Total Suspended Solids
Total Suspended Solids (TSS) is a way to measure how clean water is by checking how many tiny particles are floating in it. Think of it like checking how cloudy or murky the water looks, but with precise measurements. Water quality professionals use this measurement regularly when treating drinking water, managing wastewater, or monitoring environmental water quality. It's similar to other water quality tests like turbidity or dissolved solids testing. When you see this term in a resume, it usually means the person has experience in water quality testing, environmental monitoring, or wastewater treatment.
Examples in Resumes
Conducted daily Total Suspended Solids analysis for municipal water treatment facility
Reduced TSS levels by 40% through implementation of improved filtration methods
Monitored Total Suspended Solids and other key parameters for EPA compliance
Managed quality control program including TSS testing for industrial wastewater
Typical job title: "Water Quality Specialists"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Water Quality Specialists
Professional Organizations
Job Boards
Professional Networks
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you implement a TSS monitoring program for a large municipal water treatment facility?
Expected Answer: A senior professional should discuss creating sampling schedules, quality control procedures, staff training, data management systems, and how to handle compliance reporting and emergencies.
Q: What strategies would you use to reduce TSS levels in an industrial wastewater stream?
Expected Answer: Should explain various treatment options like settling tanks, filtration systems, and chemical treatments, while considering cost-effectiveness and environmental impact.
Mid Level Questions
Q: How do you ensure accurate TSS measurements in a laboratory setting?
Expected Answer: Should describe proper sampling techniques, equipment calibration, quality control measures, and standard operating procedures for TSS testing.
Q: What are the common causes of elevated TSS levels and how would you address them?
Expected Answer: Should identify sources like industrial discharge, construction runoff, or equipment malfunction, and explain appropriate corrective actions.
Junior Level Questions
Q: Can you explain the basic process of measuring TSS?
Expected Answer: Should describe the fundamental steps of collecting water samples, filtering, drying, and weighing to determine TSS levels.
Q: Why is TSS monitoring important in water quality management?
Expected Answer: Should explain how TSS affects water clarity, aquatic life, and treatment processes, and mention basic regulatory requirements.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic water sampling techniques
- Laboratory analysis procedures
- Data recording and reporting
- Understanding of safety protocols
Mid (2-5 years)
- Advanced testing methodologies
- Quality control procedures
- Equipment maintenance and calibration
- Regulatory compliance knowledge
Senior (5+ years)
- Program development and management
- Staff training and supervision
- Troubleshooting and problem-solving
- Compliance strategy development
Red Flags to Watch For
- No hands-on laboratory experience
- Unfamiliarity with standard testing methods
- Lack of safety protocol knowledge
- No understanding of quality control procedures
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