Water Quality & Environmental Compliance Specialist

This position will work within our Water Quality team, focused on compliance sampling to ensure we do not have lead in our water. In this role you should be prepared to work both in the field with our customers as well within our lab focused on testing & reporting. We are looking for someone who is organized, has great customer service skills, adept at working with deadlines, and is self-motivated.

Diversity of backgrounds, ideas, thoughts, and experiences is vital to our culture and the way we do business. Creating an environment where differences are embraced and where every person feels engaged and included makes us safer, stronger, and more successful.

With a history dating back to 1886, American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest and most geographically diverse U.S. publicly traded water and wastewater utility company. The company employs more than 6,400 dedicated professionals who provide regulated and regulated-like drinking water and wastewater services to an estimated 14 million people in 25 states. American Water provides safe, clean, affordable and reliable water services to our customers to help keep their lives flowing. For more information, visit amwater.com and follow American Water on Twitter , Facebook and LinkedIn .

PLEASE NOTE: In order for American Water to evaluate decisions about new regulations, reintegration, and safe operating practices, all employees are required to report their vaccination status.
Primary Role

Responsible for collecting samples from the treatment plant or distribution system, performing routine water quality analyses, sample custody, data entry and recordkeeping. Interpret water quality results and initiate chemical dosage changes to treatment process. Responsible for organizing functions and activities related to environmental management and water quality for assigned facility. Investigates water quality complaints in the field and determines course of action needed. Responsible for maintaining all applicable lab certifications, accreditations, or approvals to conduct compliance and process quality control work. Implements the day-to-day collection of water quality samples. Implements programs to ensure environmental compliance. Assists in resolving treatment issues.
Key Accountabilities

Conduct compliance sampling and/or analysis, as required, to ensure compliance with federal and state water quality regulations and company approved water quality standards.
Continuously evaluate water/wastewater treatment processes and recommend modifications to maintain or improve water quality. Identify potential issues and problems and initiate responsive actions and mitigate environmental violations
Monitor/calibrate and troubleshoot analyzers, equipment, etc. to ensure established standards of performance and accuracy are maintained
Coordinate customer communications for sampling requirements, including, but not limited to: compiling customer information; communicate via phone, mail, & email; bottle drop off and collection; share sample results; and coordinate site plan maintenance
Conduct special projects and prepare reports as needed
Work with internal and external customers to build good relationships and solve laboratory issues.
Evaluate and monitor supplies and other laboratory costs to assist in maintaining the lab budget.
Assists in planning, preparation, and control the portion of the financial plan relating to responsibilities

Knowledge/Skills

Multi-tasking, Prioritize deadlines, Self-Starter

Knowledge of basic chemistry and laboratory techniques and QA/QC programs.

Knowledge of regulatory requirements. Working knowledge of MapCall, Word, Excel, and Access.

Knowledge of federal and state environmental standards and regulations and understanding of current environmental legislation and regulations.

Regulatory knowledge of proper lab analytical testing methods.

Must understand principles of water and/or wastewater treatment and be able to troubleshoot systems.

Experience/Education

Minimum Two (2) to four (4) years experience in water, wastewater, or environmental compliance.

A 4 year degree in physical, chemical or environmental sciences may be substituted for experience

Travel Requirements

Local & Regional travel within Illinois on monthly basis per district.

Work Environment

Laboratory, Indoor/Outdoor, production/office environments

Monday-Friday, dayshift

Other

Ability to sit, stand, and walk for long periods of time.

Ability to lift 50 lbs.

Stairs required.

Must be able to distinguish colors to conduct testing using normal colorimetric methods.

Competencies Champions safety Collaborates Cultivates innovation Customer obsessed Drives Results Nimble learning

Join American Water... We Keep Life Flowing ™

American Water is firmly committed to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and prohibits employment discrimination for employees and applicants based on his or her age, race, color, pregnancy, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, marital status, citizenship, or because they are an individual with a disability, protected veteran or other status protected by federal, state, and local laws.