Environmental Technician I

Prince William County Service Authority Published: July 12, 2018
Skill Level
Mid Level
Job Type
Full-time
Categories
CSR/ Envir Mgmt Systems / Engineering

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Description

~ The Prince William County Service Authority (PWCSA) is the regional leader in supplying clean water and superior service to a large and ever-growing metropolitan population. ~

We are a nationally-recognized model for excellence, sustainability, industry best practices and environmental stewardship. Consistently high quality, reliability and customer satisfaction levels -together with fiscally and environmentally sound practices, engineering and effective use of state-of-the-art technology have earned us this leadership role in the community and across the utility industry.

Position Overview

Environmental Technician I conducts routine water analyses to ensure water quality throughout the Prince William County Service Authority territory.  Duties include, but are not limited to: collecting water samples; preparing, analyzing, and assisting with laboratory water and wastewater analyses; communicating with PWCSA customers; and maintaining Service Authority vehicles. 

Responsibilities

Water Sample Collection and Field Testing:

  • Travels within Prince William County Service Authority distribution area; identifies acceptable sample collection locations (water taps and non-vault tanks, etc.); collects routine and emergency potable and wastewater samples (using appropriate water test kits) for water quality and testing; evaluates data gathered while monitoring the distribution system; and identifies general, unusual and unexpected test results.
  • Approaches and secures hydrants and non-routine water collection sites according to PWCSA protocol for safety; and accounts for hazards using necessary PPE (personal protective equipment) as needed.
  • Conducts water testing at selected sample sites (i.e., total residual chlorine, free chlorine residual, pH, monochloramines, free ammonia, temperature, etc.) as needed using a HACH DR890 field meter, pocket colorimeter, etc. when possible.
  • Responds to PWCSA customers (including last minute emergency requests for water testing) and communicates results of water quality to laboratory management. 
  • Contacts Operations and Maintenance (O&M) to flush "dead end
  • Opens and flushes water hydrants.
  • Prepares coolers for collection.

Laboratory Procedures and Equipment:

  • Conducts laboratory analyses of potable and wastewater samples (i.e., membrane filtration, Colisure®, Colilert®, heterotrophic plate count, fecal coliform, alkalinity, conductivity, total hardness, and calcium) to determine and ensure water quality.
  • Prepares media and reagents (chemicals and broths) for analyses.
  • Calibrates, performs general maintenance, and troubleshoots both field equipment and laboratory equipment (i.e. autoclave, incubators, water baths, pH meters, etc.).
  • Performs bacteriological testing for water quality concerns and water quality emergency situations (i.e., E. coli, fecal coliform, presence/absence, and HPC, etc.) according to the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) and Virginia Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (VELAP) as needed.
  • Always implements requirements of the SDWA and VELAP Accreditation Program. 

General:

  • Completes IDC (Initial Demonstration of Capabilities) and CDC (Continuing Demonstration of Capabilities).
  • Troubleshoots QA/QC issues according to SDWA and VELAP requirements.
  • Performs data entry and basic keyboarding tasks using Microsoft Suite and LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System); and prepares paperwork associated with water collections and bacteriological testing (i.e., laboratory reports, notes on test results, bench sheets, internal correspondences, etc.).
  • Communicates clearly in writing using scientific language, appropriate notation of significant figures, laboratory defined shorthand, and VELAP notations.
  • Participates in the Service Authority driver's training class; and maintains Service Authority vehicles according to guidelines.
  • Works on-call to troubleshoot emergency water situations.
  • May be deemed essential at any time.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Essential Skills and Experience:

  • Possesses excellent time management skills to collect routine and emergency potable and wastewater samples efficiently and effectively; analytical skills and detailed focus to scrutinize water samples; navigation skills to maneuver within PWC; and customer service and verbal communication skills to interact with PWCSA customers.
  • Ability to read and follow established PWCSA procedures and protocol regarding water sample collection, field and laboratory testing, safety and equipment maintenance.
  • Ability to comprehend and follow-through on instructions, guidelines, protocols, SOPs and safety procedures set forth by PWCSA.
  • Ability to travel throughout the PWCSA boundaries effectively and successfully to collect/transport At times, delivery or pick up of samples/containers may require travel outside the PWCSA boundaries.
  • Possesses general technical and mechanical skills in order to use, calibrate and maintain laboratory and field equipment (i.e., HACH DR890 field meter, pocket colorimeter, autoclave, incubators, water baths and coolers, etc.).
  • Possesses general keyboarding skills and be able to comfortably work with technology and computers (such as Microsoft Office Suite and LIMS).
  • Ability to work on-call as needed.
  • Possesses effective written communication skills.
  • High School diploma or GED.
  • Or combination of education and experience as described above.

 Preferred Skills and Experience:

  • Prior use of laboratory equipment and knowledge of chemical processes and characteristics of nutrients preferred.
  • Additional college coursework in biology, chemistry or environmental science preferred.

Compensation: $40,462.50 - $54,327.00 Annually

~ PWCSA is an equal opportunity employer! Employment practices at the Service Authority will be implemented without regard to race, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy), religious beliefs, age, disability, sexual orientation, citizenship status, military status or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local fair employment practice laws.

PWCSA applies this practice to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, leave of absences, compensation, and training. ~

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