WATER QUALITY SPECIALIST

Job Description:

WATER QUALITY SPECIALIST

Description

THE POSITION

The City of Ventura Water Department is looking for a Water Quality Specialist to interpret data and ensure compliance of drinking water quality to Federal and State regulations and standards. We are seeking an action-oriented individual who can work independently in gathering and reporting data in a complex water system environment. The ideal candidate will have strong experience in water quality sampling and analysis and good understanding of drinking water regulations.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

Reporting to the Water Treatment and Production Manager, the Water Quality Specialist is an expert in water regulatory codes and laws that govern potable water. This Specialist performs high level analytical and technical tasks, setting sampling schedules and interpreting data that guides treatment processes and evaluates water source quality.

The City of Ventura currently relies on 100% local water sources - the Ventura River, Lake Casitas, and local groundwater wells, as well as, providing reclaimed water from the Ventura Water Reclamation Facility to two municipal golf courses, the Ventura Marina area, and private customers for landscape irrigation. The Water Quality Specialist evaluates these water sources quality and advises how to best optimize supply. The Water Quality Specialist is responsible for assisting and advising in the development, implementation, and compliance of drinking water system quality control standards. Assists with updating management plans such as Risk Management, Emergency, Operation and Sampling plans, also assists with regulatory reporting. This position also compiles and submits annual consumer confidence and water reports for submission to the State of California.

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Reviews, prepares and implements sampling schedules. Communicates and schedules sampling with labs, reviews and maintains records of analytical results.
  
• Performs research and analysis on administrative and operation processes related to water treatment, supply, and quality issues; analyzes water supply sources and use with the City’s system.
  
• Develops, interprets, and reviews analytical data, designs, regional plans, environmental documents, specifications, quantities, estimates, and reports related to a variety water supply sources and recommend effective solutions.
  
• Monitors groundwater and surface water levels and updates pertinent records with data regarding production/consumption comparisons and projections.
  
• Monitors and reviews water quality data for drinking water compliance; ensures adherence to mandatory state and federal Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) monitoring and reporting requirements; interprets codes and regulations.
  
• Investigates water quality problems in the distribution system and plant operations; provides recommendations for process enhancements; reports findings to higher level management staff.
  
• Develops sampling plans to comply with treatment and distribution system requirements; performs field inspections as needed.
  
• Evaluates water source quality and advises on how to best optimize supply; monitors water supply throughout City’s water distribution system; evaluates corrosion control measures and disinfection.
  
• Collaborates with the Operations, Distribution, and Lab staff in conducting studies and Lab staff in conducting studies and recommending appropriate courses of action to resolve problems.
  
• Prepares annual water reports for submittal to the State of California and consumer confidence reports; and prepares other water quality reports as necessary.
  

Currently, there is one full-time position available that the City is looking to fill immediately. This recruitment may also be used to fill future vacancies.

MORE INFORMATION

For additional information on the duties and responsibilities of the position, refer to the job descriptions located on the City’s Career Page at www.cityofventura.ca.gov/jobs or by clicking here Water Quality Specialist .

THE SCHEDULE

This recruitment will follow the below timeline.

• Wednesday, November 20, 2024, at 5:30pm- Application Deadline. Applications must be submitted by this date to be considered for the position.
• November 22, 2024 - Candidates will be notified by email of their status by this date.
• Week of December 2, 2024 - Oral Panel Interview are tentatively scheduled for this date. Qualifying candidates will be notified by email if they are invited to the panel interview process.
• Week of December 9, 2024 -Department Selection Interviews are tentatively scheduled for this date. Qualifying candidates will be notified by email if they are invited to the panel interview process.
• January 2, 2025 - Candidates will be notified of the outcome of the interview by this date.

The timeline dates are subject to change. Candidates will be notified as necessary.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

The City offers a total compensation package that includes both a generous salary and other benefits!

• SALARY: $42.02 - $51.08 Hourly DOQ
• BENEFITS: Refer to the benefits tab on the job posting for specific information on City benefits.

HOW TO APPLY

To be considered for this exciting opportunity, please complete an online City Job Application and supplemental questionnaire by the filing deadline, Wednesday, November 20, 2024, at 5:30pm.

If you have questions about the recruitment process, please contact Human Resources at recruitment@cityofventura.ca.gov .

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO QUALIFY

A combination of education, experience, and training equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Science or a closely related field

and

three years of experience in water quality testing and sampling, water distribution, production or treatment is required.

Experience in title 22 water regulations, sampling methods, dealing with Certified Laboratories, generating Customer Confidence Reports, and/or familiarity with upcoming regulations such as UCMR, Mn, and forever chemicals, a plus

License: Possession of a valid class C driver license or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related essential functions.

Certificates: State Water Resources Control Board: A Certificate from the State Water Resources Control Board Water Treatment Operator and/or Distribution Operator is desirable.

Ability to enroll in American National Standards Institute accreditation as a Cross Connection Specialist within 6 months of hire is required.

APPLICATION AND INTERVIEW PROCESS

YOUR APPLICATION

Submit an online City job application and supplemental questionnaire by the filing deadline or first review date at www.cityofventura.ca.gov/jobs . It is important that your City job application show all the relevant education, training, and experience you possess. Resumes, CVs and cover letters may be attached to your application but will not be accepted in lieu of a completed job application or supplemental questionnaire. Submitting an incomplete application or supplemental questionnaire, may disqualify you from further consideration in the recruitment process.

DEADLINE TO APPLY:

Applications and supplemental questions will be accepted until Wednesday, November 20, 2024, at 5:30pm.

APPLICATION REVIEW:

All applications and supplemental questionnaires submitted will be screened in relation to the criteria outlined in this job announcement. Candidates will be reviewed and only those candidates determined to be most qualified on the basis of experience, training and education, as submitted, will be invited to participate further in the selection process. Candidates will be notified about their status after the filing deadline.

INTERVIEW DATES AND INFORMATION:

A select number of candidates will be invited to a qualifying panel interview process that is tentatively scheduled for Week of December 2, 2024 . Select candidates will be notified of specifics after the filing deadline. Please note, given the current COVID-19 situation, initial panel interviews may be conducted via video teleconference. Selected applicants will be notified of specifics at the appropriate time.

The department selection interviews are tentatively scheduled for Week of December 9, 2024 . Candidates selected to move forward will be notified.

The Eligibility List established for this classification may be used to fill other regular and temporary vacancies at the discretion of the City.

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In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), if you need an accommodation in a selection process, please notify the Human Resources Department in writing by the final filing date of the position you are interested in. The Human Resources address is: 501 Poli Street, Room 210, Ventura, CA 93001, (805) 654-7853, e-mail: recruitment@cityofventura.ca.gov.

THE ORGANIZATION

The City of Ventura operates under the Council/ Manager form of government under a charter adopted by voters in 1934, with an elected seven-member City Council. This full-service municipality is supported by 11 major City departments: City Manager, City Attorney, Finance, Information Technology, Human Resources, Community Development, Parks & Recreation, Fire, Police, Public Works, and Ventura Water. The City’s Adopted FY 2024/2025 Operating and Capital budget totals approximately $531 million. The City Council and the City Manager are dedicated to the highest standards of integrity, public service, and innovative approaches to governing.

To learn more about the City of Ventura, please visit www.cityofventura.ca.gov and view the FY2024-25 Adopted Budget.

CITY OF VENTURA
The City of Ventura is located just north of Los Angeles County and south of Santa Barbara County and is frequently considered one of America’s most desirable places to live. The City is a full-service municipality that was founded in 1782, incorporated in 1866, and serves nearly 110,000 residents within its 32 square miles. With nearly 700 employees, the City is dedicated to delivering key services to our businesses, residents, and visitors to ensure Ventura remains a fiscally stable, economically vibrant, safe, clean, and desirable community.

Locals and visitors enjoy Ventura’s impressive park system that includes 32 parks and historic sites, and more than 800 acres of open green space. The City offers a remarkable year-round climate, friendly people, and a spectacular coastline. Ventura is an exciting location for a variety of outdoor activities such as biking, hiking, kayaking, paddle-boarding, sailing, surfing, whale watching and windsurfing. Other activities include the Channel Islands National Park, championship golf, world-class shopping, wine tours, and more. Learn more about the City of Ventura at www.CityofVentura.ca.gov

DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION

The City of Ventura values human rights, goodwill, respect, inclusivity, equality, and recognizes that the City derives its strength from a rich diversity of thoughts, ideas, and contributions. As leaders in public service, we aspire to be an employer of choice by promoting an organizational culture that reflects these core values. We seek to attract, develop, and retain a talented and dedicated workforce where people of diverse races, genders, religions, cultures, political affiliations, and lifestyles thrive. Our goal is to create a welcoming and inclusive environment that empowers our employees to provide the highest level of service to our community of residents and businesses; they’re counting on us.

The City is an equal opportunity employer and strives to attract qualified applicants from all walks of life without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, military and veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state and/or local law. We aim to create an environment that celebrates and embraces the diversity of our workforce. We welcome you to join our team!

Employment Information:

Right to Work : Before employment, candidates must submit documentation verifying legal right to work in the United States.

Background Check : A pre-employment verification of background, references, and medical examination will be conducted. A drug screening may be required for some positions. Applicants for positions using City vehicles will be required to submit a DMV report.

Probationary Period : Twelve months

Deferred Compensation: $442 per year will be matched in a Section 457 Plan.

Medical/Dental Insurance: Up to $691 monthly toward a selection of plans. Medical and dental insurance is effective the first of the second month after date of hire.

Vision Insurance: City paid coverage provided for employees and their dependents. Vision insurance is effective the first of the second month after date of hire.

Optional Benefits: $469 monthly, which may be applied toward medical insurance premiums. Cash-out option is not available.

Life Insurance: City paid term life insurance equal to the employee's annual salary, and dependent life insurance of $2,000 per dependent.

Disability Insurance: City paid short-term and long-term disability coverage.

Retirement:

Tier I - 2% @ 55/Single Highest Year of Compensation for Classic CalPERS members who worked for the City prior to December 31, 2012 and are returning to City employment. Employees make a 7% member contribution, and may be subject to compensation limits per Section 401(a)(17) of the IRC.

Tier II - 2% @ 60/3-Year Final Compensation Period for Classic CalPERS members with less than a six-month break in service from another CalPERS or CalPERS'-reciprocal agency. Employees make a 7% member contribution, and may be subject to compensation limits per Section 401(a)(17) of the IRC.

Tier III - 2% at 62/3-Year Final Compensation Period for New CalPERS members. Employees make a 6.25% member contribution, and are subject to compensation limits per Government Code Section 7522.10. Additional details regarding the City's retirement plan will be provided to candidates during the job offer process.

Social Security: CalPERS members do not participate in Social Security retirement so there is no payroll deduction. Receiving a CalPERS benefit may affect your Social Security upon retirement. For further information contact a Social Security office or ww.socialsecurity.gov/form1945

Medicare: Employees participate only in the Medicare portion of Social Security. There is a 1.45% payroll deduction for this benefit.

Annual Leave: 3 weeks per year, increasing to 5 weeks after 15 years service, for vacation and sick leave. New employees may take annual leave during the initial probationary period with manager and supervisor approval.

Personal Leave: 27 hours per calendar year.

Holidays: 12 paid holidays per year.

Winter Holiday Break:18 hours of Winter Holiday time. City Hall closure December 25th to January 1st.

Tuition Reimbursement: $2,500 per year for tuition and books for courses taken at accredited institution and after completion of probationary period.

Student Loan Forgiveness: The City currently qualifies as an eligible employer for the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.

Direct Deposit: Paychecks are automatically deposited to employee accounts.

Flexible Workweek: A 9/80 workweek is available for some positions

Wellness Program: A comprehensive program is available, including on-site gym, exercise classes, downtown/beach-walking routes, weight loss, and tips on nutrition and healthy lifestyle.

Professional Development: The City of Ventura is a LinkedIn Learning organization. LinkedIn Learning online classes are available with a library of more than 13,000 courses taught by real-world experts. Users can download certificates and customize learning paths that match their roles and competencies.

Closing Date/Time: 11/20/2024 5:30 PM Pacific

Salary:

$87,409.50 - $106,246.61 Annually