Laboratory Analyst I/II

ABOUT US

At the City of Santa Barbara, the best part of our organization is our people. As a City of Santa Barbara employee, you will work in an environment with other motivated individuals who are passionate about their work. We strive to provide employees with the support they need to thrive. .

The mission of the Public Works Department is to provide the community with the sustainable foundation to thrive by delivering quality services and public infrastructure through efficient and fiscally responsible practices. Provide for the publics needs relative to transportation, water, wastewater, and City owned buildings.

THE POSITION

The City of Santa Barbara Public Works Department is seeking an experienced and knowledgeable Laboratory Analyst I/II to join our Water Resources Laboratory Team. This position is responsible for qualitative and quantitative chemical, physical, and biological analysis of drinking water and wastewater. The primary responsibilities of this class are to perform laboratory analysis of water and wastewater, which requires knowledge of chemistry and analytical procedures, biology and bacteriology, and the ability to interpret the results of these tests. This position assists with special projects and performs a variety of technical tasks relative to assigned area of responsibility. Position includes regularly scheduled work on weekends.

Laboratory Analyst I

$86,600.28 - $105,264.12 Annually

This is the entry-level class in the Laboratory Analyst series. This class is distinguished from the Laboratory Analyst II by the perfor­mance of more routine tasks and duties assigned, including following standardized procedures or detailed instructions in performing work varying from normal routine to complex tasks requiring close supervision. Since this class is typically an entry-level class, employees may have only limited or no directly related work experience.

Laboratory Analyst II

$105,187.16 - $127,855.52 Annually

This is the full journey level class within the Laboratory Analyst series. Employees within this class are distinguished from the Laboratory Analyst I by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned including performing laboratory work requiring knowledge of a variety of chemical, biological and physical tests. Employees 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.

Knowledge of :

• Basic laboratory techniques, equipment, terminology, and procedures.
• Basic principles and practices of chemistry, mathematics, biology, and bacteriology.
• Basic principles of chemical and physical analysis.
• Regulatory analytical methods for the examination of drinking water and wastewater.

• Principles of Standard Methods and EPA laboratory test methods.
• Basic procedures related to Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (ELAP) and TNI-2.
• Methods, practices, tools, equipment, materials, and safety procedures used in a laboratory setting.

• Modern laboratory procedures, methods and computer equipment.
• Sampling procedures and field equipment.
• Pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes and regulations.
• Occupational hazards and standard safety practices of an environmental laboratory.
• Basic mathematics.

Ability to :

• Collect and properly handle water and wastewater samples.
• Conduct routine chemical, biological and bacteriological examinations and analyses.
• Setting up, calibrating, operating and performing minor maintenance on a variety of laboratory equipment and instruments.

• Interpret water/wastewater quality parameters to recognize potential process control problems.

• Use computers and a variety of computer software programs.
• Prepare clear, concise and technical reports.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Laboratory Analyst II (in addition to the above)

• Demonstrate proficiency and knowledge in data quality review, organizing sampling events, special project and reporting.
• Assists in maintaining the laboratorys accreditation with the State Environmental Lab Accreditation Program (ELAP). Conducts performance testing as required by ELAP and participates in the review of laboratorys methods/processes to ensure compliance with Federal, State and local standards and reference methods.
• Demonstrate proficiency and knowledge in testing and performance of one of the following fields using major instrumentations: inorganic trace metals by Atomic Absorption Direct Aspiration (AA Flame), inorganic elements by Ion Chromatography (IC), and/or organic carbon by Total Organic Carbon (TOC) analyzer.
• Following a successful completion of minimum requirements, the Laboratory Analyst II must demonstrate the ability to learn, receive cross training and operate other major instrumentation within one (1) year.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of qualitative and quantitative chemistry, biology, and bacteriology; intermediate knowledge of laboratory analytical test procedures/ techniques, equipment, terminology; principles of chemical, biological and physical analysis; intermediate mathematics; proper sample collection procedures and techniques; principles and procedures of record keeping; principles of business letter writing and report preparation; principles and practices of technical research and analysis; laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS).

• Ability to: Analyze and interpret test results; Conduct chemical, biological and physical tests; interpret laboratory results and make operational recommendations to water and wastewater operations staff; work independently in the absence of supervision; organize and prioritize a variety of projects and multiple tasks in an effective and timely manner; organize own work, set priorities and meet critical time deadlines; cross-train on all major instrumentation upon completion of minimum requirement listed above; train Laboratory Analyst Is in laboratory procedures and methodologies.

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:

Laboratory Analyst I

One (1) year of experience conducting a variety of tests in a physical, chemical or biological laboratory is desirable.

Laboratory Analyst II

Two (2) years of experience conducting a variety of tests in a physical, chemical or biological laboratory.

Education and/or Training:

Equivalent to a Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in biology, chemistry, or a related field.

License, Certificate and/or Other Requirements:

Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid driver's license.

Laboratory Analyst I

Possession of, or ability to obtain, a Laboratory Analyst Grade I Certificate issued by the California Water Environment Association (CWEA) or by the American Water Works Association (CA-NV/AWWA) within one (1 ) year of appointment .

Laboratory Analyst II

Possession of a Laboratory Analyst Grade II Certificate issued by the California Water Environment Association (CWEA) or by the American Water Works Association (CA-NV/AWWA) is required .

It is important that your application and supplemental questionnaire show all the relevant education, training, and experience you possess which qualifies you for this position. All applications and supplemental questionnaires will be reviewed, and the most qualified candidates will be invited to continue in the selection process. Be sure to be thorough in your responses. Statements such as See application, Extensive Experience, or "See Resume" are not an acceptable substitute for a completed application and supplemental questionnaire.

The selection process may consist of an application screening, a written exam, computer skills exam and/or an oral interview. The successful candidate's employment history will be thoroughly evaluated prior to appointment.

There are currently two (2) vacancies within the Public Works Department.

Communication regarding your application and/or status will be sent to the email address listed on your application. Please check your email and spam regularly throughout the recruitment process. You may also log into your governmentjobs.com account to view these emails.

CITY APPLICATION AND RESPONSES TO THE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE MUST BE RECEIVED BY 5:30 PM ON WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25, 2025.