SOLID WASTE TESTING AND MONITORING SPECIALIST
Pay Range 239

INTRODUCTION

This classification performs duties necessary to conduct water quality monitoring and sampling at open and closed county landfill sites. Incumbent installs, monitors and maintains leachate systems; monitors landfill gas detection systems; operates, maintains and repair testing equipment and instruments.

EXAMPLES OF PRINCIPAL DUTIES

(Duties assigned to this classification include, but are not limited to, the following examples. Anyone position may not perform all listed tasks.)

1. Conduct water sampling of monitoring wells, surface sites (which includes storm water) and a variety of other water sources throughout both open and closed county landfill sites. Record water levels on all landfill wells using both electronic and mechanical equipment. Sampling is done by using standard methods and does involve assisting engineer consultants.

2. Construct, install, monitor and maintain leachate and ground water pumping stations at both open and closed landfill sites.

3. Monitor, maintain and record data on manual and electronic water flow measurement equipment.

4. Construct, maintain and operate leachate abatement and treatment systems. Monitor for compliance to DEQ and EPA permit requirements.

5. At active landfills, use detection equipment to monitor gas emission levels per approval plan and DEQ, EPA requirements.

6. Establish and maintain logs, records, data collection. Work with outside consultants.

7. Maintain and service water quality testing and analytical equipment, gas monitoring instruments and all control devices and systems.

8. Annually inspect inactive landfills for water quality problems. Develop and implement abatement and or treatment systems as necessary.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS REQUIRED BY THIS POSITION

Knowledge of: Considerable knowledge of the principles of water chemistry; reasonable knowledge of hydraulics, physics, electricity and mechanical equipment; reasonable knowledge of standard laboratory procedures and analysis; reasonable knowledge of basic gas laws, toxicity, specific gravity; reasonable knowledge of mathematics including algebra, trigonometry and geometry. Skill in: Operation of testing equipment. Ability to: Communicate effectively in both oral and written forms; prepare and maintain reports, records and statistical data; estimate time and materials and manage time efficiently; make decisions independently in accordance with established policies and use initiative and judgment in completing tasks and responsibilities; utilize problem identification and resolution techniques; courteously meet and deal effectively with other employees, public agencies, contractors, engineers, consultants, vendors and the public.

Qualifications - Associate degree in wastewater treatment operations, engineering or a related field plus one year work related experience OR three years work experience in wastewater environment OR a satisfactory equivalent combination of education, experience and/or training. At time of appointment, must possess a valid Oregon driver's license.

Desirable qualifications: Wastewater Treatment Level 1 certification.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS OF THIS POSITION

Work is performed under general direction of the environmental operations manager. Recurring routine assignments are independently performed by employee on basis of past experience. The employee receives general instructions regarding the scope and approach to projects or assignments, but procedures and problem resolution are left to employee discretion and interpretation. Employee estimates and manages time efficiently. Work is reviewed periodically to ensure determinations and decisions made are in compliance to department policy and procedures.

GUIDELINES

Work is performed within established departmental policy and procedures, federal, state and county statutes, rules, regulations and ordinances; engineering standards; engineering, equipment, water quality and testing reference manuals. The employee uses initiative and judgment in interpreting guidelines and in applying guidelines to particular situations or problems.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

Regular and consistent attendance is required.  Work is performed primarily in the field. Work may involve bending, color identification, hearing alarms and voice conversation, kneeling, lifting up to 60 pounds, pulling, pushing, shoveling, stooping, twisting and walking rough terrain. Work is performed in an environment which involves everyday risks and discomforts, common exposure to pollens, dust, gasses, poison oak, and sometime adverse weather conditions requiring safety precautions. A considerable amount of driving is required.