Water Quality Technician

Join our Hazen team and make the world a better place providing exceptional client service in all things water® and superior technical solutions for our clients. Hazen is a creative, employee-owned company with minimal bureaucracy where employees thrive.

Hazen has outstanding opportunities for motivated, talented people that enjoy teamwork and collaboration, client service, and solving our clients’ most difficult challenges. You will be supported by multiple mentors on projects and local office leadership.

The candidate would perform a variety of technical duties associated with protection of the water distribution system including implementation of the City's cross connection control program, collection of drinking water samples for regulatory compliance and operation process control purposes, and verification of proper disinfection and flushing of new water lines.

Essential Functions:

1. Performs potable water sampling using proper preservation techniques; documents field tests in accordance with requirements.
2. Analyzes water field samples to determine pH, conductivity, chlorine residuals, temperature, and other field test parameters.
3. Responds to and tracks customer complaints and schedules field visits, as required.
4. Uses software, data logs and spreadsheets to record and maintain compliance information, including compliance documentation; maintains chain of custody where required.
5. Coordinates delivery of samples to other laboratories via local transportation or mail.
6. Performs installation, testing and repair of backflow assemblies.
7. Flushes water lines to upgrade quality.
8. Maintains a database of facilities requiring annual backflow inspections; conducts site inspections, verifies proper installation of backflow prevention assemblies; identifies deficiencies and corrective action.
9. Conducts annual cross-connection inspections; notifies facilities of non-compliance and corrective action required.
10. Maintains and calibrates field testing equipment.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

1. Methods, proper preservation techniques, equipment, materials, tools and standard practices for obtaining and testing water samples; operational standards and maintenance procedures for municipal water treatment and distribution systems.
2. Water distribution system dynamics including flow and pressure parameters; techniques involved in testing, identifying and correcting problems with cross connection control devices and the installation of correct backflow prevention assemblies.
3. Read and interpret technical and operational manuals, as-builts and diagrams; prepare clear and concise written reports and maintain review, inspection, system performance records and findings, documents, correspondence and related files and records; operate a personal computer and related software or programs.
4. Understand and abide by federal OSHA, state and county regulations and city policies regarding safe work practices; federal, state, and other applicable regulations, codes and ordinances pertaining to public water systems and backflow prevention programs.
5. Operate a motor vehicle and abide by traffic laws and rules.
6. Follow oral and written instructions and communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
7. Present a positive public image and maintain effective working relationships with other City employees and the public.

Supervision: Work is performed under the direct supervision of the Water Quality Supervisor. This position does not supervise others.

Minimum Qualifications:

• In the process of pursuing higher education (B.S, M.S, PhD)
• A valid Driver's License with acceptable driving record; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the knowledge and abilities necessary to perform the work.

Physical Demands & Work Environment With or Without Reasonable Accommodation

The primary duties of this class are performed in a public environment that includes outside duties in adverse weather conditions and exposure to hazardous chemicals and materials. This position requires:

• Sufficient clarity of hearing which permits the employee to discern verbal instructions and communicate with others.
• Sufficient visual acuity which permits the employee to perceive and discriminate colors or shades of colors, comprehend written work instructions, technical documents, and diagrams, and move over rough and unfamiliar terrain.
• Sufficient manual dexterity which permits the employee to operate hand tools, field testing equipment, a motor vehicle and standard office equipment and to adjust equipment.
• Sufficient ability to detect, identify and distinguish odors.
• Sufficient strength to lift and carry objects over 50 pounds for varying distances.
• Sufficient body mobility, flexibility, stamina, and balance to perform field sampling and testing operations and inspection and maintenance operations that require bending, stooping, kneeling, stretching and other physical exertions.

Sufficient ability to endure prolonged exposure to arid desert conditions (i.e., prolonged sun and heat exposure during summer months).