Water Quality Specialist

Title:  Water Quality Specialist

Department:  Utilities Water & Wastewater O & M 

Hourly Rate: $26.37 - $36.92

Job Type: Full Time

Location : Land O;' Lakes, Florida

Closing Date:  Thu. 02/20/25 11:59 PM Eastern Time

General Description: Pasco County Utilities Operations and Maintenance is seeking a motivated, detail-oriented employee to join the County’s potable water regulatory and compliance team. This position will be responsible for water quality testing and sample collection within the distribution system, laboratory data evaluation, and reporting to regulatory agencies such as EPA, FDEP, TBW, and SWFWMD. This position will help ensure that the County remains compliant with all State and Federal regulations related to the Safe Drinking Water Act and Clean Water Act.

Essential Job Functions: The following duties are illustrative and not exhaustive. 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 the position.

• Collects, sorts, processes, and transports a variety of potable water samples.
• Reviews, analyzes, and interprets laboratory and field water quality data.
• Operates, calibrates, and cleans technical field sampling and monitoring equipment.
• Prepares and reviews reports for regulating agencies such as EPA, FDEP, SWFWMD, and TBW.
• May participate in water quality studies and reports.
• Utilizes various computer applications to illustrate water system performance and laboratory data.
• Maintains field data records, equipment logs, and chain of custody records.
• Responds to customer complaints, ensuring complete satisfaction through water quality testing initiatives.
• Interprets rules, regulations, topographical and aerial maps, blueprints, diagrams, and sketches to enhance our GIS and other programs.
• Participates in the Emergency Operations Center during emergency events.
• Performs related work as directed.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of principles, practices, terminology, and procedures used in the laboratory analyses of water.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local rules, codes and ordinances relating to water quality.
• Knowledge in the practical aspects of ordinance enforcement, environmental management, and regulatory compliance.
• Knowledge of drinking water quality characteristics including odor, color, clarity, and disinfection levels.
• Knowledge of hydraulics, chemistry, and biology related to drinking water quality.
• Knowledge of conventional, unidirectional, and alternative pipe cleaning and flushing methods.
• Ability to conduct pertinent research and comprehend publications in related fields of study.
• Ability to independently present ideas, concepts, and facts in a clear, concise manner in written, oral, or graphic form.
• Ability to develop and evaluate reports and presentations reflecting the work activities, performance, and environmental compliance of Pasco County Utilities.
• Ability to operate water distribution infrastructure such as valves, fire hydrants, blow-off valves, and backflow devices.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, outside agencies, regulatory authorities, and the public.
• Ability to create and evaluate laboratory and field COCs and SOPs.
• Good leadership, self-motivation, ability to work well on teams, and a willingness to learn are highly desired skills and traits for this position.

Minimum Requirements: 

PHYSICAL SKILLS/WORKING CONDITIONS:  Ability to communicate effectively using verbal, written and visual communication. Ability to conduct field work in a variety of weather conditions.

EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:  Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s Degree in engineering, environmental science, chemistry, biology, or related field. Must obtain a Level 3 Water Distribution license issued by FDEP within 18 months of hire.  

OR graduation from an accredited college or university with an Associate degree in engineering, environmental science, chemistry, biology, or related field plus two (2) years' experience working in water treatment plants or water distribution systems. Must obtain a Level 2 Water Distribution license issued by FDEP within 18 months of hire. 

 OR graduation from high school or possession of an acceptable equivalency diploma plus four (4) years' experience working in water treatment plants or water distribution systems. Must obtain a Level 1 Water Distribution license issued by FDEP within 18 months of hire. 

Proficient in Microsoft Office and familiar with GIS required. 

LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS OR REGISTRATIONS:  Must possess a valid Florida driver's license.  Must be able to obtain FDEP Water Distribution License within eighteen (18) months from date of hire.

ADA STATEMENT:  A qualified employee or applicant with a disability may be afforded a reasonable accommodation to perform the essential job functions of a position in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE:  Pasco County BOCC is a drug-free workplace in accordance with Federal and Florida Law. 

EMERGENCY RESPONSE/RECOVERY ACTIVITIES:  All employees will be required to work before, during, or after an emergency. During an emergency, employees may temporarily be assigned to work and perform duties outside the normal scope of their position, location and work schedule to fit the needs of the County and its citizens. 

VETERANS' PREFERENCE:  Under Section 295.07, F.S., chapter SSA-7 Pasco County BCC provides to Veterans, that preference in appointment will be given to preference-eligible applicants. 

  PASCO COUNTY WAS VOTED ONE OF THE NATION'S TOP WORK PLACES FOR 2021