Phoenix Water Partners with Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to Administer Operation Certification Exams https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/water-services/1468 Water Services 8/24/2020 7:00:00 PM https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/1468/Newsroom_Water_021.jpg Phoenix Water Partners with Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to Administer Operation Certification Exams <div class="ExternalClassCBA41CAD490946E996DF1B0B359B247E"><html> <p>​The COVID-19 pandemic has forced organizations to make changes and find new ways to ensure continuity of service to customers. Phoenix Water employees are essential and provide the lifeblood of our community. Many positions require Operator Certifications to meet state requirements and uphold Phoenix Water's mission of providing clean, reliable water and wastewater services. <br></p>Gateway Community College (GWCC) was offering testing for certifications on campus, but due to the pandemic, GWCC had to eliminate in-person classes and testing. The Operator Certification tests are required to be administered in person and proctored by a certified Association of Boards of Certifications organization. <br><br>“Maintaining state certification is just as important in a pandemic. We realized we had to pivot quickly to keep our employees compliant so they can continue the important work they do to support our residents, businesses and their families" said Brandy Kelso, Assistant Director for Phoenix Water.<br><br>Phoenix Water transitioned to become a proctoring agency for the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) Operator Certification exams. The partnership with ADEQ and the Association of Boards of Certifications to administer operator certification is just one of the innovative ways Phoenix Water continues to provide quality service to customers. <br><br>Many of our Phoenix Water employees are required to maintain Operator Certification in Water Distribution, Water Treatment, Wastewater Collections, and Wastewater Treatment to perform essential job functions. These certifications expire over time and require renewal. If employees are also hoping to promote to the next level position, certification is often required. <br><br>Now that Phoenix Water is administering the certification testing, all city of Phoenix employees and the general public can schedule a test at our 305 City Garage building in downtown Phoenix. The testing facility maintains social distancing protocols, limiting the number of people that can test at one time, and everyone is required to wear a mask. Since May 2020, 74 tests have been administered to internal employees and 50 tests have been administered to external candidates. <br><br>ADEQ's Operator Certification Program establishes guidelines to ensure that only certified operators make decisions about process control or system integrity that affects public health. The program sets minimum standards for certification and re-certification of the operators of drinking water and wastewater systems.<br><br>Classification and Grade Levels: <br>Water Distribution Exam — Grade 1, 2, 3, 4 (D) <br>Water Treatment Exam — Grade 1, 2, 3, 4 (T) <br>Wastewater Treatment Exam — Grade 1, 2, 3, 4 (W) <br>Wastewater Collections Exam — Grade 1, 2, 3, 4 (C)<br><br><br>For more information visit: <span id="ms-rterangepaste-start"></span><span style="line-height:107%;font-family:Calibri;font-size:14.6667px;"><a href="/waterservices/testing" target="_blank"><span style="line-height:107%;font-family:Calibri;font-size:14.6667px;">phoenix.gov/waterservices/testing</span></a></span><span style="line-height:107%;font-family:Calibri;font-size:14.6667px;"></span><span style="font-family:Calibri;font-size:14.6667px;">​</span><span id="ms-rterangepaste-end"></span><br><br><br><p><br></p></html></div> https://www.phoenix.gov/waterservices News water-services

Phoenix Water Seeking to Hire Over 40 Critical Positions https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/water-services/1417 Water Services 7/27/2020 4:00:00 PM https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/1417/IMG_9106.JPG Phoenix Water Seeking to Hire Over 40 Critical Positions <div class="ExternalClassB33C89B5A7964BE082643EAE9A51A0CB"><html> <p>​Phoenix Water is hiring over 40 Utility Technician and Utility Technician Trainee positions. If you've ever thought about a career with the City of Phoenix but don't know how to get started, now's your opportunity. The Utility Technician and Utility Technician Trainee positions offer on-the-job training. <br></p> <p>Technicians and Trainees receive guidance and direction from a Senior Utility Technician, and assigned duties will increase in scope and difficulty as the 12-month structured program progresses.</p> <p>Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Phoenix Water hosted a series of Water Distribution and Collection hiring events inviting 150-200 people to attend. Only the most qualified applicants, as determined by the qualifications section of the job description, were invited to the hiring events. At the event, prospects would be tested in various areas. If the applicants passed, they would interview with staff, in hopes of receiving an on the spot conditional offer for the Utility Technician or Utility Technician Trainee position. The last event was planned for March 19, 2020, but was canceled. </p> <p>Due to COVID-19, staff has transitioned to a virtual interview process for potential employees. Phoenix Water developed tools and resources that are accessible online. After prospects apply for the position online, qualified participants will be placed on an eligible list. Applicants will be contacted via email and asked to review a ten-minute-long video depicting the hard work that the Technician and Trainee position requires. Then applicants will be asked to respond by a specific date, stating their interest in the position. </p> <p>The next steps are a written questionnaire that includes a tool identification quiz and true or false, multiple-choice, and open-ended questions. This questionnaire will help identify those applicants ready for the next steps. The applicants will be required to pass the Written Office Proficiency Assessment & Certification (OPAC) assessment. After applicants pass the OPAC assessment, they will receive a conditional job offer contingent upon successful completion of the background process that all City of Phoenix employees are required to pass. </p> <p>The virtual process is a new way of going through the hiring procedure is still efficient and effective despite not being able to host large scale, in-person events. If you are a hard worker with a positive attitude and willing to earn certifications, you are encouraged to apply at <a target="_blank" href="/waterservices/employment">phoenix.gov/water/employment</a></p> <p>Phoenix Water is also hiring other critical positions, listed below.</p> <p></p> <p> <strong></strong></p><strong>Positions close 7/27/2020:</strong><br>Chemist I (Critical Position) <br>Support Services Aide <br><br><strong>Positions close 8/3/2020:</strong><br>Utility Technician Trainee (40 + positions available)<br><br><strong>Positions close 8/10/2020: </strong> <br>Industrial Maintenance Mechanic<br>Water Systems Operator <br>Water Services Process Control Manager <br>Supplies Supervisor Planner II<br><br><strong>Positions close 8/10/2020: </strong> <br>Safety Analyst I <br>Customer Service Representative <br><br> <p> </p> <p>For a full list of opportunities within the City of Phoenix, please visit <a target="_blank" href="/hr/current-jobs/">phoenix.gov/employment​</a> <br></p> <p><em>Story updated 7/27/2020: Utlility Technician Trainee position closes now on 8/3/2020. </em><br></p> </html></div> https://www.phoenix.gov/waterservices News water-services