Laboratory Assistant (Ventura Water)

City of Ventura • Ventura, CA

2d • $27 - $33

About The Position

The City of Ventura is hiring a Laboratory Assistant to support the Ventura Water laboratory operations through hands-on environmental sampling and routine laboratory analysis. This position plays a critical role in protecting public health and the environment by helping ensure the quality of potable water, wastewater, stormwater, and industrial waste systems. The Laboratory Assistant performs essential field and lab-based work , supporting analytical testing, data collection, and equipment maintenance in a collaborative, safety-focused setting. This is an excellent opportunity for individuals with laboratory experience interested in working in a municipal water and wastewater laboratory. Incumbents may be required to work weekends and holidays as operational needs require.

Requirements

• Requires a combination of education, training and experience equivalent to a high school diploma and one year of related laboratory experience.
• College level course work in a laboratory science is highly desirable
• Depending on assignment, possession of a valid California Class C driver's license may be required.

Nice To Haves

• Have experience supporting laboratory operations through environmental sampling and routine chemical or physical analysis
• Possess a strong understanding of standard water and environmental sampling and analysis procedures
• Be comfortable working in both laboratory and field environments, including exposure to wastewater and chemicals
• Demonstrate the ability to follow oral and written technical instructions accurately
• Maintain organized and accurate records and perform basic mathematical calculations
• Communicate effectively with coworkers and the public, including industrial users
• Be detail-oriented and dependable, and committed to safety and accuracy
• Work effectively both independently and as part of a team

Responsibilities

• Collecting water and environmental samples from treatment plants, water distribution systems, industrial waste sites, and receiving water
• Performing routine chemical and physical analyses, including solids, pH, alkalinity, COD, BOD, and chlorine residual testing
• Operating laboratory and field equipment such as pH and turbidity meters, samplers, and analytical balances
• Maintaining accurate records of sampling activities, analytical procedures, and test results, including data entry
• Cleaning and maintaining laboratory equipment and work areas
• Monitoring and maintaining laboratory supply inventory
• Following established safety procedures when working with chemicals, raw sewage, and laboratory equipment
• Preparing and coordinating the shipment or pickup of samples for contract laboratories, ensuring accurate and complete chain-of-custody documentation.

Benefits

• Medical Insurance options include HMO, PPO, City Paid Dental and Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Vacation & Holiday Compensation
• Deferred Compensation
• CalPERS Retirement
• Tuition Reimbursement & Bilingual Pay

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees