Laboratory Analyst (SBP)

City of San Luis Obispo; San Luis Obispo (CA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of San Luis Obispo is seeking a Laboratory Analyst to support regulatory compliance, operations, and efficiency in the Water Quality Lab while helping advance the Utilities Department’s mission of protecting environmental and public health.

Under direction, the analyst collects samples and performs routine and advanced analyses of water, wastewater, reclaimed water, and sludge, maintaining QA programs, preparing reagents, and supporting ELAP audits and SCADA data interpretation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in chemistry, biochemistry, biology, microbiology, environmental or public health.
• Alternatively, an associate degree with two years of lab experience.
• Valid California driver license and CWEA Grade I Laboratory Analyst Certification or ability to obtain within one year of hire.

Responsibilities

• Perform a variety of laboratory tests to determine regulatory compliance for water, wastewater, and sludge.
• Collect samples from diverse sources and maintain samplers.
• Maintain QA, SOPs, and laboratory records; monitor analytical instruments.

Skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Adaptability

Customer service

Scientific background

Education

Bachelor's degree in chemistry or related field

Associate degree with two years lab experience

Tools

Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS)

SCADA systems

Job description

The City of San Luis Obispo is seeking a Laboratory Analyst to support regulatory compliance, operations, and efficiency in the Water Quality Lab while helping advance the Utilities Department’s mission of protecting environmental and public health.

This position offers the opportunity to support water, wastewater, recycled water, stormwater, and industry-wide partnerships on a team committed to continuous growth and improvement.

The successful candidate will have a strong scientific background while demonstrating communication, organizational, adaptability, and customer service skills. Responsibilities include sampling, analysis, coordinating with multiple programs, supporting day-to-day facility operations, and ensuring legally defensible data reporting.

The successful candidate should be comfortable working both independently and collaboratively and be willing to actively support operations in the field while building strong relationships with coworkers and the public.

If you are interested in learning more about the role and day-to-day operations, please contact Matt Anderson at [e-mail].

If you are selected for interviews, they will take place in person on Thursday, October 15, 2026, so please hold that date.

JOB SUMMARY

Under direction of the Laboratory Manager, collects samples and performs a variety of routine and advanced analyses of water, wastewater, reclaimed water, and sludge in support of City services and operations. This job class includes responsibility for the performance of the full range of the classification’s tasks and duties, ultimately performing at a journey level of classification. Appointment to a level in this job class is based upon achieving and maintaining a specified level of competence, professionalism, and performance as defined through a skills-based-pay program.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This position is part of the “Skills Based Pay” (SBP) program. Employees in this classification shall have the opportunity to advance within the range. Advancement shall be based on attainment and continued demonstrated performance of the required knowledge, skills, abilities, and/or required certifications, and the recommendation of the department head.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Employees in this classification receive general supervision from the Laboratory Manager. May exercise technical and functional direction over technician or intern staff.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

(Any one position may not include all of the duties listed nor do the listed examples include all tasks that may be found in positions of this class.)

• Performs a variety of laboratory chemical, physical, and biological tests to determine compliance with state and federal regulatory agencies, process control parameters and to characterize raw water, treated water, wastewater and industrial waste streams.
• Collects water, wastewater, soil, sludge, and receives water samples from a variety of sources including creeks, spill sites, manholes, sewer lines and storm drains and maintains automatic samplers in proper working condition.
• Analyzes and interprets laboratory test data, identifies abnormal results, and provides operational recommendations with clear tabular and graphical summaries.
• Follows established Chemical Hygiene Plan.
• Follows established laboratory Quality Assurance (QA) program and chain of custody procedures.
• Maintains detailed written and computerized records of laboratory data.
• Prepares chemical reagents, lab supplies and glassware for use in analysis.
• Conducts and evaluates special monitoring projects.
• Coordinates sample collection schedules with appropriate City staff as needed.
• Writes, reviews, and revises Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for sample collection, analyses, and QA procedures; recommends changes to laboratory manuals. Monitors level of laboratory supplies and orders supplies as needed.
• Monitors condition of analytical instruments and performs preventative maintenance of equipment to meet ELAP requirements and ensure accurate, precise measurement.
• Participates in Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (ELAP) audits of the laboratory to maintain the lab's state and federal certification, ensuring compliance with TNI (The Nelac Institute) standards.
• Stays abreast of emerging trends and advancements in analytical procedures, instrumentation, and federal and state regulations.
• Accesses and interprets Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system data and trends to support process evaluation and correlate with laboratory results.
• Assists in development of laboratory systems and procedures and in identification and acquisition of new equipment and materials.
• Observes proper safety precautions and procedures and maintains the laboratory in a safe, clean, neat, and orderly condition.
• Completes required written and electronic reporting duties.
• Performs related duties similar to the above in scope and function as required.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of

• General principles, methods,and techniques of water quality-related sampling, analyses,and treatment processes.
• Fundamentals of laboratory chemistry and mathematics, and statistical sampling and analysis.
• Laboratory safety and equipment care, including proper use of personal protective equipment.
• Basic operating principles of water processing plants, including methods and processes used in water and wastewater treatment.
• Regulatory requirements governing certified laboratories and operating permits, including NPDES requirements.
• Basic operating principles of SCADA systems used in water and wastewater treatment facilities.
• Applicable computer applications including laboratory information management systems (LIMS) and standard business software.
• Accreditation standards, including TNI requirements and laboratory quality assurance/quality control functions.

Ability to

• Perform accurate and precise chemical, physical,and biological analyses of water, wastewater,and sludge.
• Operate, maintain,and calibrate analytical instruments and equipment; perform minor repairs and recognize unusual, inefficient, or dangerous operating conditions.
• Understand, follow, and give verbal and written instructions.
• Use computer, spreadsheets,and data management systems for regulatory recordkeeping, reporting, and data analyses.
• Utilize proper sampling collection and handling techniques.
• Prepare testing media and reagents.
• Keep accurate and legible records.
• Establish and maintain effective work relationships with those contacted in the performance of required duties.
• Convey, receive, and follow written and oral instructions.
• Effectively communicate analytical results and technical information.
• Provide work direction, coordination, and training for assigned technician or intern staff.
• Prioritize and coordinate work in a deadline and project-oriented environment.
• Work unusual shifts, weekends, evenings, and holidays when required.
• Understand state and federal regulatory and permit requirements for water quality from the City’s treatment facilities and evaluate that compliance through laboratory analysis.
• Work with diverse populations and maintain an inclusive environment.
• Perform work in potentially hazardous conditions.
• Meet the physical requirements necessary to safely and effectively perform required duties.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Graduation from a four-year college or university with major coursework in chemistry, biochemistry, biology, microbiology, environmental, sanitary or public health engineering, natural or physical science;

or

An Associate degree in chemistry, biochemistry, biology, microbiology, environmental, sanitary or public health engineering, natural or physical science and two years of experience in the operation of water and wastewater lab equipment;

or

An equivalent combination of education and experience.

POSSESSION AND MAINTENANCE OF

• A valid California class C driver's license and a satisfactory driving record.
• A California Water Environment Association (CWEA) Grade I Laboratory Analyst Certification or ability to obtain within one year of hire.

THIS POSITION WILL BE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING BEFORE A FINAL OFFER IS MADE

• Live Scan Fingerprinting – DOJ
• Pre-employment Physical