Water Sampling Technician

Meet Santa Margarita Water District 

Santa Margarita Water District is a dynamic, forward-thinking agency dedicated to delivering high-quality potable water, recycled water, and wastewater services to its 200,000 customers across Southern Orange County. As one of the region’s largest and most impactful utilities, we are committed to the highest standards of transparency, innovation, and environmental stewardship.

Our people drive our progress, innovation, and results. Our collaborative, human-first culture fosters the sense of fun, comradery, and a rewarding sense of purpose as we do work that matters.

Dynamic teams of intelligent individuals work collaboratively to achieve SMWD’s goals and solve challenges with a common aim that fosters a unique bond that is not often found in governmental agencies.

Santa Margarita Water District’s values include: 

• Exemplary service excellence
• Intelligent innovation that is forward-thinking and adaptive
• Ethical fiscal responsibility and transparency
• Environmental and resource stewardship
• Employee development and leadership training
• Building relationships that strengthen communities

Tentative Interview dates subject to change 9/8, and 9/9.

DEFINITION

Under general direction, performs a variety of the more routine tasks and duties in support of the laboratory; collects and performs basic analyses on water samples in the field and/or in the laboratory; responds to customers’ water quality concerns; maintains lab and field instruments and sampling stations; performs related work as assigned.

 

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This is a single position class. An ideal candidate must be competent to collect samples from various locations, perform routine testing of samples in the field and in the laboratory with minimum supervision and fits an established structure or pattern. A position in this level is not expected to function with the same amount of program knowledge or skill level as the Laboratory Technologist position and exercises less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods.

This position typically reports to the Laboratory Manager.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTION STATEMENTS 

The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to this class.

1. Collects samples of drinking water, including reservoirs, well sites and wastewater, and other samples to ensure compliance with State and Federal regulations.
2. Maintains chains of custody for each sample through WIMS. Maintains detailed and accurate records of tests conducted and their results; notifies supervisor of unusual test results.
3. Responds to customers’ water quality inquiries and/or concerns and keeps records; participates in solving problems and resolving complaints in person and over the phone.
4. Reviews analyses results; identifies potential water quality problems and notifies immediate supervisor and appropriate District personnel.
5. Assists in completing technical reports. Participates in the laboratory quality assurance program by reviewing and verifying records and reports.
6. Cleans and maintains laboratory equipment/instruments and glassware; maintains laboratory in a clean and orderly condition; operates and maintains cleanliness and functionality of field instruments, such as pH meters, pocket colorimeters, and thermometers; operates, maintains and calibrates refrigerated auto-samplers.
7. Maintains appropriate levels of sampling bottles and supplies required to conduct routine sampling and field analyses.
8. Transports samples to approved contract laboratories on need basis.
9. Operates and maintains cleanliness of vehicle assigned.
10. Observes safe work methods, practices and precautions; uses safety devices and equipment.
11. Performs related duties and responsibilities as assigned.
12. Operate a vehicle and a variety of hand tools and test equipment related to the work.
13. Operates vehicles in performing assignments; ensures assigned vehicle is checked for proper fuel and fluid levels; inspects and fuels vehicle; reports any inoperable deficiencies through daily trip logs.  

Ability to:

• Collect, label and preserve samples and fill in all details on chain of custody forms legibly.
• Make, record observations and proper documentation.
• Operate equipment and tools that may require dexterity such as specialized sampling equipment, auto-samplers, laboratory bench and field equipment, motor vehicle, desktop computers, iPad, and telephone.
• Clean, calibrate and perform minor repairs when needed on assigned equipment and apparatus.
• Perform a variety of chemical field and microbiological laboratory tests for drinking water.
• Maintain detailed and accurate records.
• Assemble data and prepare detailed and clear reports.
• Work independently in the absence of supervision.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working.
• Safely operate a District vehicle on city streets and freeways.

Knowledge of:

• General principles and practices of modern chemistry and microbiology as applied to drinking water quality and analyses. 
• General principles and procedures of water treatment and distribution.
• California State Water Resources Control Board, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and AWWA regulations governing potable water and water quality standards.
• Analytical laboratory and field tests procedures; safety precautions in a laboratory setting.
• Methods and procedures for collection and storage of samples.
• Basic principles and practices of customer service techniques.
• Operational characteristics of standard laboratory testing equipment/instruments and tools used in the assigned area including specialized sampling equipment.
• Basic operation, maintenance and calibration of refrigerated auto-samplers.
• Occupational hazards and standard safety practices.
• Basic level of familiarity and use of Windows Operating Systems, Outlook and Microsoft Office – Word and Excel.

QUALIFICATIONS

Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

 

Education Training and Experience

• Graduation from High School or GED; and
• Specialized training in chemistry, water quality analyses, water utility sciences, or any related field

Licenses; Certificates; Special Requirements: 

Possession of one of the following certificates is required:

• Grade 1 Distribution Operator Certificate from the State Water Resources Control Board
• Laboratory Technician Grade I certificate from the California Water Environment Association
• T1 Treatment Operator Certificate from the State Water Resources Control Board

Possession of or the ability to obtain a valid California Class C driver’s license and the ability to maintain insurability under the District’s vehicle insurance program.

 Physical Requirements

Employees must meet the following requirements which are necessary to successfully perform the essential functions of this class:

• Communicate in person, in writing and/or by telephone with management, coworkers, and the public in face-to-face, one-to-one, and group settings; use office equipment such as iPad, computer terminals.
• Sit and/or stand for extended periods of time.
• Have hearing and vision within normal ranges with or without correction.
• Sufficient manual dexterity to operate equipment; walk on uneven terrain; occasionally stoop, squat, kneel, bend or crouch, climb and lift up to 50 lbs.
• Work in an outdoor environment with possible exposure to insects, harsh weather conditions such as heat, rain, dust, noise, explosive materials, mechanical hazards, electrical hazards, radio frequencies hazards, toxic substances, foul odors, bacteria, viruses, and traffic hazards.
• Work in laboratory environment with potential exposure to hazardous chemicals.
• Travel by automobile to different sites and locations to collect samples.

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