Environmental Technician

Job Description

Essential Functions

Performs routine and/or reactive water and wastewater quality monitoring by obtaining and delivering water quality samples to the laboratory, analyzing laboratory results, and maintaining sampling schedules to meet regulatory requirements. Collects, analyzes, and records results for water quality parameters including but not limited to Nitrate, pH, temperature, chlorine residual, total dissolved solids, conductivity, and dissolved oxygen. Performs data entry of sample results to support drinking water and wastewater compliance activities using spreadsheets, compliance tracking, and computerized asset management software.
Coordinates with the Engineering Department and contractors to ensure new water lines and appurtenances are installed and tested properly to meet standards for drinking water before being placed into service. Files and maintains water quality field sampling data and laboratory results to be readily accessible for auditing purposes.
Provides prompt and detailed responses to water quality customer calls; responds to water quality complaints and performs field investigation to determine the source of water quality issues; and coordinates with field staff to resolve water quality issues.
Performs and/or coordinates preventative and reactive maintenance on water quality sampling stations and monitoring wells, and logs maintenance using asset management software and spreadsheets.
Monitors water quality at the wetlands and recharge facilities and may assist with maintenance activities at these facilities, as required.
Monitors and recommends updates to sampling plans and standard operating procedures (SOPs) to comply with rules and regulations changes. Provides reports to supervisor for submission to ADEQ and Maricopa County Environmental Services.
Represents the Public Works Department at occasional public events and outreach activities. Provides and/or coordinates operational support to the Water Tap Trailer Program by performing preventative and/or reactive maintenance, administering training to internal staff, suggesting standard operating procedure updates, and operating the Tap Trailer.
Assists coordinators with backflow assembly testing and repair of city-owned backflow prevention devices. Assists with wastewater pretreatment inspections of industrial dischargers to the sewer system including Significant Industrial Users (SIU), Categorical Industrial Users (CIU), and Fats, Oil and Grease (FOG) Program. Assists with equipment set up for automatic composite sampling and local limit studies.
Performs calibration and QA/QC of field equipment per the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) and Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ).
Performs other duties as assigned to support the needs of the Water Quality Division and/or Public Works Department. May occasionally assist other departments as required.

Minimum Qualifications

High School diploma or GED equivalency is required.
Work requires a general knowledge of water systems and/or wastewater systems.
A minimum of two (2) years of experience working for a water or wastewater system provider or a related field is required.
Experience in conducting water testing is preferred.
An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered if sufficient to perform the essential duties of the role as listed herein.
Must possess an Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) Grade 1 Certification in Water Distribution or Water Treatment at the time of hire. Must be able to obtain an ADEQ Grade 2 Certification in Water Distribution or Water Treatment within one (1) year of hire and must be kept current throughout employment.
Must possess a valid Arizona Driver’s License at the time of hire.

Supplemental Information

Work requires the ability to read manuals, plan sets, technical specifications, permits, and SDS information and to interpret state, county, and federal regulatory documents.
Work requires the ability to perform general math calculations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
Work requires the ability to write daily logs, reports, work orders, budget justifications, sampling SOPs, training standards, and general correspondence.
Planning responsibilities include planning daily, monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, annual, and other compliance samples according to the Safe Drinking Water and Clean Water Act requirements. Additional planning responsibilities include but are not limited to assisting with fluctuations in plant and/or distribution system functions, testing schedules, coordination with contractors, and laboratory inventories. Must be organized and thorough in maintaining compliance-related documentation.
Prepares backup documentation and performs research to justify budget allocations.
This position has no responsibility for the supervision of others. Work requires the occasional direction of helpers, assistants, seasonal employees, interns, volunteers, or temporary employees.
Work occasionally requires basic training and direction of staff/contractors performing related testing functions. Work requires communicating technical information related to the Safe Drinking Water Act, Clean Water Act, and Maricopa Association of Governments standards.
Work is governed by broad instructions, objectives, and policies and requires the exercise of considerable initiative, attention to critical details, independent analysis, and evaluative judgment. Work is often time-sensitive, and employee must be able to adapt and respond to frequent changes of tasks and priorities.
This position must have the ability to work independently with little direction and in a team setting. The employee normally performs the duty assignment according to their judgment, requesting supervisory assistance as necessary.
Regular communication on projects and progress must be maintained with the direct supervisor. Assignments will be reviewed upon completion and performance is reviewed periodically.
This position has contact with others in the organization. These contacts may involve similar work units or departments within the City which may be involved in decision-making or providing approval authority for purchases or projects.
This position makes frequent contact with the general public and must represent the City in a professional manner including attitude and appearance.
Employee must maintain regular in-person attendance. Ability to work in a constant state of alertness and safe manner is required.