CITY OF PHILADELPHIA PERSONNEL DEPARTMENT
3G32
WATER TECHNOLOGY ASSISTANT
Specialties
( Operations )
( Water Quality )
GENERAL DEFINITION
This is technical work of limited scope and complexity performing a variety of assignments in
support of various water engineering and scientific projects. Employees perform such assignments as
water quality investigations, collecting and evaluating water, wastewater and sludge samples, preparing
preliminary mechanical, electrical or electronic designs and plans and making minor changes to designs
and plans when necessitated by operational efficiency and field conditions. The employees in the
Operations specialty perform these assignments in support of engineering or technical staff in a water or
wastewater plant or a related section. The employees in the Water Quality specialty perform these
assignments in support of engineering, scientific or technical staff engaged in laboratory testing and
analysis, or research and development or a related function. This class differs from similar classes by
the diversity of the assignments. Work is performed under the supervision of an engineering, scientific
or technical superior.
TYPICAL EXAMPLES OF WORK (ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY)
Water Quality Specialty
- Performs water quality surveys; gathers data and water and wastewater samples and performs
standard field and laboratory, physical, chemical or biological tests to determine water quality contents;
performs strategic sampling of watersheds, treatment plants, water distribution systems, reservoirs and
large industrial facilities; reads maps and diagrams in order to determine appropriate sample locations and
problem sites; performs simple maintenance, adjustments and inspection of equipment used to monitor
and evaluate water quality; collects water samples involving the sanitizing of water mains and storage
facilities and coordinates the activity with affected department units.
- Assists in the coordination of the laboratory's scheduled sample collection routes; substitutes for
sample collectors, reviews their field data, performs follow-up sampling and evaluates scheduling of
routes.
- Responds to customer complaints of water quality problems reported by customer services field
inspectors; reviews inspectors' drawings to identify the problem location; collects samples and reports
findings; coordinates with field inspector or other personnel in the resolution of complaints; makes
inspection of conditions; interacts with customer and collects appropriate water samples; performs simple
tests and prepares written compilation of results.
- Researches historical records and data in order to locate plans, or pertinent field conditions;
compiles lists of plumbing permits; uses computer terminal, maps and plans in locating operational
devices and sampling and problem sites; assists in the coordination of vehicle and field equipment
maintenance.
Operations Specialty
- Prepares preliminary sketches, designs, plans and specifications; reviews designs prepared by
design engineers and consultants to determine compatibility with field conditions; may make minor
modifications to designs and plans; performs field inspections to determine if work complies with plans
and specifications; reviews manufacturers' parts and equipment manuals, industry handbooks and other
literature applicable to water engineering and support assignments.
- Monitors, studies, modifies and makes improvements to mechanical, electrical and electronic
equipment and components; updates wiring schematics and drawings; provides technical support for
electronic engineering projects in areas such as instrumentation, automation, computer and communications systems by testing equipment and support systems and recommending minor modifications;
researches and participates in training on new methods and technologies for improved mechanical,
electrical and electronic programs and systems.
- Coordinates special mechanical, electrical or electronic projects; provides technical support on
a variety of projects; researches historical records in order to locate plans of problem sites pertinent to
project assignment; prepares reports on findings; prepares a variety of charts, graphs and tables for the
presentation of collected data.
Both Specialties
- Performs statistical analysis of data, using mean, standard deviations and various other formulae;
performs calculations; prepares written reports on projects, tests results, and basic interpretation for
engineers and scientists; distributes reports to city, state and federal agencies.
- Maintains a written log of field observations and writes reports of relevant findings, including
the results of samples.
- Tests the operation and condition of plumbing backflow prevention devices.
- Performs related work as required.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
KNOWLEDGE OF:
Water Quality Only
- the fundamental causes and effects of water quality degradation and improvement.
- the principles of stream and estuary flow and natural runoff.
- the principles and practices of engineering or engineering technology.
Operations Only
- the principles and practices of water and wastewater treatment.
- the principles, practices, techniques and instruments related to drafting and plans revision.
- the preparation of preliminary design and specification writing.
Both Specialties
- mathematics and its application to basic chemistry and biology.
- engineering mathematics and their application to engineering calculations.
- the nomenclature, technical symbols, equipment and materials used in chemistry, biology and/or
basic engineering.
- the principles and techniques for setting up and operating analytical and monitoring instrumentation.
- the principles, practices and methods used in basic chemistry, biology and/or hydraulics.
- the techniques used in conducting basic chemical testing.
SKILL IN:
- the use and care of instruments, tools, materials and equipment used in basic chemistry, biology
and/or engineering.
ABILITY TO:
- prepare, read and interpret technical plans, layouts, charts, diagrams, schematics, maps,
estimates, specifications and field and tests reports.
- operate chemical and biological laboratory equipment and analytical instrumentation.
- install and operate water sampling and flow measurement equipment.
- prepare and interpret reports showing test results and analyses.
- learn how to run basic computer programs.
MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE
(The following statement represents the
minimum training and experience standards which will be used to admit or reject applicants for tests.
Applications submitted by candidates for this class will be reviewed based on training and experience
requirements as approved on 5/87.)
- Completion of a two year program at a technical institute or an accredited college or university
with major course work in water or engineering technology, engineering, biology, chemistry or
environmental studies.
OR
- Completion of a one year course in chemistry, biology, environmental studies, engineering or
water or engineering technology program at a technical institute or an accredited college or university
which has included satisfactory completion of a minimum of six credit hours in one of the courses listed
above.
- One year experience performing chemical or bacteriological tests, operating and maintaining water
chemical laboratory and analytical instrumentation, or one year of advanced level drafting work,
preparing detailed maps, drawings, plans and designs in a Water Utility for the Operations Specialty.
- One year of experience performing chemical or bacteriological tests, operating and maintaining
water chemical laboratory and analytical instrumentation, or one year gathering and analyzing data and
test results of a technical water resources program for the Water Quality specialty.
Or any equivalent combination of education and experience determined to be acceptable by the
Personnel Department which has included completion of one year of post high school training specified
above as an educational minimum.
PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of
a position in this class.
LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND/OR CERTIFICATES
- Possession of a valid proper class motor vehicle operator's license as issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania prior to appointment and during tenure of employment as a Water Technology Assistant if required by work assignment.
PAY RANGE: 14
Class Established: 4/1974
Latest Spec. Revision: 5/1987
TOC/sb/ps
END OF JOB CLASS SPECIFICATION - 3G32