Water Quality Specialist

Aqua, an Essential Utilities company, employs people in a variety of roles within our eight-state footprint, ranging from field workers and customer service representatives who are on the front lines working with customers, to scientists and engineers who help ensure we’re delivering reliable water and wastewater services to our communities. If you’re looking for a rewarding career helping improve our environment and protect our natural resources, we encourage you to join our team!

About Essential Utilities

delivers safe, clean, reliable services that improve quality of life for individuals, families, and entire communities.

Operating as the (water and wastewater services) and the and (natural gas) brands, Essential serves approximately 5.5 million people across 10 states. We are committed to sustainable growth, operational excellence, a superior customer experience, and premier employer status - including a competitive and comprehensive benefits package as well as a commitment to career growth opportunities.

We are advocates for the communities we serve and are dedicated stewards of natural lands, protecting more than 7,600 acres of forests and other habitats throughout our footprint.

Our company is one of the most significant publicly traded water, wastewater service and natural gas providers in the U.S.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES :

• Responds to customer inquiries and complaints regarding water quality in a timely and professional manner. Determines the appropriate action needed (including sampling) to resolve the issue. Schedules appointments as needed.
• Visits customers, collects samples and investigates inquiries and complaints. May remove and replace faucet aerators and hose connections. Adheres to all appropriate protocols when collecting samples.
• Coordinates with Aqua’s laboratory to order the proper analysis for each sample collected. Conducts field analysis for parameters such as pH and chlorine residual. Documents and records samples in accordance with departmental policies and procedures.
• Analyze water quality problems in Pennsylvania and pursue possible causes and remedies. Coordinates assistance from internal departments as needed including Network, Maintenance and Meter departments. Creates work orders for field activities, such as flushing out and / or blowing out customers service lines. Assists meter setters in performing service line flush outs. Records meter reading when necessary.
• Serves as an internal subject matter expert on Lead and Copper Rule (includes Lead and Copper Rule Revisions and Lead and Copper Rule Improvements). Provides guidance and training statewide to internal stakeholders to ensure compliance.
• Implement compliance sampling campaigns with customers, such as the Lead and Copper Rule. Assists with the design of compliance sampling programs and sample plans. Assists with sitting of sample locations, sample stations, and outreach to customers. Completes all appropriate paperwork for new sample stations and communicates to the maintenance department for installation.
• Coordinates the following for Southeast Pennsylvania water systems : lead sampling, service line inventory, and system investigations to identify customer owned lead service lines. Follows Aqua protocol on lead service lines, follow-up testing, education and documentation. Assists with lead programs in other portions of Pennsylvania.
• Coordinates with internal divisions and external plumbers on the Aqua ACT 120 service line replacement program – replacing customer service lines that are composed of lead. Keeps accurate records, drops off materials, explains information to customers on the plan and provides results to customers verbally and in writing.
• Works with the Aqua PA Treatment Department to ensure optimization of corrosion control treatment at existing sources and assists in evaluating the impact of new sources or operational changes on corrosion control treatment in the water distribution system.
• Updates and maintains files and documentation of customer contacts. This includes sample logs, Banner and excel spreadsheets. Assists with customer notifications for water emergencies using the Everbridge program. Assists with running campaigns during major emergencies.
• Provides quality control and water quality expertise to Pennsylvania regarding water quality inquiries. Provides period training on handling water quality complaints to control center representatives and assists in Service Link training as needed.
• Retrieves customer results on a regular basis from the lab’s computer system (LIMS). Ensures all analyses are completed. Interprets analytical results of chemical and microbiological testing and explains these results to customers by phone or in writing. Provides other technical information as requested.
• Schedules nightly flushing or night distribution flushers in SAP program. Flushing may be systematic system-wide or in response to water quality complaints such as discolored water, taste, odor or other issues. Coordinates additional requests with internal departments.
• Works with communications team to address water quality issues that may arise in news media or in public forums. Works with Aqua staff to resolve and document customer complaints filed with the Public Utility Commission.
• Distributes water quality reports as part of a good faith effort to reach customers.
• Assists with other tasks or projects as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS :

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES :

WORKING CONDITIONS / PHYSICAL DEMANDS :

Aqua, an Essential Utilities company is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer. Equal employment opportunity is provided to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to the following legally protected characteristics : race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, pregnancy (including childbirth and related medical conditions, including medical conditions related to lactation), physical or mental disability, covered-veteran status, genetic information (including testing and characteristics), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression or any other characteristic protected by applicable local, state or federal law.

Aqua is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you have a condition that may prevent you from applying for a job online or need to request an accommodation during the interview process, please call (1-877-271-9012).

To maintain the integrity of the recruitment process and to avoid real or perceived conflicts of interest due to employment and / or assignment of family members and personal referrals, specific guidelines apply to the hiring and assignment of these individuals including, but not limited to :