Careers

U.S. Water Services Corporation is a well-established and diverse water and wastewater utility organization specializing in utility maintenance, operations, engineering and construction services. U.S. Water is a fast paced and rapidly expanding company headquartered in New Port Richey, Florida with a staff of over 700 employees in eighteen states.

Position Summary:

Under the general direction of the Plant Manager, but supports the Industrial Pretreatment Program IPP Coordinator, and conducts technical field sampling, as well as operation and maintenance O&M activities related to the City of Fort Dodge's National Pollution Discharge Elimination System NPDES industrial pretreatment program. May also support the IPP Coordinator with sampling and O&M as part of the City of Fort Dodge's Fats, Oils, and Greases FOG program being developed. Works in partnership with other employees, departments/divisions, external entities, and the public in delivering effective and innovative services provided by other departments, divisions, and external entities. This multi-faceted position is an extremely important role as the person in this position may be the first one to identify potential impacts to the Plant through sampling and observation, and they also are the person that facilities will see and who may first represent USW Utility Group and the City of Fort Dodge. Lots of growth potential exists across different departments and also working with the Water Treatment Plant

Location: Iowa

Plant Classification: Iowa Grade IV

Position Classification: Exempt/Salary

Proficiency Qualifications with or without accommodation

The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all inclusive. Other duties may be assigned.

• Conducts sampling and testing of Industrial Discharge samples as part of the Industrial Pretreatment Program.
• Completes technical documentation supporting the sampling, testing, inspections, and re-inspections including Field Data Sheets, Chain-of-Custodies, Flow Logs, and pH Logs, among others. Accurate documentation is necessary in a compliance situation, so attention to detail and adequate recordkeeping are critical.
• Follows appropriate Quality Assurance/Quality Control requirements during sampling
• Maintains and operates automatic sampling equipment.
• Operates and maintains laboratory equipment.
• Answers concerns of staff representing the different industry being sampled and relays those on to IPP Coordinator.
• Coordinates information that has an impact on the City's wastewater collection systems to the IPP Coordinator, and other applicable plant staff as necessary.
• Follows all appropriate safety and operational requirements.
• Coordinates with lab personnel at the wastewater treatment plant to arrange sampling equipment and relay information about samples.
• Performs special studies or projects.
• Attends periodic meetings concerning industrial waste, wastewater treatment, and laboratory operations.
• Maintains regular and punctual attendance and working hours.
• Regularly lifts up to 10 pounds and occasionally lifts up to 30 pounds.
• Position utilizes a company vehicle for sampling, so safe driving practices are required.
• Expected to temporarily perform duties outside of normal classification in the event of a declared emergency. In the event that an employee is excused from work other than being sick, they will be required to report to work in a state of declared emergency.
• IPP Technician shall be responsible for sampling and analysis and may be required to cover operations shifts in case of inadequate staffing levels, emergency, time off, or illness as required.
• IPP Technician shall provide on-call rotation and shift work as necessary.

Minimum qualifications:

Graduation from a high school or equivalent G.E.D. Experience in chemistry, biology or environmental science or a related field preferred. Any equivalent combination of experience and training that provides the required knowledge, skill and abilities.

Knowledge:

• General knowledge of computers, word processing and spreadsheet software.
• Knowledge of basic math and algebra.
• Ability to prepare reports utilizing analytical data.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, industry, and the public.
• Ability to deal with the general public in a courteous and effective manner.
• Good physical condition
• Knowledge of and ability to comply with safety regulations and standards.

Abilities:

• Ability to learn/obtain working knowledge of sampling techniques, sample preservation, automatic samplers, chemistry and laboratory analytical procedures.
• Ability to learn/obtain working knowledge of Chain-of-custody procedures during sampling activities
• Ability to learn/obtain working knowledge of established procedural and analytical methods for sample handling, analysis and interpretation of results.
• Ability to learn/obtain working knowledge of quality assurance and quality control practices
• Ability to learn/obtain working knowledge of safety procedures and application of safety principles to chemical handling, use of equipment, facility maintenance and use of personal protective equipment.
• Ability to collect samples and perform lab tests.
• Ability to assist with maintaining preventive maintenance and servicing program on plant and equipment.
• Physical ability to perform heavy labor for extended periods of time, often under adverse weather conditions.
• Available to work occasional weekends, holidays and/or extended hours.
• Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing;

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Physical Demands of the Job:

Work is typically performed inside and outside and includes being exposed to cold, heat, noise, mechanical hazards, electrical hazards, chemical hazards and atmospheric conditions that may affect the respiratory system. Visits industrial locations within the community whose work environment and safety practices may be different. Travel in all types of weather extremes as required to fulfill job duties. Must also comply with industrial facility requirements when on other properties except as otherwise required by company policy, City, State, and Federal code.

Language Skills and Interpersonal Communication

Requires effective communication skills and the ability to provide assistance to customers external and internal. Requires the ability to speak effectively with fellow employees, industry, consultants, and the general public; read in English; apply common sense understanding to the work process, procedures, programs and services; and to follow verbal and written instructions. Requires the ability to work as a member of a team in order to accomplish tasks; the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with citizens/customers; superiors, other City employees, contractors, and vendors; and the ability to relate to minorities, women, and other protected classes in the community at all socioeconomic levels.

Special Licensing Requirements: Must possess and maintain a valid Iowa State driver's license.

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee may perform other related duties as required to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

US Water/USW Utility Group offers competitive wages and benefits and is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.