Water Pollution Control Technician

Welcome to JobsQuest! JobsQuest is the gateway to civil service employment in the Merit System of Jefferson County, Alabama. The Merit System is comprised of approximately 8,000 employees in over 800 different kinds of jobs throughout 18 cities and five county-wide agencies within Jefferson County. JobsQuest is administered by The Personnel Board of Jefferson County (PBJC). To learn more about the PBJC, visit our website at http://www.pbjcal.org. ATTENTION Merit System Employees: Do not apply through this site. If you are a current Merit System employee, please click HERE to log into the internal career site. Grade 20 Click HERE for Salary Ranges CLOSE DATE 10/28/2022 SUMMARY Water Pollution Control Technicians collect and analyze water and wastewater samples for the purpose of reporting to state and federal regulatory agencies. As a part of their analysis, they perform a variety of tests, to include various chemical and biological laboratory analyses. Water Pollution Control Technicians help to determine sources of water pollution and contamination, and employ methods to reduce the pollution or contamination. Water Pollution Control Technicians conduct field inspections to check and report violations of water pollution laws and ordinances and testing of sanitary sewage and industrial waste discharges. Water Pollution Control Technicians analyze industrial wastewater, wastewater treatment plant influent and effluent, storm water runoff, water from streams and rivers, and samples brought in by individuals. Water Pollution Control Technicians also have some administrative duties and responsibilities. Their work is performed with some latitude for independent action within established policies and procedures. TYPICAL JOB DUTIES: Accepts and prepares various wastewater samples for testing by inspecting, measuring, and logging the sample for various biological and chemical testing. Maintains records and reports results in accordance with best practices and Standard Methods textbook (Standard Operating Procedures and Quality Assurance) to aid in report writing, publishing findings, documenting training, and lab safety measures. Collects samples in the field through the use of and adherence to various techniques, policies, and procedures for the purpose of testing and analysis. Conducts field analyses of various samples and follows quality assurance and quality control procedures for conducting field analyses outlined in the Standard Methods textbook. Conducts water inspections to proactively detect and stop illicit discharge or sources of contamination in accordance with federal, state, and local agencies, laws, and best practices such as the Environmental Protection Agency, Clean Water Act, Alabama Department of Environmental Management. Conducts laboratory analyses of various samples by checking standards, measuring samples, and calculating biological and chemical standards in order to determine water quality. Maintains equipment, laboratory supplies, and instruments in accordance with best practices and Standard Methods textbook (Standard Operating Procedures and Quality Assurance) to ensure sterile environment free of contamination in order to conduct accurate and valid assessments. Communicates with various types of individuals to inform and advise and alert them to potential dangers involving water quality, pollution control, and various other issues and activities. Engages in activities designed to ensure professional development, awareness of developments in the field, and knowledge of relevant practices, rules, laws, policies, and/or guidelines. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: The following Minimum Qualifications are required for this job. You must demonstrate possession of these qualifications by providing a detailed description of your related experience in the work history section of your application. Please note that replicating or restating these minimum qualifications or the information from the Personnel Board’s job description as your own work experience will result in your disqualification. Please describe your work experience in your own words to represent the work you have performed that is related to the minimum qualifications for this job. You must meet at least one of the options below. Option A: Driver's license. Experience performing laboratory analyses in a laboratory setting. Option B: Driver's license. Experience field collecting and testing environmental samples, such as soil, water or air. Option C: Driver's license. Completed college laboratory coursework in the area of Biology, Chemistry or Environmental Sciences. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Preferred Qualifications are examples of experience and education considered to be highly desirable by hiring agencies. Hazardous Material and Chemical Spill Certification (OSHA, DOT, IATA or EPA). Certified Quality Inspector (CQI). Associate or Bachelor's degree in Biology, Chemistry or other Environmental Science. Laboratory experience using automated instrumentation. COMPETENCIES: Adaptability & Flexibility. Computer & Technology Operations. Creativity & Innovation. Heavy Equipment & Vehicle Use. Learning & Memory. Mathematical & Statistical Skills. Oral Communication & Comprehension. Planning & Organizing. Problem Solving & Decision Making. Professionalism & Integrity. Psychomotor Abilities. Researching & Referencing. Reviewing, Inspecting & Auditing. Self-Management & Initiative. Sensory Abilities. Small Tool & Equipment Use. Teamwork & Interpersonal. Technical & Job-Specific Knowledge. Technical Skills. Written Communication & Comprehension. CRITICAL KNOWLEDGES: Knowledge of U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) and the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) standards, regulations, and guidelines regarding proper potable water, storm water, wastewater, biosolids, or leachate sampling procedures. Knowledge of sampling quality assurance documentation procedures. Knowledge of scientific research techniques, including the collection of sampling data and preparation of environmental reports. Knowledge of safety procedures and practices associated with field monitoring activities and conducting laboratory analyses. Knowledge of U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM), and Jefferson County Environmental Services Department guidelines regarding establishing proper industrial wastewater, biosolids, leachate, and receiving stream sampling locations. Knowledge of basic techniques of water quality sampling and analysis for effective water pollution control. WORK ENVIRONMENT: Work is performed both within employer-owned facilities such as a laboratory, warehouse, or station and in field locations such as outdoor water location sites. Work involves the use of various laboratory testing equipment and requires working in all types of weather conditions. Job may require exposure occasionally to biological and/or chemical hazards as well as exposure to unpleasant smells (e.g., urine, feces, noxious fumes, and waste). PHYSICAL ABILITIES: Job involves physical exertion required for sustained periods of light physical activity such as walking or standing. May involve occasional light lifting of items or objects weighing up to 25 lbs. DISCLAIMER: This job description is not meant to be an all-inclusive list of the job duties, responsibilities, or skills and abilities required to do the job and may be changed at the discretion of the Personnel Board at any time. SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS Persons requiring special conditions to accommodate a disability when completing the application should contact the Personnel Board at 205-279-3500 before the announcement closing date. Qualified applicants who believe they will need reasonable accommodation in the examination process should complete and submit an Accommodation Request Form. You may obtain an Accommodation Request Form by contacting our ADA Ombudsperson at ADAO@pbjcal.org, or by accessing the "Request for Accommodation" form through the following website: http://www.pbjcal.org/ AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER The Personnel Board of Jefferson County (Personnel Board) provides a public personnel system based on merit principles. The Personnel Board strives for the constant improvement of the public service by employing and developing the best qualified persons available. The Personnel Board provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, sex, creed, religion, political beliefs, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or genetics. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training. Employment decisions are made by the Merit System municipality or governmental agency in which the position exists. Each Merit System municipality, agency, or jurisdiction administers its own equal employment opportunity programs in compliance with applicable state and/or federal laws and regulations.