Water Quality Specialist

Step into a role where precision meets public impact. As a Water Quality Specialist in the Production and Pumping Division for the City of Wichita, you will play a critical role in safeguarding the community's drinking water through advanced laboratory analysis and field testing. This position delivers measurable value by ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, identifying contaminants, and supporting operational decisions that protect public health. Working in a structured, growth-focused environment, you will build technical expertise across eight competency levels while contributing to a system that serves thousands of residents daily. Your work directly supports water safety, reliability, and public trust. Workdays and Hours

• Monday
• Friday 8:00am
• 4:30pm

Bargaining Unit:

Employee Council Anticipated starting salary: $50,778

• $70,944 (based on experience and qualifications) Performs chemical analysis and examinations of organic and inorganic substances, water, and/or wastewater.

Collects and tests samples at sources of supply and at various locations in the water system and performs analysis both in the field and in the laboratory. May prepare media, stains, and reagents used in a laboratory. May perform bacteriological or parasitological analysis. Cleans and performs routine maintenance of lab equipment. Composes oral and written reports. Conducts research to keep abreast of new developments in specialized fields of chemistry. May answer consumer complaint calls about water quality. Completion of work assignments may require the operation of a vehicle. These examples are not intended to be all-inclusive. Other related duties may be assigned as needed, including but not limited to tasks performed by O&M Specialists, IEC Specialists, and Process Control Specialists. Knowledge of chemistry, biology, and parasitology as related to public laboratory work. Thorough knowledge of the functions, care, and use of laboratory equipment. Knowledge of the methods of preparing and maintaining laboratory records. Ability to learn, within a reasonable period of time, the laws, ordinances, and procedures related to the laboratory. Ability to read and interpret technical manuals. Ability to distinguish colors accurately.

For bacteriologist:

visual acuity to accurately identify, count, and evaluate microorganisms. Ability to drive at night Ability to walk variable distances multiple times per shift and climb stairs and ladders and to bend, twist, push, pull and reach as necessary. Ability to exert up to 40 pounds of pressure to operate valves and fire hydrants. Ability to work outdoors in inclement weather. Ability to be available for after-hour emergencies including on-call duties. Ability to tolerate exposure to a wide range of chemicals and microorganisms. Ability to prepare comprehensive reports. Ability to perform standard laboratory procedures. Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with associates, and representatives of other organizations. Ability to communicate clearly and effectively. May require ability to traverse uneven, sometimes slippery terrain, and climb steps or ladders. May require ability to acquire and maintain a valid Kansas driver's license. An employee shall not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of other individuals in the workplace. Required Experience and Training Bachelor's degree in chemistry, Biology, Microbiology, or Environmental Science that includes at least 20 semester credit hours in Chemistry OR Four (4) years of laboratory experience performing chemical, physical, or microbiological analysis in a water, wastewater, environmental, industrial, or public health laboratory setting. A valid driver's license. Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need of a sponsorship. Preferred Experience and Training One (1) year of full-time laboratory experience performing advanced or specialized chemical, physical, or microbiological analysis in a water, wastewater, environmental, industrial, or public health laboratory setting beyond entry-level laboratory functions. Offers of employment are contingent upon passing a pre-employment physical, which includes drug screening, and upon satisfactory evaluation of the results of a criminal record check.