Program Manager, Chemistry (Water Quality)

POSITION: Program Manager, Chemistry (Water Quality)

DIVISION: Operations

DEPARTMENT: Water Quality

UNION/GRADE: Unit 9/Grade 29

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BASIC PURPOSE:

Manages and maintains primary responsibility for all facets of the Water Quality - Water Chemistry program. Conducts analyses on the causes and effects of physical and chemical processes that affect regulatory compliance and water quality concerns. Reviews scientific data and process control variables and provides predictive models of water quality changes in the water system. Manages the continued design, development, operation, and technical support of the Authority's Contaminant Monitoring System. Assists Program Manager, Water Quality Assurance and others regarding regulatory compliance and water quality, where applicable.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Works under the basic supervision of the Senior Program Manager, Quality Assurance.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

Exercises supervision of professional and scientific staff.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Oversees and participates in investigations of water quality including but not limited to changes from source to tap, water treatment methods, response to contamination events, water operations, water sampling and testing, etc.
• Monitors source water reservoir water quality and hydrologic trends.
• Monitors and models reservoir water quality parameters to provide predictive information to Operations regarding applied dose, disinfection effectiveness as determined by CT (concentration and time using chlorine, ozone, or other disinfectants), and IT (intensity and time using ultraviolet radiation).
• Monitors and models disinfection residuals throughout the distribution system and provide support in determination of applicable dose and determination of decay rates.
• Verifies required CT and IT to meet inactivation requirements. Reviews and verifies methods for calculation and validation of CT and IT compliance.
• Uses forecasting tools for predictive analysis related to treatment doses required for compliance, including DBP formation, lead and copper, nitrification, etc. Assists Operations by recommending chemical and/or dose changes.
• Manages overall Contaminant Monitoring System (CMS) program including: maintenance, system growth, staff oversight, staff training, data monitoring, and response procedures.
• Reviews and recommends new sensor technologies, data transfer, processing, and visualization technologies, and data communication technology for applicability to the CMS network, and provides budget information needed to maintain and expand the program.
• Reviews and verifies that current standard operating procedures and training materials are updated for improved efficiency, readiness, relevance, and applicability, and that staff are fully trained to perform required duties.
• Provides management over staff activities, conducts performance assessments, develops annual budget needs, supports procurement processes for necessary supplies and equipment, and manages outside contracts including development of scope, specifications, and awards.
• Participates in MWRA/ Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) Reservoir Operations Committee to provide expertise as related to water quality concerns within the reservoirs as well as the watershed.
• Manages reservoir monitoring programs to study the fate and transport of potential contaminant releases, and investigates and proposes treatment modifications to Operations for contaminants that may reach the system intakes.
• Assists in the development and evaluation of emergency response plan procedures.

SECONDARY DUTIES:

• Works with and coordinates activities of outside vendors and contractors as needed.
• Verifies that all work performed by direct reports utilize proper work order management and that such activities are appropriately documented and reported.
• Utilizes internal and external notifications and maintenance alerts to schedule necessary maintenance in a timely manner.
• Perform related duties, as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience:

• A Bachelor's degree in water quality engineering, chemical engineering, chemistry, or other related field is required; a graduate degree is preferred; and
• At least seven (7) years of work experience in the identification, investigation, and/or resolution of water quality issues, of at least three (3) years of were in a managerial, supervisory or project management capacity; or
• Any equivalent combination of education and experience.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Thorough knowledge of water supply operations including, source water, treatment, distribution, and storage considerations as they impact to water quality.
• Knowledge of online analyzer and remote sensor technology in water monitoring applications, including knowledge of water security monitoring and contaminant warning systems.
• Demonstrated ability to gather, analyze, and present technical information.
• Demonstrated ability to lead multiple project teams through planning, organizing, directing, training, and assigning duties to subordinates.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

A valid Massachusetts Driver's License required.

A valid Massachusetts Grade II Water Treatment License; or the ability to obtain within one (1) year.

Participates in an on-call rotation to monitor and respond to water quality alarms and implement Consequence Management Plan response as appropriate.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED:

Laboratory test equipment, hand tools, mobile radio, telephone, beeper, personal computer including word processing and other software, copy and fax machine.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls and reach with hands and arms. The employee occasionally is required to sit, stand and walk. The employee is frequently required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; taste or smell.

The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in an office, laboratory, and field environment. The employee occasionally works in outside weather conditions. The employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts and is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions and vibration. The employee occasionally works in high, precarious places ad is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, and risk of electrical shock.

The noise level in the work environment is usually loud in field settings, and moderately quiet in office settings.

Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, disability, sex or gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or veteran status.