Job Title: Water Quality Control Engineer
Job Summary:
The Water Quality Control Engineer Manager is responsible for overseeing the water quality monitoring, testing, and optimization activities in water treatment plants. This managerial position involves leading a team of engineers and technicians to ensure compliance with regulatory standards, optimize water treatment processes, and maintain the highest quality of water for distribution. The manager will guide the implementation of advanced monitoring systems, troubleshoot complex issues, drive process improvements, and ensure the maintenance of all water quality control equipment. This role also requires effective collaboration with other departments and stakeholders to achieve operational goals.
Key Responsibilities:
Team Leadership and Management:
- Lead, manage, and mentor a team of water quality control engineers and technicians, fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture.
- Set clear performance goals, conduct regular performance evaluations, and provide continuous feedback to team members.
- Organize training programs to ensure team members stay updated on new technologies, regulations, and best practices in water quality control.
- Manage the daily operations of the water quality control team, ensuring that work is completed efficiently, safely, and in compliance with regulatory standards.
Water Quality Monitoring and Testing:
- Oversee water quality monitoring across various stages of water treatment, including raw water intake, filtration, disinfection, and final distribution.
- Ensure that water quality tests (e.g., pH, turbidity, chlorine levels, microbial contamination, hardness) are conducted accurately and in a timely manner.
- Develop and implement water quality testing procedures to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations (e.g., EPA, WHO).
Regulatory Compliance and Reporting:
- Ensure all water quality control practices comply with local, state, and federal water quality regulations, including environmental and health standards.
- Oversee the preparation of regulatory compliance reports, summarizing test results, performance data, and corrective actions.
- Ensure all necessary documentation is complete and available for audits or inspections by regulatory agencies.
- Act as the primary point of contact for regulatory bodies and maintain effective relationships to ensure smooth compliance procedures.
Process Optimization and Troubleshooting:
- Lead efforts to troubleshoot and resolve complex water quality issues related to instrumentation, filtration, chemical dosing, and disinfection processes.
- Identify opportunities for process improvements and cost reductions while maintaining or improving water quality.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams (e.g., operations, maintenance, engineering) to optimize water treatment processes and systems, ensuring maximum efficiency and regulatory compliance.
Project Management and System Integration:
- Manage water quality-related projects, including the design, installation, and integration of new instrumentation or monitoring systems.
- Develop project plans, allocate resources, and track project progress to ensure projects are completed on time, within budget, and to specification.
- Lead the implementation of advanced technologies, such as IoT sensors, predictive maintenance systems, and automated control systems, to enhance water quality monitoring capabilities.
- Oversee the commissioning and integration of new water quality monitoring systems into the existing infrastructure.
Data Management and Performance Monitoring:
- Oversee the collection, analysis, and interpretation of water quality data from various monitoring systems to ensure the water treatment process is functioning optimally.
- Develop key performance indicators (KPIs) to track water quality trends and identify areas for improvement.
- Ensure that data is accurately recorded and analyzed to provide actionable insights for continuous improvement in the water treatment process.
Safety and Risk Management:
- Ensure the safety of water quality testing procedures, equipment handling, and chemical management by adhering to safety protocols and environmental guidelines.
- Lead the implementation of safety audits and risk assessments for water quality systems to minimize risks to personnel, equipment, and the environment.
- Promote a safety-first culture, ensuring that all staff members are properly trained in safety practices and regulations.
Collaboration and Cross-Functional Support:
- Collaborate with other departments (e.g., operations, maintenance, engineering, IT) to ensure the effective integration of water quality monitoring systems with other operational systems.
- Work closely with senior management to develop and align water quality goals with overall plant objectives.
- Provide technical support and guidance to other departments on water quality-related issues.
Continuous Improvement and Innovation:
- Promote the use of innovative technologies and methodologies to improve water quality control processes and reduce operational costs.
- Stay informed on the latest trends in water quality control, water treatment processes, and instrumentation technologies, integrating these into the facility’s operations.
- Lead initiatives to drive process optimization, improve system performance, and reduce energy consumption or chemical use in water treatment.
Key Focus Areas:
- Team Leadership and Development: Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team responsible for ensuring optimal water quality standards.
- Process Optimization: Oversee troubleshooting, process improvements, and the integration of new technologies to enhance water quality monitoring and treatment efficiency.
- Regulatory Compliance: Ensure compliance with water quality regulations and standards, managing reporting and documentation for audits and inspections.
- System Integration and Project Management: Manage projects related to water quality monitoring systems, ensuring their seamless integration with existing infrastructure.
- Continuous Improvement and Innovation: Drive improvements in water quality control and treatment processes using the latest technologies and process innovations.
Skills and Knowledge Required:
- In-depth knowledge of water quality parameters (e.g., pH, chlorine, turbidity, microbial content) and their significance in water treatment processes.
- Proficiency in water quality monitoring instrumentation and laboratory testing methods.
- Strong understanding of regulatory standards and compliance requirements for water quality and environmental safety.
- Experience with SCADA, PLCs, and other process control technologies used in water treatment.
- Proven ability to troubleshoot and resolve complex water quality issues in real-time.
- Strong leadership, project management, and team-building skills.
- Excellent communication skills to work effectively with cross-functional teams and present findings to senior management and regulatory authorities.
- Proficiency in data analysis tools and performance monitoring systems (e.g., Excel, Power BI, SQL).
Educational Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Environmental Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or a related technical field.
- Certifications in water quality monitoring, environmental compliance, or water treatment technologies are highly desirable.
Experience:
- 7+ years of experience in water quality control, water treatment, or a related field, with at least 3 years in a managerial or leadership role.
- Proven experience managing water quality projects, ensuring regulatory compliance, and optimizing water treatment processes.
- Hands-on experience with SCADA systems, PLCs, and water quality monitoring equipment is essential.
Tools and Technologies:
- Expertise in SCADA platforms (e.g., Siemens WinCC, Wonderware, Ignition), PLC systems (e.g., Siemens, Allen-Bradley), and water quality monitoring instruments.
- Proficiency with data analysis and performance monitoring tools (e.g., Excel, Power BI, SQL).
- Experience with advanced water treatment technologies, such as IoT sensors and predictive analytics.
Other Requirements:
- Strong leadership and team management skills with the ability to mentor and develop engineers and technicians.
- Ability to work in both field and office environments, and willingness to travel to different sites as needed.
- A strong commitment to safety, compliance, and environmental sustainability in water treatment operations.