, inspections, customer education, and responding to customer concerns. 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 gasses, chlorine and other toxic chemicals or infectious materials. The difference between the Water Quality Inspector and Senior Water Quality Inspector level is that the former is an entry level position with emphasis placed on learning job duties, whereas, the later is an experienced inspector, in more than one major area, who works independently with an occasional check on the results. Water Quality Inspectors work under the general supervision of a Chief Water Quality Inspector and work is evaluated through on-site checks, meetings, reports, conferences, and overall results achieved. A Water Quality Inspector must demonstrate proficiency in assigned areas before being eligible for advancement to the Senior level.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Assists with the implementation and enforcement of federal and state regulations and City Codes pertaining to the public drinking water, sanitary sewer, and storm water systems;
• Conducts inspections to determine causes of stoppages, illegal discharges, or ordor complaints for the sewer or storm drain systems;
• Samples/monitors industrial and domestic wastewater using specialized equipment;
• Operates a remote video camera used in the inspection of storm drains;
• Ensures through testing that new water mains have been properly chlorinated and flushed, and that they have been proven sterile before water is released to customers;
• Inspects the dimensions, operations, and maintenance of floor drains, sand traps, settling tanks, clarifiers, neutralizing tanks, grease removal equipment, waste processing equipment, and other equipment used in the treatment, disposal, and control of industrial waste;
• Monitors the air space in confined spaces for the presence of explosive gases and toxic constituents using chemical testing devices and sophisticated electronic detection equipment;
• Performs chemical and physical field tests;
• Informs, educates, and provides outreach to industrial, commercial, and residential customers;
• Responds to customer concerns;
• Receives and reviews required reports for compliance with permit requirements;
• Using proper techniques, ensures 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;
• 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:

• Elementary principles of chemistry, biology, general sciences, and mathematics.
• Basic typing and computer skills.

Ability to:

• Learn to perform sampling duties, inspections, and/or the operation of remote video equipment.
• Perform physical and chemical tests for applicable parameters.
• Read and interpret plans, blueprints or diagrams.
• Prepare clear, concise, and accurate oral and written reports.
• Work cooperatively with other City employees and the public.
• Evaluate small industrial users compliance reports for determining violations with environmental regulations.
• Communicate orally in the English language with customers, clients, or the public in face-to-face one-to-one settings, using a telephone, or in group settings.
• Observe, compare, and monitor data to determine compliance with prescribed operating or safety standards.
• Perceive the full range of the color spectrum.
• Measure distance using a tape measure or other measuring device.
• Perform physical inventories.
• Comprehend and make inferences from written material.
• Work in small, cramped areas.
• Climb ladders or step to reach objects.
• Work at heights or depths greater than ten feet.
• Operate, maintain, and calibrate automatic samplers, flow meters, atmostpheric testing meters, and other related equipment.
• Move heavy objects (50 pounds or more) short distances (20 feet or less).
• Work in a variety of weather conditions with exposure to the elements.
• Produce written documents with clearly organized thoughts using proper sentence construction, punctuation and grammar.
• Set up or remove barricades, traffic cones or similar objects.
• Enter data or information using a terminal, PC or other keyboard device.
• Learn job-related material through structures lecture and reading, or through oral instruction and observation. This learning takes place both in classroom settings and in on-the-job training settings.
• Work safely without presenting a direct threat to self or others.

Additional Requirements:

• Some positions required 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 driver's 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 and marginal functions depending upon work location, assignment, or shift.

ACCEPTABLE EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:
One year of experience in physical or chemical testing, industrial waste control, water distribution systems, sewer maintenance or treatment work, including some experience in public contact work, and 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.