Water Quality Specialist

Print (https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/adams/jobs/newprint/4647684)

Apply



Water Quality Specialist

Salary

$71,276.89 - $109,552.57 Annually

Location

Commerce City, CO

Job Type

Regular Full-time

Job Number

06716

Department

Public Health Department

Division

Environmental Health

Opening Date

09/05/2024

Closing Date

10/4/2024 11:59 PM Mountain

Our Mission

At Adams County, our team members engage in top-notch opportunities to grow and expand their impact. We cultivate an inclusive and innovative culture where diversity matters! Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) is a core cultural competency at Adams County, and we actively seek and welcome applicants that bring diverse experiences and value inclusion.

Cultural Competencies/EEO

Adams County is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to have a workforce that reflects the community we serve. No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status,marital status or any other legally protected characteristic.

Position classification

Hybrid -- Job duties and expectations allow for onsite and remote work scheduled every week. Employees in this classification are regularly scheduled onsite one (1) to four (4) days per week based on the County needs and as determined by Department Director. Hybrid classified roles can be onsite more than the set minimum based on employee preference.

• Description

• Benefits

• Questions

What Success Looks Like In This Job

The Water Quality Specialist monitors the availability, quality, regulation and trends of use of water in Adams County, for the purpose of promoting water quality and a sustainable supply of clean water for drinking, hygiene, and other basic needs. This position will work within the Environmental Health (EH) Division, and with other Adams County staff to inform proactive interventions and appropriate policies related to water quality, water conservation, and disease prevention.

Water Quality Specialist:This is a technical specialist with limited or intermediate experience in which the employee is learning and mastering skills that require closer oversight from supervisor and senior level employees to ensure they are carrying out the scope and responsibilities as outlined in the job description and program procedures to handle more complex situations independently.

Senior Water Quality Specialist:This is an experienced level position requiring critical thinking and problem-solving skills, independent work with minimal oversight in making complex decisions. This position will have a higher level of technical expertise and knowledge to independently respond to comprehensive plans, advocate for policy change and development, and speak to a wide variety of audiences and stakeholders using advanced communication tactics, strategies and system thinking skills.

LEARNING RESPONSIBILITY:

Must commit to a learning mindset and continuous improvement regarding the practice of diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of work within Adams County and the Health Department including management style, work style, training, communication, and evaluation.

ACTION-RELATED RESPONSIBILITY:

• Performs both internal and external work in a way that is equitably inclusive and effective within the diverse communities we serve.

• Regularly assesses work and supports changes to remove systemic barriers, build systems that address inequities, and integrate health equity into all areas of work.

• Creates and maintains partnerships and processes that support and integrate diversity, equity, and inclusion into all aspects of Adams County Health Department work.

• Prioritizes transparency and supports an open-door culture.

• Integrates diversity, equity, and inclusion into internal and external goal setting.

Examples of Duties for Success

• Identifies grant and other funding opportunities to develop and complete water quality and conservation related projects. May serve as a project manager to implement awarded grant opportunities.

• Assists the Water Quality Program Supervisor in reviewing and commenting on specific land use referrals from the county and cities.

• Advocates for water quality and conservation measures with planning agencies and decision makers.

• Review and analyze public policy, specific regulations, and master planning documents, identify trends and issues, and develop and implement solutions and /or alternatives.

• Monitors compliance status of water and wastewater utilities and acts as a liaison between the utility and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), to facilitate compliance. When necessary, review and provide comments on CDPHE permitting activities.

• Identifies and develops understanding around emerging issues relevant to water quality and examines and explores various approaches to address these issues. Serves as subject matter expert to inform partners and policy makers.

• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with other Adams County employees, representatives of other agencies and organizations, and members of the community.

• Administer the program and conduct inspections related to the application of biosolids in Adams County.

• Work with Water Program staff to respond to and conduct sampling related to the investigation of waterborne illnesses including but not limited to Legionellosis.

• Serve as an official representative of Adams County Health Department in a professional manner with local and regional agencies and organizations.

• Conduct domestic water sampling for properties potentially affected by the Rocky Mountain Arsenal and potentially conduct other water sampling if needs arise.

• Interacts with local community groups, local water quality organizations, local health departments, and governmental agencies in water/wastewater matters; represents the department in professional organizations when selected to do so. Participates in tracking legislative bills, which related to the program. Participates in appropriate stakeholder processes. Initiates interaction with the Water Quality Control Division (CDPHE) as necessary to resolve interpretations in regulations.

• May cross-train in OWTS, environmental record reviews, and swimming pool inspections for purposes of depth.

• Collaboratively works on the ongoing development and enhancement of Adams County’s positions relative to water quality issues. Informs applicable organizations about Adams County’s position with respect to Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems (OWTS) and their potential impact to water quality.

• Uses active working knowledge of governmental structures, policies, processes, and procedures related to water quality and quantity to review site applications and wastewater utility plans for wastewater treatment facilities, non-governmental organizations that advocate for water quality, systems to treat water and wastewater, groundwater, and surface water hydrology.

All Levels:

Perform other duties as assigned.

Emergency Preparedness and Response Duties:

• Responds, as required, to support public health emergencies, incidents, and events.

• Participates in all exercises and drills on emergency preparedness and response, as required.

• Completes trainings identified as appropriate for this level employee.

Qualifications for Success

• Ability to apply the principles, techniques, and practices consistently and appropriately as related to environmental health in a community public health program

• Ability to keep records and prepare clear and concise reports.

• Communicate with the general public in establishing and maintaining reasonable standards of environmental health in the interest of public health. Negotiate and resolve conflict with members of the general public.

• Demonstrate ability to exercise tact, discretion, and sound judgement.

• Outstanding skills and abilities in verbal and written communications; ability to adapt a style to fit audiences of varying technical levels, and at various levels within an organization, in groups and individual settings.

More Qualifications for Success

Water Quality Specialist:

• Minimum of 3 years of water quality experience, specifically with primary responsibility in the areas of drinking water, surface water, and/or wastewater, or other related experience.

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in environmental health, with thirty semester hours of academic work in the physical, biological, chemical, or sanitary sciences is required.

• A master's degree is preferred and may substitute for 2 years of practical Environmental Health experience.

Senior Water Quality Specialist:

• Minimum of 5 years of water quality experience, specifically with primary responsibility in the areas of drinking water, surface water, and/or wastewater, or other related experience.

• Requires an approved industry specific credential or certification, or registration as a Registered Environmental Health Specialist by the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA). Credentials or certifications must be obtained within one (1) year of employment. Continuing education hours must be maintained in accordance with the credential or certification. Documentation of certification or credential in good standing must be providing upon request.

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in environmental health, with thirty semester hours of academic work in the physical, biological, chemical, or sanitary sciences is required.

• A master's degree is preferred and may substitute for 2 years of practical Environmental Health experience.

License or Certificate:

• All Levels:A valid Colorado Driver's License.

• Senior Water Quality Specialist:Registered Water Quality Specialist (REHS) credential through the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) or approved related equivalent.

Background Check - All Levels:Must pass a criminal background check.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:

• Work is primarily conducted indoors with occasional time spent in an outside environment.

• Incumbent will experience routine exposure to hazards of a typical office environment and occasional exposures to disease, toxic compounds, pesticides, gases, and fumes.

• Requires work in industrial and construction areas, occasionally experiences exposures to machinery, working at heights and underground, and excessive noise.

• May be required to work outside regular hours to attend meetings or events.

• Requires ability to work outdoors in all types of weather conditions and ability to walk and navigate on all types of terrain.

• Requires ability to negotiate restricted pedestrian pathways. (e.g., assembly line, building maintenance areas, and construction sites) obstructed by equipment necessary to the particular operation.

Adams County complies with Colorado’s Job Application Fairness Act (“JAFA”). JAFA prohibits employers from asking individuals to disclose their age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation on an initial employment application. However, additional application materials such as certifications and transcripts containing this information may be required for certain positions; if such additional materials are requested, applicants may redact information that identifies the applicant’s age, date of birth, or dates or attendance or graduation.

Adams County provides a comprehensive benefits package to employees that goes above and beyond what is offered at most organizations.

Clickhere (https://youtu.be/ILAvllPaGb4) to watch our video about why Adams County is an Employer of Choice!

Benefits You Expect:

• AFLAC Supplemental Medical Insurance

• Basic Term Life & Optional Term Life Insurance

• Deferred Compensation Plan

• Dental/Vision/Medical Plans

• Generous Vacation/Sick leave

• Long-Term Disability

• Retirement Plan

• Short-Term Disability

Plus some you might not expect:

• Employee Assistance Program

• Employee Fitness Center

• Employee Health Clinics

• Flexible Work Schedules

• Recreation Center Discounts

• Training & Tuition Reimbursement Programs

• Wellness programs

• Lactation friendly certified workplace

  01

  Please be aware that your cover letter and resume will not be accessed in the initial screening process, so you must complete your application and supplemental questions with as much detail as possible. Any personally identifiable information (PII) such as name and address will be redacted from applications that meet the minimum screening requirements and are forwarded to the hiring manager. If the hiring manager selects you to advance in the hiring process, your cover letter and resume will then be accessible to the hiring team. Information provided on the application is used to determine if a candidate meets minimum qualifications. Only information provided at the time of the application being completed will be considered and additional information that is not listed on the application will not be considered when deciding if a candidate meets or does not meet the qualifications. Applicants are STRONGLY encouraged to include all information and details on their application. I understand and agree that only information provided at the time of my application will be used to determine if I meet the minimum requirements for this position.

• Yes, I understand and agree

• Yes, I understand but disagree.

  02

  Please indicate how you meet the minimum experience and education requirements for this role.

• I have a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in environmental health, with thirty semester hours of academic work in the physical, biological, chemical, or sanitary sciences AND at least three (3) years of water quality experience

• I have a master's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in environmental health, with thirty semester hours of academic work in the physical, biological, chemical, or sanitary sciences AND at least one (1) year of water quality experience

• None of the above

  03

  Do you possess a valid Colorado Driver's license, or can you obtain one within 30 days of hire?

• Yes, I possess a valid Colorado Driver's license

• Yes, I can obtain a Colorado Driver's license within 30 days of hire

• No, I cannot obtain, nor do I possess a Colorado Driver's license

  04

  Describe your experience with sampling water and/or wastewater?

  Required Question

Agency

Adams County

Address

4430 S. Adams County Parkway, Suite C4000BBrighton, Colorado, 80601-8213

Website

http://www.adcogov.org/current-career-opportunities

Apply

Please verify your email addressVerify Email