SUPERVISING WATER QUALITY SPECIALIST
Job Specifications
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Class
Code:
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TL6
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Analyst:
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JES
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Date
Originated:
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06/17
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Date
Revised:
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SANTA
CRUZ COUNTY
DEFINITION
Under
general direction, to plan and conduct water quality monitoring programs;
direct the operation of the certified water quality laboratory; supervise and
evaluate the work of water quality program staff and water quality laboratory
staff; perform a variety of technical field and laboratory testing and
analysis; interpret water quality information; maintain a water quality database;
identify pollution problems and develop mitigation measures; make
recommendation on policies and programs for water quality improvement; provide
technical guidance and expertise to staff and others on water quality matters; and
perform other work as required.
DISTINGUISHING
CHARACTERISTICS
This
single class position is distinguished from the Water Quality Specialist III in
that the former has responsibility for the overall operation of the water
quality program and water quality laboratory. The incumbent is expected to
serve as the designated Laboratory Director of the water quality laboratory as
required by the Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program. This class is
distinguished from the higher class of Division Director of Environmental
Health in that the latter has day-to-day operational responsibility for one of
the two divisions of the Environmental Health program.
TYPICAL
TASKS
- Conduct a variety
of standard and specialized laboratory tests, analysis and studies related to
water quality
- Identify
problems and develop mitigating measures to correct water quality problems
- Establish
baseline values in order to measure future results against baseline data to
detect problems
- Determine
sampling techniques and collect water samples for analysis
- Maintain computerized
laboratory records
- Prepare technical
reports and correspondence
- Select, operate
and maintain laboratory equipment, e.g., an ion chromatograph
- Interpret water
quality data and make recommendations for resource management
- Review and
update laboratory policies/procedures
- Supervise, plan,
assign and review the work of staff engaged in collecting water samples and
performing laboratory tests
- Select
laboratory and field analytical methods for water quality analysis
- Serve as a
resource and technical advisor to staff on issues of water quality
- Assist in
developing sampling locations, water quality protection programs, and methods
of analyzing data
- May represent
the County to other governmental agencies on issues relating to water quality
- Assure that
laboratory procedures and tests meet quality control standards to maintain
certification
- Keep abreast of
technical changes in water regulations, equipment, and procedures
- Attend meetings
and conferences
- Assist in
budget preparation and grant management
- Input, access
and analyze data using a computer
EMPLOYMENT
STANDARDS
Knowledge:
Thorough
knowledge of:
- Principles
of hydrology and water quality
- Water
regulations and standards
Working
knowledge of:
- Current
field and laboratory procedures, methods, equipment, facilities and materials
- Common
hazards in field sampling procedures, operating laboratory equipment, and
appropriate safety precautions
- Application
of data processing and computerized analysis techniques
Some
knowledge of:
- Repair
and maintenance of laboratory equipment
- Principles
and practices of employee supervision, including work planning,
scheduling, evaluating, training and discipline
- Principles
and practices of program management, including program planning,
implementation and evaluation
- Principles
of administration including budget preparation and grant management
Ability
to:
- Plan
and conduct difficult complex water quality analyses
- Learn
to apply basic hydrological principles to water quality analysis
- Analyze,
evaluate and draw logical conclusions from complex data
- Evaluate
and maintain quality control and proficiency testing to assure compliance
with safety and accreditation regulations and requirements of the water
laboratory
- Collect
field samples and perform field analyses
- Develop,
evaluate and maintain accurate recordkeeping systems
- Prepare
and present technical reports, studies and recommendations orally,
written, and graphically
- Select,
operate and maintain laboratory equipment
- Revise
and implement new laboratory policies and procedures
- Plan,
assign, supervise, review, and evaluate the work of others
- Provide
technical assistance to staff and other departments
- Act
as a subject matter expert or resource
- Provide
services to the public in a courteous and effective manner
- Develop
and maintain effective working relationships with the general public,
officials, and personnel from other agencies
- Synthesize
and explain technical data to individuals lacking a background in
scientific disciplines
- Implement
and monitor grants
- Input,
access and analyze data using a computer
- Walk
through rough terrain and creek beds
- Carry
equipment weighing up to 25lbs
EDUCATION
AND EXPERIENCE
Any
combination of training and experience which would provide the required
knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain these knowledge
and abilities would be:
- Graduation
from an accredited four year college or university with a Bachelor's
Degree in natural, physical or environmental sciences or a closely related
field and three years of progressively responsible experience in analysis
of water, wastewater, solid waste, hazardous waste or other
environmental samples.
- A Master's degree in chemistry, biochemistry, biology, microbiology, environmental, sanitary or public health engineering, natural or physical science may be substituted for one year of the required experience; a doctorate in chemistry, biochemistry, environmental, sanitary or public health engineering, biology, microbiology, natural or physical science may be substituted for two years of the required experience.
SPECIAL
REQUIREMENTS
- Environmental Factors: Exposure to uneven terrain;
communicable disease and pathogenic organisms; toxic or caustic chemicals.
- License:
Possess and maintain a valid California Class C Driver License. (Note:
Candidates with an out of state license may apply and go through
recruitment and examination process, however verification of CA License
must be provided at time of appointment).
Bargaining Unit: 41
EEOC Job Category: 03
Occupational
Grouping: 75
Workers' Comp Code: 0285