Program Manager, Water Quality

DIVISION: Operations

DEPARTMENT: Water Quality Assurance

UNION/GRADE: Unit 9/Grade 29

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BASIC PURPOSE:

Oversees the assessment of drinking water quality, conducts sampling and analyses for Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) compliance. Supports investigations on the causes and effects of distribution system water quality deterioration including coliform regrowth, chlorine residual decay, nitrification, customer complaints, discolored water, algae and cyanobacterial related issues, and other water quality concerns.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

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

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

Exercises direct supervision of the Laboratory Supervisor and other professional staff.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Oversees and participates in the monitoring of daily and weekly source and distribution water quality trends to identify potential SDWA compliance deficiencies and recommends corrective action(s) as required.
• Participates in the preparation and review of routine water quality reports or other communication to communities, Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and others as required. Acts as primary and/or secondary signatory for routine reporting to DEP.
• Coordinates Operations response to source and treated water quality incidents.
• Establishes and oversees a trigger planning system to diagnose and respond to water quality problems.
• Participates in the investigation of distribution system water quality deterioration including, but not limited to, coliform or E. coli detection and regrowth, chlorine residual decay and nitrification, algae, cyanotoxins and cyanobacteria, and discolored water. Recommends corrective action(s) and coordinates actions with community water departments as required.
• Responds to water quality complaints, including coordination of MWRA sampling and reporting data, as necessary.
• Keeps up-to-date with American Water Works Association (AWWA) Water Research Foundation and SDWA drinking water quality research and advises management of key findings that could affect capital or operating programs.
• Develops and implements standard operating procedures or training as needed for MWRA and community field sampling staff.
• Manages and oversees sampling staff and overall sampling program. Recommends changes to improve efficiency and reliability. Ensures sampling is completed and meets all federal and state Drinking Water Regulatory requirements.
• Develops programs for algae monitoring and response, cyanotoxins, and emergency reservoir water quality sampling.
• Acts as On-Call Manager for Environmental Quality, Water.

SECONDARY DUTIES:

• Performs other related duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience:

• A Bachelor's degree in sanitary engineering, microbiology, chemistry or related field is required; graduate degree is preferred; and
• Comprehensive understanding of drinking water quality issues as acquired through at least seven (7) years of experience in water quality related work
• of which three (3) years must be in a supervisory capacity; or
• Any equivalent combination of education and experience.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Solid knowledge of the Microsoft Office Suite and ability to use video-conferencing applications such as WebEx.
• Knowledge of federal and state regulations, laws; and procedures connected to drinking water and water quality.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, analytical, written and oral communication skills including public speaking and presentation skills.
• Advanced negotiation skills and ability to maintain strong working relationships with internal and external parties.
• Ability to analyze and interpret scientific