Chemist I & II

Town-of-Gilbert; Gilbert (AZ); On-site; USD 62,000 - 107,000; Full time

Job summary

Town of Gilbert is hiring a Water Quality Chemist I/II to perform laboratory analyses on drinking water, with Chemist II handling advanced instrumentation. This flex posting allows hire at Chemist I or II based on qualifications.

The role includes QA/QC development, SOP maintenance, data entry in LIMS, and mentoring junior analysts while supporting a safe, efficient lab environment in a community-focused water program.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in chemistry, microbiology, biology, environmental science, or a related field.
• Required experience in environmental/drinking water labs and QA/QC practices.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine to advanced laboratory analyses on drinking water samples, including wet-chemistry and microbiological testing.
• Chemist II level: operate and calibrate ICP-MS, GC/MS, and Ion Chromatography.
• Prepare reagents, standards, and media; calibrate laboratory equipment.
• Develop and revise QA/QC procedures, SOPs, and lab certification activities.
• Enter and manage sample and analytical data in LIMS; mentor Chemist I staff.

Skills

3+ years environmental lab experience

Proficiency with advanced analytical

QA/QC practices

Mentoring junior analysts

Education

Bachelor's degree in chemistry, microbiology, biology, environmental science, or related field

Tools

LIMS

ICP-MS

GC/MS

Ion Chromatography

Job description

Team Gilbert has an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated professional to fill the position of Water Quality Chemist I/II. This is a flex-level recruitment — you may be hired as a Chemist I or Chemist II depending on your qualifications and experience. With every job we fill, our focus is on providing best-in-class service to our citizens while offering opportunities for professional growth in a rewarding, innovative work environment.

The Water Quality Chemist I/II reports to the Water Quality Program Manager. The primary functions of this position include:

• Perform routine to advanced laboratory analyses on drinking water samples — including wet-chemistry and microbiological testing, and, at the Chemist II level, advanced instrumentation such as ICP-MS, GC/MS, and Ion Chromatography
• Prepare reagents, standards, and media, and operate and calibrate laboratory equipment ranging from balances and spectrophotometers to advanced analytical instruments
• Follow — and at the Chemist II level, help develop and revise — quality assurance/quality control procedures, SOPs, and laboratory certification compliance activities
• Accurately enter and manage sample and analytical data in the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS)
• Support a safe, organized laboratory environment and participate in ongoing training; Chemist II staff also mentor and train Chemist I team members
• For a full list of duties, please review the job description for Chemist I or Chemist II

This is an FLSA Exempt, at-will position with the Town of Gilbert.

Tentative Recruitment Timeline:

• Posting Closes: October 11, 2026
• Tentative In-Person Interviews: October 19, 2026
• Tentative Start Date: November 9, 2026

You’re a detail-oriented scientist who takes pride in producing accurate, defensible water quality data. Whether you’re just starting your laboratory career or you’ve spent years running advanced instrumentation, you follow procedure precisely and document your work thoroughly. You’re comfortable in a fast-paced certified lab environment, and you understand that clean water for the community depends on the rigor you bring to every sample. If you’re further along in your career, you also enjoy mentoring newer analysts and helping strengthen the lab’s quality systems.

At Team Gilbert, we hire innovative, forward-thinking problem-solvers who love what they do! This is a flex posting — you’ll be considered for whichever level matches your background. In addition to possessing the ability to live out our core and functional values daily, candidates must possess the following requirements:

Chemist I (entry level):

• Bachelor's degree in chemistry, microbiology, biology, environmental science, or a related field
• Basic understanding of laboratory techniques and safety principles
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions with attention to detail

Chemist I Pay Range: $61,753 - $92,630

Chemist II (mid-level):

• Bachelor's degree in chemistry, microbiology, biology, environmental science, or a related field
• Minimum of 3 years of certified drinking water or environmental laboratory experience
• Proficiency with advanced analytical instruments and QA/QC practices

Chemist II Pay Range: $71,338 - $107,007

This position requires a pre-employment background check, physical, and drug screen.

This position has been designated as a Medium work position that spends a majority of their workday in a laboratory and water treatment plant environment.

The physical demands and working conditions information above is meant to provide a general idea of the conditions for this role. Gilbert is committed to being an inclusive employer of candidates with a wide range of abilities, and looks for opportunities to accommodate different abilities within reason.

To view the slide show presentation above, click here. .

Gilbert is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. If any reasonable accommodation is needed while participating in the application and interviewing process, please contact our People Team (Human Resources) at 480-503-6823. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation.

Gilbert provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.