Salary : $94,440.00 - $132,888.00 Annually
Location : City of Santa Cruz, CA
Job Type: Regular Full-Time
Job Number: 26-070
Department: Public Works
Opening Date: 05/14/2026
Closing Date: 5/28/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

The Position
The current vacancy is for QA/QC Laboratory Chemist in the Wastewater division of the Public Works Department. Under direction, the QA/QC Laboratory Chemist coordinates and implements the laboratory's Quality Assurance/Quality Control Program; plans, reviews and directs routine sampling and analytical activities of staff of the laboratory; operates modules of the laboratory's information management system (LIMS) and assists in the design and implementation of the LIMS including quality matrices and regulatory requirements; provides supervision and work direction to lab staff and performs the more advanced laboratory tasks and analyses; assists with research projects, and performs related duties as assigned.

The eligibility list established from this recruitment may be used to fill other Regular and Temporary QA/QC Laboratory Chemist vacancies that may occur during the life of the list. The eligibility list established from this recruitment is valid for up to one year from the date established unless the list is extended or abolished by the Human Resources Director.
Recruitment #26-070

APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS:

The following process may be changed as deemed necessary by the Human Resources Director. The information contained within this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.

On Thursday, 05/28/26 recruitment will close. All application materials must be received by the Human Resources Department by 5:00 pm; postmarks are not accepted. To apply, submit:
1. Application- online application only. Resumes are not accepted in lieu of filling out the application form completely. Click the Apply button to begin the online process.
2. Response to supplemental questions- will be a primary tool in the evaluation of your qualifications for this position. Any work experience described here must also be included in your employment history on the main application.

Week of 06/01 and 06/08/26: Applications will be competitively screened based on the minimum qualifications for this position. Candidates will be notified of their status in the recruitment by 06/19/26.
Week of 06/29/26: Interviews will be tentatively scheduled for top candidates. The examination process will include an interview and may include a written and/or performance exercise.

Basic Function

Under direction, coordinates and implements the laboratory's Quality Assurance/Quality Control Program; plans, reviews and directs routine sampling and analytical activities of staff of the laboratory; operates modules of the laboratory's information management system (LIMS) and assists in the design and implementation of the LIMS including quality matrices and regulatory requirements; provides supervision and work direction to lab staff and performs the more advanced laboratory tasks and analyses; assists with research projects, and performs related duties as assigned.
Distinguishing Characteristics

This classification is distinguished from the next lower classification of Chemist II in that the latter classification has no supervisory responsibility and performs standardized qualitative and quantitative analyses of wastewater, industrial waste and related materials.
This classification is distinguished from the next higher-level classification of Wastewater Lab/Environmental Compliance Manager in that the latter classification serves as the responsible authority for the Laboratory and Environmental Compliance sections and programs, including oversight, communication, and formal submission of reports to regulatory agencies.
Typical Duties
(May include, but are not limited to, the following):

Operates a variety of sophisticated instruments and technologies which may include microscopes, gas chromatography/mass spectrometer, ion chromatography (IC), total organic carbon and computer controlled analyzers. May perform any or all duties of the Chemist I/II and Laboratory Technician classes.
Supervises, directs, trains, assigns and reviews work, and evaluates assigned personnel in the safe and efficient performance of their duties.
Controls the performance of all work in accordance with standards of the California Department of Health Services Quality Assurance Program requirements to maintain the laboratory's Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (ELAP) certification.
Stays current with federal, state and local regulatory requirements and other issues related to physical, inorganic and organic chemical, microbiological and bacteriological analyses.
Recommends for approval, and automates proficiency standards for regulatory methods and maintains laboratory calibration data and monthly charts.
Runs the laboratory's information management system (LIMS) by tracking instrument performance, personnel performance, and proficiency and performs the final quality review by validating data as assigned.
Runs, monitors and updates the Quality Control charts for the laboratory, with assistance from primary analysts.
Leads internal and external audits according to ELAP requirements.
Maintains accuracy of the laboratory document system, which includes, for example, Standard Operating Procedures, Method Worksheets and the Quality Manual.
Assists with acquisition, schedules installation, maintenance, calibration, and troubleshooting of lab instruments; resolves malfunctions when possible; monitors maintenance and replacement plans including automated instrumentation monitoring statistics and audits.
Works with all staff to investigate and resolve probable causes of quality control failures, and implements corrective measures for problems which occur during sampling, transporting, storage or laboratory processes;
Maintains and prepares a variety of laboratory and administrative documents, correspondence, records, and files on research projects, investigations, and testing results.
Maintains and supervises the analysis of all samples; orders, maintains and processes proficiency testing samples.
Develops and optimizes methods for detection limits for analyses, according to state standards.
Leads the planning and coordination of the chemical sampling program both within the laboratory and with external agencies. Coordinates and tracks sampling efforts for the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit.
Interprets results of a variety of physical, inorganic and organic chemical, microbiological and bacteriological analyses of wastewater and related solids and by-products relevant to wastewater in accordance with local, state and federal requirements.
Performs special chemical investigations of trunk lines and wastewater mains; analyzes findings and prepares reports for presentation to management staff. Assists in the preparation and submission of environmental water control compliance reports to the Federal, State, and local regulatory agencies.
May occasionally represent the City during periodic State and Federal inspections of the laboratory and pretreatment programs and at meetings with commercial dischargers regarding pre-treatment issues.
Responds to inquiries from representatives of various City sections, government agencies, and the public in a courteous manner; resolves complaints in an efficient and timely manner.
Implements and recommends updates to the laboratory safety program in compliance with the City's Chemical Hygiene Plan; ensures strict adherence to safe laboratory work practices and procedures.
Assists in development and monitoring of the section budget; prepares cost estimates for budget recommendations as directed by Management.
Estimates time, materials, and equipment required for jobs assigned; assists with keeping inventory current and ordering supplies.
May serve as the division or department representative on committees, as assigned.
Performs other related duties that may be reasonably expected as part of this classification.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Position requires prolonged sitting, standing, and walking on unlevel and slippery surfaces; reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, stooping, squatting, crouching, grasping and making repetitive hand movements in the performance of daily duties. The position also requires near, far and color vision when performing tasks such as collecting and analyzing samples, in reading work related documents and using a computer. Acute hearing is required when providing phone and in-person service. The ability to lift, carry and push equipment, tools, and supplies weighing up to 40 pounds is also required. Additionally, when collecting samples and working in the laboratory, the incumbent may be exposed to biohazards and a variety of working conditions, including mechanical and electrical hazards, loud noise, wet, heat and cold. The use of cleaning and laboratory chemicals may expose the incumbent to fumes, dust and contaminants. The nature of the work also requires the incumbent to climb ladders and to operate motor-powered boats and off-road vehicles when collecting samples, go to remote and isolated areas, drive on rough and unpaved roads in varying weather conditions to collect samples.
Some of these requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodation.

Minimum Qualifications
The minimum qualifications for Education, Experience, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities are the following:
Education and Experience

Any combination of education and experience that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities combined with any required licenses is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications is to possess the equivalent of the following:

Bachelors Degree in environmental or life sciences, microbiology, chemistry or a related field; and
Three (3) years of experience as a professional level chemist which included at least two (2) years of experience conducting physical, inorganic, and organic chemical, biochemical, and bacteriological tests related to the analysis of water or wastewater and
Lab information system proficiency and
One (1) year supervisory or lead experience in an environmental program.
- Successful completion of City of Santa Cruz's Employee and Leadership Development program is accepted in lieu of one (1) year of supervisory experience.

Knowledge:

Operations, services, and activities of an environmental water control/quality assurance program under ELAP standards.
Proficiency in Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), which includes tracking data quality, evaluating trends and providing data validation as directed by Management.
Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations.
Standard operating procedures in a laboratory; safe use of hazardous chemicals and electronic instruments.
Procedures, standards, equipment, and instrumentation used in the examination, testing, and analysis of Chemical, physical and bacteriological characteristics of wastewater influents, and effluents and septage waters.
Applicable sampling techniques, methods and processes.
Principles of supervision and training.
Standard office practices; methods and equipment, including the use of a computer and applicable software.
Principles and practices of statistical procedures and mathematical concepts.

Abilities:

Maintain and conduct minor maintenance on various laboratory equipment.
Perform and interpret complex environmental waters analysis results.
Observe safety principles and work in a safe manner.
Recognize unusual or dangerous operating conditions and make sound judgments within established guidelines.
Make recommendations for adjustments to standard operating procedures to improve effectiveness and comply with regulatory changes as appropriate.
Interpret and explain Department policies and procedures.
Prepare clear and concise technical and administrative reports.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Supervise, plan, assign, and review the work of assigned staff.
Effectively train others in technical procedures, techniques and skills.

Licenses and Certificates

Possession of and ability to maintain a valid California Class C driver's license.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Certification by the California Water Environment Association or equivalent organization as a Wastewater Analyst.
Experience working in a laboratory that operates under state or federal quality standards or regulated laboratory management systems.

Career Ladder

Wastewater Systems Manager
Wastewater Lab/Environmental Compliance Manager
QA/QC Laboratory Chemist
Chemist I/II
Laboratory Technician

SALARY - The current salary range for this position is posted on the City website. See the on the City website for details on pay rates and practices.
APPOINTMENT - Any candidate selected by the appointing department may be required to pass a pre-employment medical exam administered by a City-selected physician before hire to non-sedentary positions. Prior to starting work, all newly hired employees will be fingerprinted to check conviction history. A conviction history will not necessarily disqualify an applicant from appointmentCandidates must present documentation verifying authorization to work in the United States and take a loyalty oath as required by the State of California at the time of hire. Appointments to regular positions are subject to a six-month probationary period which is considered a part of the selection process. Probationary employees may be terminated without recourse during this period. Positions which are covered by the Department of Transportation regulations are required to submit to a pre-employment drug test and to random drug and alcohol testing.

LEAVE

Vacation - 80 hours/year up to 5 years, 120 hours/year 6-10 years, plus 8 hours for each year after 10 years up to a maximum of 160 hours/year.

Sick - 12 days/year

Holidays - up to 11 days/year

Floating Holidays - 24 hours per year
INSURANCE - (available to employee and eligible dependents)

Medical - Depends on plan selected; City generally pays 95% of the cost of coverage. Participating members make an additional $35 contribution per pay period towards health care benefits.

Dental, Vision, Employee Assistance Program - City currently pays full cost of employee and family coverage.

Life - City provides a $20,000 life insurance policy.

Long Term Disability - City provides a long term disability plan.
RETIREMENT

All new regular employees become members of PERS. Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) 2% @ 62 (3 year average). Prior PERS membership may affect retirement formula. Employees contribute 11.25% of their salary to PERS on a pre-tax basis. An employee is vested after 5 years of membership. No Social Security is withheld.
ADDITIONAL BENEFITS (not all inclusive)

457 Deferred Compensation Plan

Accident Protection Insurance

Bilingual Pay

Cancer and Critical Illness Insurance

Direct Deposit

Discount Bus Passes

Flexible Spending Plans for Health & Dependent Care

Longevity Pay (after 10 years and 15 years)

In lieu Medical Reimbursement of $200 /month

Shift Differential

Supplemental Life Insurance

Tuition Reimbursement
The information included in this announcement is subject to change and does not constitute an expressed or implied contract.
01

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY: The following supplemental questions are designed to obtain specific information regarding your work experience. Please answer each question as thoroughly as possible, as your responses will be utilized to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for this position. For applicants who meet the minimum qualifications, these responses may also be used as an evaluation tool in later stages of the competitive process to determine which applicants will be invited to continue in the examination process. All experience described here must correspond to employers listed in the Work Experience section of your application to receive credit. Please refrain from using AI or computer-generated responses. Applicants are responsible to clearly, completely, and accurately describe their qualifications. You may attach a resume, but this cannot be used in lieu of completing an application. Failure to complete all required questions and/or providing incomplete responses may result in an incomplete application. Do not answer any question with "see resume" and if you do not have any experience and/or education in a given area, please write "N/A."

I acknowledge that I have read and understood these instructions

This position requires possession and continued maintenance of a valid California driver's license.

Yes, I have a valid California driver's license.
I do not have a valid California driver's license. I understand that I will be required to obtain one prior to appointment as a condition of employment if selected for this position.

This position requires a Bachelor's degree or higher in environmental or life sciences, microbiology, chemistry or a related field. Please indicate your degree, field of study, and name of the accredited college or university from which you graduated. If you do not possess a Bachelor's degree or higher, please write "N/A" below.
04

Please select the option that best describes how many years of experience conducting physical, inorganic, and organic chemical, biochemical, and bacteriological tests related to the analysis of water or wastewater that you have. This experience must be reflected in the work experience portion of your application in order to receive credit.

Less than 2 years
At least 2 years, but less than 3 years
At least 3 years, but less than 4 years
At least 4 years, but less than 5 years
5 or more years

This position requires three (3) years of experience as a professional level chemist which included at least two (2) years of experience conducting physical, inorganic, and organic chemical, biochemical, and bacteriological tests related to the analysis of water or wastewater. Describe in detail how you meet this requirement, providing the name of the employer, specific job duties that demonstrate this experience, and duration. Answers to this question will help determine how you meet the minimum qualifications for the position. All experience described here must relate back to the work experience section of your application. If you do not have this experience, please answer "N/A."
06

Please describe your knowledge, experience, and level of proficiency with Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) or similar systems used for data tracking, quality assurance, trend evaluation, and data validation. If you do not have this knowledge or experience, please answer "N/A."
07

This position requires one (1) year supervisory or lead experience in an environmental program. Describe your experience supervising, training, and evaluating staff, including years of experience in each role and number of employees supervised. If you do not have this experience, please answer "N/A."
08

Successful completion of the City of Santa Cruz Employee and Leadership Development program is accepted in lieu of one (1) year of supervisory experience. Have you successfully and fully completed the City of Santa Cruz Employee and Leadership program?

Yes
No
Not applicable

Desirable Qualification: Certification by the California Water Environment Association or equivalent organization as a Wastewater Analyst. I currently possess this certification:

Desirable Qualification: Please describe your experience working in a laboratory that operates under state or federal quality standards or regulated laboratory management systems. If you do not have this experience, please write "N/A."
Required Question

QA/QC Laboratory Chemist

QA/QC Laboratory Chemist

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