Drinking Water Quality Inspector

Full Job Description

An online application, including responses to the supplemental questionnaire, must be fully completed for consideration. Please do not attach resume and cover letter, as they will not be considered in the review of candidate’s qualifications.

At Seattle Public Utilities, we are looking for a team member who wants to be a part of achieving our mission to provide our customers with the highest quality utility services.

If you thrive in a small team environment and are a detail-oriented and safety-focused professional, then apply for the Drinking Water Quality Inspector position!

Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is the largest drinking water provider in Washington State, directly serving over 1.5 million customers.

SPU is dedicated to protecting the environment and public health through our Drinking Water Quality Division.

Our Utility Service Inspection team members protect the city’s drinking water by performing regulatory inspections, replying to water quality concerns, investigating illegal activities, responding to emergencies, and providing direct customer support for many water related issues.

This is an opportunity to truly see Seattle by supporting all its citizens, from individual homes to large commercial and industrial properties.

We all need safe and reliable drinking water, and these positions help protect Seattle’s drinking water through water quality monitoring, regulatory enforcement, and trouble-shooting complex issues.

Candidates must have strong observation, teamwork communication, and critical thinking skills.

About Seattle Public Utilities: Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is a community-centered utility that delivers vital services to Seattle residents and businesses including drinking water, drainage and wastewater, and garbage/recycling/compost.

SPU also provides drinking water for 1.5 million customers in the region. SPU’s work includes system maintenance and improvements and keeping Seattle clean.

Over 1,400 SPU employees work with our community to provide affordable and equitable stewardship of our water and waste resources for future generations.

For more information about Seattle Public Utilities (SPU), check out the:

• SPU Website
• SPU Workplace Expectations (Download PDF reader)
• Strategic Business Plan

SPU commits to Our City Values and Race and Social Justice as core principles that guide our work. We actively take steps to dismantle systemic racism and increase service equity.

We value diverse life experiences and strive to create a workplace that is welcoming to all. We take steps to be inclusive and equitable in our recruiting, hiring and promotional opportunities.

Why join us?

We know work isn't only about what you do it’s also about who you work for and with! SPU provides a fun and family-friendly work environment that supports a work life balance, including:

• Family-friendly and multicultural work environment
• Generous benefits package
• Free Orca Pass
• City pension plan with employer/employee contributions
• Growth potential and advancement opportunities

Requirements

• Investigate concerns raised by the community regarding their drinking water, including health, aesthetics, and high-water pressure.
• Collect drinking water and surface water samples. Perform field analysis for chlorine, ammonia, and temperature.
• Perform technical inspections at water main construction sites to help protect public health and drinking water quality.
• Perform technical inspections of underground drinking water piping systems within private property to ensure compliance with local policy. Accurately document inspection results.
• Attend pre-construction meetings and deliver notices for planned watermain construction.
• Provide high levels of technical support for customers, contractors, developers and other SPU teams.
• Verify water services and meter installation accuracy for new and existing properties.
• Provide customer support for flooding damages within private property.
• Provide specialized support for unexplained high-water consumption.
• Participate in an after-hours standby rotation and provide support for event responses.

Please note this job advertisement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Qualifications

Education/Experience:

• Requires two (2) years of experience in a utility in installation, maintenance and repair of water distribution systems or engineering inspection or one (1) year of formal training in an approved waterworks training program
• OR: A combination of education/experience/training which provides an equivalent background required to perform the work of the class.

License, Certification and Other Requirements:

• Current Washington State driver's license
• Certification as Washington State Water Distribution Manager I within one year of employment.

Work Environment/Physical Demands:

• Work is completed in an office environment, from a city-assigned vehicle, in the public right of way, within private property, and at construction sites, includes working outdoors in all weather conditions that require dedicated awareness and focus on public and employee safety.
• Potential exposure to dust, fumes, chemicals, high noise levels, heavy traffic areas.
• Sample collection may involve the handling of potential harmful substances.
• After-hours work is completed by performing callbacks from a city-assigned cellular phone and/or performing work in the field. The field work is completed using a city assigned vehicle and is primarily in the public right of way.

The ideal candidate may possess:

• Commitment to City Values and advancing race and social justice, including being community-centered, fair and equitable, open minded and forward-thinking.
• Ability to build trust, be empathetic, be a valuable teammate, and provide exceptional customer service to all communities both internally and externally.
• Communicate professionally in a regulatory enforcement and public service role within a multi-cultural workforce serving a large and diverse customer base.
• Complete work assignments accurately, effectively, efficiently and consistently when working in a team environment or alone.
• Effectively troubleshoot issues, solve technical problems, manage difficult conversations and situations, and elevate concerns.
• Consistently provide good workplace attendance and professional conduct in alignment with City and Department expectations.

Additional Information

• A full City of Seattle online application. Please DO NOT include a resume or cover letter. They will not be considered in review of candidates' qualifications.

• Background Check Verbiage: This hiring process involves a background check of conviction and arrest records in compliance with Seattle’s Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SMC 14.17. Applicants will be provided an opportunity to explain or correct background information.
• SPU’s safety program requires a pre-employment medical assessment as a condition of employment in this position.

The full salary range for this position is $41.41 - $48.34 per hour.

Benefits: The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents.

More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at:
https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits/employees-and-covered-family-members/most-employees-plans

Who may apply: The City of Seattle encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experience.

This position is open to all qualified candidates that meet the minimum qualifications. The City of Seattle values diverse perspectives and life experiences.

Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

If you have any questions, please contact Uma Suseelan at Uma.Suseelan@seattle.gov
Learn more about Seattle Public Utilities at our web page www.seattle.gov/util/