Water Quality Inspector
City of Orange, CA is looking for Water Quality Inspector in Orange, CA.
This local job opportunity with ID 3662816950 is live since 2026-05-04 14:28:34.
Salary : $74,940.00 - $96,096.00 Annually
Location : Orange, CA
Job Type: Full Time Miscellaneous
Job Number: 01673
Department: Public Works Department
Division: Water Division
Opening Date: 04/16/2026
Closing Date: 5/17/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
JOIN THE CITY OF ORANGE AS A WATER QUALITY INSPECTOR!
Under general supervision, performs a variety of chemical, physical, biological, and bacteriological analysis involved in the testing and reporting of City water quality; performs a variety of technical duties involved in the testing and inspection of back flow and/or cross connection devices for the water distribution system; performs a variety of technical tasks relative to conducting and interpreting standard to complex laboratory analysis; and performs related work as required.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED:
Receives general supervision from assigned supervisory or management personnel. Exercises no direct supervision of staff.
Examples of Duties
Management reserves the right to add, modify, change or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.
Knowledge of:
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:
Supplemental Information
Must possess mobility to work in an office and field environment; operate and motor vehicle; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; color vision to identify chemical and biological solvents and substances; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. Employees primarily work indoors but frequently walk within water production and distribution facilities to take samples. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to handle laboratory equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push and pull materials and objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
Environmental Elements:
Employees work primarily indoors but are occasionally exposed to loud noise levels, vibration, confining workspace, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives, and contractors in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.
Disaster Service Worker:
All employees of the City of Orange are designated by both State law and City ordinance to be "Disaster Service Workers." In the event of a declared emergency or any undeclared emergency or natural disaster that threatens the life, health and/or safety of the public, employees may be assigned to assist rescue and relief workers. Such assignments may be in locations, during hours and performing work significantly different from the employees' normal work assignments and may continue through the recovery phase of the emergency.
City Mission, Vision, and Values:
Incumbents in all City positions are expected to exhibit the behavior characteristics reflected in the City's Mission, Vision, and Values statements in the performance of their duties: The City of Orange is committed to excellent service for our residents, businesses, and visitors. As an organization, the City of Orange is the leader in delivering the highest level of service to meet current and future needs of the community. The City's values include Teamwork, Accountability, and Excellence.
BENEFITS FOR ORANGE MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION
The City of Orange provides a generous array of benefits to employees in addition to maintaining competitive salaries. Benefits are prorated for part-time employees working from 20 to 35 hours.
The following is a partial list of benefits:
Salary Range. Salary Ranges are composed of six (6) steps, each approximately five percent (5%) apart. Advancements through the steps are generally made yearly and based on performance.
Retirement Benefits. Retirement benefits are provided by the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS), including the City's contribution toward the Fourth Level Survivor's Benefit.
Effective January 1, 2013, newly hired non-safety employees who are "New" CalPERS Members, as defined by the Public Employees' Pension Reform Act of 2013 ("PEPRA"), will be enrolled in the CalPERS 2% at age 62 defined benefit plan with three year final compensation in accordance with Public Employees' Pension Reform Act of 2013 (PEPRA). New Members shall contribute half of normal cost of retirement as determined by CalPERS from their pensionable compensation, on a pre-tax basis, as set forth in California Government Code Section 7522.30.
An employee who is a "Classic" Member of CalPERS or a current member of another California public retirement system who is hired by the City of Orange on or after January 1, 2013, will be enrolled in the CalPERS 2.7% @ 55 benefit formula with one year final compensation. Employees contribute 8.00% of pension reportable salary on a pre-tax basis for this retirement benefit.
Social Security & Medicare. Employees do not pay into Social Security, however, do contribute 1.45% of salary towards Medicare.
Cafeteria Benefits Plan. The City pays up to $2,210 per month which can be applied towards CalPERS medical, dental, vision, health care reimbursement, and/or dependent care reimbursement. Under certain criteria, employees may elect to opt out of the City's medical plan altogether and receive $500 per month.
Vacation. Employees earn 92 hours of vacation during the first year of service, and an increasing accrual annually up to 232 hours per year after 30 years of service. The City also provides an annual unused vacation payout plan.
Life Insurance. The City provides a term life insurance policy of $75,000.
Holidays. The City observes 11 paid holidays and provides 18 hoursof floating holiday annually.
Administrative Leave. Employees receive 45 hours of administrative leave annually.
Sick Leave. Sick leave is accrued at a rate of 96 hours per year. Employees are eligible to convert unused sick leave to vacation on an annual basis. A partial payment (up to 50%) for accumulated unused sick leave is available to City employees who retire from the City.
Other Benefits. Most employees work a "9/80" alternate work schedule with City Hall closures every other Friday. Long Term Disability, an Employee Assistance Program, Tuition Reimbursement (up to $1,500/fiscal year), Trip Reduction Program incentives, optional Deferred Compensation programs and Credit Union membership are a few of the additional benefits provided and/or available to employees.
For more information, please click for the Orange Management Association Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). Note: an updated MOU is in the process of being uploaded, so the current document may include outdated information. Please contact HR staff at if you have any questions regarding contents of the MOU.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
A Medical Examination, Police Records Check, and thorough Background Investigation are required of all prospective employees.
In compliance with the Immigration Reform & Control Act of 1986 (IRCA), all job offers made by the City of Orange are contingent upon establishing proof of your legal right to work in the United States.
All benefited employees shall be subject to a twelve (12) month probationary period as a condition of employment.
The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an express or implied contract. Any provision contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice. The types and levels of employee benefits provided, including City contributions toward benefit costs, are subject to change as a result of periodic contract settlements between recognized employee associations and the City of Orange.
The City of Orange is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
01
Do you understand that possession and maintenance of a valid CA Class C Driver's License is required?
02
What is the highest level of education that you have completed?
03
What is your degree in?
04
How many years of water utility experience do you possess in collecting water samples, testing backflow prevention devices, conducting cross-connection inspections, and investigating and resolving customer service complaints?
05
Briefly describe your water utility experience in collecting water samples, testing backflow prevention devices, conducting cross-connection inspections, and investigating and resolving customer service complaints. Be sure to include the agency name where you gained the experience and your duties. If none, type "N/A".
06
A valid Grade I Water Treatment Operator Certificate and Grade I Water Distribution Operator Certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board are required within one year of appointment. Do you understand and agree?
07
A valid Cross Connection Control Specialist Certificate issued by the American Water Works Association (AWWA) is required within one year of appointment. Do you understand and agree?
Required Question
Salary : $74,940.00 - $96,096.00 Annually
Location : Orange, CA
Job Type: Full Time Miscellaneous
Job Number: 01673
Department: Public Works Department
Division: Water Division
Opening Date: 04/16/2026
Closing Date: 5/17/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
JOIN THE CITY OF ORANGE AS A WATER QUALITY INSPECTOR!
Under general supervision, performs a variety of chemical, physical, biological, and bacteriological analysis involved in the testing and reporting of City water quality; performs a variety of technical duties involved in the testing and inspection of back flow and/or cross connection devices for the water distribution system; performs a variety of technical tasks relative to conducting and interpreting standard to complex laboratory analysis; and performs related work as required.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED:
Receives general supervision from assigned supervisory or management personnel. Exercises no direct supervision of staff.
Examples of Duties
Management reserves the right to add, modify, change or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.
- Responds to customer complaints and inquiries regarding water pressure, which may require home/business visits to ascertain problems; records and documents customer complaints, the course of action taken in responding to them, and how they were resolved.
- Assists in keeping records pertaining to cross-connection program, sending and receiving routine correspondences regarding backflow prevention device testing and other program details.
- Performs and interprets chemical, biochemical, biological, bacteriological, and physical analyses of samples related to the quality control and distribution of potable water following standard procedures and guidelines.
- Collects samples at various sites throughout the water distribution system for testing to determine the effectiveness of each stage of the process.
- Analyzes and interprets laboratory results, recognizing problems that may be occurring in the water distribution system.
- Prepares samples for analysis by commercial laboratories; ensures that test results are reviewed and reported.
- Maintains quality control and quality assurance and follows safe work procedures.
- Maintains accurate records of work performed and analysis results.
- Consults with operations and maintenance staff regarding analysis results.
- Prepares and processes reports and records including bacteriological analysis data, physical analysis data, customer complaint memos, backflow letters and test forms, annual water quality report and all laboratory log books.
- Prepares standard chemical solutions and reagents; safely disposes of outdated materials; cleans glassware and equipment; ensures that the work area is maintained in a clean and orderly condition.
- Receives, reviews and processes various reports and records including bacteriological analysis data, physical analysis data, backflow test reports, water pressure complaints, water quality complaints, and the Metropolitan Water District (M.W.D.) System status report.
- Installs, inspects, tests, calibrates, and repairs backflow prevention devices and water meters to ensure compliance with all laws and ordinances.
- Flushes hydrants and meter services for water quality and sample collection purposes.
- Maintains an inventory of laboratory supplies, chemicals, and equipment.
- Enters and retrieves water quality data.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Knowledge of:
- Chemical, biological and physical characteristics of water.
- Principles, practices, equipment and materials required for the chemical, biochemical, biological, bacteriological and physical analysis of samples of potable water.
- Practices, methods, equipment, tools, and materials used in the assembly, repair, installation and testing of backflow and cross connection devices.
- Sampling techniques and related statistical analysis techniques.
- Basic principles of water distribution.
- Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and regulations.
- Technical report writing practices and procedures.
- Principles and procedures of record keeping.
- Modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment and applications related to the work.
- English usage, spelling, vocabulary, grammar and punctuation.
- Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors and City staff.
- Perform chemical, biochemical, biological, bacteriological and physical analyses of water.
- Analyze the results of such tests and make appropriate recommendations.
- Operate a variety of equipment, tools, and testing devices used in the assembly, repair, installation, and testing of backflow and cross connection prevention devices.
- Assemble, repair, install, and test backflow and cross connection prevention devices.
- Maintain an inventory of supplies and equipment required for the performance of necessary analyses.
- Interpret, apply, explain, and ensure compliance with Federal, State, and local policies, procedures, laws, and regulations.
- Prepare and maintain clear and concise reports and accurate records and files.
- Utilize computer and related word processing, database and spreadsheet software and applications.
- Organize own work, set priorities and meet critical time deadlines.
- Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone and in writing.
- Use tact, initiative, prudence and independent judgment within general policy, procedural and legal guidelines.
- Establish, maintain, and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:
- Equivalent to an Associate's degree in chemistry, biology, natural sciences, or a related field and two (2) years of water utility experience in collecting water samples and performing bacteriological and physical water analyses, testing backflow prevention devices, conducting cross-connection inspections, and investigating and resolving customer service complaints.
- Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California Driver's License by time of appointment.
- Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Cross Connection Control Specialist Certificate issued by the American Water Works Association (AWWA) within one year from the time of appointment.
- Possess and maintain a valid Grade I Water Treatment Operator Certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) within one year from the time of appointment.
- Possess and maintain a valid Grade I Water Distribution Operator Certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) within one year from the time of appointment.
Supplemental Information
Must possess mobility to work in an office and field environment; operate and motor vehicle; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; color vision to identify chemical and biological solvents and substances; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. Employees primarily work indoors but frequently walk within water production and distribution facilities to take samples. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to handle laboratory equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push and pull materials and objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
Environmental Elements:
Employees work primarily indoors but are occasionally exposed to loud noise levels, vibration, confining workspace, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives, and contractors in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.
Disaster Service Worker:
All employees of the City of Orange are designated by both State law and City ordinance to be "Disaster Service Workers." In the event of a declared emergency or any undeclared emergency or natural disaster that threatens the life, health and/or safety of the public, employees may be assigned to assist rescue and relief workers. Such assignments may be in locations, during hours and performing work significantly different from the employees' normal work assignments and may continue through the recovery phase of the emergency.
City Mission, Vision, and Values:
Incumbents in all City positions are expected to exhibit the behavior characteristics reflected in the City's Mission, Vision, and Values statements in the performance of their duties: The City of Orange is committed to excellent service for our residents, businesses, and visitors. As an organization, the City of Orange is the leader in delivering the highest level of service to meet current and future needs of the community. The City's values include Teamwork, Accountability, and Excellence.
BENEFITS FOR ORANGE MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION
The City of Orange provides a generous array of benefits to employees in addition to maintaining competitive salaries. Benefits are prorated for part-time employees working from 20 to 35 hours.
The following is a partial list of benefits:
Salary Range. Salary Ranges are composed of six (6) steps, each approximately five percent (5%) apart. Advancements through the steps are generally made yearly and based on performance.
Retirement Benefits. Retirement benefits are provided by the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS), including the City's contribution toward the Fourth Level Survivor's Benefit.
Effective January 1, 2013, newly hired non-safety employees who are "New" CalPERS Members, as defined by the Public Employees' Pension Reform Act of 2013 ("PEPRA"), will be enrolled in the CalPERS 2% at age 62 defined benefit plan with three year final compensation in accordance with Public Employees' Pension Reform Act of 2013 (PEPRA). New Members shall contribute half of normal cost of retirement as determined by CalPERS from their pensionable compensation, on a pre-tax basis, as set forth in California Government Code Section 7522.30.
An employee who is a "Classic" Member of CalPERS or a current member of another California public retirement system who is hired by the City of Orange on or after January 1, 2013, will be enrolled in the CalPERS 2.7% @ 55 benefit formula with one year final compensation. Employees contribute 8.00% of pension reportable salary on a pre-tax basis for this retirement benefit.
Social Security & Medicare. Employees do not pay into Social Security, however, do contribute 1.45% of salary towards Medicare.
Cafeteria Benefits Plan. The City pays up to $2,210 per month which can be applied towards CalPERS medical, dental, vision, health care reimbursement, and/or dependent care reimbursement. Under certain criteria, employees may elect to opt out of the City's medical plan altogether and receive $500 per month.
Vacation. Employees earn 92 hours of vacation during the first year of service, and an increasing accrual annually up to 232 hours per year after 30 years of service. The City also provides an annual unused vacation payout plan.
Life Insurance. The City provides a term life insurance policy of $75,000.
Holidays. The City observes 11 paid holidays and provides 18 hoursof floating holiday annually.
Administrative Leave. Employees receive 45 hours of administrative leave annually.
Sick Leave. Sick leave is accrued at a rate of 96 hours per year. Employees are eligible to convert unused sick leave to vacation on an annual basis. A partial payment (up to 50%) for accumulated unused sick leave is available to City employees who retire from the City.
Other Benefits. Most employees work a "9/80" alternate work schedule with City Hall closures every other Friday. Long Term Disability, an Employee Assistance Program, Tuition Reimbursement (up to $1,500/fiscal year), Trip Reduction Program incentives, optional Deferred Compensation programs and Credit Union membership are a few of the additional benefits provided and/or available to employees.
For more information, please click for the Orange Management Association Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). Note: an updated MOU is in the process of being uploaded, so the current document may include outdated information. Please contact HR staff at if you have any questions regarding contents of the MOU.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
A Medical Examination, Police Records Check, and thorough Background Investigation are required of all prospective employees.
In compliance with the Immigration Reform & Control Act of 1986 (IRCA), all job offers made by the City of Orange are contingent upon establishing proof of your legal right to work in the United States.
All benefited employees shall be subject to a twelve (12) month probationary period as a condition of employment.
The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an express or implied contract. Any provision contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice. The types and levels of employee benefits provided, including City contributions toward benefit costs, are subject to change as a result of periodic contract settlements between recognized employee associations and the City of Orange.
The City of Orange is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
01
Do you understand that possession and maintenance of a valid CA Class C Driver's License is required?
- Yes
- No
02
What is the highest level of education that you have completed?
- Did not graduate high school / did not obtain GED
- Graduated high school / obtained GED
- Completed some college-level coursework but no degree
- Obtained Associate degree
- Obtained Bachelor's degree
- Obtained Graduate degree
03
What is your degree in?
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Natural Sciences
- Related field to the options above (please be sure the subject of your degree is specified in the "Education" section of your application)
- I have a degree but not in a related field
- I do not have a degree
04
How many years of water utility experience do you possess in collecting water samples, testing backflow prevention devices, conducting cross-connection inspections, and investigating and resolving customer service complaints?
- None
- Less than two (2) years
- Two (2) years or more
05
Briefly describe your water utility experience in collecting water samples, testing backflow prevention devices, conducting cross-connection inspections, and investigating and resolving customer service complaints. Be sure to include the agency name where you gained the experience and your duties. If none, type "N/A".
06
A valid Grade I Water Treatment Operator Certificate and Grade I Water Distribution Operator Certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board are required within one year of appointment. Do you understand and agree?
- Yes
- No
07
A valid Cross Connection Control Specialist Certificate issued by the American Water Works Association (AWWA) is required within one year of appointment. Do you understand and agree?
- Yes
- No
Required Question