Water Quality Technician/Senior Water Quality Technician

The Position:

Summary:

Job descriptions are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in this job. Specifications are NOT intended to reflect all duties performed with the job.

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION

Under direct supervision, performs technical duties in support of water quality programs and activities including collecting samples at various sites and facilities and maintaining sampling equipment; assists laboratory staff with data collection and data entry; receives and investigates water quality problems, customer complaints, waste spills, and other related problems to identify source of pollution; responds to inquiries from the public; and performs related duties as assigned.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This is the entry-level classification in the Water Quality Technician class series. Initially under close supervision, incumbents learn and perform routine field sampling duties. As experience is gained, assignments become more varied, complex, and difficult; close supervision and frequent review of work lessen as an incumbent demonstrates skill to perform the work independently. Positions at this level exercise limited discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods. Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern. Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise. This class is distinguished from the Senior Water Quality Technician in that the latter performs the more complex aspects of the work assigned such as conducting basic water and wastewater laboratory analyses and performing quality assurance/quality control of laboratory equipment.

Positions in the Water Quality Technician class series are flexibly staffed; positions at the Senior Water Quality Technician level are normally filled by advancement from the Water Quality Technician level. Progression to the Senior level is dependent on satisfactory work performance (an overall performance rating of “exceeds standards” or higher on most recent annual performance evaluation is required), the incumbent meeting the minimum qualifications for the classification including any licenses and certifications, and management approval.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This is the entry-level classification in the Water Quality Technician class series. Initially under close supervision, incumbents learn and perform routine field sampling duties. As experience is gained, assignments become more varied, complex, and difficult; close supervision and frequent review of work lessen as an incumbent demonstrates skill to perform the work independently. Positions at this level exercise limited discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods. Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern. Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise. This class is distinguished from the Senior Water Quality Technician in that the latter performs the more complex aspects of the work assigned such as conducting basic water and wastewater laboratory analyses and performing quality assurance/quality control of laboratory equipment.

Positions in the Water Quality Technician class series are flexibly staffed; positions at the Senior Water Quality Technician level are normally filled by advancement from the Water Quality Technician level. Progression to the Senior level is dependent on satisfactory work performance (an overall performance rating of “exceeds standards” or higher on most recent annual performance evaluation is required), the incumbent meeting the minimum qualifications for the classification including any licenses and certifications, and management approval.

Immediate Impact: The successful candidate will be given the following objectives upon hire:

• Within 1 month, become familiar with major aspects of the operations of the water quality laboratory including lab safety, chemical hygiene plan, SOPs, water quality monitoring programs, data collection and entry, reconciliation, electronic organizational procedures, records retention, workforce, and District facilities.
• Within 3 months, demonstrate proficiency in performing all field sampling, data collection, lab safety procedures, and assigned analytical methods.
• Within 6 months, demonstrate the ability to independently perform all sampling, field tests and assigned laboratory analyses.
• Within 12 months, demonstrate proficiency in using the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).

The Ideal Candidate:

• Equivalent to the completion of the (12th) grade
• One (1) year of experience in wastewater collection, wastewater treatment, water treatment or distribution operations; or one (1) year of experience in certified laboratory procedures and analysis.
• For Senior Level: Three (3) years of experience in collecting, preserving, and conducting basic testing of water and/or wastewater samples; or three (3) years of experience in certified laboratory procedures and analysis.
• Possession of a valid California Class C driver’s license, to be maintained throughout employment.
• Methods and equipment used in collecting and preserving samples in the field.
• Record keeping and filing system methods, principles, and practices.
• Ability to learn to use a variety of modern laboratory equipment.
• Ability to learn, understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.
• Ability to effectively use computer systems and software applications.

Responsibilities:

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

• Collects and preserves varied samples for analysis from various locations to support water quality activities related to non-regulatory and required monitoring of source waters, reservoirs, treatment plant, distribution system, and groundwater sources.
• Prepares samples for transport, storage, and laboratory testing including preparing chain of custody documents.
  
• Operates, maintains, and cleans equipment, instruments, and vehicles required for the work.
• Assists laboratory staff with laboratory information system maintenance, data entry, and data retrieval.
• Assists in cleaning, washing, and assembling laboratory apparatus and glassware; assists in maintaining an inventory of supplies and equipment; maintains the laboratory in a safe and clean condition.
• Reads, understands, and ensures compliance with the District Safety Manual; attends safety meetings, as required; reports all accidents, violations, or infractions to the supervisor.
• Responds to public inquiries in a courteous manner and provides information within the area of assignment.
• Performs related duties as required.
• Investigates water quality problems, customer complaints, waste spills, and other related problems to identify source(s) of pollution.
  

Compensation:

• Medical, dental, vision, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, a life insurance policy equal to two times the annual salary for the employee and a $1,000.00 policy for eligible dependents. Benefits become effective on the first of the month following a 30-day waiting period and the Authority contributes 90% of the cost of such insurance.
• CalPERS Retirement is provided using the 2.7 at age 55 formula for “Classic” Members. Retirement is provided using the 2% at age 62 formula for “New/PEPRA” Members.
• Three deferred compensation plans to which an employee may voluntarily contribute up to $23,500 per year. The Authority does not contribute to these plans.
• Twelve (12) paid holidays per year. Upon employment with WESA for one (1) year, employees also receive one (1) floating holiday annually.
• Employees accrue vacation at the rate of 3.08 hours per t wo-week pay period f or the first 1 year of employment; 3.38 hours for years 1-2; 4.62 hours for years 3-4; 6.16 hours for years 5-9; 6.47 hours for years 10-12, 6.77 hours for years 13-19, and 7.0 for 20+ years of service.
  
• Sick leave is accrued at a rate of 3.70 hours per bi-weekly pay period for a total of 96.20 hours per year with unlimited accumulation.
  
• Additional benefits available include: 9/80 work schedule, Direct Deposit, Flexible Spending Accounts, Employee Assistance Program, Educational Assistance, Certification Reimbursement Program, Certification Bonus Program, Onsite Wellness Center, and two credit unions.

Our Mission: To manage our natural resources to provide reliable, cost efficient and high quality water and wastewater services for the communities we serve, while promoting conservation, environmental responsibility, educations, community interaction, ethical behavior and recognizing employees as highly valuable assets.

The Water Employee Services Authority: WESA was established as a joint powers authority between the Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District and Meeks & Daley Water Company. As a joint powers authority, WESA provides professional water and wastewater services to both agencies. WESA is committed to:

• Professionalism-Demonstrating competency while maintaining a professional demeanor and upholding a reputation for expertise, efficiency, and high quality through delivery of information, services, and products.
• Enthusiasm-Possessing a strong drive for learning, innovation, forward thinking, and the overall desire to do your job well.
• Transparency-Demonstrating high moral standards in principles, intentions and actions; conduct that encourages loyalty, integrity, and trust.
• Inclusiveness-Promoting respect and teamwork through communication and appreciation for all.
• Stewardship-Taking ownership and responsibility for assigned responsibilities, while demonstrating a proactive, positive willingness to serve.

The Application Process: If you are interested in this opportunity, submit a completed WESA employment application online at www.wesawater.com. Resumes and certifications may be included, but will not be accepted in lieu of a completed employment application. In order to be considered, applications must be received no later than Friday, March 21, 2025.

For questions and inquiries, please contact: Jenielle Ollerton: jollerton@evmwd.net or (951) 674-3146 ext. 8244.

Closing Date/Time: 2025-12-21

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• Water Employee Services Authority

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