Description
PLEASE READ THIS BULLETIN IN ITS ENTIRETY
THE POSITIONThis recruitment is being conducted to fill one full-time vacancy. The list established by this recruitment may be used to fill future full-time, part-time, limited term, and temporary vacancies for up to one year.The ideal Water Quality Analyst will be able to perform a variety of physical, chemical, and bacteriological analyses of water using old school chemistry techniques as well as sophisticated laboratory instruments and equipment. They will interpret analytical data to identify problems, determine root causes, and implement corrective actions. They will operate, perform, and keep accurate records of maintenance on a variety of laboratory equipment. They will also assist in maintaining the laboratory’s chemical, equipment, and materials inventory. Successful candidates will also be able to troubleshoot and resolve customer water quality inquiries and complaints, compile data, and prepare various reports for water quality reporting and compliance purposes.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISEDReceives direction from the Laboratory Supervisor.
Exercises technical and functional supervision over technical staff as appropriate; may perform administrative duties of Laboratory Supervisor in the absence of the supervisor.
THE DEPARTMENTThe Vallejo Water Department is a dynamic organization engaged in growth and positive change for the benefit of our customers and community. The Department provides potable water to 121,000 customers through a highly complex system including multiple raw water sources, three treatment plants, 600 miles of distribution pipe, 8 pressure zones, 27 pump stations, and 37,000 service connections. Vallejo Water is a Treatment-5/Distribution-5 system. Our stringent criteria and best practices ensure we meet or exceed all regulations set forth by the California Department of Public Health and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The Water Department works with the community and local schools to provide education related to conservation and rebate programs.
THE DIVISIONThe Water Department's Division of Water Quality works closely with all other divisions to help achieve the mission of ensuring that all water quality standards, practices, and measurements are met and compliance requirements are achieved. Being a member of the Water Quality division is a commitment to strong teamwork as the team of five staff members is relatively small, and each person's success depends on the reliability, competence, flexibility, and commitment of the other members.
THE CITY OF VALLEJOThe City of Vallejo is located in Solano County and has a population of approximately 121,000 residents. Vallejo is a rapidly changing, highly diverse community located midway between the cities of San Francisco and Sacramento. It is a friendly, active waterfront community that attracts innovative, hardworking people and takes great pride in its 148-year history and maritime heritage. Residents of Vallejo are situated to take advantage of the best of what the area has to offer. Golf, museums, performing arts, boutique shopping, brewpubs and a wide selection of restaurants are all available in Vallejo. Residents and visitors alike enjoy Vallejo's delightful historical downtown area, weekly downtown farmer's market, and beautifully restored Victorian homes and business facades. Vallejo is also home to Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, one of America's only combination wildlife, oceanarium and theme parks.
Essential Functions
The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.- Important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Perform a variety of standard laboratory chemical, microbiological and physical analyses of water samples.
- Collect and preserve water samples at designated locations within water treatment plant and distribution system, including related data on chain of custody.
- Interpret laboratory test results and coordinate necessary changes in treatment operations with plant personnel.
- Coordinate laboratory operations, services and activities; develop and implement new and revised laboratory testing procedures; ensure compliance with applicable regulations and quality control standards.
- Provide training and technical assistance to plant operations personnel regarding appropriate sampling and laboratory testing procedures.
- Supervise and train assigned lower level technical laboratory staff in the collection and analysis of water samples.
- Input and retrieve a variety of text and data using a computer terminal.
- Respond to public inquiries in a courteous manner; provide information on water condition and treatment; resolve complaints in an efficient and timely manner.
- Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.
When assigned to Analytical:
- Interpret analytical data to identify problems which may occur during sampling, transporting, storing and laboratory processes; determine probable causes and recommend corrective measures.
- Assist in the development of specifications for and evaluations of laboratory services, equipment and supplies; maintain laboratory equipment, materials and supply inventory; and make recommendations regarding the purchase of laboratory equipment.
- Set up, calibrate, operate, perform and keep accurate records of maintenance on a variety of complex laboratory equipment and instruments.
When assigned to Regulatory:
- Compile and prepare various records and reports related to water quality regulatory monitoring and process control requirements.
- Work with commercial laboratories and requisition specialized testing as appropriate.
- Confer with representatives of governmental agencies, industrial organizations, water agencies and associations and others on matters relating to water quality issues and regulations.
Minimum Qualifications/Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Experience and Training Guidelines
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
Analytical
Experience:
Three years of experience in performing professional water or wastewater analyses.
Training:
Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in chemistry, biology or a related field.
License or Certificate
Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid driver's license.
Must possess, or obtain, an American Waterworks Association (AWWA) Water Analyst Grade I certificate or California Water Environment Association (CWEA) Laboratory Analyst I certificate or California Department of Health Services Water Treatment Operator Grade II certificate within 12 months.
Regulatory
Experience:
Minimum two years of experience in research, interpretation and implementation of State and Federal regulations concerning drinking water and/or wastewater quality for a large surface water system.
Experience in performing professional water or wastewater analyses is desirable.
Training:
Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in chemistry, biology or a related field.
License or Certificate
Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid driver's license.
Must possess, or obtain, an American Waterworks Association (AWWA) Water Analyst Grade I certificate or California Water Environment Association (CWEA) Laboratory Analyst I certificate or California Department of Health Services Water Treatment Operator Grade II certificate within 12 months.
Knowledge of:
- Standard methods used in the collection and analysis of water samples.
- Principles of water treatment and distribution.
- Principles of chemistry and microbiology.
- Principles and practices of technical report preparation.
- Sources of information relate to State and Federal regulations regarding water quality.
- Operational characteristics of modern laboratory instruments and equipment.
- Principles of supervision and training.
- Safe work practices.
Ability to:
- Train and provide supervision to subordinate staff as appropriate.
- Coordinate the operations and activities of a water quality laboratory.
- Analyze and interpret the results of a variety of laboratory tests of water.
- Conduct chemical and biological analyses.
- Operate and maintain sophisticated laboratory equipment.
- Maintain accurate records and prepare appropriate reports.
- Perform assigned work in accordance with appropriate safety practices and regulations.
- Work safely with a variety of hazardous and toxic materials.
- Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Additional Information
Working Conditions
Exposure to chemicals; inclement weather conditions; some lifting; machine noise
The Recruitment & Selection Process
1. Applications are due by 5:00 P.M. on Friday, June 30, 2023. Applicants must submit a completed City of Vallejo online application, including all responses to the Supplemental Questionnaire (Resume/Cover Letter Optional), by the posted deadline in
order to be considered.
NOTE: If you have problems creating a user account, obtaining your already created account information, or submitting your online application, please contact governmentjobs.com applicant support directly at 855-524-5627. City of Vallejo staff are unable to assist with these issues.
2. Applications will be screened for overall qualifications the week of July 3, 2023.
3. Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will have their supplemental responses scored by subject matter experts the week of July 3, 2023. The most qualified applicants from the scoring of the supplemental questions will be invited for an Oral Panel Interview.
4. Oral Panel Interviews are tentatively scheduled to take place July 19, 2023. Oral Panel Interviews are weighted at 100% of the candidates' score. Candidates must achieve a minimum passing score of 70%. Those achieving 70% or higher will be placed on the Register of Eligibles (eligible list) and may be considered to fill positions for up to one year.
The City reserves the right to limit the number of candidates to those determined to be best qualified based upon all requested application materials, including training and experience, current resume, and responses to supplemental questions.
5. Candidates placed on the Register of Eligibles (eligible list) will be referred to the department for final interviews based on their performance in the exam. The number of candidates referred for a hiring interview is at the discretion of the hiring department.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONSThe City of Vallejo is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). Qualified individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application, assessment or selection process may contact the Human Resources Department to request an accommodation. Please contact Sukari Dixon at (707) 648-4363 or send an email to: sukari.dixon@cityofvallejo.net no later than June 30, 2023 at 5:00 p.m.
PRIOR TO HIREThe selected candidate will be required to: 1) Submit to reference checks 2) Submit to and successfully pass a pre-employment background check, including fingerprint check. 3) Successfully complete a job-related pre-placement medical exam. 4) Provide proof of legal right to work in the United States.
Disaster Service Workers - All City of Vallejo ("City") employees are designated Disaster Service Workers ("DSW") by state law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the City requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all DSW-related training as assigned and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.
Veteran's Preference - Veteran's preference points will be applied in accordance with Civil Service Rule 24. A copy of the DD 214 form must be filed at time of application.
Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) - The City of Vallejo is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of the City of Vallejo to provide equal employment opportunity for all qualified persons. All applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, medical condition (cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, or denial of medical and family care leave, or any other non-job-related factors.
Note: The provisions in this bulletin do not constitute a contract, expressed or implied, and any provisions contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice.