This is professional scientific work in a water quality laboratory for the Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department.

Employees in this class are responsible for conducting qualitative and quantitative analyses of water treatment plant source water, treatment chemicals and treated drinking water. Responsibilities include calibrating instruments required for laboratory tests, analyzing daily raw and finished water plant samples for basic water quality parameters, maintaining quality control records, analyzing customer complaint samples and determining necessary corrective actions, and performing required analyses of water plant production well samples. Incumbents apply advanced knowledges of Chemistry in the performance of a variety of laboratory chemical analyses to assure compliance with local, state and federal requirements. Supervision is received from a professional superior who reviews the results of qualitative and quantitative analyses for conformance with departmental policies, procedures and regulations.

ILLUSTRATIVE TASKS

Calibrates instruments used to perform laboratory tests on daily water samples including verification of performance and adherence to control limits specified by certification criteria.

Analyzes daily raw and finished water plant samples for basic water quality parameters using colorimetric, titrimetric and gravimetric methodologies.

Prepares and standardizes reagents, standards and titrants for quality control laboratory and plant operator's laboratory.

Maintains quality control records associated with the certification of the laboratory including logging samples, recording all standardization, calibration and analytical results from tests performed.

Receives and logs customer complaint samples and distribution samples, and performs necessary analyses to determine corrective action necessary.

Collects in-plant samples from the process stream and assists operators in optimizing treatment.

Performs quality control tests on all chemicals used in the water treatment process.

Prepares sample bottles, labels and chain-of-custody documentation for samples collected from the field which are used to determine compliance with local, state and federal drinking water standards.

Collects field samples following sample protocol from water treatment plants and production wells throughout the county.

Performs required analyses on water plant production well samples necessary for compliance with applicable regulations.

Responds to customer inquiries regarding water quality; maintains inventories and orders necessary supplies; conducts tours of water treatment plant.

Performs related work as required.

KNOWLEDGES, ABILITIES, AND SKILLS

Considerable knowledge of water treatment processes and the water distribution system.

Knowledge of the science of Chemistry including methods, principles and procedures of laboratory chemical analysis.

Knowledge of basic scientific principles and theories of physics, biology, mathematics and related physical sciences.

Knowledge of local, state and federal laws and regulations pertaining to drinking water.

Knowledge of modern equipment and scientific instruments used in determining drinking water quality.

Knowledge of the organization and operation of a large and complex water quality laboratory.

Ability to professionally apply scientific and technical knowledge in the conduct of laboratory analyses of drinking water.

Ability to analyze and interpret the results of complex experiments and make effective recommendations to correct abnormal water quality conditions.

Ability to prepare and submit accurate and complete reports of laboratory tests and examinations.

Ability to calibrate scientific instruments used to perform tests on water samples.

Skill in laboratory manipulative techniques.

NEW 10-95