Under limited supervision of the Environmental Compliance Manager, confidently and efficiently performs and oversees routine and emergency environmental sampling throughout Spotsylvania County. Performs technical work in overseeing the collection of bacteriological drinking water samples and other complex sample collections. Oversees and monitors analyses in the field and the laboratory to ensure water quality. Monitors and updates sampling schedules to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements for all distribution and groundwater systems being maintained by the County. Coordinates with contract laboratories for sampling events related to the Lead and Copper Rule, Unregulated Contaminants Monitoring Rule, PFAS/PFOA, etc. Coordinates sampling, testing, and reporting of analytical results to customers to appropriately respond to their water quality concerns. Work includes the supervision of Environmental Samplers I/II and ensuring adherence to quality assurance standards. Employee is responsible for routine equipment maintenance, maintaining test results and records, overseeing the training of direct reports and ensuring vehicles are properly maintained. Employee must also exercise considerable tact and courtesy due to the frequent contact with utilities customers and the general public.

This position is essential. Personnel occupying this position may be scheduled to work regardless of weather conditions and/or when general County offices are closed.  

Salary is depending on qualifications.

• Performs managerial functions such as timesheets, performance evaluations, hiring, accident reports, and work orders for Environmental Samplers I/II.
• Manages and oversees day-to-day schedules and functions of the Environmental Samplers I/II.
• Collects drinking water samples for compliance or special projects as needed. Collects non-routine water samples from hydrants, distribution sites, tanks and other collection sites as needed. Collections may be routine or emergency. 
• Travels throughout Spotsylvania County effectively and successfully to collect and transport samples timely.  At times, delivery or pick up of samples/containers may require travel to other counties.
• Effectively reads maps, utilizes GPS, and creates efficient sampling routes.
• Performs water testing at sample sites to include, but not limited to: Total Residual Chlorine, Free Chlorine, Mono-Chloramines, pH, Nitrite, Free Ammonia, Fluoride, Temperature, Conductivity, etc.
• Conducts routine compliance laboratory analyses of potable samples (i.e. microbiological testing)
• Uses basic microscopy skills to identify and enumerate microorganisms.
• Participates in the laboratory’s proficiency testing program.

• Enters and retrieves computer data using software programs such as Cityworks, Excel, Word and the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
• Mentors employees and ensures adequate training and documentation.
• Addresses water quality concerns and water quality emergencies according to the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) and Virginia Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (VELAP) to determine and ensure water quality. 
• Oversee Lead and Copper, UCMR, PFAS, and HAA5/TTHM collections.
• Oversee routine bacteriological, inorganics, metals, etc. for distribution system, water plants, and small systems.
• Monitor water quality throughout the distribution system through data collection and the County’s nitrification program.
• Research new field equipment, develop SOPs for new field methods and implement new programs as needed
• Maintain the testing schedules for the water plants, distribution system, and small systems within Spotsylvania County to ensure samples are collected correctly and timely.
• Create and maintain a technical and safety training schedule and ensure employees complete requirements.
• Contacts service and/or technical support representatives when service or technical support is needed for maintenance and/or repair of the equipment and instruments.
• Maintains records of service and maintenance for internal and external maintenance and repair operations.
• Coordinate with other departments and divisions as needed for the collections of repeats, maintenance, and/or VDH assessments.
• Coordinates with contract laboratories for sampling projects
• Maintains Safety Data Sheets and Certificates of Analysis for field chemicals.

• Monitors and accounts for hazards using necessary personal protection equipment and safety protocols. Maintains a safe work environment. Ensures all personnel wear required PPE.
• Identifies acceptable sample locations and taps that meet regulatory requirements.
• Evaluates data gathered while monitoring the distribution system and identifies and notifies accordingly if results are unusual or unexpected.
• Responds to customer inquiries and concerns.  Communicates the water quality results to management and/or customer. Communicates confidently, accurately, and appropriately with customers.
• Communicates and coordinates sampling with field crew staff, contractors, and inspectors for flushing, water main break collections, new lines, etc.
• Generates, enters, updates, and completes work orders in Cityworks software. Regularly takes initiative to improve field operations and data tracking within Cityworks.
• May be required to sample from water meters, sample stations, hydrants, water towers, etc.
• Trains, instructs, calibrates, performs general maintenance, and troubleshoots both field equipment and laboratory equipment (i.e. pH meters, HACH meters, incubators, sample refrigerators, water baths, etc.)
• Writes, edits, and maintains field SOPs. Responsible for reading, understanding and following SOPs.
• Maintaining and restocking chemical supplies required for field and laboratory operations.
• Independently troubleshoots QA/QC issues associated with methods and instrumentation within their scope. Conducts quality control checks on field equipment as required. Conducts quality control checks on field equipment as required.
• Communicates clearly in writing and in person using scientific language, appropriate notations and SOP defined shorthand.
• Prepares coolers for various sample collections, samples with various preservatives, and completes appropriate chain of custody forms and sample container labels accurately. 
• Notifies management if the initiation of a corrective action plan is necessary.
• Maintains Spotsylvania County vehicles to include safety checks.
• Maintains sampling and analytical records so they are accurate, legible, and on time.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Bachelor’s Degree in the Chemical, Environmental, Biological Sciences, or Physical Sciences; and three (3) years of experience in distribution system sampling and/or microbiological laboratory analyses; or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities.   

Within six months, must demonstrate and maintain capability to independently analyze the following parameters: Heterotrophic Plate Count, E. coli, and Total Coliform Bacteria. 

Possession of a valid driver’s License issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Must obtain and maintain First Aid and CPR certifications.

Virginia Class Water License (any level) preferred.