Sample Technician-Part Time

Why Work at Des Moines Water Works? At Des Moines Water Works (DMWW), every employee plays a vital role in delivering Water You Can Trust for Life to over 600,000 central Iowans. We’re looking for team members who are customer‑focused and committed to our mission.

When you join DMWW, you become part of a team that values environmental stewardship—protecting our most essential natural resource: water. Just as importantly, we recognize that our people are our greatest asset. Your wellbeing matters to us—from physical and psychological safety to wellness, fitness, and professional growth, we’re committed to supporting your health and development at work and beyond.

Under the supervision of the Supervisor of Operators, this position conducts routine inspections of water treatment facilities, collects and analyzes field and treatment plant samples, performs laboratory testing, and communicates abnormal results or conditions to ensure safe and efficient water treatment operations.

IMPORTANT NOTE:
This is a part‑time position scheduled for approximately 32 hours per month. The work schedule consists exclusively of rotating weekends and holidays.

• Collects water samples from field locations and from various stages of the water treatment process.
• Performs laboratory analyses, including titrations, concentration measurements, chemical tests, and microbiological procedures, following established methods and quality‑control requirements.
• Communicates sample results and any abnormal findings to the Control Center operator and supervisor in a timely manner.
• Inspects treatment plant equipment, processes, and facilities; identifies and reports abnormal conditions or operational concerns to the Control Center.
• Performs routine maintenance and cleaning on equipment, including draining and flushing turbidimeters and sample lines, and removing lime buildup from slakers.
• Accurately logs samples and enters data into spreadsheets, databases, and other tracking tools.
• Occasionally collects surface water samples from rivers, ponds, and lakes to support monitoring and regulatory programs.
• Collects samples for bacterial analysis as required.
• Operates company vehicles and job‑related equipment safely while adhering to PPE requirements and safety procedures.
• Performs other duties of a similar nature as assigned.

High school diploma or GED equivalent.

None.

• Must possess a valid driver’s license with a good driving record. This position requires driver remain insurable under the company’s coverage.
• Grade 1 Iowa Water Treatment Plant Operator Certification within 1 year of appointment to the position.

• Minimum age of 21 years old preferred.
• Candidates under 21 years old must have an acceptable driving record to be selected.

• Grade II or higher Iowa Water Treatment Plant Operator Certification.
• Minimum twelve months operational experience in Water Treatment or complete a minimum of six months operational experience in Water Treatment and earn 30 hours of related Post High School Training (3 CEU).

• Basic communication skills
• Basic analytical and decision‑making skills
• Proficient team skills
• Basic human relations skills
• Basic planning and organizing skills
• Basic mathematical skills
• Basic Computer Skills
• Knowledge of water treatment process
• Basic knowledge to complete a job assignment in a safe, clean, and orderly manner
• Ability to function in a cooperative team environment and perform tasks/assignments as directed with little to no supervision
• Ability to use basic laboratory skills and an understanding of established procedures to analyze water samples
• Knowledge of required laboratory documentation, both internal and that necessary for state/federal regulatory agencies and QA/QC purposes
• Basic knowledge of the Des Moines Water Works Water Treatment process and ability to apply this knowledge to chemical and microbiological methods
• Basic knowledge of chemicals and procedures for safe handling of chemicals including proper use of personal protective safety equipment
• Ability to read, write, communicate, and understand English