WATER CHEMIST

Job Description:

WATER CHEMIST

Description

Job Summary

JOB SUMMARY : Samples and analyzes water samples. Evaluates data and reports results in accordance with laboratory Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) procedures. Operates and maintains laboratory instruments and equipment.

Works under the administrative supervision of the Lead Water Chemist who outlines work, occasionally reviews work in progress and periodically reviews completed work.

Representative Duties

Collects and schedules water sampling events. Conducts instrumental chemical, mineral, physical, bacteriological and other tests in accordance with standards established by the State Water Resource Control Board Division of Drinking Water and United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA).

Performs data quality review and assists in the preparation of regular and timely monitoring reports to the State Water Resource Control Board Division of Drinking Water and other state and local regulating agencies.

Writes technical procedures and validates analytical procedures. Provides necessary QA/QC for all laboratory documents and presents data to all applicable staff.

Assists in maintaining the laboratory's accreditation with the State Environmental Lab Accreditation Program (ELAP). Conducts performance testing as required by ELAP and periodically reviews the laboratory's methods/processes to ensure compliance with federal, state and local standards and reference methods.

Investigates water quality complaints and assists staff in the identification and resolution of distribution system water quality problems.

Maintains laboratory equipment and assists in the ordering of chemicals, supplies and equipment.

Maintains records and data archives to comply with City policy, rules and regulations and the State Water Resource Control Board Division of Drinking Water recordkeeping requirements.

Participates in public education programs, including making presentations and providing tours to , City staff, professional groups and the general public.

Trains and certifies staff members for certain laboratory analyses.

Performs other related duties, as assigned.

Requirements

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge, Abilities and Skills :

Knowledge of:
Regulatory analytical methods for the examination of drinking water.
Principles and practices for environmental laboratories and applicable safety standards.
Principles and practices for the collection, preservation, transport, and handling of water samples for laboratory analyses.
Federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations pertaining to water quality.
Effective customer service techniques.

Ability to:
Collect and properly handle water samples.
Conduct analytical tests and interpret complex technical information.
Prepare and maintain accurate records and reports.
Keep abreast of current developments in the area of water quality analysis.
Observe and report hazardous conditions.
Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
Follow written and oral instructions.
Establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with City employees and the general public.
Provide effective customer service.

Skill in:
Reading, writing, and communicating at an appropriate level.
Using a personal computer and applicable software applications.

Education, Training and Experience:
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biology or a closely related field.

Three (3) years of recent, paid work experience performing chemical analysis in a water laboratory setting including instrumental analysis using Gas Chromatography, Atomic Absorption Spectrometry and/or Ion Chromatography.

Experience in state drinking water regulation and approved drinking water testing methods is desirable.

Licenses and Certificates :
Possession of a valid Class C driver license. Must obtain a California Grade II Water Treatment Operator Certificate within two years of date of hire.

WORKING CONDITIONS :
Work is primarily performed in a laboratory environment. Some field work is required. Physical demands include the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull heavy materials and objects Slippery surfaces, noise, chemicals and odors are frequently encountered. Physical demands include standing, bending, reaching, sitting and walking.

Supplemental Information

How to Apply:

Applicants must submit a completed on-line City Application along with any required supplemental application materials with the Human Resources Department by the filing deadline. If you do not submit your on-line application by the filing deadline, you will not be considered for this position. Please note, applications may be rejected if incomplete. Resumes, CVs and cover letters are not reviewed as part of the application screening process.

If you would like for your education to be considered, you must attach a copy of your college level transcripts or diploma to your online application. Applicants who indicate receipt of college level coursework or degree from a foreign institution must provide United States credential equivalency verification along with a copy of your college diploma/transcripts. All materials must be received in the Human Resources Department no later than the filing deadline. Failure to do so may result in your application being evaluated without the education being considered.

Selection Process:

All applicants must submit clear, concise and complete information regarding your work history and qualifications for the position. All applicants will be reviewed and only those applicants determined to be most qualified on the basis of experience, training and education, as submitted, will be invited to participate further in the selection process.

Testing may consist of a combination of any of the following and is subject to change as needs dictate:

Training and Experience Evaluation

Oral Interview

If three or more qualified City employees apply and pass the examination, a promotional list will be established in addition to an open-competitive list. If fewer than three qualified City employees pass the examination, the appointing authority, in accordance with the City's civil service rules and regulations, can decline to use a promotional list, in which case a promotional list will not be established for this position.

Background Investigation:

Candidates who have successfully completed all prior phases of the selection process will be subject to a thorough background investigation.

Inclusion & Diversity Statement:

The City of Santa Monica is a progressive, inclusive and culturally rich community. As leaders in public service, we strive to be an employer of choice by attracting and retaining a highly talented workforce where people of diverse races, religions, cultures and lifestyles thrive. Our goal is to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where our staff are empowered to perform at their highest level and where their differences make a positive impact.

The City is an equal opportunity employer and strives to build balanced teams from all walks of life without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, ancestry, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state and/or local law. We aim to create a workplace that celebrates and embraces the diversity of our employees. Join us!

Special assistance with the application and examination process is available, upon request, for persons with disabilities. Call (310) 458-8246, TDD (310) 458-8696 (Hearing Impaired Only).

Please note the request for reasonable accommodations must be made to Human Resources at least three workdays prior to the examination.

The City's liberal fringe benefits for full-time employment include sick leave, holiday and vacation pay, the Public Employees Retirement System, medical, dental and vision insurance, credit union, deferred compensation, tuition reimbursement, Dependent Care Assistance Plan and priority enrollment consideration at Hill & Dale Family Learning Center, Marine Park Child Development Center, and Santa Monica Early Childhood Lab School.

Closing Date/Time: 10/2/2025 5:00 PM Pacific

Salary:

$102,190.40 - $126,172.80 Annually