Technician III, Water Quality - (26-WQ&T-813012-117)

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties, locations, and responsibilities performed by incumbent(s) in this job. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties in this description, and incumbent(s) may be required to perform work-related tasks other than those specifically listed in this description. This job description is not a “contract” between the employee and the Authority. The job duties and essential functions may be changed at the discretion of the General Manager.

General

Job Title:

Technician III, Water Quality

Job Code:

T0065

Supervises Directly:

No

New or Revised:

Revised

Regular or At-Will:

Regular

Date Last Revised:

10/30/2025

Exempt or Non-Exempt:

Non-Exempt

Compensation Approval Signature:

Union/ Non-Union:

Union

Division

Department

Operations

Water-Quality and Technology

Salary Schedule:

District Service (DS)

Cost Center Code:

813012

Grade:

DS11

Essential Position:

Yes

Reports To:

Supervisor, Water Quality

EEO Code:

Technicians

Work Format

In-Person

Who We Are & What We Do:

At DC Water, we provide more than 700,000 District of Columbia residents and 24.6 million annual visitors with essential water, wastewater, and stormwater services. DC Water also provides wholesale wastewater treatment services for 1.8 million people in Montgomery and Prince George's counties in Maryland, and Fairfax and Loudoun counties in Virginia. We aspire to be known for superior service, ingenuity, and stewardship to advance the health and well-being of our diverse workforce and communities. To achieve this vision, we commit to our shared mission every day—exceeding expectations by providing high quality water services in a safe, environmentally friendly, and efficient manner.

Role Description:

The Technician III, Water Quality is responsible for the day-to-day actual physical mechanics of the water quality programs. Collects samples, conducts water quality testing, communicates with customers and other DC Water staff regarding water quality, and conducts data entry and analyses. This position participates in the chlorination process of water mains and assists in responding to all water quality emergencies.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

- Follows AWWA Standard C651 guidelines for chlorinating drinking water infrastructure after repairs where potential for contamination was high, or risk of contaminated water entering the main was high.

- Chlorinates water mains for operational and contractual activities to include emergency and planned work. Disinfecting includes the usage of chemicals such as calcium hypochlorite and sodium hypochlorite.

- Visually checks valves prior to disinfection to ensure they are positioned so that the highly chlorinated water in the main being treated does not flow into water mains that are in active service.

- After disinfection, collects samples from the mains for bacteriological testing as a means to confirm the effectiveness of the disinfection procedure.

- Tracks and maintains inventory of all equipment necessary for chlorination projects and emergency connections.

- Collects samples from hydrants and inside buildings throughout the District. Performs hydrant sampling using proper sampling methods and equipment.

- Conducts field and bench analysis for water quality parameters such as pH, hardness, total chlorine, fluoride, conductivity, etc.

- Compiles data for all water quality activities, enters data into Access and other databases, and writes reports.

- Conducts customer complaint investigations in homes and commercial buildings.

- Communicates to customers following investigations about their water quality concerns and the testing and results.

- Communicates with customers by phone or in person regarding water quality concerns and other DC Water related questions.

- Communicates with other Water Services branches and departments regarding water quality and operations.

- Evaluates operational activity in relation to water quality.

- Visually conducts plumbing inspections inside customer homes and commercial buildings to identify pipe materials and possible cross connections.

- Responds to water-related emergencies as directed by the immediate supervisor

- Serves as a community liaison for various programs.

- Provides assistance and guidance to lower graded and new employees.

- Complies with applicable safety rules and regulations.

- Operates DC Water vehicles as an essential function of the position. Maintains vehicles and/or equipment in a clean and orderly manner. Reports any operating deficiencies to the appropriate personnel.

- Must set up equipment for disinfection process, with physically moving and operating small pumps, physically connecting pipe and hoses, and lifting and carrying of small equipment used in the process.

- Performs other related duties and projects as assigned at the discretion of the immediate supervisor.

Supervisory Responsibilities : N/A

Key Working Relationships: Interacts with co-workers in the department and throughout DC Water, representatives from other government agencies, various community organizations, and with the general public.

Skills & Qualifications:

The qualifications listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and ability necessary for an individual to perform each essential responsibility satisfactorily. Reasonable amounts of training are provided.

Required Skills & Qualifications

Required Experience:

Five (5) years of progressive experience in water quality related programs.

At least two (2) years involving water sampling, testing, and analysis.

Minimum Education Requirements:

High School diploma or General Educational Development (GED) certificate.

Required Skills:

Thorough knowledge and understanding to conduct disinfection which includes chlorine chemistry, calculating amount of chemical to add based on volume and flow of water.

Thorough knowledge of equipment including operation of small chemical feed pumps, connecting hoses or pipes, etc.

Ability to understand general manufactured recommended maintenance of equipment.

General knowledge of the water system distribution valve and hydrant operations.

Oral and written communication skills.

Maintains a working knowledge of applicable current software programs.

Required Licenses & Certifications:

Must possess and maintain a current valid Motor Vehicle Operating License.

Physical Requirements:

Ability to lift and carry equipment weighing up to 50 lbs.

Field environment, outdoor exposure, and some general office environment.

Preferred Skills & Qualifications

Preferred Experience:

One (1) year of experience in water sampling, testing, and analysis.

Preferred Education Requirements:

Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Science or Environmental Engineering or other related public health, water quality or environmental science fields from an accredited college or university.

Preferred Skills:

N/A

The work environment characteristics described in the physical requirements section of the required skills & qualifications table 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 responsibilities.*

Your Experience at DC Water :

At DC Water, our people make us an industry leader. Join a group of thinkers, innovators, and problem solvers focused on protecting life’s most precious resource in the nation’s capital.

- Take pride in your work. We provide an essential service and do work that matters. A career at DC Water is an exciting opportunity to help improve the environment and make a lasting difference for the community.

- Connect to a strong culture. Everything we do is grounded in our shared values—accountability, trust, teamwork, customer focus, safety, and wellbeing.

- Be your true self. We are an inclusive organization that embraces diversity, and we recognize and celebrate employees’ individuality and unique contributions.

- Build your skills and career path. We are committed to developing a future-ready workforce by helping our employees develop skills for the jobs of tomorrow.

We are proud to be an EEO/AA employer M/F/D/V.

We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing

The Americans with Disabilities Act prohibits discrimination against “qualified individuals with disabilities”. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please email complianceada@dcwater.com .