Salary: $86,881.60 - $116,438.40 Annually
Location : City of Watsonville, CA
Job Type: Regular Full-Time
Job Number:
Department: Public Works & Utilities
Location: 530 Wastewater Treatment Plant
Opening Date: 08/19/2026
Closing Date: 9/4/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

Description
This recruitment will be used to establish an employment list for future vacancies.
DEFINITION

To safely and effectively direct and participate in the performance of a variety of laboratory analyses in support of the Public Works and Utilities Department, and to maintain the laboratory and its equipment in proper working order; to perform qualitative and quantitative analyses of drinking water, groundwater, wastewater, and sludge samples.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This job class functions at an advanced journey/lead level of classification and is responsible for training, directing, coordinating, and monitoring others in a lead capacity.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

• Receives limited supervision from the Laboratory Manager and Wastewater Treatment Facilities Manager.
• Exercises lead supervision over the Water Quality Laboratory Technician, and subordinate staff.

Examples of Duties
EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES -

Duties may include but are not limited to the following:

• Performs and coordinates the performance of a variety of laboratory chemical, biological, and bacteriological analyses to determine wastewater treatment compliance with state and federal agency requirements and for process control
• Performs chemical and bacteriological analyses for the Water Division and chemical analyses and gas analysis for the Solid Waste Division
• Prepares technical reports and correspondence
• Maintains the laboratory and equipment in a clean, neat, and orderly condition; performs quality assurance tests
• Performs qualitative and quantitative analyses of drinking water, groundwater, wastewater and sludge samples
• Maintains a variety of records related to laboratory tests, operations and sample control; prepares daily and periodic reports on lab data
• Collects samples and maintains sampling equipment
• Inputs, accesses and analyzes data using a computer
• Develops new analytical laboratory procedures
• Trains, directs, and monitors the work of plant operations and laboratory technicians in proper and safe laboratory procedures, operations, and analyses
• Requisitions laboratory supplies
• Keeps abreast of technical changes in equipment and procedures
• Prepares chemical reagents, lab supplies, and glassware for use in analyses
• Performs related duties similar to the above in scope and function as required

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

Knowledge of:

• general principles and methods of chemical, biological, and bacteriological tests commonly performed for water/wastewater analyses
• laboratory safety and equipment care and maintenance
• chemicals and equipment used in water quality analyses
• working knowledge of current chemical laboratory procedures, methods, equipment, facilities and materials
• chemical, physical and bacteriological characteristics of drinking water, groundwater, influents, effluents, and drainage waters

Ability to:

• perform a variety of laboratory tests involving the chemical, physical, and biological analyses of water and sludge
• operate, maintain, and calibrate analytical instruments and equipment
• determine appropriate sampling procedures
• interpret laboratory data as acquired
• prepare testing media and reagents
• keep accurate and legible records and prepare clear, concise reports
• train, direct, and monitor the work of others in a lead capacity
• gather appropriate samples for testing and analyses
• bend, stoop, and squat to gather samples
• climb stairs and ladders
• use fine hand manipulation; use a keyboard
• effectively and tactfully communicate in both oral and written forms
• intermittently twist to reach equipment surrounding work area and to gather samples
• distinguish colors of certain fluids
• hear adequately to converse on a telephone and in person
• work indoors using near vision for prolonged periods
• work outside, walking on uneven ground
• work with chemicals, influent, bacteria, and landfill gas
• drive an automobile
• climb stairs
• establish and maintain effective work relationships with those contacted in the performance of required duties

Typical Qualifications
TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

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

• Bachelor's Degree in Biology, Chemistry, or a closely related science; and
• Two years experience in a water, wastewater or related laboratory, performing chemical, physical and/or biological analyses

LICENSE AND CERTIFICATION

• A valid Class C California Driver's license, including a safe driving record
• A Grade II Laboratory Analyst Certificate issued by the California Water Environment Association or equivalent may be substituted for a Bachelor's Degree

Supplemental Information
The candidate will be appointed for a 12-month probationary period. Names of successful candidates who do not receive a job offer will be placed on an employment list which normally remains effective for one year. The Human Resources Department may abolish an Employment list at any time the needs of the City so require. This position is represented by the Operating Engineers Local Union No.3 bargaining group.

Prior to appointment to the position of Water Quality Chemist, a medical examination and Department of Justice Livescan fingerprinting will be required.

City of Watsonville offers excellent medical, dental and vision benefits for the employee and dependents. Benefits also include holidays, vacation, and sick leave. The City offers Public Employees Retirement benefits. Employees shall pay the full employee share of CalPERS contribution.