JOB SUMMARY:

The Water Quality Technician IV position is required to perform repetitive technical work involving water and wastewater sample collections, analytical testing, data recording, data review, and standard report preparations. Testing includes routine chemical, bacterial, and instrumental analysis on wastewater liquids, wastewater solids, and drinking water samples. The work hours are dayshift on a two-week rotating schedule. Example: Week 1 - Monday through Friday & Week 2 - Monday through Thursday and Saturday. This job also requires working on alternating holidays with occasional overtime. The employee in this position is considered essential and may be required to respond to emergency situations as directed by the Supervisor of Water Quality.

• Collects wastewater samples from specified areas of wastewater treatment plant.

• Collects drinking water samples at specified collection sites throughout The City of Frederick.

• Collects irrigation water and ground water samples from designated locations of the City's golf course.

• Performs repetitive analytical testing which includes pH, B.O.D., Chlorine, Ammonia, TKN, Nitrate, Phosphorus, Suspended Solids, Volatile Solids, Total Solids, Moisture Analysis, Bacteria Testing and other testing as needed.

• Prepares chemical test solutions including quality control standards, test reagents, bacterial growth mediums, and related solutions.

• Prepares, reviews, and maintains daily, weekly, and monthly test records for process control, regulatory compliance, and quality control purposes.

• Performs routine calibration and basic maintenance on lab equipment and accessories as required.

• Performs various mathematical calculations on test data as required to complete testing reports.

• Operates a vehicle on a regular basis, observing legal and defensive driving practices.

• Assists the WQ Laboratory Coordinator with maintenance of updated lab testing methodologies, quality control protocols, as well as chemical hygiene and lab safety programs.

• Assists the Water Quality Lab Coordinator with scheduling and reporting of drinking water complaints and other field sampling and testing projects as assigned.

• Assists the Water Quality Lab Coordinator with inventory and maintenance of lab testing supplies, reagents, and other items needed for routine laboratory operations.

• Assists the Water Quality Lab Coordinator with monthly Golf Couse Discharge Permit compliance reporting and record keeping as needed.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

• Associate degree in environmental science, Chemistry, Biology, or closely related field which included at least 16 credit hours in chemistry classes with labs.

• One (1) year of on-the-job work experience in a lab setting which included at least six (6) months working in a lab performing water and wastewater testing.

REQUIRED SKILLS (Communication/Language; Mathematical; Computer; etc.):

• Working knowledge of standard laboratory safety practices, especially those involving chemical and biological hazards.

• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, test procedures, reference manuals, and other technical information.

• Ability to accurately record test data and other information onto written reports and other documents.

• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing with supervisors, coworkers, and other contacts.

• General knowledge and ability to use computers to access lab files and forms, perform data entry of test results, and print lab reports and other documents as well as the ability to navigate internet for business and research purposes.

• Ability to apply concepts of basic math, algebra and statistics to make calculations such as mean, median, range, proportions, percentages, area, and volume using calculators.

• Ability to apply technical knowledge and skills in solving problems on the job.

• Must be able to multitask and work efficiently

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by the incumbent to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands and fingers to handle or feel. The employee must have the ability to talk and hear. The employee frequently is required to sit, reach with hands and arms, stand; walk, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close, distance, color and peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/CONDITION: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to potentially infectious agents associated with sewage, and occasionally exposed to fumes and/or airborne particles. The employee is also occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions, and toxic or caustic chemicals. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. This employee will occasionally work alone in the laboratory.