Job Information
Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) Sr. Water Quality Specialist in Silver Spring, Maryland
Position Information
Functional TitleSr. Water Quality Specialist
Recruitment Category TypeStandard
Functional CategoryProduction
GradeGS.15
FLSA StatusExempt
Requisition Number25-0101
Number of Vacancies1
Job LevelNon-Management
Job CodeN/A
Job Description Summary
Organization NameWater Quality
Reports toSection Manager, Water Quality
Full or Part TimeFull Time
If Part Time how many hours per week
Regular or TemporaryRegular
Position End Date (if temporary)
Work Schedule
Monday – Friday 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
(Must also be able to work nights, weekends, and holidays as needed on an on-call basis)
Position LocationSilver Spring
Position Summary Information
General Summary
TheSr. Water Quality Specialistis responsible for activities to help ensure production and distribution of safe water for the public while meeting regulations and customer satisfaction. Areas of responsibility include distribution system water quality investigations, planning/operating regulatory compliance activities, and water quality emergency response.
Essential Functions
Routinely monitors regulatory water quality activities to assure compliance with water quality and reporting requirements. May interface with federal and state regulatory agencies to coordinate regulatory compliance processes
Participates in the formulation and implementation of long-range plans for various engineering or scientific programs of major importance to the Commission, and serves as project team leader as needed
Participates in WSSC Water’s CIP and/or AMP processes involving water quality issues, and independently review and evaluate impacts on water quality
Provides customer support on water quality problems including making initial response to customer calls, conducting operational investigations, coordinating support with appropriate staff, maintaining complaints database, and developing corrective and preventive measures
Leads special water quality studies to solve long term problems or prepare for future regulations
Plans and coordinates full, pilot, and bench scale tests including developing test protocols, coordinating sampling, testing & background research with other WSSC Water divisions, and preparing reports and recommendations
Participates in regional decision-making processes to protect water quality against accidental or deliberate contamination
Coordinates WSSC Water responses to regional inquiries and serves as liaison with regional partner agencies
Serves as a standing member of the Contamination Rapid Response Team ( CRRT ), participates in all CRRT activities including proficiency trainings and exercises
Other Functions
Stays abreast of the latest technical, legal and regulatory developments in the field
May conduct Safe Drinking Water Act compliance sampling in distribution system
Conduct complex computational work to analyze historical and current water quality data, including trending and forecasting analysis using spreadsheet and database tools
Reviews, approves, and enters all resulting data into the LIMS system and all other appropriate databases
Provides technical advice/assistance to the Water Quality Section Manager and Laboratory Services Division Manager as necessary
May provide limited technical supervision over professional or sub-professional positions.
May perform as Water Quality Section Manager in his/her absence
Work Environment And Physical Demands
Work is performed in a laboratory environment
Required Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities
Comprehensive knowledge of federal, state, and local regulatory provisions and ability to interpret regulatory intent on specific issues
Thorough knowledge and understanding of source water protection, treatment processes, water distribution system, and water quality monitoring and emergency response
Knowledge of the theories and practices in the fields of chemistry, microbiology, or biochemistry which are applied in water quality investigation and laboratory analysis
Thorough knowledge of proper laboratory procedures and good laboratory practices ( GLP )
Knowledge of environmental Standard Operating Procedures, EPA Approved Methods and Standard Methods procedures
Ability to independently identify and work toward resolving complex water quality problems with minimal supervision
Ability to take a leading role in emergency water quality response, including coordinating with internal staff and external agencies, effective notification and reporting, and response to contamination events
Ability to investigate customer surveillance data and identify source of problems
Ability to interact with customers and stakeholders regarding water quality complaints in an effective and professional manner
Ability to deliver superior customer service
Minimum Education, Experience Requirements
Bachelor’s degree
4+ years environmental science/engineering (or related work experience) in water supply, water quality, and/or water treatment/distribution system operations that includes:
Laboratory analyses performing advanced testing on water and/or wastewater
Experience leading water quality related projects that includes planning and developing protocols and reports
OR
High school diploma or equivalent
8+ years environmental science/engineering (or related work experience) in water supply, water quality, and/or water treatment/distribution system operations that includes:
Laboratory analyses performing advanced testing on water and/or wastewater
Experience leading water quality related projects that includes planning and developing protocols and reports
Additional Requirements
Possession of a valid driver’s license, with no more than 4 points, and the ability to obtain and maintain a WSSC Water driver’s permit within 90 days of hire or transfer date
Able to work nights, weekends, and holidays as needed on an on-call basis
Completion of the WSSC Water Financial Disclosure statement within 30 days of employment and annually thereafter
Preferences
Master’s degree in environmental science/engineering or related field
Experience in functional supervision of professional or sub-professional staff
Salary$93,240 - $158,760
Posting Detail Information
EEO Statement
AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
It is the policy of the Commission to select new employees and to promote current employees without regard to race, sexual orientation, sex, religion, national origin, marital status, or handicap. The Commission does not discriminate against qualified individuals with a disability and will make reasonable accommodation for any disability that does not result in undue hardship for the Commission.
Close Date12/10/2024
Open Until FilledNo
Special Instructions to Applicants
Additional Information
All applicants selected will be subject to drug screening and a background check/verification.
Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
- Do you have a valid driver's license with no more than 4 points and with no restrictions (except eyeglasses/contact lenses)?
Yes
No
- Will you, now or in the future, require sponsorship for employment visa status?
Yes
No
Are you an eligible veteran of any branch of the armed forces who has received an honorable discharge or Certificate of Satisfactory Completion of Military Service, the spouse of an eligible veteran who has a service-connected disability or the surviving spouse of a deceased eligible veteran?
Yes
No
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
- Resume
Optional Documents
- Cover Letter/Letter of Application