Water Quality Technician (short term)

The Water Trust

Isingiro, Uganda 🇺🇬

The Organization

The Water Trust empowers the poorest rural communities to provide their children safe water and a healthy, clean environment to develop to their potential. Since 2008, The Water Trust has partnered with more than 800 communities in Masindi and Kiryandongo, benefitting more than 300,000 people. In 2017, The Water Trust developed an innovative savings group-based approach to increase the sustainability of rural water and the impact of hygiene and sanitation promotion. The organization is currently scaling this novel program across more than 400 communities a year in western Uganda across Ugandan and refugee communities. Over the next three years, The Water Trust aims to scale up its programs through direct implementation and technical assistance partnerships, while continuing to partner with researchers to find new ways to raise the bar for impact and sustainability. Learn more about The Water Trust at watertrust.org.

The Opportunity

The Water Trust will be testing the water quality of 200 water points in Isingoro and Kamwenge districts. The organization is recruiting a competent Water Quality Technician to conduct the testing with kits provided by The Water Trust. As a Water Quality Technician, you will be responsible for conducting water quality tests, collecting water samples as needed, and documenting results. You will also be responsible for troubleshooting any testing kit issues that may arise during the exercise. This is a critical position that requires a high level of attention to detail and a commitment to public safety. Responsibilities include adhering to established protocols for water testing, taking responsibility for the accuracy of results, and performing other duties including collecting and analyzing samples, transporting samples, maintaining standard protocols, and managing log sheets and quality control records. The period of work will be between two and four weeks and will occur in February and/or March.  This role will be supervised by the Senior Researcher and will collaborate with a Monitoring and Evaluation Officer supporting the training and supervision of enumerators.

Essential Functions

  • Follow established procedures for water testing, while ensuring accuracy of all results and adherence to protocols
  • Perform fieldwork related to collection of water samples
  • Conduct water quality analysis tests using Wagtech™ portable analysis and testing kits (or similar substitutes)
  • Maintain accurate records of all field and laboratory work
  • Prepare and document daily water quality reports and records via mobile phone-based survey forms (e.g., ODK, mWater)
  • Participate and present project progress during district and or internal debriefing meetings
  • Perform other work-related duties and responsibilities as may be assigned by the supervisor

Desired Skills, Knowledge, and Experience

  • Demonstrated ability to utilize analytical skills to test water samples and determine water quality
  • Clear understanding of the chemistry and biology of water quality test results
  • Clear understanding of the health effects of different chemicals and bacteria to know how to treat water sources
  • Scientific knowledge and understanding of water quality test results and ability to make informed decisions about treatment methods
  • Good command of MS Office, water testing computer analysis programs
  • Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, biology, chemistry, or another closely related field, or Diploma in Chemical and Civil Engineering.
  • At least two-five years of relevant proven practical experience in relevant field experience preferably in the Government or NGO sector at WASH projects is required
  • Water quality testing experience is a MUST
  • Proficiency in written and spoken English
  • Demonstrated attention to detail, following procedures, and meeting deadlines
  • Working independently and cooperatively and a problem solver
  • Effective verbal and written communication and
  • Experience with Microsoft Office applications

Application Process

Interested parties are requested to submit their proposal February 6, 2023 before 5:00 pm EAT. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, in turn, interested applicants are encouraged to apply earlier than the deadline. Please note that this opportunity is for individual contractors.

The Water Trust does not charge a fee at any stage of its contracting process nor request any information related to bank accounts.


POSITION TYPE

ORGANIZATION TYPE

EXPERIENCE-LEVEL

DEGREE REQUIRED

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