Senior Water Quality Chemist: Lab Leadership & Compliance

County of San Luis Obispo; San Luis Obispo (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

County of San Luis Obispo seeks a Senior Water Systems Chemist to supervise staff and oversee complex analyses of drinking water and wastewater. The role provides technical guidance on regulations, monitoring, reporting, and QA/QC within an ELAP-accredited and TNI-compliant lab environment.

The ideal candidate brings senior-level water quality experience, strong leadership, and a commitment to regulatory compliance and data integrity.

Qualifications

• Requires degree in chemistry, biology, bacteriology, chemical engineering, or related field.
• Two years as Water Systems Chemist II or equivalent for the Senior role.

Responsibilities

• Supervise assigned staff in drinking water and wastewater analyses.
• Provide technical guidance on regulations, monitoring, reporting, QA/QC.
• Act as technical resource to laboratory, operations, management, and regulators.
• Support ELAP/TNI-compliant laboratory operations and documentation.

Skills

Leadership

QA/QC

Regulatory compliance

Data integrity

Analytical chemistry

Mentoring staff

Regulatory reporting

Education

Bachelor's degree in chemistry/biology/related

Job description

County of San Luis Obispo seeks a Senior Water Systems Chemist to supervise staff and oversee complex analyses of drinking water and wastewater. The role provides technical guidance on regulations, monitoring, reporting, and QA/QC within an ELAP-accredited and TNI-compliant lab environment.

The ideal candidate brings senior-level water quality experience, strong leadership, and a commitment to regulatory compliance and data integrity.