Chemist II/III

NOTE Regarding Salary: A 4.5% ABSA – Across the Board Salary Adjustment will apply as of 6/22/26. 

Overview:

The key role of the Chemist II/III is to provide critical laboratory testing and quality control required by California Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (ELAP) and Division of Drinking Water (DDW) to ensure compliance with all federal and test drinking water regulations standards. This position is also tasked with maintaining and troubleshooting lab instrumentation to ensure optimal operation and meet annual performance testing requirements. The position serves as a subject-matter expert during the on-site regulatory audits and for the internal audit program to maintain lab accreditation. This position plays an important role in reviewing and providing timely data to the treatment plant operations team to ensure reliable plant operations and the continuous delivery of high-quality drinking water to the community and the public.

Who We Are:
To learn how Valley Water provides safe, clean water and environmental stewardship for the Santa Clara community, please click here

Key Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Develop and review analytical methods and procedures for water quality analysis. Perform complex analytical testing and data review to evaluate the effectiveness of testing methods.
• Generate reliable analytical data per the requirements of the Laboratory’s Quality Management System in accordance with the Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program.
• Review and approve all analytical data prior to release. Perform internal audits to ensure that all Quality Assurance/Quality Control checks are compliant.
• Keep all standard operating procedures up to date. Participate in the performance testing program and the corrective and preventive action review process.
• Perform routine and non-routine maintenance of instruments. Maintain inventory and ensure service contracts are up to date.

Ideal Candidate's Background Includes:

Applicants whose experience and background best match the ideal experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, and education are considered ideal candidates for the position. To determine the top candidates, each applicant will be assessed based on the ideal candidate criteria as listed below.

Ideal Experience:

Chemist II: Three (3) years in drinking water or wastewater analysis.

Chemist III: Five (5) years in drinking water or wastewater analysis.

Ideal Skills and Abilities:

Chemist II:

• Provide analytical support for water quality investigations, such as, distribution systems, source water reservoirs, treatment plant processes, and recycled water.
• Assist in the development of applied research projects; develop and review test equipment, products, methods, and procedures; recommend operational and equipment modifications to ensure delivered water meets regulatory requirements.
• Maintain and conduct minor maintenance on various laboratory equipment. 
• Adhere to Valley Water and lab’s policies and procedures.
• Develop, implement, and continuously optimize all analytical measurements.
• Enter data and navigate the Laboratory Information Management System
• Perform a variety of duties in the analysis of drinking water, recycled water, and groundwater samples. 
• Learn to perform and interpret water analysis test results. 
• Learn to identify and analyze existing and potential laboratory demands and management challenges.
• Learn to administer budget, personnel, and administrative issues.
• Learn to analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals.
• Learn to conduct complex water quality studies and review, analyze, and interpret the results.
• Prepare clear and concise reports.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. 

Chemist III:

• Perform water quality investigations of reservoirs, distribution systems, and recycled water samples for specified projects.
• Assist in the development of various applied research projects.
• Identify and analyze existing and potential laboratory demands and management challenges.
• Administer budget, personnel, and administrative issues.
• Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions, and implement recommendations in support of goals.
• Conduct complex water quality studies and review, analyze, and interpret the results.
• Perform a variety of technical tasks relative to assigned areas of responsibility.
• Perform a wide variety of professional analytical and technical duties involved in the analyses of water, wastewater, and related material samples for organic or inorganic constituents.

Ideal Knowledge:

Chemist II:

Some Knowledge of:

• Operational characteristics of laboratory and electronic instruments and equipment. 
• Methods and techniques of water sampling, preservation, extraction, and storage requirements. 
• Methods and techniques used in laboratory quality assurance programs. 
• Principles and practices of applied research projects.
• Methods and techniques of handling and storing hazardous materials. 
• Pertinent federal and state laws, codes, and regulations such as California regulations for drinking water.

Working Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of chemistry measurement techniques for various water matrices. 
• Principles and practices of laboratory quality assurance.
• Operation of analytical instrumentation and operating systems.
• Calibration, operation, and minor maintenance and repair of instrumentation.
• Accuracy and precision studies including MDL and MRL determination. 
• Common desktop applications and software used for lab operation and quality assurance.

Chemist III:

Working Knowledge of:

• Principles, practices, and responsibilities involved in leading the work of assigned staff.
• Principles and practices of laboratory quality assurance.
• Methods and techniques of public speaking.
• Data review, validation, analytics, and trend analysis. 
• Corrective and preventive action review and analysis.
• Principles and practices of applied research projects.

Thorough Knowledge of:

Drinking water regulations and monitoring requirements

Ideal Training and Education:

Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, environmental chemistry, chemical engineering, or a related field.

This position is eligible for a hybrid telework schedule, typically working 10%-20% remotely. 

Salary : $118,934 - $152,152