Water Quality Technician

Company: South Columbia Basin Irrigation District
Location: Pasco
Posted on: April 20, 2025

Job Description:

SOUTH COLUMBIA BASIN IRRIGATION DISTRICT

Find out if this opportunity is a good fit by reading all of the information that follows below.


Job Title: Water Quality Technician
Department: Water Quality
Reports To: Aquatics Program Manager
Pay Range: GS-5
FLSA Status: Nonexempt

SUMMARY
Under the supervision of the Aquatics Program Manager, the Water Quality Technician assists in
the operation of the water quality program established by the South Columbia Basin Irrigation
District. Conducts field investigations and laboratory tests to obtain data used to monitor water
conditions throughout the District. Works with various state and federal agencies on water
quality monitoring and reporting. Assists with resolving water quality problems that impact
water conditions within the irrigation delivery system.



The Water Quality Technician position is a full-time position (40 hours per week.


ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be
assigned.
1. Assists in conducting chemical and physical laboratory and field tests according to
standard methods to determine characteristics or composition of water within the
irrigation delivery system.
2. Collects water samples for testing at District facilities or outside environmental laboratories.
3. Prepares samples for testing, records data, writes summaries, analyzes trends, and prepares
charts for review.
4. Installs, operates, and performs routine maintenance and calibration on all laboratory and
remote monitoring equipment.
5. Assists in tracking and monitoring the use of aquatic herbicides within the District's
irrigation facilities.
6. Assist the hydrologist in taking measurements, installing and maintaining equipment, data
entry, and other duties as needed.
7. Participates in professional organizations, workshops, and seminars in area of responsibility.
8. Involved with District training activities on chemical and other related safety topics.
9. Prepares payroll and various work reports of activities for billing, budgeting, and work
records.
10. Assists with the preparation of yearly work plans, and the planning and budgeting for annual
expenditures in department.
11. May travel off project for training and meetings.
12. Responsible for inventory control of laboratory chemicals, equipment, and supplies.


13. Must remain up to date on current field sampling and laboratory analysis methodologies and
maintain defensible quality control/quality assurance standards to preserve the integrity of
the water quality program.
14. Constantly applies knowledge of laboratory and general work safety standards during the
execution of responsibilities.
15. Performs other duties as assigned.


SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
This job has no regular supervisory responsibilities.



QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty
satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or
ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with
disabilities to perform the essential functions.


EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE


Associate's degree (A.A. or A.S.) in an environmental science, water quality or related field from
an accredited college or technical school; or three years of work experience in the environmental
field performing both field and laboratory analysis of various sample types or similar
employment background; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Computer literacy with spreadsheets, math (algebra, statistics, and geometry), laboratory
techniques, basic chemistry, and biology; public relations and good written and verbal
communication skills are required.



LANGUAGE SKILLS
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals,
technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business
correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond
to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.


MATHEMATICAL SKILLS
Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference, and
fundamentals of plane and solid geometry and trigonometry. Ability to apply concepts such as
fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.


REASONING ABILITY
Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations
where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished
in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.


CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS
Valid Washington State driver's license.


While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use
hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally
required to sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk or hear; and taste or smell.
The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to
25 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required
by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception,
and ability to adjust focus



WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee
encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations
may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.


While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to fumes or airborne
particles and outside weather conditions. The employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or
humid conditions; moving mechanical parts; high, precarious places; toxic or caustic chemicals;
and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.


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Keywords: South Columbia Basin Irrigation District, Pasco , Water Quality Technician, Professions , Pasco, Washington