SUPERVISING WATER QUALITY SPECIALIST (#TL6 )

$45.28-$57.29 hourly / $7,848.00-$9,930.00 monthly / $94,182.40-$119,163.20 yearly

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.

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.

• 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

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