Water Quality Manager
CITY OF MERIDIAN
JOB DESCRIPTION
Job Title: Water Quality Manager
Department: Public Works
Reports To: Water Superintendent
Open Date: September 3, 2019
Close Date: Open Until Filled
Hiring Range: $4,298.02 - $5,491.42 per month, DOE
Salary Range: $4,298.02 - $6,446.14 per month, DOE
Job Summary:
This position provides direction, management, oversight, and guidance to maintenance and operations of
the City of Meridian’s water production, treatment, related regulatory, sampling, and water quality programs
ensuring compliance with all local, federal and state regulatory and environmental requirements.
Responsible for ensuring compliance with State and Federal regulations including production of complex
regulatory reports. Coordinates, supervises, and trains staff in daily operation, maintenance, installation
and repair of the City’s potable water production and treatment facilities. Continually strives to, and
improves water production operations. Researches, develops and implements new programs, policies and
procedures to improve operational effectiveness, efficiencies and customer service. Water Quality Manager
works independently under the direction of Water Superintendent and exercises complex problem solving
within the framework of established policies, procedures, and guidelines.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
Provide guidance and direction for five water quality personnel in the areas of production, treatment,
sampling, and regulatory compliance of potable water system programs;
Manage and oversee the organization, staffing, and operational activities for the Water Production Section
including assuming responsibility for critical decisions and direction regarding coordination and regulatory
compliance with sampling, water quality standards, data management, operational changes, maintenance
priorities, scheduling, and accuracy related to Section Programs;
Develop, manage and execute annual water production section operating and capital budgets;
Act as City’s primary point of contact with State and Federal regulatory agencies regarding compliance with
water regulations; Research, interpret, and ensure compliance with water quality monitoring rules as
enforced by DEQ, DWR and EPA (i.e. Safe Drinking Water Act); draft and respond to correspondence;
Develop and publish annual Consumer Confidence Report;
Maintain information on State Drinking Water Switchboard; act as primary contact for Division;
Responsible for the in-depth technical interpretation of regulatory documents, such as, State issued
Reclaimed Water and Air permits, the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Title 40, the Clean Water Act,
and the Safe Drinking Water Act;
Implement programs and procedures to achieve state and federal mandates and compliance;
Coordinate and collaborate with other section managers, divisions, agencies, municipalities, and
engineering firms;
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Monitor regulatory rulings and advisories; develop compliance implementation plans; remain informed of
emerging issues and concerns and communicate to appropriate management;
Coordinate planned and participate in unannounced on-site regulatory audits conducted by the EPA or
Idaho DEQ, respond to questions, provide requested documentation, respond to audit deficiencies, and
provide direction and documentation of corrective action;
Responsible for regulatory record keeping necessary for regulatory compliance;
Determine and designate approved analytical methods to employ in the contacted laboratories; evaluate
subcontract laboratory qualifications and accreditations;
Evaluate requests for special projects and testing in respect to capabilities and budget. Coordinate timing,
methods, and performance of special projects. Provide data set and additional information (such as
narratives, qualifiers, summaries, and charts) to administration, consultants, and/or engineers;
Provide general scientific context of laboratory results;
Provide interpretation and explanation of laboratory results;
Assist with financial management of capital assets and budget; develop, administer and manage annual
capital and Production budget; monitor and authorize purchases and section expenditures; code invoices;
maintain asset records; write requests for proposals; evaluate competitive bids; assist in development
annual Division operating and capital budgets;
Responsible to coordinate routine facility infrastructure inspection, asset data collection, and implement
operational changes;
Manage operation and maintenance of the water production and treatment systems to ensure compliance in
accordance with federal, state, and local regulations, policies and procedures;
Direct process control to ensure effective functioning and operational readiness of production section
facilities and assets; analyze operational data to initiate process control changes to ensure effectiveness
and accuracy with regulatory and water quality requirements;
Direct, coordinate, supervise, train and assist assigned subordinates with work activities, potable and
reclaimed distribution systems, and equipment in accordance with department and citywide policy;
Review, plan, and monitor projects, evaluate activities to determine extent of work and resources needed;
maintain records of projects; develop. prepare, and analyze progress reports;
Evaluate, implement, and oversee general operations, repairs, troubleshooting and preventive maintenance
programs of water production system and related facilities. Identify shortfalls and take corrective action,
adjusting resources as needed to accomplish goals and maintain schedules;
Demonstrate continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work
processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality seamless customer service;
Follows all safety procedures and ensure enforcement; monitor work environments to ensure safety of
employees and public is maintained;
Coordinate SCADA system operations as needed to ensure communications and controls are accurate and
functional;
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Establish and maintain effective working relationship with other employees, department, administration, and
the general public;
Lead and participate in the engineering and development of new technologies for water production,
treatment facilities and long-term facility planning needs;
Accountable for tracking, maintaining, and retention of records and compliance related to local and state
compliance requirements for water system;
Create reports related to operational process trends and compliance status including statistical analysis,
graphing, and technical memos;
Develop and oversee asset management program activities and ensure work order completion and asset
accuracy; ensure adequate inventory levels and maintenance activities on infrastructure are complete and
comply with policies and guidelines, monitor section inventory levels and initiate requests for new or
replacement material and equipment;
Communicate with supervisor, employees, other departments and agencies to coordinate work activities,
collaborate, exchange information, or resolve problems; lead by example demonstrating City values and
promoting teamwork;
Respond in a timely manner to and resolve citizen complaints regarding water quality, incidents and
operations;
Research industry best management practices, trends, benchmarks, new and innovative processes, and
regulatory requirements; recommend and implement as necessary;
Report and correct all non-compliance events in accordance with state and federal agencies;
Develop short- and long-range goals and program objectives;
Prepare and review performance evaluations, development plans, and work plans;
Perform all managerial activities in alignment with the City of Meridian’s Human Resource policies and
procedures; including assisting with hiring, performance evaluations, transferring, promoting, assigning of
significant duties, rewarding, performance improvement, disciplining and terminating employment;
Represent the Division at appropriate meetings and related functions; represent the production section in
public education and outreach activities such as facility tours and public presentations;
Develop appropriate Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s) for section processes;
Respond to emergencies and after hour system needs;
Performs other duties as required by the Superintendent, Water Operations Manager or Deputy Director of
Utility Operations.
Job Specifications:
Bachelor’s degree in science related field (chemistry, biology, or equivalent);
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3-5 years’ supervisory experience over an advanced water distribution and treatment system (preferably a
class IV distribution system and class II treatment system);
Desire 3-5 years of experience in handling and troubleshooting a computer database management system.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
Advanced knowledge of methods, practices, and techniques used to operate and maintain a large, water
distribution and treatment system;
Advanced knowledge and experience with pumps, motors, wells and disinfection systems; ability to work
effectively with electrical and mechanical equipment, recognize symptoms of equipment
inefficiencies/failure, and to act in an emergency;
Advanced knowledge and capability of operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting SCADA and well control
systems; ability to compute complex mathematical problems, maintain well logs and reports;
Advanced knowledge of water production well operation, maintenance, and regulatory requirements;
Advanced knowledge of water sampling, chemistry, methods, and regulatory requirements;
Substantial knowledge of requirements of QA for labs and be able to audit all analyses;
Substantial knowledge of federal and state QA/QC requirements pertinent to regulatory reporting.
Advanced knowledge of hydraulics, flow and processes of water systems;
Advanced knowledge of water production and treatment operation, maintenance, regulations, practices and
requirements;
Advanced knowledge of recycled water distribution and regulations;
Advanced decision making and problem solving with independence within the framework of established
policies, procedures and guidelines;
Elevated knowledge of modern principles and practices of leadership, management and supervision;
Knowledge of cross connection requirements, regulations, practices and methods;
Working knowledge of potential hazards and applicable safety regulations, safe work practices, and required
safety equipment;
Skill in effectively planning, developing, scheduling, assigning, coordinating, and evaluating operation and
maintenance programs, activities and personnel;
Ability and knowledge to effectively manage, lead, mentor, train, and evaluate staff; ability to identify
conflicts, and resolve difficult employee and operational situations;
Ability to understand, interpret and comply with regulations and law related to water sampling, and water
rights;
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Ability to work well with others, establish strong working relationships, and use tact and diplomacy in
communications with staff members and the public;
Working knowledge of potential hazards and applicable safety regulations, safe work practices, and required
safety equipment;
Skill in effectively planning, developing, scheduling, assigning, coordinating, and evaluating operation and
maintenance programs, activities and personnel;
Ability to work effectively with engineers, consultants, and contractors;
Ability to work effectively with local, state, and federal permitting and regulatory agencies;
Ability to effectively direct the activities of staff in a manner which will accomplish program objectives;
Ability to train and evaluate staff in the skillful and safe operation of maintenance equipment;
Ability to maintain records and prepare activity reports;
Advanced: Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) Elevated knowledge of: SCADA,
Asset Management;
Working knowledge of: GIS, Billing, and Financial Software Platforms;
Knowledge of Statistical Process Control (SPC);
Understanding of Continuous Process Improvement; root cause analysis, process and project management;
Must have understanding of management concepts involving collaboration, communication, coordination;
team building and relationship management;
Budgeting and Financial Analysis, Technical and Business Writing Skills.
Licensing/Requirements:
Must hold or have the ability to obtain an Idaho Water Distribution Class IV within 12 months of hire;
Must hold or have the ability to obtain an Idaho Water Treatment III License within 12 months of hire;
Must hold a valid State of Idaho driver’s license and possess a safe driving record; Class A commercial
driver’s license preferred;
Must be Incident Command System (ICS) 100 & 200 certified within one year of hire;
Must be able to attend and complete all required safety training requirements and certifications including but
not limited to: confined space entry, CPR/AED, ICS, fall protection, and flagger/traffic safety.
Work Environment and Physical Demands:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee works in an office environment while sitting at a desk
for intermittent periods of time. The noise level is usually quiet in the office and moderate to loud in the
field;
Frequently works near moving mechanical parts and in outside weather conditions;
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Frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals
and vibration;
Requires driving a motorized vehicle or maintenance equipment;
Occasionally is exposed to the risk of electrical shock;
Occasionally requires lifting and moving up to 50 pounds and occasionally lifts and/or moves more than
100 pounds;
Requires sitting at a desk for long periods of time, up to 8 hours;
Requires clarity of speech and hearing, which permits the employee to communicate effectively;
Requires clear vision to read printed materials and computer screen to accomplish work;
Requires repetitive movement of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers.
Travel Requirements
Travel to various City locations required using City-owned vehicles;
Occasional travel within or outside the region may be required for training or meeting attendance.