Job Title: Water Quality Control Engineer
Job Summary:
The Senior Water Quality Control Engineer is responsible for overseeing and ensuring the highest standards of water quality in water treatment facilities. This role involves leading the development and implementation of water quality monitoring systems, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, and optimizing water treatment processes. The Senior Engineer will lead complex troubleshooting and problem-solving initiatives, manage quality control projects, mentor junior engineers, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to achieve water quality goals. This position requires expertise in water quality control, process optimization, and regulatory compliance in the water treatment industry.
Key Responsibilities:
Water Quality Monitoring and Testing:
- Oversee and manage the collection, analysis, and testing of water quality parameters from various stages of the water treatment process, including raw water, filtration, disinfection, and distribution.
- Ensure the use of state-of-the-art instruments for monitoring water quality (e.g., pH, chlorine, turbidity, biological contaminants) and ensure data accuracy.
- Develop, implement, and refine water quality testing protocols to improve consistency, reliability, and regulatory compliance.
Regulatory Compliance and Reporting:
- Ensure all water quality monitoring and testing activities comply with local, state, and federal regulations, including EPA, WHO, and other water quality standards.
- Oversee the preparation of water quality reports for regulatory authorities, ensuring that all documentation meets compliance requirements and accurately reflects system performance.
- Stay updated on regulatory changes and implement necessary adjustments to water quality control procedures to maintain compliance.
Troubleshooting and Process Optimization:
- Lead efforts to troubleshoot complex water quality issues, addressing problems with instrumentation, chemical dosing, filtration, or disinfection processes.
- Implement process control and optimization strategies to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of water treatment processes, reducing chemical usage and energy consumption while maintaining water quality.
- Use data analysis tools to monitor trends and make recommendations for improvements in the water treatment process based on water quality findings.
System Development and Implementation:
- Lead the design, installation, and integration of new water quality monitoring systems, ensuring they align with plant operational needs and regulatory standards.
- Ensure that all new systems (e.g., instrumentation, SCADA, PLCs) are fully integrated into existing water treatment processes and thoroughly tested for functionality.
- Oversee the automation of water quality monitoring, using advanced technologies (e.g., IoT sensors, predictive analytics) to enhance real-time monitoring capabilities.
Team Leadership and Mentorship:
- Mentor and guide junior and mid-level engineers, providing technical expertise and support in water quality testing, data analysis, and process optimization.
- Conduct regular performance reviews and set development goals for engineers, fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
- Lead and train the team on best practices in water quality monitoring, troubleshooting, and regulatory compliance to ensure high standards across operations.
Collaboration and Cross-Functional Support:
- Collaborate with operations, maintenance, engineering, and IT teams to address water quality issues and optimize treatment processes.
- Provide technical expertise and support to other departments in resolving instrumentation or process control challenges that affect water quality.
- Coordinate with senior management to ensure that water quality goals align with broader plant objectives and performance targets.
Data Management and Performance Monitoring:
- Manage the collection, storage, and analysis of water quality data, using advanced tools to track performance and ensure consistency with industry standards.
- Develop key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the success of water quality control initiatives, such as compliance rates, process efficiency, and chemical use.
- Use data analytics to identify performance trends, forecast potential issues, and guide decision-making for continuous improvement in water quality.
Safety and Risk Management:
- Ensure that all water quality testing and control systems comply with safety protocols and industry standards, minimizing risks to personnel, the environment, and water safety.
- Lead safety audits and risk assessments for water quality control processes and implement corrective actions to mitigate risks.
- Develop and promote a safety-first culture within the team and ensure that safety procedures are followed during all stages of water treatment and quality testing.
Continuous Improvement and Innovation:
- Promote a culture of innovation within the team, identifying and implementing new technologies and methods for enhancing water quality control and improving water treatment outcomes.
- Lead projects focused on the optimization of water quality control systems and the integration of cutting-edge technologies, such as advanced sensors, machine learning, and predictive maintenance.
- Stay informed about industry trends, emerging technologies, and new regulatory requirements to ensure the water treatment process remains at the forefront of industry standards.
Key Focus Areas:
- Water Quality Monitoring and Process Optimization: Lead water quality testing, process improvements, and optimization strategies to meet regulatory standards and improve efficiency.
- Regulatory Compliance: Ensure all water quality processes comply with environmental regulations and industry standards, managing the necessary reporting and audits.
- Advanced Troubleshooting and Process Innovation: Drive the resolution of complex technical issues and implement innovative solutions to enhance water quality control.
- Leadership and Team Development: Manage, mentor, and develop a team of engineers, fostering technical excellence and career growth within the team.
- Data Management and Performance Monitoring: Oversee data analysis, monitoring, and reporting systems to optimize water treatment processes and ensure high-quality water output.
Skills and Knowledge Required:
- Advanced knowledge of water quality parameters (e.g., pH, chlorine, turbidity, microbial content) and their role in water treatment processes.
- Extensive experience with water quality monitoring instrumentation and laboratory testing methods (e.g., pH meters, chlorine analyzers, turbidity meters).
- Expertise in process control systems, SCADA, PLCs, and automation technologies used in water treatment operations.
- Strong analytical skills for interpreting water quality data and making recommendations for process improvements.
- In-depth knowledge of environmental and water quality regulations, including the EPA standards and WHO guidelines.
- Proven leadership and team management skills, with experience in mentoring and developing engineers.
- Excellent problem-solving skills and a proactive approach to process optimization and troubleshooting.
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, process control, or environmental management are desirable.
Experience:
- 5+ years of experience in water quality control, water treatment, or related fields, with a focus on managing and optimizing water quality systems.
- Experience leading complex troubleshooting efforts, water treatment process optimization, and ensuring compliance with water quality regulations.
- Proven track record of managing projects, including the design, implementation, and optimization of water quality monitoring systems.
Tools and Technologies:
- Expertise in SCADA systems, PLC programming, and water quality monitoring instrumentation.
- Familiarity with data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, Power BI, SQL) for water quality data management and reporting.
- Experience with emerging technologies such as IoT sensors, predictive analytics, and machine learning in water quality monitoring is a plus.
Other Requirements:
- Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectively in a dynamic environment.
- Willingness to travel to water treatment sites and assist in system commissioning, troubleshooting, and process improvements.
- Commitment to staying up-to-date with new technologies, regulatory changes, and industry best practices.