Water Quality Specialist - City of Ontario (CALIFORNIA) : Job Details

The Position

An additional 9.5% general salary increase will be applied effective July 2025.

Are you passionate about drinking water quality or wastewater pretreatment and the prevention of harmful pollutants from reaching our waterways and impacting overall water quality? Are you looking to be part of a city that strives to enhance the quality of life for its residents and its business owners by ensuring that a clean, plentiful water supply is available? Then the Ontario Municipal Utilities Company has an exciting opportunity for you! The City of Ontario is currently searching for dedicated candidates to join the team. The City's Water Quality Specialists serve in either one of two possible City divisions, the Environmental Programs Division or the Water Quality Programs Division, and they coordinate programs in water quality or commercial and industrial wastewater pretreatment or water quality.

The Water Quality Specialist serving in the Environmental Programs Division performs commercial and industrial inspections, reviews, drafts, and issues permits; ensures user compliance; and coordinates other program activities.

The Water Quality Specialist in the Water Quality Programs Division reviews and comprehends Federal and State water quality regulations, reviews and communicates the impacts of upcoming regulations, performs monitoring, prepares regulatory reports, responds to customer inquiries, and assists with the determination of regulatory compliance.

The Water Quality Specialist in both divisions review laboratory analytical data for compliance with water quality or wastewater pretreatment standards, ensures compliance with regulations and permit requirements, and communicates results to appropriate personnel.

The ideal candidate will possess knowledge of applicable Federal and State regulations; basic chemistry and math; their experience in water quality, recycled water, wastewater pretreatment, and drinking water standards; exceptional communication and interpersonal skills with a customer service orientation exhibit problem-solving skills leading to sound judgment and quality decisions; and have outstanding analytical skills. Additionally, the successful candidate will be a model for the City's Approach to Public Service - Commitment to the Community, Achieving Excellence Through Teamwork, and Doing the Right Thing the Right Way - and emulate the qualities of a 5 Tool Player - Leader, Thinker, Operator, Communicator, and Public Servant.

Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis until a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received. This recruitment may close at any time without notice.

* The Eligibility List will consist of both internal and external applicants who best meet the qualifications and successfully complete any required selection processes.

* The hiring department has the discretion to consider internal applicants on the Eligibility list prior to considering all applicants on the Eligibility list.

The Water Quality Specialist classification is a common classification used in a variety of City departments. This recruitment will result in an eligibility list for this classification to meet the future staffing needs of the departments with openings in this classification.

Environmental Programs

The Environmental Programs Division, part of the Ontario Municipal Utilities Company, implements the national pretreatment program, which is a component of the Inland Empire Utilities Agency's (IEUA's) Publicly Owned Treatment Works (POTW) National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program. Pretreatment programs conduct industrial user inspections, issue wastewater discharge permits, and perform industrial user compliance and enforcement activities. The benefits of the program are fewer pollutants are discharged to the local POTW and ultimately the Santa Ana River, resulting in improved opportunities to recycle and reclaim municipal and industrial wastewaters and sludge, protection of the environment, citizens of Ontario, as well as City workers.

Water Quality Programs

The Water Quality Programs Division, part of the Ontario Municipal Utilities Company, oversees drinking water monitoring and compliance with Federal and State regulations, groundwater and treatment quality, backflow prevention and cross-connections, and recycled water usage. These programs ensure the City's drinking water meets all mandated water quality standards and is delivered in a responsible manner that protects public health..

The Ontario Municipal Utilities Company

The Ontario Municipal Utilities Company is committed to the protection of the environment, public health, and its sewerage system through regulating the quality of wastewater that passes into its sewerage system. The Ontario Municipal Utility Company consists of eight Divisions: Administration, Customer Service, Engineering, Environmental Programs, Operations, Water Production, Water Resources, and Water Quality Programs. Collectively, these Division's responsibilities include water production and treatment; conservation; water distribution operation, maintenance and repair; customer service, meter reading and billing; backflow prevention and cross-connections; recycled water usage; drinking water quality; wastewater collection system operation, maintenance, and repair; and regulation of wastewater discharges. These activities play a vital role in ensuring that the water system is operated and maintained to deliver safe and reliable drinking water that meets our residents and businesses needs, and the sewer collection system is maintained to prevent sewer overflow and unauthorized discharges. The Ontario Municipal Utilities Company provides affordable, high-quality drinking water that meets all Federal, State, and local requirements.

The City of Ontario serves more than 13 billion gallons of water annually to the City's 185,000-plus residents and 6,000-plus businesses through the operation and maintenance of 18 active groundwater wells, over 600 miles of potable and recycled water pipelines, and 12 water reservoirs that store 75 million gallons of water. Approximately 80% of Ontario's drinking water comes from local groundwater sources, including groundwater supplied to the City of Ontario from 27 wells and two water treatment plants operated by the Chino Basin Desalter Authority (CDA). The remaining 20% of Ontario's drinking water is imported surface water supplied through the State Water Project and treated at the Agua de Lejos Treatment Plant before it is delivered to the City for use. Recycled water is provided for non-potable uses, such as outdoor irrigation and some industrial applications. During the past ten years, more than 550 recycled water service connections have been completed, supplying nearly 15% of Ontario's total water demand.

The City of Ontario is a dynamic leading community in the Inland Empire with a variety of full-time and part-time employment and volunteer opportunities. Ontario is proud to have the reputation of being a progressive City, providing solid leadership to its citizens and business community. The City provides a full range of services to the community including Police, Fire, Management Services, Community Life & Culture, Community Development, Economic Development, Financial Services, Human Resources/Risk Management, Public Works, and the Ontario Municipal Utilities Company. The City's team is staffed with approximately 1,500 FTE diverse and talented employees who work to support a common goal of providing excellent service to the community.

The City's vision for the future is very exciting, and we foresee tremendous growth within the year(s) to come. We invite you to learn more about the City of Ontario by reviewing the City's website. A few useful links are listed below, including a link to the City's 2024 State of the City video.

2024 State of the City (Video link)

The Ontario Plan (The City's Comprehensive Business Plan for Development)

Smart Ontario (Information about recent City projects)

Downtown Ontario (What to do in Downtown Ontario)

Examples of Essential Functions

The functions typically performed by the Water Quality Specialist include the following:

* Coordinates one or more programs for water quality, and industrial wastewater pretreatment.

* Provides routine, daily organization of personnel and contract laboratories involved in a variety of water and wastewater permits.

* Collects samples and performs field analysis.

* Prepares compliance reports for water, recycled water, and wastewater regulations.

* Maintains records and documents; prepares reports.

* Assists in the administration and preparation of contracts.

* Conducts state-mandated tailgate safety meetings.

* Communicates with the public to answer questions and respond to and resolve complaints.

* Provides public education at environmental fairs.

Qualification Guidelines

Any combination of education and/or experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the position. A typical combination includes:

Education

High School diploma or recognized equivalent supplemented by technical courses or training in biology, chemistry, mathematics, environmental science, and other subjects related to water quality, recycled water, or backflow prevention.

Experience

Two years of experience in water quality monitoring, recycled water, industrial wastewater pretreatment, or other related work experience.

Licenses

A valid Class C California driver's license and an acceptable driving record at time of appointment.

Certification

Possession of California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) Water Treatment Operator Grade 2 and/or Industrial Waste Inspector Grade 2 certificate at time of application.

Desirable

Associates of Science degree in Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Sciences, or recognized equivalent degree, supplemented by specialized training or coursework in drinking water system operations, water quality, or water treatment.

California State Water Resources Control Board Water Distribution Operator Grade 2 or 3.

Knowledge of State and Federal regulations regarding water quality, hazardous waste, industrial waste pretreatment, and storm water pollution prevention programs; previous lead or supervisory experience.

Supplemental Information

How to Apply

Apply online by clicking on the Apply link at the top of this announcement. If this is the first time applying for a position using governmentjobs.com, you will be prompted to create a new user account; otherwise, log in with your username and password. Your application and responses to any supplemental questions will be used to evaluate your qualifications for this position. It is suggested that your application include the following:

* List any relevant experience and education that demonstrates that you qualify for the position.

* List all periods of employment for at least the past 10 years, beginning with your most recent or present employer (including if applicable, all employment with the City of Ontario).

* Separately list each position held, including different positions with the same employer.

A resume may be attached to your application but will not substitute for the proper completion of your application. Applications that are not properly completed may be rejected.

Application Process

Applicants are required to submit required certification(s) or other required documentation as outlined in the Qualifications Guideline section of this bulletin. Please use the attachment function found on the City's online application to attach copies of the requested certification(s) or other documentation. Failure to attach required certifications may result in the rejection of your application. Please contact the Human Resources/Risk Management Agency if you have any questions regarding the application process.

Your application is the primary tool used to evaluate your job qualifications. It is important that your application show all the relevant education and experience you possess. Failure to complete these sections may result in the rejection of your application.

Supplemental Questions

To complete your application for this position, you will be prompted to respond to supplemental questions. This information will be used as part of the application screening and selection process and is designed to help you present your qualifications for this position. This may include a selection step in which your application and supplemental questions are reviewed and scored by a panel of raters familiar with this position.

Incomplete responses, false statements, omission, or partial information may result in disqualification from the selection process. Your responses should be consistent with the information provided on your application.

Please provide succinct, concise, descriptive, and detailed information for each question. If you have no experience, write no experience for the appropriate question.

Email Notices

Email is the primary way that the Human Resources/Risk Management Agency or Hiring Department will communicate with you. Please check your email account (including the SPAM folder) on a regular basis for any emails related to the application or selection process. Emails from the City of Ontario will come from @ontarioca.gov or governmentjobs.com. If you change your email address after submitting your application, please visit governmentjobs.com and update your profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any additional questions regarding the application process, please refer to our Frequently Asked Questions page.

The City of Ontario values the health and wellness of our employees and their families. We understand benefits are an important part of your total compensation and we take pride in offering a comprehensive benefit package. Please check out our excellent benefit packages here www.ontariocityemployees.org.

Employees in this classification are represented by Teamsters Local 1932. For a list of benefits for Teamsters employees please click here 2024 Teamsters Benefit Guide.

01

INSTRUCTIONS: The information on your application and the following supplemental questionnaire will be used in the evaluation of your qualifications. Detailed responses should be provided in order to ensure that your qualifications are properly considered. If the item does not apply, please enter N/A. By continuing you are certifying that all information provided in the supplemental questionnaire is true to the best of your knowledge.

* I understand the above statement.

02

Do you possess high school diploma or recognized equivalent supplemented by technical courses or training in biology, chemistry, mathematics, environmental science, and other subjects related to water quality, recycled water, or backflow prevention?

* Yes

* No

03

Please list all technical courses or training you have completed in biology, chemistry, mathematics, environmental science, and other subjects related to water quality, water treatment and drinking water. If you don't possess any experience, please type N/A.

04

Do you possess two years of experience in water quality monitoring, recycled water, industrial wastewater pretreatment, or other related work experience?

* Yes

* No

05

If you have experience in water treatment and maintenance, please briefly list your related work experience by including the following: 1. Employer Name 2. Position Title 3. Employment Dates 4. Job Functions / Areas of Responsibility. If you don't possess any experience, please type N/A.

06

Please describe your experience communicating with the public technical information. If you don't possess any experience, please type N/A.

07

Do you possess a valid Class C CA drivers license?

* Yes

* No

08

Do you currently possess a California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) Water Treatment Operator Grade 2 and/or Industrial Waste Inspector Grade 2? If yes, please ensure a copy of your certificates is attached to your application (Failure to attach required certifications may result in the rejection of your application).

* Yes

* No

09

Please select which division you are interested in working in.

* Water Quality Programs

* Environmental Programs

* Both

10

Please select all divisions you have experience in. (Please see job bulletin for each assigned area.)

* Water Quality Programs

* Environmental Programs

* Both

Required Question

Agency City of Ontario

Address 200 North Cherry Avenue

Ontario, California, 91764

Phone 909.###.####

909.###.####

Website