Water Quality Technician

JOB SUMMARY

Become part of a team that thrives on Professionalism, Innovation, Customer Experience, Integrity, and Teamwork — the values that guide how we serve our community.

The Water Quality Technician plays a vital role in ensuring regulatory compliance and protecting public health through the accurate collection and analysis of drinking water and wastewater samples. This position conducts sampling in accordance with EPA, TCEQ, and local requirements, maintains precise documentation, and operates specialized field and laboratory equipment. The role also supports customer service by responding to inquiries and concerns related to water quality. Through these responsibilities, the position directly contributes to the City’s environmental stewardship and operational integrity.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The following list highlights the main responsibilities of this position. While it covers the core tasks, it may not include every duty that could be assigned. Employees may be asked to take on other responsibilities as needed to support the team and department.

• Performs regulatory water quality monitoring by collecting drinking water samples in accordance with federal, state, and local requirements, including routine distribution sampling, monitoring plan activities, and microbial sampling associated with new construction, main breaks, and emergency events.
• Conducts wastewater and industrial pretreatment sampling to ensure compliance with the City’s TCEQ-approved pretreatment program and local ordinances, including sampling at permitted Significant Industrial Users and other commercial establishments. Supports protection of the wastewater collection system and treatment plant by helping identify and reduce pollutants at the source.
• Maintains accurate and timely regulatory records by preparing monitoring reports, entering data, updating customer databases, and tracking sampling activities through work order systems.
• Coordinates sampling logistics and communications with internal departments, external laboratories, and industrial or commercial customers. Provides information regarding programs such as sewer surcharges and assists with customer service inquiries and complaints related to water or wastewater quality.
• Operates, maintains, calibrates, and troubleshoots a variety of field and laboratory equipment, including multimeters, auto-samplers, spectrophotometers, GPS units, and other digital devices. Ensures adequate inventory of sampling supplies and equipment needed to perform assigned duties.
• Represents the City in interactions with customers, partners, and regulatory agencies by demonstrating professionalism and adherence to water quality and wastewater compliance standards.
• Performs other related duties as assigned to support the effective functioning of the Water Quality Section.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS & PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• High School Diploma or equivalent is required.
• Two (2) years related water/wastewater experience is required.
• TCEQ OPERATING LICENSING REQUIREMENTS.
• Must obtain within one (1) year a TCEQ Class D Water Operator license.
• Must obtain within four (4) years a TCEQ Class C Water Distribution Operator license and a TCEQ Class II Wastewater Collections Operator. Licensing requirements are a condition of continued employment (required training will be provided). A TCEQ Class C Surface Water license or TCEQ Class C Groundwater Treatment Operator license, and TCEQ Class C Wastewater Treatment Operator license may satisfy the licensing requirements.
• Must possess a valid Texas Driver’s License with an acceptable driving record.
  

COMPETENCIES AND ENVIRONMENT

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of relevant rules, regulations, permits, and compliance requirements, with the ability to read, interpret, and apply them accurately.
• Knowledge of regulatory documentation practices, including preparing sampling logs, reports, and related records.
• Skill in effective verbal and written communication, including maintaining positive working relationships with City staff, partner agencies, contractors, laboratories, and the public.
• Ability to work independently under general supervision, manage routine assignments, and ensure tasks are completed accurately and in compliance with established procedures.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

This position requires the ability to lift up to 50-100 pounds occasionally. Subject to vision and hearing constantly; standing, sitting, walking, handling, fine dexterity, bending, talking and foot controls frequently; lifting, carrying, pushing/pulling, reaching, kneeling, crouching, twisting, balancing occasionally; climbing rarely.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Working conditions involve occasional exposure to variable and/or extreme weather conditions, vehicle traffic, heavy equipment, hazardous chemicals, wastewater, and infectious diseases.

The City of San Marcos offers its employees a broad range of benefits to enhance their personal and occupational lives. We are committed to a total rewards strategy that provides employees with competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and an environment that supports a healthy work/life balance. 2023 Benefits Guide

BENEFITS
Medical, Dental & Vision Coverage

• United Healthcare
  • Choice Plus PPO Plan
  • Prescription Drug Plan
  • Wellness Initiatives
  • Virtual Doctor Visits 24/7
  • Dental Plan
• Davis Vision Insurance
  • Base Vision Plan
  • Premium Vision Plan
  • Laser Vision Correction discounts

Retirement

• Texas MunicipalRetirement System (TMRS)
• Mission Square Retirement Corporation - optional 457-deferred compensation plan & Roth IRA

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS

• Flexible Spending Accounts
• City paid Life and AD&D Insurance
• Voluntary Life, AD&D and Long Term Disability insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Vacation
• Sick Leave
• Holidays
• Longevity Pay
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Activity Center Membership
• Direct Deposit

The City of San Marcos strives to provide employees with an opportunity for a flexible and positive work/life balance. Employees in eligible positions are offered remote telework options of up to two days per week or 40% of an employee's scheduled work hours. Remote telework eligibility will be determined by department directors to ensure the City provides quality services.

Closing Date/Time: 8/5/2026 11:59 PM Central