Laboratory Supervisor

Salary: $103,043.20 - $131,518.40 Annually
Location : Primary Wastewater Treatment Plant - 1221 Sutter Avenue Modesto, CA
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 04359b
Department: Utilities
Division: Laboratory Services
Opening Date: 10/21/2026
Closing Date: 11/4/2026 5:00 PM Pacific
Bargaining Unit: MCMA

The Position
Seeking highly qualified and skilled Laboratory Supervisor to join our Wastewater team! Apply today!
Upcoming Salary Increases and Incentives:

2.5% Education Incentive - Bachelor's Degree

5% Education Incentive - Master's Degree
The Laboratory Supervisor is responsible to plan, organize, direct, and supervise staff and operations in support of the City's Laboratory and Environmental Monitoring Program; to maintain the consistency of the City's laboratory and manage compliance with federal and state mandates, approved standards, and quality assurance and control pertaining to storm water and pretreatment sampling, as well as industrial discharges into the City's wastewater collection system; and to direct the monitoring, sampling, and record keeping associated with compliance with discharge permits.
APPLICATION PROCESSThe Supplemental Questionnaire is the Training and Experience Exam (Weighted 100%). In addition to the City of Modesto employment application, applicants must complete and submit onlineresponses to the supplemental questionnaire. Only the applicants who meet the minimum qualifications by the final filing date will become candidates and their supplemental questionnaire will be rated and scored. This exam will evaluate the relevance, level, and progression of a candidate's education, training and experience. Therefore, your responses to the supplemental questionnaire should be thorough and complete because the exam score will determine your ranking on the eligible list for this position. When completing the supplemental questionnaire, please note:

• Responses to the supplemental questionnaire must be submitted online; paper questionnaires will not be accepted.
• Incomplete supplemental questionnaires will not pass the review process; omitted information cannot be considered or assumed.
• A resume will not substitute for the information required in the supplemental questionnaire.
• Any work experience described in your supplemental question answers MUST also be found under Work Experience on your application.

Essential and Marginal Function Statements
Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Essential Functions:
Recommend and assist in the implementation of goals and objectives; establish schedules and methods for laboratory analysis and program administration; implement policies and procedures.
Plan, prioritize, assign, supervise, and review the work of staff involved in the Industrial and Water Quality Control sampling and testing programs in accordance with regulations, standards, and quality assurance requirements.
Evaluate operations and activities of assigned responsibilities; recommend improvements and modifications; prepare various reports on operations and activities.
Participate in budget preparation and administration; prepare costs estimates for budget recommendations; submit justifications; monitor and control expenditures.
Participate in the selection of staff; provide or coordinate staff training; work with employees to correct deficiencies; implement discipline procedures.
Recommend the purchase of additional laboratory equipment based on cost effectiveness or the need to meet regulatory requirements.
Coordinate with the Water Services Division and other existing clients to ensure client monitoring, sampling, testing, and reporting needs are being met.
Oversee development and accreditation of the laboratory for submission to Federal and State regulatory agencies associated with programs.
Monitor and coordinate contractual service activities related to sampling activities associated with effluent discharges, storm water, and pretreatment activities.
Meet with various City and community groups and committees to discuss laboratory results associated with monitoring issues.
Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other City employees, and the public using principles of good customer service.
Observe and maintain a safe working environment in compliance with established safety programs and procedures.
Marginal Functions:
Perform related duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Knowledge of:

Principles and practices of water and waste water pretreatment, sampling, and testing; approved related laboratory practices and procedures.

Equipment, tools, and materials used in laboratory and environmental monitoring programs.

Principles and practices of supervision, training, and performance evaluation.

Principles and practices of budget monitoring.

Principles and practices of safety management.

Program planning and development methods and techniques.

Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, rules, and regulations.

Chemical, biological, physical, and environmental sciences.

Principles and practices of environmental sampling and testing.

Functions and operations of federal and state environmental health and regulatory agencies.

Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.

Ability to:

Organize, implement, and direct laboratory and environmental monitoring programs and staff to ensure compliance with federal and state programs.

Develop and recommend policies and procedures related to assigned operations.

Learn the policies and procedures of the City's Environmental Compliance Programs.

Interpret, explain, and apply City and department policies, procedures, rules, and regulations.

Assist in the development and monitoring of an assigned budget.

Analyze and interpret environmental and laboratory data to reach valid conclusions.

Operate technical equipment in the performance of laboratory sampling, testing, and environmental monitoring.

Effectively represent the Laboratory and Environmental Services Section of the Wastewater Services Division in contacts with the public, businesses, engineers, architects, and other City staff.

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

Operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheets, and database applications.

Experience and Training Guidelines

Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience:

Three years of increasingly responsible experience performing laboratory analyses and/or a variety of laboratory work with emphasis on environmental monitoring, sampling, and analysis of water, wastewater, or other closely related environmental samples, including one year of supervisory responsibility.

Training:

Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in chemistry, biology, environmental science, physical sciences, or a related field.

License or Certificate:

Possession of, or the ability to obtain, a valid California driver's license.

Must obtain a valid Grade II Laboratory Analyst Certificate as issued by the California Water Environmental Association, within two and a half years of appointment.

Must obtain a valid Grade III Laboratory Analyst Certificate as issued by the California Water Environmental Association, within four years of appointment.

Must complete hazardous material forty (40) hour First Responder Training, as prescribed by the State Office of Emergency Services within two years of appointment.

Failure to obtain any of the required licenses/certificates within the prescribed time may result in release from probation or termination.

Physical and Mental Requirements
Mobility: frequent use of keyboard; frequent sitting for long periods of time; occasional bending, kneeling or squatting. Lifting: frequently up to 10 pounds; occasionally up to 25 pounds. Vision: constant use of overall vision; frequent reading and close-up work, color and depth vision. Dexterity: frequent repetitive motion; frequent writing; frequent grasping, holding, and reaching. Hearing/Talking: frequent hearing and talking, in person and on the phone. Emotional/Psychological: frequent decision-making and concentration; frequent public and/or coworker contact; occasional working alone. Environmental: frequent exposure to noise; frequent exposure to chemicals, fumes, and other environmental substances.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Work is performed primarily in an indoor laboratory environment, but duties are frequently performed in an outdoor environment with some exposure to year-round weather conditions. May be subject to indoor laboratory equipment or field noise. Work frequently involves offsite and/or remote locations. Positions may require occasional overtime and weekend work and travel is rare.
Modesto Confidential and Management Association (MCMA)

Employee benefits are subject to change and are not guaranteed. For a detailed explanation of benefits currently in effect please see the Memoranda of Understanding.

PUBLIC EMPLOYEES' RETIREMENT SYSTEM: CalPERS enrollment in either the 2% @ 60 or the 2% @ 62 formula is dependent on eligibility, as per AB 340. Employee pays the full member contribution. Retirement benefit is based on the employees three year final compensation average. The City does not participate in Social Security except for the required 1.45% Medicare contribution by both the City and the employee (applies to employees hired after 4-1-86).

HOLIDAYS: 12 paid holidays per year plus 8 hours holiday credit.

MANAGEMENT LEAVE: 80 hours per year for positions exempt from overtime.

VACATION: Accrued at the rate of two weeks during the first year, increasing to five weeks during the 21st year of service.

SICK LEAVE: Accumulated at 8 hours per month, 96 hours per year. Employees may accumulate up to 2,200 hours.

MEDICAL INSURANCE: Health, dental and vision coverage is provided. The City's monthly contribution to health, dental and vision benefits is based on a three-tier system as follows:

$ 2,110.00 Employee + Family
$ 1,494.00 Employee + 1 Dependent
$ 748.00 Employee Only
$ 450.00 Opt Out

The employee pays the balance. An employee who opts out of health coverage receives the amount noted above minus dental and vision premium on their paycheck and treated as taxable income. Dental and vision coverage continuation is available upon retirement.

DEFERRED COMPENSATION: With a matching contribution by the employee, the City will contribute 1.5% of salary, increasing to 2.5% at 9+ years of service, to a voluntary 457 Plan.

RETIREE HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNT (RHS): $2,880 initial deposit provided upon completion of a two (2) year vesting period. After initial contribution, the City shall contribute $130 per month.

LIFE INSURANCE: Coverage in the amount of $120,000 is provided by the City. Supplemental coverage is available at employee cost.

DISABILITY INSURANCE: Coverage is provided by the City, at City cost. This benefit pays 66 2/3% of the first $12,000 per month in salary.

EDUCATIONAL INCENTIVE: Master's Degree Pay in the amount of 5% of salary. Bachelor's Degree Pay in the amount of 2.5% of salary.

BILINGUAL INCENTIVE LEAVE:Employees who pass a review panel and are needed in this capacity by the department, will receive 3 hours of Bilingual Leave Time per pay period into their Compensatory Time Off (CTO) balance.

LONGEVITY PAY: 2.5% of salary at 10 years of service.

SECTION 125 PLAN: Providing for pre-tax deductions for employee-paid health premium and dependent care costs.
01

I understand that in order for my application to receive every consideration in the selection process, I must complete the following Supplemental Questions and provide concise but detailed answers. I understand that the Supplemental Questionnaire is the Training and Experience Exam (Weighted 100%) and that these responses must match the information I provide in the Work Experience and Education sections of my application. When answering narrative descriptions of my experience, I understand that I must include the name of the employer and dates of employment. I certify that all information provided on this application and the Supplemental Questions is true to the best of my knowledge.

• I understand

02

How many years of experience do you have performing laboratory analyses and/or a variety of laboratory work with emphasis on environmental monitoring, sampling, and analysis of water, wastewater, or other closely related environmental samples?

• None - less than 1 year
• 1 - less than 2 years
• 2 - less than 3 years
• 3 - less than 4 years
• 4 - less than 5 years
• 5 or more years

03

Do you have a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in chemistry, biology, environmental science, p