Water Quality Chemist

Apply by Wednesday, April 1, 2026 at Job Announcement: Water Quality Chemist, Zone 7 – County of Alameda

Salary: $130,041.60 – $158,059.20/Yearly

POSITION

Join the Zone 7 Water Agency team as a Water Quality Chemist and make a direct impact on the health and sustainability of our community’s water supply!

This is a fully-qualified journey-level water quality chemist classification performing standard and complex tests and analyses to ensure water quality and compliance with regulatory requirements for Zone 7’s water treatment and distribution system. In addition to shared responsibilities for water quality testing and analysis, incumbents may have individual accountability for an area of laboratory operations, such as quality assurance, or instrumentation and supplies.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Experience:

The equivalent of two years of full-time experience performing analytical chemistry in a regulated laboratory setting, which has included experience in wet chemistry techniques, atomic absorption, flow injection, gas and liquid chromatography, and ion chromatography.

Education:

Graduation from an accredited college or university with specialization in chemistry, microbiology, or a similar science, which included courses in analytical chemistry or microbiology.

License:

Possession of a valid California driver’s license.

IDEAL CANDIDATE STATEMENT

In addition to the minimum qualifications, the ideal candidate for this position will have a track record of success in the following areas:

• Skilled analytical chemist with expertise in performing qualitative and quantitative chemical analyses, including regulated and complex water quality testing.
• Strong foundation in organic and inorganic chemistry, microbiology, and environmental science, with proficiency in techniques such as gas and liquid chromatography, ion chromatography, atomic absorption, and mass spectrometry.
• Deep understanding of quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) practices to ensure laboratory operations align with industry standards and regulatory requirements.
• Capable of troubleshooting, calibrating, and maintaining sophisticated laboratory instruments to support efficient and accurate testing.
• Knowledgeable in laboratory safety practices, hazardous material handling protocols, and water quality regulations applicable to drinking water.
• Experience developing new analytical methods and standard operating procedures.
• Demonstrates exceptional attention to detail in maintaining accurate and up-to-date databases of laboratory results, compliance documentation, and operational records.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to prepare clear, concise reports for compliance and operational purposes.

BENEFITS

Zone 7 offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that affords wide-ranging health care options to meet the needs of a diverse workforce and their families. These benefits include but are not limited to:

• Health & Well-Being (Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, EAP)*
• Financial Security (Defined Retirement, 457 or Roth plans)* Alameda County Retirement Assoc.
• Work/Life Balance (12 paid holidays and up to 4 paid floating holidays; vacation and sick leave accrual; vacation purchase; childcare resources; up to 8 days of management paid leave, flexible work options upon approval)
• Tuition Reimbursement – up to $7,500 per fiscal year

*Eligibility is determined by Alameda County and offerings may vary by collective bargaining agreement. This provides a brief summary of the benefits offered and can be subject to change.