Microbiologist I

East Bay Municipal Utility District; Oakland (CA); On-site; USD 109,000 - 132,000; Full time

Job summary

East Bay Municipal Utility District seeks a Microbiologist I to perform toxicological, microbiological, biochemical, and chemical analyses of water, wastewater and other environmental samples in the Biology Section of the laboratory.

The position emphasizes following standard methods, QA/QC procedures, and training staff while contributing to the development of new analytical procedures under supervision. On-site, full-time work in Oakland, California is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in microbiology or closely related field.
• No experience required.
• Valid California driver's license and satisfactory driving record.
• Full-time onsite presence in the laboratory.

Responsibilities

• Perform aquatic toxicity testing using fish and invertebrates following standard methods.
• Perform microbiological tests for water quality and identify bacteria.
• Conduct molecular and immunological analyses (PCR/ELISA) for monitoring.
• Microscopic examination of samples to identify microorganisms.
• Implement QA/QC procedures and maintain QA/QC records.
• Train staff and document standard operating procedures.

Education

Bachelor's degree in microbiology

Job description

The Position

The Microbiologist I performs toxicological, microbiological, biochemical, and chemical analyses of water, wastewater and other environmental samples. This recruitment will be used to fill one immediate opening in the Biology Section of East Bay Municipal Utility District's (EBMUD's) laboratory.

Typical duties include:

• Performing aquatic toxicity testing using fish and invertebrate test species following standard methods. May also conduct investigations into the cause of observed toxicity.
• Performing microbiological tests for water quality using a variety of methods. Preparing bacterial cultures and conducting bacteriological identification tests.
• Performing molecular and immunological analyses for routine monitoring using techniques such as PCR and ELISA in accordance with established laboratory procedures.
• Conducting microscopic examination of samples and stained preparations to identify and enumerate microorganisms, including plankton, activated sludge organisms, bacteria, protozoa and nematodes.
• Performing a variety of other laboratory procedures using wet chemical and instrumental methods. Implementing QA/QC procedures and maintaining accurate QA/QC records and documentation.
• Training staff members in laboratory procedures and writing standard operating procedures to implement new methods or update existing procedures.
• Under close supervision, developing and implementing new analytical procedures based on published methods. Performing research projects on well-defined problems.

The successful candidate will clearly demonstrate:

• Knowledge of EPA promulgated and other methods used for biological analyses and federal and state water quality regulations.
• Knowledge of laboratory equipment, instrumentation, and procedures used for microbiological, molecular, biochemical and other biological analyses in an environmental laboratory.
• Knowledge of the principles of statistics and data analysis.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize assignments, and meet client needs and the established deadlines.
• Ability to identify, troubleshoot ,and resolve analytical problems.
• Ability to communicate effectively with clients, laboratory staff and outside agencies.
• Ability to work as part of a team and apply a collaborative, problem-solving approach to laboratory projects.

The salary range is $9,758 per month increasing to $10,246, $10,758, $11,296 and $11,861 after 6, 18, 30, and 42 months, respectively.

EBMUD is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, gender, gender identity (including transgender status), gender expression, marital or registered domestic partnership status, age for individuals age forty or older, national origin, ancestry, disability (mental or physical), medical condition (cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, sexual orientation, military and veterans status, family or medical leave status, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation or related medical condition), pregnancy disability leave status, domestic violence victim status, political affiliation, and other categories protected by federal, state and/or local laws.

Requirements

1. A bachelor's degree* with major coursework in microbiology, biology, biochemistry, toxicology or a closely related field.
2. No experience required.
3. A valid California driver's license and a satisfactory driving record.
4. Full-time onsite presence to perform laboratory analyses and other duties requiring physical presence in the laboratory.
5. Additional years of experience (beyond the minimum requirement) may be substituted for the education on a year for year basis, only if the experience is at the level of the job for which the applicant is applying.
6. Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered. To be considered under the "equivalent combination of education and experience" provision, it is your responsibility to include in your application materials written evidence of employment performed at the level of the typical duties of this position and/or coursework in subject areas directly related to this position. For more information, see our FAQ page at http://www.ebmud.com/jobs/job-resources/job-faqs-frequently-asked-questions/

The Selection Process

2.Candidates must achieve a passing score on each test part in order to advance to the next step in the selection process.

3.The first 200 qualified candidates who possess the minimum qualifications will be invited to take an in-person written test scheduled for Friday October 9, 2026 and Saturday October 10, 2026. An online option is not available for the written test.

4.Those who pass the written test will be invited to an in-person panel interview, tentatively scheduled for the week of November 2, to evaluate the knowledge and abilities required to perform the job. An online option is not available for the panel interview.

5.Successful candidates in both the written test and the panel interview will be placed on the hiring list, based on rank, for further consideration to fill the current regular vacancy, as well as others occurring over the next 12 to 24 months.

6.The probation period for this position is 12 months. For those holding civil service status the probation period is 6 months.

7.All employment offers are conditional, pending the results of a Live Scan background screening. All selected finalists must participate in the Live Scan background screening process to remain in consideration for EBMUD employment.

Supplemental Information

As the first step in the selection process, responses to the supplemental questions must be submitted online with the regular EBMUD application. Please provide thorough, accurate descriptions of assignments you have personally performed.