Water Quality Scientist I

The Position

***Selected candidates must be available to interview in person tentatively scheduled Thursday, September 26, 2024. 

Salary: $93,329.60 – $113,713.60 Annually

DEFINITION 

 Initially under immediate and then general supervision, performs laboratory tests to determine chemical and physical characteristics of potable water samples; assists with research projects relative to water quality and treatment issues regarding modification, optimization, and development of treatment techniques and strategies for compliance with current and future water quality regulations; and performs other related duties as required. 

 

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS 

 The Water Quality Scientist I is the entry level classification of the Water Quality Scientist series. This class is distinguished from Water Quality Scientist II in that the I level learns to perform the various laboratory tests, whereas the II level performs the full range of duties with less supervision. 

 

SUPERVISION RECEIVED/EXERCISED 

 Receives immediate and then general supervision from the Water Quality Laboratory Manager and functional supervision from the Water Quality Scientist II. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.  

Examples of Duties

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS  (Illustrative Only) 

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job. 

 

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:  

• Performs instrumental physical, chemical, and biological tests on potable water samples. 
• Records test results on standardized forms; keeps accurate logbooks and records. 
• Cleans and sterilizes laboratory equipment; calibrates laboratory instruments; maintains laboratory in an orderly condition. 
• Prepares chemical solutions according to standard formulas; prepares culture media and reagents. 
• Sets up laboratory equipment and instrumentation required for tests, research, or process control. 
• Conducts a variety of water quality analysis. 
• Collects water samples for analysis following standardized procedures. 
• Cleans and sterilizes laboratory equipment; maintains laboratory in an orderly condition 
• Inputs data into an assigned software program; ensures accuracy of data. 
• Operates a computer and assigned software. 
• Performs other related duties as required. 

 

PHYSICAL, MENTAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL WORKING CONDITIONS   

 Position requires prolonged sitting, standing, walking, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, squatting, and stooping in the performance of daily activities. The position also requires grasping, repetitive hand movement and fine coordination in performing tests and working with equipment. Incumbents work in a laboratory environment with chemicals, reagents, and bacteriological samples. The need to lift, drag, and push materials, supplies and equipment weighing up to 25 pounds also is required. 

  

Some of these requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodations. 

Minimum Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS (The following are minimal qualifications necessary for entry into the classification.) 

 

Education and/or Experience 

 Any combination of education and experience that has provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary for a Water Quality Scientist I. A typical way of obtaining the required qualifications would be: 

 

• A Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biology, bacteriology, or a related field from an accredited college or university. 
• Two (2) years of experience conducting laboratory tests on potable water. 

 

Licenses and Certifications 

• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Class C California driver’s license. Individuals who do not meet this requirement due to a physical disability will be considered on a case-by-case basis. 

 

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES (The following are a representative sample of the KSA’s necessary to perform essential duties of the position.)  

 

Knowledge/Skills of: 

• Basic potable water sampling techniques. 
• Elementary chemistry, organic chemistry, calculus, biology, and microbiology. 
• Safety practices pertaining to the work, particularly in relation to the handling of hazardous chemicals. 
• Simple laboratory techniques, such as titration, pH measurements, electroconductivity, heterotrophic plate counts, and MMO-MUG (Colilert) testing. 
• Statistical methods used in evaluating laboratory data. 
• Safe working practices. 
• Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary. 
• Operation of a computer and assigned software. 
• Oral and written communication skills. 
• Interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy. 

 

Ability to: 

• Use a computer to enter lab test results and produce reports. 
• Recognize analytical/instrumentation problems. 
• Safely handle toxic chemicals. 
• Analyze data and results and prepare technical reports. 
• Read and comprehend instructions. 
• Effectively communicate, both orally and in writing. 
• Operate a computer and assigned software. 
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with agency staff, outside organizations, and the public.  

Selection Process

HOW TO APPLY

Read the job notice thoroughly, note the minimum requirements of the position, and compile any information or documents necessary for the application. Complete and submit your application along with supporting documents such as resume and cover letter. It is important that your application is complete and thorough. Please include all requested information including education, certifications, and relevant experience.

 

Be advised that, while you may submit a resume with your application, resumes will not be accepted in lieu of an application. Incomplete applications will likely be rejected.

 

SELECTION PROCESS

Human Resources administers the Agency’s recruitment procedures to ensure a fair and unbiased selection. Applications may be removed from the process if they are incomplete or where the applicant does not meet the minimum qualifications. Accepted applicants will interview before an unbiased, multiparty interview and scoring panel. Interviewed applicants will be scored on areas such as education, experience, demonstrated qualifications, communication skills, and interview presentation, among others. While seniority is considered, the Agency will choose the best qualified candidate regardless of time at the Agency. The Agency strives to fill each position with the most qualified candidate.

 

RECRUITMENT STATUS

Applicants will be provided notification electronically to the email provided in the application. To check the status of a submitted job application and to track the recruitment process, log in to governmentjobs.com by clicking the “Applicant Login” button on the Agency’s Job Opportunities page. Once you sign in, you will be directed to your Applications page where you can view the status of Submitted (and Incomplete) applications.

 

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The Agency selects applicants on the basis of applicant qualifications and prohibits unlawful discrimination based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religious or political affiliation, creed, citizenship status, military service status, marital status, pregnancy, age (over 40), national origin, ancestry, medical condition, physical or mental disability, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local laws.

 

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION OF DISABILITIES

The Agency will make reasonable accommodations for disabilities, both in the application process and in the performance of the job. Any applicant who requires an accommodation in the application process should contact Human Resources for assistance.

 

Questions or concerns related to the Agency’s Equal Opportunity Employer policy or any request for reasonable accommodation should be directed to Human Resources at (661) 297-1600.