Senior Water Quality Technician – Compliance and Sampling
Rand Water
Available Locations:
Johannesburg, Gauteng
Job Description
Job Summary
Rand Water is seeking a detail‑driven Senior Water Quality Technician – Compliance and Sampling to lead field and laboratory sampling operations, ensure regulatory compliance across the full water value chain (source, treatment, distribution), and provide authoritative technical guidance to internal stakeholders and external regulators. You will own the end‑to‑end sampling plan, verify analytical integrity, interpret complex data trends, and escalate risks to protect public health and environmental sustainability.
Key Responsibilities
- Compliance leadership: Translate statutory, permit and licence conditions into executable sampling and monitoring plans; ensure adherence to applicable standards (e.g., SANS 241 / relevant potable water standards, wastewater discharge licences, ISO/IEC 17025, ISO 14001, ISO 45001).
- Sampling programme management: Plan, schedule, and oversee routine and investigative sampling (raw, treated, distribution network, wastewater, sludge, biofilms) ensuring correct preservation, chain‑of‑custody and transport.
- Quality assurance & data integrity: Validate laboratory results, perform QA/QC checks, manage non‑conformances, and implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
- Data analysis & reporting: Analyse trends, create dashboards, and compile statutory and management reports; flag exceedances, emerging risks, and process upsets with actionable recommendations.
- Audit & inspection support: Prepare for and participate in internal/external audits, regulatory inspections, and Blue/Green Drop or equivalent compliance assessments.
- SOPs & continuous improvement: Develop/review SOPs, sampling manuals, and risk-based monitoring matrices; drive method optimisation and digitalisation of field data capture (LIMS/ELN/MES).
- Incident response: Lead or support water quality incident investigations, root-cause analyses, and emergency sampling campaigns.
- Stakeholder engagement: Liaise with treatment operations, laboratories, environmental teams, clients, and regulators to ensure transparency and timely resolution of water quality issues.
- Team mentorship: Coach junior technicians/samplers on best practices, safety, and compliance requirements.
- Safety & hygiene: Enforce SHEQ protocols, including hazardous chemical handling, confined-space entry, and biohazard controls.
Required Skills and Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree (or National Diploma with strong experience) in Environmental Science, Water Care, Chemistry, Microbiology, Chemical Engineering or related discipline.
- Solid understanding of potable water and wastewater quality parameters (physico-chemical and microbiological) and associated analytical methods.
- Demonstrated knowledge of regulatory frameworks and standards governing water quality compliance.
- Proficiency with LIMS, data analytics tools (Excel advanced functions; Power BI/Tableau advantageous), and GIS exposure is a plus.
- Valid driver’s licence and willingness to travel to remote sampling points.
- Strong report writing, statistical analysis, and risk communication skills.
- Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver to strict deadlines.
- Practical knowledge of QA/QC principles, method validation, uncertainty, and chain-of-custody requirements.
- Familiarity with audit processes (internal, external, accreditation).
Experience
- 5–8 years of progressive experience in water quality monitoring, sampling, and compliance within a utility, municipal, industrial, or accredited laboratory environment.
- Experience leading or coordinating a multisite sampling programme and working with accredited laboratories (ISO/IEC 17025).
- Prior involvement in regulatory reporting, investigations, and audits is essential.
- Supervisory/mentorship experience preferred.
Working Hours
- Standard office hours (e.g., 08:00–16:30, Monday–Friday), with flexibility required for early-morning, late-evening, weekend, or emergency/incident sampling.
- On-call/standby rotation to support incidents, plant upsets, or regulatory exceedances.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Deep technical knowledge of water and wastewater treatment processes and their impact on quality parameters.
- Strong statistical and trend analysis capabilities (control charts, SPC, percentile analysis, compliance indexing).
- Excellent attention to detail and documentation discipline.
- High level of professional integrity and independence in decision-making.
- Effective communication and stakeholder management across technical and non-technical audiences.
- Problem solving & root-cause analysis mindset with the ability to recommend pragmatic corrective actions.
- Commitment to SHEQ, environmental stewardship, and continuous improvement.
Benefits (illustrative – tailor to Rand Water’s policy)
- Competitive salary with performance-linked incentives.
- Medical aid and retirement fund contributions.
- Study assistance / professional development and certification support.
- Paid time off, including sick and family responsibility leave.
- Access to wellness and employee assistance programmes.
- Opportunities to participate in innovation and sustainability initiatives.
Why Join Rand Water
- Purpose-driven impact: Safeguard public health and the environment by ensuring safe, compliant water for millions.
- Technical excellence: Work with advanced analytical platforms, digital tools, and accredited systems.
- Career growth: Exposure to complex, large-scale water systems and multidisciplinary teams.
- Culture of safety and quality: Strong SHEQ focus, continuous improvement, and accreditation standards.
- Influence and visibility: Your insights directly inform operational decisions and regulatory compliance outcomes.
How to Apply
- Prepare your application: Submit a detailed CV and a cover letter highlighting your compliance, sampling, and QA/QC experience.
- Attach certifications: Include copies of your qualifications, professional registrations, driver’s licence, and any relevant accreditation training.
- Apply online: [Insert Rand Water careers portal / application link] and reference “Senior Water Quality Technician – Compliance and Sampling.”
- Closing date: [Insert date]. Early applications are encouraged.
- Selection process: Shortlisted candidates will undergo technical assessments, competency-based interviews, and reference checks.