What are the responsibilities and job description for the Water Laboratory Manager position at County of San Luis Obispo?
About The Position
The County of San Luis Obispo Public Works Department is offering a career opportunity for a Water Laboratory Manager. This is a single-position management has overall responsibility for the administration, regulatory compliance, operational oversight, quality assurance, and supervision of the County’s Water Quality Laboratory (WQL). The position includes overseeing Senior Chemists that supervise technical staff, provide laboratory services, and water quality management for all the Public Works operated water, wastewater and recycled water systems and those of several other communities.
The WQL is certified by the State of California's Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (ELAP). The WQL also provides sampling, compliance reporting, watershed monitoring and technical support services for all of the County-led systems, and supports compliance for the County stormwater program and a closed landfill. It includes working with the other managers in the Department at a leadership level to ensure the effective operation of all systems and programs that need water quality laboratory services.
Please note this recruitment is contingent upon Board of Supervisors approval of the classification and salary, scheduled for July 7, 2026.
The Ideal Candidate
The Ideal Candidate Will
A combination of education, training, and experience resulting in the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. An example of qualifying education and experience includes:
Possession of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university in chemistry, biology, microbiology, environmental science, or a closely related field. In addition, six years of progressively responsible experience in water or wastewater laboratory testing, including at least two years of supervisory, lead, or administrative responsibility in a laboratory setting.
Licenses and Certificates
Possession of a valid State of California Department of Public Health Water Treatment Operator Grade 2 (T2) certification or higher within 6 months of appointment. The 6-month requirement to obtain a T2 certification may be extended up to 12 months by the appointing authority. Sustained certification including any required continuing education units is mandatory for continued employment. Failure to obtain and maintain the required certifications within the time stated will result in removal from the position unless a time extension is approved by the appointing authority.
A valid California driver’s license will be required at the time of appointment and must be maintained throughout employment.
How To Apply
Applications, including answers to supplemental questions, must be submitted online by the final filing date. Apply for this position at governmentjobs.com/careers/slocountyca . Most County recruitments require you to respond to supplemental questions as part of the application process. We recommend that you review these questions prior to beginning your application.
An initial application review will be conducted. Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications and are best qualified will be invited to participate in selection activities which may include online assessments, performance exams, written exams, and interviews.
Final candidates will be required to have an in-depth background review performed before proceeding in the process. Please note that references will not be contacted until the end of the process.
If you have questions or would like to discuss the opportunity further, please contact Human Resources at hr@co.slo.ca.us . Confidential inquiries are welcomed.
For further information regarding the County of San Luis Obispo, visit our website at www.slocounty.ca.gov .
Your attached resume will not substitute for the completion of the application. Please complete all required fields and supplemental questions. Be advised that while use of AI is common practice, we want to see your individual style and critical thinking skills in your answers to the supplemental questions.
Reasonable Accommodation Notice
Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job or to perform your job. Examples of reasonable accommodation include making a change to the application process or work procedures, providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment. Please call 805-781-5959 for assistance or e-mail hr@co.slo.ca.us for more information.
Veteran's Preference Points
If you are applying for employment with the County of San Luis Obispo and you served in the United States Armed Forces, you may be eligible for veteran's preference points as part of the recruitment process. Some dependents and survivors of eligible veterans may also be eligible for preference points. Click here for more information and to learn how to apply for this benefit. Please note that Veteran’s credits must be on file with the County of San Luis Obispo Veterans Services Office prior to the recruitment closing date indicated on the job announcement .
Equal Employment Opportunity
The County is an equal opportunity employer. Objectives are directed toward assuring equal opportunity in selection / promotion, pay, and job assignments. Recruitment and selection procedures have been established to ensure non-discrimination on the basis of political or religious opinions or affiliations, age, sex, race, color, national origin, marital status, disability, sexual orientation or other non-merit factors. In addition, the County complies with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act in hiring and retaining employees. For more information contact the Human Resources Department at (805)781-5959.
The County of San Luis Obispo Public Works Department is offering a career opportunity for a Water Laboratory Manager. This is a single-position management has overall responsibility for the administration, regulatory compliance, operational oversight, quality assurance, and supervision of the County’s Water Quality Laboratory (WQL). The position includes overseeing Senior Chemists that supervise technical staff, provide laboratory services, and water quality management for all the Public Works operated water, wastewater and recycled water systems and those of several other communities.
The WQL is certified by the State of California's Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (ELAP). The WQL also provides sampling, compliance reporting, watershed monitoring and technical support services for all of the County-led systems, and supports compliance for the County stormwater program and a closed landfill. It includes working with the other managers in the Department at a leadership level to ensure the effective operation of all systems and programs that need water quality laboratory services.
Please note this recruitment is contingent upon Board of Supervisors approval of the classification and salary, scheduled for July 7, 2026.
The Ideal Candidate
The Ideal Candidate Will
- be service and action oriented;
- understand the technical methodologies associated with water quality data collection, testing and analysis;
- have experience with supporting water and wastewater systems; and
- understand the institutional, regulatory and financial considerations associated with successful water quality management and laboratory services.
A combination of education, training, and experience resulting in the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. An example of qualifying education and experience includes:
Possession of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university in chemistry, biology, microbiology, environmental science, or a closely related field. In addition, six years of progressively responsible experience in water or wastewater laboratory testing, including at least two years of supervisory, lead, or administrative responsibility in a laboratory setting.
Licenses and Certificates
Possession of a valid State of California Department of Public Health Water Treatment Operator Grade 2 (T2) certification or higher within 6 months of appointment. The 6-month requirement to obtain a T2 certification may be extended up to 12 months by the appointing authority. Sustained certification including any required continuing education units is mandatory for continued employment. Failure to obtain and maintain the required certifications within the time stated will result in removal from the position unless a time extension is approved by the appointing authority.
A valid California driver’s license will be required at the time of appointment and must be maintained throughout employment.
How To Apply
Applications, including answers to supplemental questions, must be submitted online by the final filing date. Apply for this position at governmentjobs.com/careers/slocountyca . Most County recruitments require you to respond to supplemental questions as part of the application process. We recommend that you review these questions prior to beginning your application.
An initial application review will be conducted. Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications and are best qualified will be invited to participate in selection activities which may include online assessments, performance exams, written exams, and interviews.
Final candidates will be required to have an in-depth background review performed before proceeding in the process. Please note that references will not be contacted until the end of the process.
If you have questions or would like to discuss the opportunity further, please contact Human Resources at hr@co.slo.ca.us . Confidential inquiries are welcomed.
For further information regarding the County of San Luis Obispo, visit our website at www.slocounty.ca.gov .
Your attached resume will not substitute for the completion of the application. Please complete all required fields and supplemental questions. Be advised that while use of AI is common practice, we want to see your individual style and critical thinking skills in your answers to the supplemental questions.
Reasonable Accommodation Notice
Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job or to perform your job. Examples of reasonable accommodation include making a change to the application process or work procedures, providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment. Please call 805-781-5959 for assistance or e-mail hr@co.slo.ca.us for more information.
Veteran's Preference Points
If you are applying for employment with the County of San Luis Obispo and you served in the United States Armed Forces, you may be eligible for veteran's preference points as part of the recruitment process. Some dependents and survivors of eligible veterans may also be eligible for preference points. Click here for more information and to learn how to apply for this benefit. Please note that Veteran’s credits must be on file with the County of San Luis Obispo Veterans Services Office prior to the recruitment closing date indicated on the job announcement .
Equal Employment Opportunity
The County is an equal opportunity employer. Objectives are directed toward assuring equal opportunity in selection / promotion, pay, and job assignments. Recruitment and selection procedures have been established to ensure non-discrimination on the basis of political or religious opinions or affiliations, age, sex, race, color, national origin, marital status, disability, sexual orientation or other non-merit factors. In addition, the County complies with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act in hiring and retaining employees. For more information contact the Human Resources Department at (805)781-5959.