Water Quality Tech III

  Job Summary 

Employees in this class assist with a variety of routine and special water distribution program operations and projects. Employees conduct system flushing and monitor system chlorine levels and initiate actions as necessary to maintain appropriate levels. Work includes resolving customer complaints regarding water services and performing related work as assigned. Employees must follow Safe Drinking Water Act, American Water Works Association, and applicable local regulations for all field work to maintain water system compliance. Employees must have excellent oral and written communication skills and must maintain a professional image on behalf of Rockdale County at all times and in all situations. Work is assigned by the Distribution/Collection Supervisor in terms of department goals and objectives. Some early morning, late evening, weekend and on-call work is required.  

Essential Functions 

Essential Functions: These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position. 

Monitors water quality complaints throughout the system and resolves customer complaints and issues in a timely manner. 

Collects bacteria samples for new water mains and for monthly water quality testing. 

Handles general public education and public relations in regards to water quality issues. 

Monitors system chlorine levels and initiates actions as needed to maintain appropriate levels; flushes water mains as needed. 

Patrols and monitors residential and agricultural irrigation practices. 

Communicates with the public concerning local rules for water usage. 

Fills and inspects water tanks. 

Mows grass, trims weeds and performs related maintenance work to ensure the proper upkeep and maintenance of water tank sites. 

May create and maintain spreadsheets of work activities for the work group. 

Essential Functions (Continued) 

Additional Duties: 

  Employees in this classification may be expected to perform any related duties as required by proper authority. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 

Knowledge of water system pumps, valves, and mains, including county interconnects. 

Knowledge of equipment, appurtenances, and procedures for distribution repairs to assist with protecting the integrity of the system. 

Knowledge of State, Federal, and Local water quality regulations. 

Knowledge of chlorine residual levels and how to maintain chlorine in areas needing attention. 

Knowledge of county water system, including bacteria sampling and flushing program. 

Knowledge of applicable safety procedures and regulations. 

Ability to learn the SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) software program and to learn to troubleshoot and manage this automated program. 

Ability to work cooperatively with laboratory, system maintenance, water plant operations, and customer service personnel, including meter readers. 

Ability to work effectively with all other county departments, contractors, and the general public to eliminate problems and concerns when assigned to special projects. 

Ability to open and close valves and fire hydrants and to use all tools required to perform these functions. 

Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. 

Ability to lift more than 40 pounds, unassisted. 

Ability to see, including color, texture, and depth perception. 

Ability to stand, bend, crouch, stoop, kneel, grasp, finger, and climb stairs and ladders in order to perform a variety of job related tasks. 

Working Conditions 

Most work is performed outside and can include inclement weather and nighttime work.
  

Minimum Qualifications 

1) High School Diploma or equivalent. 

2) Two (2) years experience in water quality sampling, testing, and conservation or other closely related experience. 

3) OR have a combination of education, training, and work experience that is equivalent to #1 and #2 above, which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job. 

4) State of Georgia Water Distribution Operator III license or must be obtained within two (2) years of hire. 

5) Valid State of Georgia driver’s license.