Laboratory Analyst I/II/III/IV

Salary : $63,300.00 - $111,679.00 Annually
Location : Redlands, CA
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 02162
Department: Municipal Utilities Engineering
Opening Date: 10/13/2026
Closing Date: 10/27/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Description
Behind every safe drop of water is a team of people who care about the science. We're looking for a detail-oriented Laboratory Analyst to join the Municipal Utilities & Engineering Department and play a vital role in testing, quality, and public service.
Under supervision, assists in the operation and performance of water, chemical, and bacteriological tests; analyzes and records test results; and assists with a variety of special laboratory projects. Exercises no supervision.
Distinguishing Characteristics
Laboratory Analyst I:
This is the entry level in the class series. Positions at this level usually perform most of the duties required of the positions at the II level, but are not expected to function at the same skill level and usually exercise less independent discretion and judgement in matters related to work procedures and methods. Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern. Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise. Since this class is often used as a training class, employees may have only limited or no directly related work experience. Exercises no supervision.

Laboratory Analyst II/III/IV
These are the journey levels in the class series. Positions at these levels are distinguished from the I level by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned, working independently and exercising judgment and initiative. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise, and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. Positions in this class series are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from lower levels by meeting the minimum requirements, successful performance, budget availability, and management recommendation. When filled from the outside, the employee is required to have prior related experience which allows the employee to meet the qualification standards for the position level.
Examples of Duties

Examples of duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Performs a variety of chemical, bacteriological and biological analysis water and wastewater samples;
• Maintains accurate and thorough records of laboratory procedures and results; ensure compliance with government regulations; prepare analytical reports when necessary;
• Prepares, standardizes, and maintains reasonable stocks of solutions and reagents used in laboratory analysis;
• Cleans, sterilizes, and maintains reasonable stocks of laboratory supplies;
• Collects samples for analysis and maintain samples observing chain of custody and preservation requirements;
• Conducts special analysis and examinations to assist in assessing plant operation and studies;
• Participates in quality control of laboratory procedures and equipment;
• Assists in the overall operation of laboratory activities; and
• Perform related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

Laboratory Analyst I
EXPERIENCE:

• Some laboratory chemical and bacteriological or biological testing experience is desirable.

EDUCATION:

• A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in chemistry, biochemistry, biology, microbiology, or a related field. For degrees obtained outside of the U.S., an official equivalency evaluation is required.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATES:

• Possession of a Grade I Water Quality Laboratory Analyst Certificate issued by the California-Nevada Section American Water Works Association or possession of a Grade I Laboratory Analyst Certificate from the California Water Environment Association within one year of appointment.
• Possession of, or the ability to obtain, a valid California Driver's License at the time of hire.

Laboratory II
EXPERIENCE:

• Two years of laboratory chemical, bacteriological or biological testing experience.

EDUCATION:

• A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in chemistry, biochemistry, biology, microbiology, or a related field. For degrees obtained outside of the U.S., an official equivalency evaluation is required.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATES:

• Possession of a Grade II Water Quality Laboratory Analyst Certificate issued by the California-Nevada Section American Water Works Association or possession of a Grade II Laboratory Analyst Certificate from the California Water Environment Association at time of hire.
• Possession of, or the ability to obtain, a valid California Driver's License at the time of hire.

Laboratory III
EXPERIENCE:

• Three years of laboratory chemical, bacteriological or biological testing experience.

EDUCATION:

• A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in chemistry, biochemistry, biology, microbiology, or a related field. For degrees obtained outside of the U.S., an official equivalency evaluation is required.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATES:

• Possession of a Grade III Water Quality Laboratory Analyst Certificate issued by the California-Nevada Section American Water Works Association or possession of a Grade III Laboratory Analyst Certificate from the California Water Environment Association at time of hire.
• Possession of, or the ability to obtain, a valid California Driver's License at the time of hire.

Laboratory IV
EXPERIENCE:

• Four years of laboratory chemical, bacteriological or biological testing experience.

EDUCATION:

• A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in chemistry, biochemistry, biology, microbiology, or a related field. For degrees obtained outside of the U.S., an official equivalency evaluation is required.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATES:

• Possession of a Grade IV Water Quality Laboratory Analyst Certificate issued by the California-Nevada Section American Water Works Association or possession of a Grade IV Laboratory Analyst Certificate from the California Water Environment Association at time of hire.
• Possession of, or the ability to obtain, a valid California Driver's License at the time of hire.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Essential functions require the following physical abilities and work environment:

• Ability to work in a standard laboratory environment;
• Regularly sit, stand, walk, stoop, reach, bend, and lift up to 40 lbs.;
• Regularly exposure to heat, noise, outdoors, chemicals, toxic substances, foul odors, wastewater, sludge, effluents, bacteria, and viruses;
• Ability to travel to different sites and locations; and
• Must be able to communicate with others and to exchange information accurately.

Supplemental Information
IMPORTANT APPLICATION INFORMATION AND INSTRUCTIONS

Candidates must clearly demonstrate through their application material that they meet the minimum qualifications of the position. All properly completed applications will be reviewed, and the most appropriately qualified individuals will be invited to continue in the selection process. Examinations for the positions may consist of any combination of written, performance, and oral exams to evaluate the applicant's skills, training, and experience for the position.

Employment application must be completed and submitted online. Applicants must list current and past work experience. Do not indicate "See Resume".

Proof of education such as, but not limited to, university/college transcripts and degrees must be submitted online with your application. Applicants are responsible for attaching proof of education, certification, and/or license to each position for which they apply.

The following documents are required for this position:

1. Transcripts verifying a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in chemistry, biochemistry, biology, microbiology, or a related field.

An applicant with a college degree obtained outside the United States must have education records evaluated by a credentials evaluation service. This evaluation must be submitted by the application deadline.

Failure to provide all required documents will result in elimination from the selection process.

Please note, the City of Redlands' preferred method of communication with applicants is via e-mail. As such, please ensure you verify the e-mail address on your application, and check your e-mail frequently, including your spam and junk folders.

Benefits associated with this position include:

• Medical Insurance - City pays between $900 and $2,200 /month for employees and eligible dependents, depending on the level of coverage;
• Dental Insurance - City pays monthly premium for employees and eligible dependents; 2 plans
• Vision Reimbursement - up to $400 per year
• State Disability Insurance
• Life Insurance - $25,000
• Accidental Death & Dismemberment - $25,000
• The City participates in Social Security
• Vacation Leave - 80 hours accrued in the first year
• Sick Leave - 96 hours annually
• 14 Paid Holidays per year
• 2 Floating Holidays per year
• 20 hours of Additional Floating Holidays per calendar year
• Credit Union
• Employee Assistance Program
• Tuition Reimbursement Program - $2000 per fiscal year
• Certification Pay - 3% for select positions
• Shift Differential Pay - 5% (subject to the terms of the Teamsters MOU)
• Unform Allowance for select positions
• Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) - 2% @ 55 for employees who are considered a "classic" member of Cal PERS or a current member of another California public retirement system who is hired on or after January 1, 2013.
• Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) - 2% @ 62 for an employee who becomes a "new" member of Cal PERS for the first time on or after January 1, 2013 and who was not a member of another California public retirement system prior to that date; employee contributes half of the contribution rate.

01

How many years of experience do you have with laboratory chemical, bacteriological, or biological testing?

• Less than one year
• 1 Year
• 2 years
• 3 years
• 4 years
• 5 years
• 6 years
• 7 years or more

02

How many years of experience do you have specifically performing laboratory analysis of drinking water, wastewater, recycled water, environmental water, or related water-quality samples?

• None
• Less than 1 year
• 1 year
• 2 years
• 3 years
• 4 years
• 5 years
• 6 years
• 7 or more years

03

Please indicate your highest level of education completed.

• Less than high school diploma or GED equivalent
• High School or Equivalent
• Some College Coursework
• AS/AA (Associate Degree)
• BS/BA (Bachelors Degree)
• MS/MA (Masters Degree) or Higher

04

Do you have a Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, Microbiology, or a closely related field?

• Yes
• No

05

Please indicate the highest laboratory analyst certification you currently possess:

• Grade I - California-Nevada Section AWWA Water Quality Laboratory Analyst
• Grade I - California Water Environment Association (CWEA) Laboratory Analyst
• Grade II - California-Nevada Section AWWA Water Quality Laboratory Analyst
• Grade II - CWEA Laboratory Analyst
• Grade III - California-Nevada Section AWWA Water Quality Laboratory Analyst
• Grade III - CWEA Laboratory Analyst
• Grade IV - California-Nevada Section AWWA Water Quality Laboratory Analyst
• Grade IV - CWEA Laboratory Analyst
• None of the Above

06

If you do not currently possess a laboratory analyst certification, are you able to obtain the required certification within the timeframe specified in the job posting?

• Yes
• No
• Not applicable - I already possess the required certification

07

Do you currently possess, or have the ability to obtain upon appointment, a valid California drivers license?

• Yes, currently possess
• No, but have the ability to obtain upon appointment
• No

08

Please select all areas in which you have laboratory testing experience or demonstrated knowledge.

• Drinking water analysis
• Wastewater analysis
• Environmental laboratory testing
• Chemical analysis
• Microbiological or bacteriological analysis
• Sample collection, preservation, and handling