Chemist

Los Angeles Department of Water and Power; Los Angeles (CA); Hybrid; USD 105,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power seeks a Chemist to perform analyses related to water quality, wastewater, and industrial water treatment. The role includes research, SOP preparation, data review, and reporting findings to support environmental compliance.

The position requires a chemistry degree and experience with analytical instruments, with on-site work in Los Angeles and opportunities to present at meetings.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a major in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Environmental Sciences, Biological Sciences, Physical Sciences, or Chemical Engineering.
• Explain the minimum chemistry coursework: at least 24 semester units or 36 quarter units.

Responsibilities

• Perform organic, inorganic, and physical chemical analyses for water quality and related fields.

Education

Four-year degree in Chemistry or related field

Coursework or experience in analytical chemistry

Tools

Flow Injection Analyzer

Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer

Gas Chromatograph

Inductively Coupled Plasma Spectrometer

Mass Spectrometer

X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometer

UV/Vis/Fluorescent Spectrophotometer

Job description

Annual Salary

$76,942 to $112,459; $82,914 to $121,208; and $95,254 to $139,290

The salary in the Department of Water and Power is $104,650 to $129,998; $125,426 to $155,827; $132,295 to $164,367; and $136,158 to $169,169.

Notes

• Annual salary is at the start of the pay range. The current salary range is subject to change. Please confirm the starting salary with the hiring department before accepting a job offer.
• Candidates from the eligible list are normally appointed to vacancies in the lower pay grade positions.
• In some positions, higher salaries are paid for night work.
• For information regarding reciprocity between the City of Los Angeles departments and LADWP, go to http://per.lacity.org/Reciprocity_CityDepts_and_DWP.pdf.

Duties

A Chemist performs organic, inorganic, and physical chemical analyses and research studies in connection with water quality, wastewater, storm water, solid resources and industrial water treatment, and construction and maintenance materials; performs research studies using standard or innovative methods; conducts investigations, assesses hazardous waste and water quality; tests for combustion products, insulating and lubricating oil, and asphalt binder, additives, and emulsion; provides expert testimony; researches, evaluates, and summarizes scientific literature; prepares standard operating procedures (SOP) of laboratory and field instruments; reviews test results and prepares technical reports; performs thorough recordkeeping of observations and measurements; follows quality assurance and safety programs; performs routine maintenance of analytical instruments; performs specialized sampling of waters, soils, solids, air, water sediment, asphalt, and waste oil in the field; operates automated sampling equipment, flow meters, and portable analytical instruments; reviews and analyzes scientific reports and data related to environmental assessment, water quality, and public health; conducts field investigations at various project sites to design environmental studies and prepare monitoring plans, written conclusions, and recommendations; maintains inventories of chemicals, supplies, and equipment; and attends and makes technical presentations at meetings and conferences.

(Rev.01/21/2026)

Previous Requirements / Minimum Qualifications

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a major in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Environmental Sciences, Biological Sciences, Physical Sciences, or Chemical Engineering, with at least twenty-four (24) semester units or thirty-six (36) quarter units of college chemistry. Acceptable coursework or experience includes utilizing at least two of the following instruments:

• Flow Injection Analyzer
• Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer or Mercury Analyzer
• Multi Element Oil Analyzer
• Gas Chromatograph
• High Performance Liquid Chromatograph or Ion Chromatograph
• Inductively Coupled Plasma Spectrometer
• Mass Spectrometer
• X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometer
• UV/VIS/Fluorescent Spectrophotometer
• Dynamic Shear Rheometer
• Brookfield Thermosel System
• Bending Beam Rheometer
• Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR)
• Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (NMR)

Three (3) years of full-time paid work experience in a chemistry lab conducting chemical analysis utilizing the instruments listed above in a State accredited drinking water, wastewater, or hazardous waste laboratory may be substituted for the twenty-four (24) semester units or thirty-six (36) quarter units of college chemistry coursework.

Previous Application Process

Process Notes

• College seniors with a major in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Environmental Sciences, Biological Sciences, Physical Sciences, or Chemical Engineering and the required coursework or experience shown above within 6 months of graduation may file for this examination. However, they cannot be appointed until the full requirement is met.
• As a condition of employment, a valid Class C driver’s license issued by the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is required. Applicants will be disqualified and candidates will not be eligible for hire if their DMV record within the last 36 months reflects three or more moving violations and/or at-fault accidents, or a conviction of a major moving violation such as DUI or DWI in any state or jurisdiction. Notice of disqualification or ineligibility for hire may be issued by the City of Los Angeles at any time before a final job offer is extended.
• For internal Use Only: Licensing verification will occur at the time of filing.
• Upon appointment, a Chemist may be required to furnish their own automobile, properly insured, for use in City service. Mileage will be paid on the basis of established rates.
• Please note that qualifying education must be from a college or university accredited by a City of Los Angeles recognized agency. A list of approved accrediting agencies can be found at https://personnel.lacity.gov/Accredited%20Institutions%2008-21-08.pdf.
• Candidates completing the examination process will be contacted by the Personnel Department to provide required proof of qualifying degree and coursework. Applicants who wish to expedite this process may attach a copy of their degree and transcripts (annotated with college chemistry coursework, credit earned, and grade received) in the Attachments section of the on-line application at the time of filing.
• Applicants substituting three (3) years of full-time paid chemistry lab experience for the required twenty-four (24) semester units or thirty-six (36) quarter units of college chemistry coursework may determine if the lab in which the work experience was gained is State accredited by visiting https://waterboards.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=bd0bd8b42b1944058244337bd2a4ebfa. Experience must have been gained at a State accredited drinking water, wastewater, or hazardous waste laboratory.

Application Deadline

Applications must be received by THURSDAY, JANUARY 29, 2026.

Selection Process

Examination Weights: Multiple-Choice Test ... Qualifying

Interview ... 100%

The examination will consist of a qualifying multiple-choice test and a weighted interview. The qualifying multiple-choice test will be administered and proctored on-line ...

Additional job analysis information can be obtained by going to https://per.lacity.org/jobs/job-analyses.cfm and clicking on Competencies under Chemist.

The qualifying multiple-choice test will be proctored and administered on-line during a single session. Candidates invited to participate in the on-line multiple-choice test will be able to take the test from a remote location (i.e. their home) using a computer with a webcam and a reliable internet connection. Candidates will receive an e‑mail from the City of Los Angeles outlining the dates and specific steps on how to take the qualifying multiple-choice test on-line. It is anticipated that the remote proctored multiple-choice test will be administered between TUESDAY, MARCH 17, 2026 and MONDAY, MARCH 23, 2026. Candidates who do not complete and submit the remote proctored multiple-choice test on-line using a computer by the specified date and time not be considered further in this examination.

FAQs for on-line testing are available at https://per.lacity.org/faqs/employment-testing-process.html. Only candidates who demonstrate a hardship may be offered the option to take the qualifying multiple-choice test onsite at a City facility.

Passing Score for the Qualifying Multiple-Choice Test

The passing score for the qualifying multiple-choice test will be determined by Personnel Department staff after the qualifying multiple-choice test is administered. Consideration will be given to the number of candidates taking the test and the existing and anticipated number of vacancies, such that there are a sufficient number of eligibles on the list to satisfy current and future vacancies for the next two years. Therefore, the passing score for the qualifying multiple-choice test may be set at, above, or below 70%.

Candidates must achieve a passing score on the qualifying multiple-choice test and meet the minimum qualification in order to be invited to the interview.

Your examination score will be based entirely on your professional and personal qualifications by interview. In the interview, the following competencies may be evaluated: Self-Management; Teamwork; Credibility; Safety Focus, including: pertinent safety principles, procedures and regulations as required by the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (Cal-OSHA), including those related to the proper operation, use, and inspection of safety devices and personal protective equipment (PPE); Job Knowledge, including knowledge of: quality assurance principles, practices, and documentation related to sample testing and methodology as required by Federal and/or State regulatory and standard operating procedures (SOPs); proper use and handling of basic laboratory equipment, such as volumetric glassware and analytical balances; analytical chemistry, such as the use and function of analytical instruments; and other necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Candidates will be notified by e‑mail of the date, time, and location of the interview, which may be held in Los Angeles or on-line.

Notes:

• This examination is based on a validation study , and as provided by Civil Service Commission Rule 4.20, the multiple-choice test will not be subject to candidate inspection.
• As a covered entity under the Fair Employment and Housing Act and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City of Los Angeles does not discriminate on the basis of disability and upon request, will provide reasonable accommodations to ensure equal access to its programs, services, and activities. To request a disability accommodation, please complete the Disability Accommodation Form within 14 calendar days of the submittal of the City application. The Disability Accommodation Form can be obtained at http://per.lacity.org/exams/verify_disability.pdf .
• Applications are accepted subject to review to ensure that the minimum qualification has been met. Candidates may be disqualified at any time if it is determined that they do not possess the minimum qualification stated on this bulletin.
• A final average score of 70% or higher in the interview portion of the examination is required to be placed on the eligible list.

Notice: If you receive and accept an offer of employment to a regular position with the City of Los Angeles, your employee benefit coverage (including health and dental coverage as well as life insurance) will commence approximately six weeks after your original regular appointment. Not all positions in the City receive benefit coverage; you should inquire regarding the availability of employee benefits prior to accepting a position. All City employees are required to be Disaster Service Workers.

THIS EXAMINATION IS TO BE GIVEN ONLY ON AN OPEN COMPETITIVE BASIS

The City of Los Angeles does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, creed, color, ancestry, medical condition (cancer), or Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome.

(Rev.01/21/2026)