Laboratory Analyst I/II (Extra-help)

Sacbar; California (MO); On-site; USD 49,593 - 66,124; Part time

Job summary

The City of Ventura is seeking a Laboratory Analyst I/II (Extra-help) to perform chemical, physical, and biological testing on drinking water and environmental samples. This temporary, part-time role supports Ventura Water's mission to ensure safe water and regulatory compliance.

You will operate a range of instruments, prepare reagents, maintain records, and follow QA/QC procedures. The position is open through the City Career Site and is limited to less than 1,000 hours per fiscal year,

Qualifications

• Experience performing analytical testing in environmental labs.
• Knowledge of QA/QC, sampling procedures, and recordkeeping.
• Ability to operate and troubleshoot lab equipment.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to prioritize workload and meet deadlines.
• Effective communication and teamwork.
• Commitment to safety and regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

• Collect drinking water, wastewater, recycled water, and environmental samples from treatment facilities.
• Perform chemical, physical, biological and bacteriological analyses for compliance and quality monitoring.
• Operate, calibrate, maintain, troubleshoot, and verify laboratory instruments and equipment (pH meters, spectrophotometers, GC, IC, ICP-OES, balances, incubators).
• Prepare reagents, culture media, calibration standards, and materials used in testing.
• Record, analyze, and report data per QA/QC, ELAP, and regulatory guidelines.
• Maintain lab records, chain-of-custody, inventory, and supplies.
• Maintain a clean, safe laboratory environment and assist with special projects as needed.

Skills

Environmental testing

QA/QC practices

Instrument calibration & maintenance

Accurate recordkeeping

Education

Associate degree in Chemistry or related field

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or related field

Tools

pH meters

Spectrophotometers

Gas chromatographs

Ion chromatographs

ICP-OES

Incubators

Job description

Applications are accepted exclusively through the City of Ventura Career Site: www.cityofventura.ca.gov/jobs. Submissions through other websites or methods will not be accepted.

Applications and supplemental questionnaires will be accepted on a continuous basis. Applications will be reviewed weekly, and candidates are encouraged to apply early for immediate consideration. This recruitment is open until filled.

Pay

• $35.64 - $47.62 Hourly (DOQ)

About the Opportunity

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.

Key Responsibilities Include:

• 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.

The Ideal Candidate – Preferred Qualifications

The ideal candidate:

• 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.

Highly Desirable Qualification s

• 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.

Selection Process

• All applications and supplemental questionnaires submitted will be screened in relation to the criteria outlined in this job announcement. Candidates will be reviewed, and only those candidates determined to be most qualified based on experience, training, and education, as submitted, will be invited to participate further in the selection process.
• Those candidates whose qualifications most closely match the requirements of the position will be invited to a qualifying panel interview process. Candidates will be notified of specifics after the examination process has been completed. Initial panel interviews may be conducted in-person. Candidates will be notified of specifics at the appropriate time.
• As a condition of employment, selected candidates will be required to complete a pre-employment medical screening.

The Eligibility List established for this classification may be used to fill other regular and temporary vacancies at the discretion of the City.

Additional Information

For additional information on the duties and responsibilities of the position, refer to the job descriptions located on the City’s Career Page at City of Ventura Jobs or by viewing here Laboratory Analyst I/II.

Questions? Contact the Recruitment Team:

[e-mail]

[phone]

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), if you need an accommodation in a selection process, please notify the Human Resources Department in writing by the final filing date of the position you are interested in. The Human Resources address is: 501 Poli Street, Room 210, Ventura, CA 93001, [phone], e-mail: [e-mail].

The City is an equal opportunity employer and strives to attract qualified applicants from all walks of life without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, military and veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state and/or local law. We aim to create an environment that celebrates and embraces the diversity of our workforce. We welcome you to join our team!

Minimum Qualifications – Required

Laboratory Analyst I: 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.

Laboratory Analyst II: 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.

License: Possession of a valid Class C California driver's license and an acceptable driving record is required.