Water Quality Specialist I (#TJ2 )

$36.22-$45.85 hourly / $6,278.01-$7,947.18 monthly / $75,337.60-$95,368.00 yearly

Water Quality Specialist II (#TJ3 )

$39.16-$50.48 hourly / $6,787.60-$8,749.70 monthly / $81,452.80-$104,998.40 yearly

Water Quality Specialist III (#TJ6 )

$44.18-$55.89 hourly / $7,657.72-$9,687.41 monthly / $91,894.40-$116,251.20 yearly

• Perform qualitative and quantitative chemical analysis of water quality and contaminants, such as major minerals and trace metals, in a laboratory and at various field sites;
• Collect samples;
• Use field instruments to measure stream discharge, temperature, conductivity, pH and dissolved oxygen;
• Perform bacteriological analyses in a laboratory;
• Make recommendations regarding test validity and testing and analysis methods;
• Apply new methods of analyzing contaminants, as learned through literature review and consultation with other agencies;
• Investigate reports of contamination in order to determine the source and level of;
• Post signs to alert the public of contamination;
• Input, access and analyze data collected using computer databases and software;
• Gather data to be used in the preparation of program reports and plans;
• Explain analysis results to other county staff, and other public agencies, landowners, the general public and the media;
• Provide technical information to other staff members regarding issues of water quality and contamination;
• Inspects on-site wastewater disposal systems to investigate complaints, identify problems and evaluate performance;
• Identify code infractions and violations of environmental regulations and refer them for appropriate enforcement action;
• Conduct lot by lot surveys for failing septic systems;
• Prepare property owner notification and pursue enforcement;
• Institute repair follow-up inspections for compliance;
• May carry out enforcement actions pertaining to environmental regulations as assigned;
• Review and interpret map and file information such as soil, topography, geology, groundwater, slope, and water quality data to identify potential problem areas;
• Interview property owners to obtain information and provide guidance on repair and management of on-site systems;
• Interpret and explain program policies and procedures to the public;
• Prepare educational materials, conduct workshops, and provide direct education to the public on wastewater disposal and water quality protection;
• Conduct water quality/non-point source pollution investigations;
• Analyze data, conduct literature reviews, prepare reports, and make recommendations for policies and programs for water quality protection, wastewater management, and watershed management;
• May conduct complex environmental and water management studies and prepare technical reports;
• May represent the County and may give presentations at the local, regional and State level as a technical expert on water resource issues and for special projects or assignments;
• May serve as a project leader for complex resource and watershed planning projects;
• May research grant sources, prepare grant applications and administer funded grant programs;
• Investigate, develop and implement measures to provide funding assistance (grants, loans, etc.) to property owners for septic system upgrade and repair;
• Interface with the State of California and lending institutions to identify funding sources;
• Develop budgets, procedures, forms and fees;
• Provide information concerning funding programs to the public;
• Advise eligible property owners about requirements for repair permits and applying for assistance;
• Assist owners in securing necessary permits and bid packages;
• Coordinate applications and process applications for funding;
• Inspect properties potentially eligible for funding, and monitor progress of repair when funding is provided;
• Approve progress payments and disbursement of funds, and certify satisfactory completion of funded work;
• Prepare reports necessary to comply with State grant or loan program requirements;
• Assign routine complaints regarding sewage discharge, animal waste or other water qualify impacts to Environment Health Staff;
• Track and review resolution;
• Assist staff to complete unresolved complaints;
• Investigate and resolve difficult or complex complaints, including preparation of cases for submittal to legal enforcement;
• Supervise resolution of abatements generated from surveys.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS
Knowledge:
Water Quality Specialist I
Some knowledge of:

• The basic principles and laboratory applications of water chemistry.
• Chemical laboratory methods, equipment, facilities and materials.
• The principles of aquatic biology, including sampling and analysis procedures.
• The hazards of operating laboratory equipment and of working in a laboratory environment, including knowledge of appropriate safety precautions.
• Principles, methods and techniques of wastewater disposal systems.
• The impact of environmental factors such as soils topography, geology, groundwater and slope, on wastewater disposal systems.
• The principles of environmental health and wastewater management.
• Basic data analysis techniques.

Water Quality Specialist II
Working knowledge of above, plus:
Working knowledge of:

• Purposes and policies, procedures and regulations of a County Environmental Health Department.
• The principles and techniques of gathering and analyzing data.

Some knowledge of:

• The techniques of public presentation.
• The principles of biology, geology, hydrology, water quality, or watershed management pertaining to land use and water resource planning.

Water Quality Specialist III
Working knowledge of above, plus:
Working knowledge of:

• Specialty area to which assigned.
• Some knowledge of:
• Legislative processes.
• Policy formulation.
• The principles and techniques of project leadership and training.

Ability to:

Water Quality Specialist I

• Learn to perform chemical, biological and physical analysis related to water pollution.
• Make and record accurate scientific observations.
• Learn to collect field samples, such as stream samples or monitoring well samples.
• Prepare related reports.
• Understand and follow technical and complex oral and written instructions.
• Maintain accurate records.
• Work in a variety of physical environments, which may involve walking over rugged terrain, over streambeds or through water.
• Learn to input, access and analyze data using a computer terminal.
• Perceive colors normally.
• Learn to make inspections to determine compliance with performance standards.
• Learn to read, interpret and evaluate map and file information such as soil, topography, geology, groundwater, and slope and water quality data.
• Establish and maintain cooperative relationships with others.
• Interpret and explain program policies and procedures.

Water Quality Specialist II
All of the above plus:

• Perform chemical, biological and physical analysis related to water pollution.
• Collect field samples, such as stream samples or monitoring well samples.
• Make inspections to determine compliance with performance standards.
• Read, interpret and evaluate map and file information such as soil, topography, geology, groundwater, and slope and water quality data.
• Make and record accurate scientific observations.
• Prepare and present studies and reports, orally, written and graphically.
• Synthesize and explain technical data to non-scientific people.
• Speak effectively before groups.
• Interpret, explain and apply laws, ordinances, rules and regulations.
• Interpret and explain program policies and procedures.
• Evaluate and prepare inspection reports on existing on-site wastewater disposal systems.
• Institute enforcement actions.

Water Quality Specialist III
All of the above plus:

• Plan and coordinate water quality monitoring programs involving multiple team members.
• Complete complex assignments, determine alternatives and make recommendations.
• Write, interpret, apply and explain complex rules, laws, regulations and ordinances.
• Prepare clear and concise administrative and technical reports.
• Understand, interpret and consistently apply provisions of laws, regulations and plans.
• Speak effectively before large groups.
• Provide leadership to team efforts.

Education and Experience:
Any combination of education and experience which would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying, unless otherwise specified. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Water Quality Specialist I - A four-year degree in chemistry, biology, microbiology, environmental sciences, or a closely related field. OR a two-year degree in chemistry, biology, microbiology, environmental sciences or a closely related field and two years of experience working in a laboratory or field investigations of environmental sciences.

Water Quality Specialist II - Two years of water quality experience equivalent to a Water Quality Specialist I at Santa Cruz County OR Possession of a valid Certificate of Registration as an Environmental Health Specialist issued by the State Department of Health Services AND Equivalent to six months experience designing, constructing, installing, inspecting or maintaining on-site wastewater disposal systems or conducting water quality monitoring efforts.

Water Quality Specialist III - Two years of water quality experience equivalent to a Water Quality Specialist II at Santa Cruz County.

Special Requirements/Conditions:
License Requirements: All levels: Possess and maintain a valid California Class C Driver License.

Special Working Conditions: Exposure to variable temperatures; slippery surfaces; loud noises; sunburn; dust and pollen; bee stings; infections, such as tick-borne Lyme disease or mosquito-borne encephalitis; angry or hostile persons; corrosive chemicals; wetness, such as while walking in the rain or through a stream on a site inspection.

Background Investigation: None

Other Special Requirements: Positions may be assigned to carry a pager and respond to emergency situations and perform on-call or call-back duties. Work situations may include evenings, weekends and holidays.

Previous Class Titles: Water Quality Specialist, Waste Water Disposal Technician

EST: 6/02 REV: 11/02 Analyst: CE