Laboratory Analyst I/II (Extra-help) - Ventura Water

City of Ventura•Ventura, CA

10d•$36 - $48•Onsite

About The Position

Join Ventura Water in a part-time position and play a vital role in protecting public health and the environment! As a Laboratory Analyst I/II (Extra-help), you'll perform chemical, physical, and biological testing on drinking water, wastewater, recycled water, stormwater, and other environmental samples that help ensure compliance with state and federal regulations and support the delivery of safe, reliable water services to the Ventura community. This is a temporary part-time “extra help" at-will position. Extra help positions work less than 1,000 hours per fiscal year (July 1 – June 30), subject to budget availability and agency needs. This temporary assignment is expected to last approximately 6 months.

Requirements

A combination of education, training and/or experience equivalent to one year of college-level coursework, including two courses in a laboratory science, and one year of analytical laboratory work. (For Laboratory Analyst I)
A combination of education, training and/or experience equivalent to an Associate degree in chemistry or related field, and two years of analytical laboratory work. (For Laboratory Analyst II)
Possession of a valid Class C California driver's license and an acceptable driving record is required.
Has experience performing analytical testing in an environmental, water quality, wastewater, chemistry, or biological laboratory.
Demonstrates proficiency operating, calibrating, maintaining, and troubleshooting laboratory instruments and analytical equipment.
Possesses a strong understanding of laboratory quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) practices, sampling procedures, and accurate recordkeeping.
Maintains a high level of accuracy and attention to detail while performing technical analyses and documenting results.
Effectively prioritizes work, manages multiple assignments, and consistently meets established deadlines.
Communicates effectively and works collaboratively with laboratory and operations staff.
Demonstrates sound judgment, professionalism, and a strong commitment to laboratory safety and regulatory compliance.

Nice To Haves

Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or a closely related field.
Two years of analytical laboratory experience
Possession of a California Water Environment Association (CWEA) Laboratory Analyst Grade I or II certification.
Working knowledge of Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (ELAP) accreditation requirements.

Responsibilities

Collect drinking water, wastewater, recycled water, and environmental samples from treatment facilities, receiving waters, and other sampling locations throughout the City.
Perform chemical, physical, biological, and bacteriological analyses using established laboratory methods to support water quality monitoring and regulatory compliance.
Operate, calibrate, maintain, troubleshoot, and verify the performance of a wide range of laboratory instruments and analytical equipment, including pH meters, spectrophotometers, gas chromatographs (GC), ion chromatographs (IC), ICP-OES, analytical balances, incubators, sterilization equipment, and other specialized laboratory instruments.
Prepare laboratory reagents, culture media, standardized solutions, calibration standards, and other materials used in routine and specialized laboratory testing.
Accurately record, analyze, and report sample data, analytical procedures, and test results in accordance with laboratory standards, ELAP requirements, and regulatory reporting guidelines.
Follow Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QA/QC) procedures to ensure the accuracy, precision, and reliability of laboratory analyses.
Perform routine maintenance, calibration, and basic troubleshooting of laboratory equipment to ensure reliable operation and compliance with laboratory standards.
Maintain laboratory records, chain-of-custody documentation, inventory, and supplies while assisting with ordering and stocking laboratory materials.
Maintain a clean, organized, and safe laboratory environment by following established safety procedures for handling chemicals, biological materials, laboratory equipment, and hazardous waste.
Support Ventura Water's environmental monitoring, laboratory operations, and regulatory compliance programs by performing related laboratory duties and special projects as assigned.