Microbiologist

California Water Service Company; Commerce (CA); On-site; USD 106,000 - 147,000; Full time

Job summary

California Water Service is seeking a Microbiologist for its Commerce, CA lab. The position involves QA/QC on testing equipment, preparing media, labeling samples, and managing a bacteriological schedule in a regulated environment.

Ideal candidates have a strong EPA-methods background, LIMS experience, and a track record in laboratory analysis. Salary ranges from approximately $106k to $147k per year, with an entry in the job board and an application deadline noted.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in microbiology, chemistry, biology, or related field; six years of lab experience.
• Master's degree in chemistry, microbiology, biology, or related field with four years of lab experience.
• Two years of experience as an Assistant Microbiologist.

Responsibilities

• Perform QA/QC on testing equipment and media per Standard Methods and EPA Manual.
• Prepare bacteriological media and sample labels/COCs.
• Review the bacteriological sampling schedule for regulatory sampling and process samples.

Skills

EPA methods knowledge

LIMS proficiency

Education

Bachelor's degree in microbiology/chemistry/biology

Master's degree in related field

Assistant Microbiologist experience

Tools

LIMS

Job description

California Water Service

Job Description:

California Water Service Group (Cal Water) invites you to build a meaningful career with the third largest publicly traded water utility in the United States. Guided by our mission to be the leading provider of water and wastewater services, we are dedicated to improving the quality of life for the customers, communities, and employees we serve. Our culture is grounded in core values-integrity, quality, service, value, health and safety, respect and collaboration, and corporate citizenship-and is reflected in our recognition as a Top Workplace, a Great Place to Work, and a J.D. Power leader in customer satisfaction for multiple years. Join Cal Water and be part of a purpose driven organization where your work makes a lasting impact.

Microbiologist is the intermediate level in this classification series. Microbiologists in this class perform routine analysis and daily/monthly/quarterly QA/QC regularly. Microbiologists will also assist the Microbiology lab with printing sample labels, COCs, overseeing the monitoring schedule, data entry, reporting, and communicating with district personnel and Project Managers. This position is located in Commerce, CA.

Essential Functions:

• Perform standard QA/QC on testing equipment and media according to Standard Methods and the EPA Manual for Certification of Laboratories
• Prepare standard bacteriological media
• Prepare sample labels, and COCs
• Review and monitor the bacteriological sampling schedule for all regulatory sampling
• Receive and process bacteriological samples
• Perform bacteriological testing based on Standard Methods and the EPA Manual for the certification of Laboratories
• Evaluate and interpret results of analytical testing
• Enter data and results of analyses into the laboratory information management system (LIMS)
• Communicate with district personnel and Project Managers concerning COC errors, results or re-sampling
• Assist in maintaining laboratory safety
• Train laboratory technicians, and/or cross-train analysts as needed
• Understand the notification procedure for Total Coliform Rule samples
• Perform proficiency tests as required
• Keep laboratory facilities in a clean and orderly condition
• Participate in inventory management of the microbiology lab
• On call weekends and holidays as required
• Perform various methods used to identify microorganisms
• Record results of analyses and keep records of hardcopies generated by the lab
• Responsible for keeping hardcopy micro laboratory data in order (binders, reports, COC and QC)
• Responsible for inputting backlog data
• Participate in Continuous Improvement (CI) activities
• Perform other related duties as required

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in microbiology, chemistry, biology, or related field, with six years of experience working in laboratory environment, supporting microbiological or chemical analysis, or
• Master's degree an accredited college or university in chemistry, microbiology, biology, or related field with four years of experience working in laboratory environment, supporting microbiological or chemical analysis, or
• Two years of experience as an Assistant Microbiologist

• Have a working knowledge of EPA methods, the EPA Manual for the Certification of Laboratories, Standard Methods and Title 22, where appropriate

Salary Range: $106,135.33 - $147,069.90

Deadline to submit resume is Tuesday, November 5, 2026.

The Equal Opportunity Policy of the Company is based upon the philosophy that all people should be treated fairly and with dignity. California Water Service, Hawaii Water Service, New Mexico Water Serviceand Washington Water Servicedo not discriminate against any applicant or employee because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or any other protected class. The Company makes all employment decisions in a non-discriminatory manner. EOE, VET, DISABILITIES.