Imagine if you were given an opportunity to connect with others who work to keep our community the most livable and safe it can possibly be. If you like to enjoy a laboratory environment, and colleting and analyzing samples for drinking water, wastewater, stormwater and other industrial sources you might be a great addition to our Public Works team. Make a difference with the City of Hutchinson!

Under the supervision of the Water Quality Manager, the Environmental Specialist schedules and conducts sample collection and analysis for drinking water, wastewater, stormwater, and industrial sources. This role involves ensuring laboratory quality assurance and control, documenting water quality, and monitoring the performance of the Water Treatment Center and Wastewater Treatment Facility. Strong communication, organizational, technical, mechanical, and public relations skills are essential.

A Day in the Life:

Quality Assurance and Control:

Act as Quality Assurance Officer, updating the Quality Assurance Plan and Standard Operating Procedures.
Perform compliance monitoring and analysis of drinking water and wastewater samples.
Maintain state and EPA laboratory certification through quality control analysis.
Document all required quality control analyses.

Sample Collection and Analysis:

Collect and analyze daily water samples from treatment centers for process control.
Collect and analyze composite and grab samples from permitted industries.
Collect monthly total coliform samples for KDHE laboratory shipment.
Perform microbiological testing on water and wastewater samples per KDHE and EPA standards.
Coordinate, collect, and analyze samples from various water systems and remediation sites.

Data Management and Reporting:

Prepare statistical analyses of plant performance and laboratory data.
Maintain and update sampling and testing records, and input data into spreadsheets.
Prepare reports, contact responsible parties for compliance, and conduct follow-up investigations.
Design and update databases for data analysis.

Equipment and Laboratory Maintenance:

Maintain and calibrate laboratory equipment including samplers, autoclaves, and refrigerators.
Purchase laboratory supplies and ensure laboratory cleanliness.
Prepare reagents as needed.

Compliance and Inspections:

Inspect construction sites and other facilities for stormwater pollution compliance.
Assist with industrial inspections.
Independently resolve compliance issues with state and federal regulations.

Community Outreach and Education:

Participate in community outreach and education on stormwater, wastewater, and drinking water regulations.
Conduct stream testing and inspections during dry weather and rainfall events.
Oversee the Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) program.
Occasionally work beyond normal hours, including nights and weekends, for complaint responses, rain event sampling, and public events.

Support and Miscellaneous:

Assist other departments as needed.
Train and oversee other Lab Technicians.

What you will need for success:

Education: Associate degree in biology, chemistry, or a related field is a minimum.

Experience: A minimum of three years of laboratory experience. Competency expected within six months to one year.

Certification/Licenses: Obtain Class III Kansas Wastewater Operation Certification and a Class I Wastewater Laboratory Technician Certification within two years. A Kansas Water Operator Certification and Kansas Water Laboratory Analyst Certification is desired but not required. Must possess and maintain a valid Kansas Driver's License and acceptable driving record.

The City of Hutchinson employs over 400 employees that serve our community every day. City employees make Hutchinson a great place to live, work, and play. We take pride in our work, and it shows. Come be a part of a workforce that makes a difference! We're always looking for talented, self-motivated individuals to join our team.

City of Hutchinson is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recruits and hires qualified candidates without regard to race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, disability, or veteran status.

City of Hutchinson

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Environmental Specialist