Job Details

SOUTH COLUMBIA BASIN IRRIGATION DISTRICT Job Title: Water Quality Technician Department: Water Quality Reports To: Aquatics Program Manager Pay Range: GS-5 FLSA Status: Nonexempt SUMMARY Under the supervision of the Aquatics Program Manager, the Water Quality Technician assists in the operation of the water quality program established by the South Columbia Basin Irrigation District. Conducts field investigations and laboratory tests to obtain data used to monitor water conditions throughout the District. Works with various state and federal agencies on water quality monitoring and reporting. Assists with resolving water quality problems that impact water conditions within the irrigation delivery system. The Water Quality Technician position is a full-time position (40 hours per week. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned. 1. Assists in conducting chemical and physical laboratory and field tests according to standard methods to determine characteristics or composition of water within the irrigation delivery system. 2. Collects water samples for testing at District facilities or outside environmental laboratories. 3. Prepares samples for testing, records data, writes summaries, analyzes trends, and prepares charts for review. 4. Installs, operates, and performs routine maintenance and calibration on all laboratory and remote monitoring equipment. 5. Assists in tracking and monitoring the use of aquatic herbicides within the District's irrigation facilities. 6. Assist the hydrologist in taking measurements, installing and maintaining equipment, data entry, and other duties as needed. 7. Participates in professional organizations, workshops, and seminars in area of responsibility. 8. Involved with District training activities on chemical and other related safety topics. 9. Prepares payroll and various work reports of activities for billing, budgeting, and work records. 10. Assists with the preparation of yearly work plans, and the planning and budgeting for annual expenditures in department. 11. May travel off project for training and meetings. 12. Responsible for inventory control of laboratory chemicals, equipment, and supplies. 13. Must remain up to date on current field sampling and laboratory analysis methodologies and maintain defensible quality control/quality assurance standards to preserve the integrity of the water quality program. 14. Constantly applies knowledge of laboratory and general work safety standards during the execution of responsibilities. 15. Performs other duties as assigned. SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES This job has no regular supervisory responsibilities. QUALIFICATIONS To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE Associate's degree (A.A. or A.S.) in an environmental science, water quality or related field from an accredited college or technical school; or three years of work experience in the environmental field performing both field and laboratory analysis of various sample types or similar employment background; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Computer literacy with spreadsheets, math (algebra, statistics, and geometry), laboratory techniques, basic chemistry, and biology; public relations and good written and verbal communication skills are required. LANGUAGE SKILLS Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public. MATHEMATICAL SKILLS Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference, and fundamentals of plane and solid geometry and trigonometry. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations. REASONING ABILITY Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form. CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS Valid Washington State driver's license. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk or hear; and taste or smell. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus WORK ENVIRONMENT The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to fumes or airborne particles and outside weather conditions. The employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions; moving mechanical parts; high, precarious places; toxic or caustic chemicals; and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. recblid op58fiox8ja5ibdxaju44ekyn23851