Salary : $106,129.71 - $146,066.34 Annually
Location : Calabasas, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number:
Department: Water Operations
Opening Date: 06/25/2026
Closing Date: 7/26/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Position

Under the general supervision of the Water Quality Supervisor, a Quality Assurance/Quality Control Specialist maintains the water quality laboratory's quality assurance program, including performing compliance and audit activities in support of water quality laboratory accreditation.
The recruitment process will consist of an application review, 1st round (structured) interview, and 2nd round (selection) interview. The tentative date ranges for the interviews are listed below:
1st Round Tentative Interview Date Range: August 3 - August 7, 2026

2nd Round Tentative Interview Date Range: August 17 - August 21, 2026

Candidates will be notified of their status in the recruitment process via e-mail.

Essential Duties
Develops, implements, and maintains water quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) practices and procedures to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, including the laboratory's accreditation to The NELAC Institute (TNI) standards.

Reviews analytical and QA/QC data generated by laboratory staff to ensure compliance with the laboratory's quality system.

Administers the laboratory's QA/QC internal audit program; performs audits and prepares corrective action reports; evaluates findings and identifies trends and opportunities for correction; develops and implements corrective actions.

Establishes, maintains, and updates various laboratory documents, including the laboratory quality manual, master list of documents, and laboratory worksheets.

Coordinates and oversees the annual Environmental Lab Accreditation Program (ELAP) proficiency testing for state certification; participates in ELAP on-site assessments and coordinates with the Water Quality Supervisor in responding to assessment findings.

Trains laboratory staff on QA/QC policies and procedures and tracks and maintains training records; oversees laboratory staff's demonstrations of capability and tracks Initial Demonstration of Capability (IDOC) and Ongoing Demonstration of Capability (ODOC) records.

Performs data entry, database management, and development and maintenance in the quality control modules of the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) for QA/QC purposes.

Develops, reviews, and revises laboratory standard operating procedures; identifies, recommends, and assists in implementing improvements to methods, procedures, and document control; investigates new analytical method development and implementation for use in the laboratory; provides technical expertise in statistical evaluation, experimental design, and troubleshooting.

Performs laboratory sampling and analysis as needed for processes independent from QA/QC duties.

Qualifications

DEMONSTRATED KNOWLEDGE OF AND PERFORMANCE IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS:

• Federal, state, and local laboratory regulations and standards pertaining to water and wastewater testing;
• The NELAC Institute TNI 2016 Standard;
• Principles and practices of providing effective training;
• Principles of chemistry, biology, microbiology and related sciences;
• Water treatment and wastewater treatment processes;
• Procedures and materials used in chemical, biochemical and bacteriological tests and analyses;
• Safe handling of toxic and otherwise dangerous materials;
• Laboratory techniques pertaining to safety equipment and materials care and maintenance;
• Basic algebra and principles of data analysis.

ABILITY TO:

• Coordinate and perform multiple QA/QC projects and functions simultaneously;
• Provide effective training to laboratory personnel;
• Review analytical data and draw inferences and make recommendations;
• Perform a variety of chemical, biochemical and bacteriological tests;
• Safely and efficiently operate and maintain laboratory equipment and materials;
• Conduct chemical analyses and draw sound conclusions;
• Maintain records and prepare reports;
• Operate office equipment, including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheet, email, and database applications;
• Understand and carry out oral and written technical instructions with a minimum of supervision;
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing;
• Learn and adapt new techniques to current situations;
• Perform work in a safe manner at all times, in compliance with applicable safety and health policies, procedures, and practices;
• Work independently but maintain effective working relationships with other employees.

PHYSICAL AND SENSORY REQUIREMENTS:

• Sufficient eyesight to read fine statistical reports and standard text and data on computer terminal screens;
• Ability to speak and hear at normal conversational levels in person and over the telephone;
• Manual dexterity to write legibly and to use computer terminal, laboratory equipment and instruments;
• Withstand periods of physical exposure to fumes, odors, and dust, without incapacitating adverse effects;
• Ability to lift and carry up to approximately twenty-five pounds; and to reach, bend, or crouch to use files and records.

Training and Experience Guidelines

Any combination of training and experience, which demonstrates attainment of the required knowledge and ability to perform the required work (with reasonable accommodation, if needed), typically:

EDUCATION: Bachelor's degree in chemistry, biology, or a related field in the sciences.

EXPERIENCE: Three (3) years of analytical laboratory experience conducting chemical analyses in a drinking water or wastewater laboratory, preferably including one (1) year of experience performing quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) functions.

REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES, AND REGISTRATIONS:
A valid California class C driver's license must be maintained at all times.
A California Water Environment Association (CWEA) Laboratory Analyst Grade II certification is required.

DESIRED CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES, AND REGISTRATIONS:
Certification as a TNI Environmental Laboratory Quality Management Systems Professional and California Water Environment Association (CWEA) Laboratory Analyst Grade III certification are desirable.

Medical Insurance
The District currently covers up to $2,153.74 per month of the monthly premium cost of the offered medical plans and offers a choice of HMO and PPO plans.

Dental Insurance
The District provides dental insurance for employees and their dependents.

Life Insurance
Coverage is provided by the District in the amount of $50,000 plus one year's salary up to a maximum of $150,000.

Short & Long Term Disability
The District provides coverage for continuation of two-thirds base salary up to $8,239 per month for absences which qualify under the plans.

Vacation
Initially earned at 4 hours per bi-weekly pay period up to a total of 6.46 hours per pay period.

Holidays
The District observes 12 holidays per year.

Deferred Compensation Plan
Employees may elect to participate in a 401(a) and 457(b) tax deferred retirement investment plans. The District will contribute $20 per pay period, up to $40 per month, match into the 401(a) account and up to 1.5% of base salary match on a $1 to $1 basis into the 457(b) account.

Sick Leave
Employees earn 8 hours per month.

Vision care
The District provides vision care for employees and offers an option for dependent coverage.

Retirement
Tier I - 2% at 55 for employees defined as "Classic" members by the California Public Retirement System; 7% employee contribution.

Tier II - 2% at 62 for new members to CalPERS; Employees contribute 50% of normal cost up to an annual maximum, currently 7.00% of salary up to $159,733.

In addition to CalPERS, the District participates in Social Security. The District and employees contribute a required percentage of base wages for Social Security.

Retiree Medical Benefits
The District will contribute 75% of the Kaiser Permanente Traditional HMO plan at the employee only level for employees who retire with at least ten years of service and are at least 55 years of age.

Tuition Reimbursement
After six (6) months of employment, employees may request up to $685 per course for continuing education reimbursement.

Flexible Spending Accounts
Employees may allocate up to $3,400 per year to pre-tax accounts for qualified health care expenses and $7,500 per year for qualified dependent care expenses.

Wellness Center
Employees have access to an on-site fitness facility at no cost. Employees also have the opportunity to participate in a Wellness Program

Physical Fitness Program
Employees may be reimbursed for up to $500/fiscal year for payment of costs with primary emphasis on preventive health maintenance, relative to obtaining/receiving a comprehensive physical examination, membership to private gym facilities, purchase of home gym equipment, or membership for at-home fitness programs.

Flexible Work Schedule
The District offers flexible work schedules based on the position and District operational needs.
01

Indicate your highest level of education:

• High School diploma
• Associate's degree
• Bachelor's degree
• Master's degree
• Doctorate

02

Do you possess at least three (3) years of analytical laboratory experience conducting chemical analyses in a drinking water or wastewater laboratory?

• Yes
• No

03

Do you possess at least one (1) year of experience performing quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) functions?

• Yes
• No

04

Describe your analytical laboratory experience conducting chemical analyses in a drinking water or wastewater laboratory. If applicable, include your experience performing quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) functions. If you do not possess any of this experience, indicate "N/A".
05

What level of Laboratory Analyst certification from the CWEA do you possess? Please include your certification number and expiration date. If you do not possess this type of certification, please type "N/A" in the field below.
06

Please indicate any additional knowledge, experience, or certifications you possess that you feel is relevant or beneficial to this position and the District.
Required Question