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SUPERVISING WATER QUALITY SPECIALIST

Recruitment #17-TL6-01

Definition

THE JOB: Under general direction, to plan and conduct water quality monitoring programs; direct the operation of the certified  water quality laboratory; supervise and evaluate the work of water quality program staff and water quality laboratory staff; perform a variety of technical field and laboratory testing and analysis; interpret water quality information; maintain a water quality database; identify pollution problems and develop mitigation measures; make recommendation on policies and programs for water quality improvement; provide technical guidance and expertise to staff and others on water quality matters; and perform other work as required. The eligible list established from this recruitment will be used to fill the current and future vacancies throughout the life of the eligible list to fill full-time, part-time and extra-help positions.  

Employment Standards

THE REQUIREMENTS: Any combination of training and experience which would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain these knowledge and abilities would be:

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a Bachelor’s Degree  in natural, physical or environmental sciences or a closely related field and three years of progressively responsible experience in analysis of water, wastewater, solid waste, hazardous waste or other environmental samples.

A Master's degree in chemistry, biochemistry, biology, microbiology, environmental, sanitary or public health engineering, natural or physical science may be substituted for one year of the required experience; a doctorate in chemistry, biochemistry, environmental, sanitary or public health engineering, biology, microbiology, natural or physical science may be substituted for two years of the required experience.


SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Environmental Factors: Exposure to uneven terrain; communicable disease and pathogenic organisms; toxic or caustic chemicals.

License: Possess and maintain a valid California Class C Driver License. (Note: Candidates with an out of state license may apply and go through recruitment and examination process, however verification of CA License must be provided at time of appointment).

Knowledge: Thorough knowledge of principles of hydrology and water quality; water regulations and standards. Working knowledge of current field and  laboratory procedures, methods, equipment, facilities and materials; common hazards in field sampling procedures, operating laboratory equipment, and appropriate safety  precautions; application of data processing and computerized analysis techniques. Some knowledge of repair and maintenance of laboratory equipment; principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning, scheduling, evaluating, training and discipline; principles and practices of program management, including program planning, implementation and evaluation; principles of administration including budget preparation and grant management.

Ability to: Plan and conduct difficult complex water quality analyses; learn to apply basic hydrological principles to water quality analysis; analyze, evaluate and draw logical conclusions from complex data; evaluate and maintain quality control and proficiency testing to assure compliance with safety and accreditation regulations and requirements of the water laboratory; collect field samples and perform field analyses; develop, evaluate and maintain accurate recordkeeping systems; prepare and present technical reports, studies and recommendations orally, written, and graphically; select, operate and maintain laboratory equipment; revise and implement new laboratory policies and procedures; plan, assign, supervise, review, and evaluate the work of others; provide technical assistance to staff and other departments; act as a subject matter expert or resource; provide services to the public in a courteous and effective manner; develop and maintain effective working relationships with the general public, officials, and personnel from other agencies; synthesize and explain technical data to individuals lacking a background in scientific disciplines; implement and monitor grants; input, access and analyze data using a computer; walk through rough terrain and creek beds, and carry equipment weighing up to 25lbs.

Benefits

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS:
ANNUAL LEAVE - 22 days first year, increasing to 37 days after 15 years of service.  Available for vacation and/or sick leave.
HOLIDAYS - 12.5 paid holidays per year.
BEREAVEMENT LEAVE – 3 days paid in California, 5 days paid out-of-state.
MEDICAL PLAN - The County contracts with CalPERS for a variety of medical plans.  For most plans, County contributions pay a majority of the premiums for employees and eligible dependents.
DENTAL PLAN - County pays for employee and eligible dependent coverage.
VISION PLAN - County pays for employee coverage. Employee may purchase eligible dependent coverage.
RETIREMENT - Pension formula 2% at age 60 or 2% at age 62 as determined based on provisions of the CA Public Employees’ Pension Reform Act of 2013(PEPRA). Pension benefit determined by final average compensation of three years.  County participates in Social Security. 
LIFE INSURANCE - County paid $20,000 term policy.  Employee may purchase additional life insurance.
DISABILITY INSURANCE - Employees in the General Representation Unit participate in the State Disability Insurance (SDI) program. This program is funded 100% by employee payroll deductions.
DEPENDENT-CARE PLAN - Employees who make contributions for child or dependent care may elect to have their contributions made utilizing “pre-tax dollars.”
H-CARE PLAN - Employees who pay a County medical premium may elect this pre-tax program.
HEALTH CARE FLEXIBLE SPENDING ALLOWANCE (HCFSA) - Employees may elect this pre-tax program to cover qualifying health care expenses.
DEFERRED COMPENSATION - A deferred compensation plan is available to employees.
OTHER - Other pay and benefit items apply to certain positions or assignments, such as Bilingual Pay and Night Shift Differential.

Selection Plan

THE EXAMINATION: Your application and supplemental application will be reviewed to determine if you have met the education, experience, training and/or licensing requirements as stated on the job announcement.  If you meet these criteria and are one of the best qualified, you may be required to compete in any combination of written, oral and/or performance examinations or a competitive evaluation of training and experience as described on your application and supplemental application. You must pass all components of the examination to be placed on the eligible list.  The examination may be eliminated if there are ten or fewer qualified applicants.  If the eligible list is established without the administration of the announced exam, the life of the eligible list will be six months and your overall score will be based upon an evaluation of your application and supplemental application. If during those six months it is necessary to administer another examination for this job class, you will be invited to take the examination to remain on the eligible list.  

HOW TO APPLY: Apply Online Now!  Click on the link below; or print out an application and supplemental questionnaire and mail/bring them to: Santa Cruz County Personnel Department, 701 Ocean Street, Room 510, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060.  For information, call (831) 454-2600.  Hearing Impaired TDD/TTY: 711.  Applications will meet the final filing date if received in one of the following ways:  1) In the Personnel Department by 5:00 p.m. on the final filing date, 2) Submitted online before midnight of the final filing date.  Following a review for minimum qualifications, applicants who are selected to move forward in the recruitment process will be notified that they must submit a completed conviction history questionnaire in order to continue to the examination phase of the process.

Women, minorities and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. If you have a disability that requires test accommodation, please call (831) 454-2600.  

To comply with the 1986 Immigration Reform and Control Act, Santa Cruz County verifies that all new employees are either U.S. citizens or persons authorized to work in the U.S.

Some positions may require fingerprinting and/or background investigation.     

                        NOTE: The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract.  

                                                                                An Equal Opportunity Employer