THE REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF WATERLOO POSITION DESCRIPTION

Transcription

1 THE REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF WATERLOO POSITION DESCRIPTION POSITION: ENVIRONMENTAL OFFICER II REFERENCE NO: (WATER SERVICES) EVALUATION DATE: DEPARTMENT: TRANSPORTATION & ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES MAINTENANCE DATE: DIVISION: WATER SERVICES UNION: CUPE LOCAL 1883 REPORTS TO: SUPERVISOR, ENVIRONMENTAL REVISED: December 10, 2003 FIELD SERVICES GENERAL PURPOSE: To ensure compliance with monitoring programs of Environmental Enforcement & Laboratory Services (EE&LS) by performing all field monitoring activities, thereby protecting the environment, the drinking water supply and distribution systems, and wastewater treatment plants. MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES: Samples industrial effluent, drinking water, leachate, ground water, surface water, and compost for inorganic, organic and bacteriological analyses, using portable sampling equipment, in accordance with strict sampling and quality assurance protocols. Ensures that sample handling and submissions fulfill the requirements of the EE&LS quality system. Employs a variety of portable monitoring instruments and chemical test kits for on-site field evaluations. Performs on-site analyses for field parameters, such as ph, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, chlorine residuals, turbidity, hardness, and temperature and operates a gas testing device that evaluates the acceptability of the air quality. Also performs physical field measurements, such as determination of well levels. Ensures that all required quality control measures related to field sampling and analysis equipment have been taken and documented. Reports all adverse drinking water chlorine residual results immediately to the appropriate EE&LS staff, in accordance with current drinking water legislation. Resamples, in accordance with Ministry of the Environment (MOE) requirements, locations where any adverse water quality parameter has been detected; liaises with Regional and municipal staff to coordinate the timing and location of resamples. Takes bacteriological samples from newly constructed water mains and performs total and free chlorine residual testing at construction sites, as part of the commissioning process. Maintains detailed field notes regarding the conditions and circumstances surrounding each sampling event. Enters all analytical and field data into the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).

2 2 Maintains all field equipment, such as wastewater samplers and portable analytical equipment, as well as all supplies used for the sampling purposes, including preparing bottles and maintaining equipment logs and quality records. Obtains evidentiary samples, in accordance with strict policies and procedures, which could be used in legal action against companies found to be in non-compliance with the Region's Sewer Use By-law. Assists the various program field coordinators with establishing and maintaining electronic and hard copy records associated with monitoring activities. When sampling industrial effluent, contacts company representatives on site and acts as liaison during initial investigation of abnormal discharges. Assists Environmental Officer I in the performance of company inspections to ensure compliance with Regional and Provincial environmental policies. When sampling for the drinking water monitoring programs, receives water quality complaints and general inquiries from the public and passes the information on to the appropriate staff member for response. Deals directly with members of the public when entering private and public establishments for sampling purposes. Occasionally participates in meetings with the various program coordinators and EE&LS clients to exchange information and provide technical input related to monitoring program sampling and field requirements. Analyzes, as required, performance evaluation samples provided by the Canadian Association of Environmental Analytical Laboratories (CAEAL), containing analyte concentrations known by CAEAL but not the EE&LS. The EE&LS is required to correctly determine the analyte concentrations in order to maintain quality system accreditation. As required, on a rotating basis, acts as part of an environmental spills response or a drinking water monitoring team which is on call 24 hours a day. Spills response involves site assessment, containment and clean-up coordination, using spill containment and remediation equipment, sampling, providing technical advice regarding environmental impacts, and contacting various other responding agencies. Drinking water response includes sampling of locations that indicate adverse drinking water quality. Performs other related duties as assigned. RESPONSIBILITY FOR MATERIAL/FINANCIAL RESOURCES: Recommends purchases to improve the overall efficiency of own work. Ensures that all Regional vehicles, including trucks, trailers, all terrain vehicles (ATV), as well as various sampling and monitoring equipment used for own work are operated safely and maintained in good working condition. Ensures that a personal computer, lap top computer, palm pilot, two-way radio and cell phone used for own work are maintained in good working condition. NATURE AND IMPACT OF ERROR:

3 3 Failure to follow proper sampling procedures and to fulfill the various monitoring program requirements, as stipulated in Regional, Provincial and Federal legislation, could endanger the health of the public, adversely affect the natural environment, endanger the safety of the groundwater supply, adversely affect the operation of the Regional wastewater treatment plants, result in legal action against the Region, financial loss to companies, and disrupt provision of Regional services. Sampling or analytical errors could lead to inaccurate analytical data which in turn could result in unnecessary financial expenditures, failure to take necessary corrective actions, loss of accreditation for the EE&LS, and a loss of confidence in the quality of the services supplied by the Region. Failure to follow proper safety procedures when operating equipment or vehicles or working at various industrial sites could endanger the health and safety of the incumbent, other Regional staff or the public. Errors in judgement when responding to an environmental spill situation could adversely affect public safety, property and the environment. Inappropriately addressing water quality concerns and inquiries from the public could have a negative impact on public relations and the Region's image. RESPONSIBILITY FOR SUPERVISION OF STAFF AND OTHERS: N/A CONTACTS AND HUMAN RELATIONS: a) Internal: Receives direct supervision from the Supervisor, Environmental Field Services; receives guidance and direction from the various program field coordinators. Occasionally receives instruction from and exchanges information with members of other technical and administrative sections of the EE&LS, especially the Technologist, QA/QC and the program coordinators. Discusses sampling sites and program requirements with Waste Management staff and Water Operations & Maintenance staff as required. Exchanges information with Wastewater Operations staff regarding treatment plant problems, wastewater disposal requests and special investigations. Occasionally receives direction from and exchanges information with the Director, Water Services. Contacts Fleet Services staff, as required, to arrange vehicle repairs. b) External: Works in conjunction with MOE, Area Municipal staff, private service providers, and emergency response service providers, when responding to environmental spills. Has direct public contact during environmental spill investigations and on a daily basis when sampling distribution locations. Occasionally contacts external consultants for specific studies. As part of the industrial monitoring program, contacts various industry representatives daily to obtain samples and discuss effluent quality or concerns. Has occasional contact with external consultants for specific studies and support functions. Obtains permission from homeowners, business owners and landowners, as required, to access sampling locations not on Regional property. Responds to the media during environmental spills.

4 EFFORT (Mental, Physical): 4 Work is performed in accordance with the policies and procedures established for Transportation & Environmental Services, as well as Provincial and Federal legislation including the Safe Drinking Water Act, Environmental Protection Act, Ontario Water Resources Act, Municipal Act, Fisheries Act, Gasoline Handling Act, Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act, and Occupational Health and Safety Act. Follows established sample collection procedures and strict protocols to perform work; however, a considerable amount of judgement is involved to determine the appropriate type of sample and whether or not a sample will be representative of the water quality of the source. Field work involves independent action and judgment, and is only reviewed through field reports, submitted samples, and associated analytical results. Prompt and accurate decisions in an environmental incident are required to minimize the possible impact to people, property and the environment. Manual dexterity, visual attention to detail, and the ability to carefully follow written procedures are required when using portable monitoring instruments and chemical test kits. Field work consists of driving, riding or walking to sampling locations then standing, bending, stooping or reaching 70% of the time in order to use the sampling or monitoring equipment. Operates an ATV and carries equipment and supplies, often over rough terrain. Routinely lifts and carries sampling equipment, instruments, coolers, generators. Uses a device to lift and drag manhole covers, which can weigh up to 240 lbs. WORKING CONDITIONS: Work is performed outside 75% of the time and in a standard office environment the remaining 25% of the time. Work is performed at various industries, drinking water supply and distribution sampling locations, and sanitary landfill sites throughout the Region, including remote areas, involving extensive driving and working in all weather conditions. When in the field, the incumbent may work alone or with other EE&LS staff. Incumbent is often exposed to dirty/muddy conditions, insects, traffic and equipment noise, unpleasant odours, as well as unknown or hazardous materials, such as leachate from landfill monitoring wells, raw sewage, sodium hypochlorite, and industrial effluent. During sample preservation, incumbent is exposed to corrosive chemicals such as sulphuric acid, sodium hydroxide, hydrogen sulphide, and nitric acid. Wears protective equipment, such as safety boots, hard hats, vests, hearing protection, goggles and gloves, and respirators as required. Work is performed to meet deadlines and is subject to schedule changes on very short notice. Weekend and after hours work is required occasionally, on short notice. SKILL:

5 5 a) Knowledge: Knowledge of water chemistry, sampling procedures, industrial processes, well construction, water and wastewater operations; the operation of applicable monitoring equipment, such as chlorine residual meters; and quality control procedures associated with water sampling, field parameter measurements, and equipment operation, normally acquired through a two year Community College Diploma in Chemistry or a related environmental science field, plus one year related practical experience. Eligibility for certification as a Water Quality Analyst, as defined in the Safe Drinking Water Act. Knowledge of Regional policies, procedures and practices, including the Region s Sewer Use By-law, as well as Provincial and Federal legislation including the Safe Drinking Water Act, Environmental Protection Act, Ontario Water Resources Act, Municipal Act, Fisheries Act, Gasoline Handling Act, Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act, and Occupational Health and Safety Act. Knowledge of spill assessment and clean up to ensure impacts on natural environment, human health and public property are minimized; that clean up activities are successful and complete. Skill in the operation, maintenance, troubleshooting and minor technical servicing of field equipment, such as composite samplers, ph, dissolved oxygen, temperature and flow meters. Knowledge of quality control procedures associated with sampling, analytical parameter measurements, and equipment operation, and quality system requirements of CAEAL, the Standard Council of Canada and ISO Organizational and time management skills to work independently and ensure that sample schedules are met to satisfy the requirements of the various monitoring programs and the EE&LS quality system. Skill in the operation of a personal computer and software such as Word, Access, Excel and LIMS. Skill in reading aerial, road, and topographical maps in order to find and access sampling locations. A valid Class G driver's licence and acceptable driving record are required in order to operate a Regional van, utility trailer, and ATV. Ability to participate as an effective team member. Ability to support and project values compatible with the organization. b) Language Communication (Written & Verbal): Ability to read and apply procedures, health and safety and instrument manuals, quality documents. Ability to create and maintain written and computerized records; to write environmental incident reports and traffic control plans; and to assist with writing reports using technical terminology. Ability to provide explanations of sampling techniques, treatment processes, and environmental impacts, using specialized terminology; to exchange technical information; and to respond to public inquiries and complaints regarding water quality and environmental spills using diplomacy and tact. Adept at dealing with the media when responding to environmental spills.

6 6 Position Incumbent: Name Signature Supervisor Manager, Employee Services & Systems Department Head Assistant Chief Administrative Officer, Human Resources