JOB SUMMARY STATEMENT: This position is responsible for collecting, documenting, and transporting drinking water samples in compliance with Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR) requirements. The Water Sampler ensures the City's public water system remains in full compliance with state and federal regulations while supporting water quality monitoring, reporting, and public health protection efforts.

Duties And Responsibilities

• Collects water samples daily, weekly, and monthly from predetermined locations within the water distribution system.
• Ensures accurate labeling and documentation of samples, following strict chain-of-custody protocols.
• Transports samples to certified laboratories within required timeframes.
• Maintains accurate records and documentation for internal review and regulatory submission.
• Identifies and reports anomalies observed during sampling, including signs of contamination or infrastructure concerns.
• Coordinates with Water Services and Water Maintenance personnel to avoid conflicts during flushing or maintenance activities.
• Assists in customer water quality investigations by performing on-site water assessments when needed.
• Maintains and cleans sampling equipment and ensures sufficient inventory of sampling materials.
• Operates City vehicles safely and adheres to all department safety practices and protocols.
• Participates in required safety training and follows all departmental safety guidelines.
• May assist with flushing programs, valve exercising, or other water quality-related tasks when appropriate.
• Performs all duties with professionalism, efficiency, and a customer-focused attitude.
• Other related duties as assigned.
  
  

The above duties and responsibilities include those tasks, physical and mental requirements, visual requirement, unique physical surroundings and mental/cognitive abilities required to perform the essential elements of the position.

General Qualifications

Education and Special License(s)/Certifications - This position requires a level of education typically obtained by the completion of a high school diploma, (GED or Homeschool Diploma), Vocational School or equivalent education or training program completion.

Valid Class E commercial driver’s within 6 months of hire is required.

Possession of a Missouri DNR Distribution System Operator Certification (Level I or higher) preferred or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire.

Experience

1 year of related experience in water distribution, environmental sampling, or a related technical field is strongly preferred.

Skills

• Knowledge of water sampling protocols and laboratory procedures preferred.
• Familiarity with regulatory standards (i.e., DNR/EPA drinking water regulations).
• Ability to operate sampling tools, GPS, and data tracking systems.
• Strong attention to detail and documentation.
• Ability to manage time independently, follow instructions, and adapt to dynamic field conditions.
• General knowledge of tools and equipment that may be used in the maintenance and repair tasks including but not limited to: Hand Tools, Power Tools, Pumps, line locators, gas detectors and radio read equipment.
• Ability to learn to read and interpret instructions, directions and drawings. General knowledge in the safety rules and practices associated with working in the Water Sampling environment. Maintain positive work relationships during times of change. Ability to follow complex oral and/or written instructions. Ability to communicate effectively and interface with the general public and associates. Ability to work under stressful conditions and environmental extremes.
  
  

Competencies

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are required. Dependability and ability to work with minimal supervision. Strong organizational skills with the ability to maintain precise and detailed records is required. Proficiency in using tablets, mobile phones and work order system is required. Must have the ability to consistently represent the City of Blue Springs in a professional manner.
• Follows detailed oral and written instructions. Is knowledgeable of all occupational hazards and safety precautions of the trade and follows all safety procedures accordingly.
• Exceptional attendance record.
• Requires the ability to communicate effectively and work well within a team-based environment. Requires the ability to follow directions and learn from training provided. Requires the ability to determine, assess situations, exercise situational judgement, make routine decisions involving the evaluation of data or facts provided. Strong customer service skills. Requires the ability to use computers, tablets, phones, etcetera to access and read the City's GIS mapping system and to prepare work orders. Must be able to consistently conduct themselves in a professional manner.
  
  

Physical Requirements – Must be able to walk, bend and reach during water sampling activities. Ability to perform heavy manual work requiring good physical condition. Must be able to work in all types of weather conditions common with the local climate, must be able to listen to normal conversation; must be able to walk, and use hands and fingers to operate, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; must be able to reach with hands and arms; must be able to have vision sufficient to see close up and have the ability to adjust focus; and, must be able to lift up to 80 pounds and transport it 15 feet. Must be able to work outdoors in temperature and weather extremes.

Additional Information – This position requires a background screen, drug screen and physical exam. The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. These conditions are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions. The City of Blue Springs is an organization that strives to embrace the spirit of inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility. We are an equal opportunity employer committed to building an inclusive and barrier-free environment in which all individuals have access to the City's facilities. If contacted for an employment opportunity, please advise Human Resources if you require accommodation.

Bargaining Unit- LOCAL LODGE 778 INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF MACHINISTS AND AEROSPACE WORKERS, AFL-CIO

The preceding position description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this position.