SR Water Systems Chemist

The County of San Luis Obispo is hiring two Senior Water Systems Chemists to join our Water Quality Division within the Public Works Department. This is a leadership opportunity where you will guide a talented team and work in a California ELAP-certified laboratory. In this role, you will work closely with our divisions that manage drinking water, wastewater, stormwater, and landfill programs ensuring our testing and monitoring meet the highest state and federal standards. What You’ll Do Lead and mentor a team of chemists and laboratory technicians. Oversee operations at two ELAP-certified labs, ensuring ongoing compliance and quality performance. Conduct field investigations and laboratory audits, supporting technical work for a variety of water quality projects. Prepare reports and documentation for agencies such as the State Water Resources Control Board, Department of Fish and Wildlife, ELAP, and the U.S. EPA. Serve as a technical lead on regulatory permits and special projects, including invasive mussel monitoring and prevention, cyanotoxin management, algal treatment programs, and new drinking water and wastewater treatments. Collaborate with engineers, operators, and environmental scientists to keep our water systems safe. Why This Role Is Unique This position offers the best of both worlds—time in the lab, field, and project coordination. You will apply your scientific knowledge, lead a skilled team, and directly shape programs that keep our communities safe. Access to clean drinking water, efficient wastewater treatment, and responsible monitoring of stormwater and landfills are critical for the health and safety of everyone in San Luis Obispo County. As a Senior Water Systems Chemist, you will play a crucial role in protecting our environment and ensuring the sustainability of our water resources for the future. Click here to learn more about the Public Works Water Quality Division. This recruitment may be used to fill future permanent, substitute, limited term, and temporary positions, both full-time and part-time throughout the County. Click here to view detailed job description for Senior Water Systems Chemist. Who We’re Looking For We are seeking motivated, independent professionals who are passionate about public service. The ideal candidate will have: Experience in a certified environmental laboratory (TNI/ELAP preferred), with a strong understanding of regulatory compliance for drinking water and wastewater systems. Hands‑on field and analytical experience in water, wastewater, stormwater, or landfill monitoring. Leadership skills with the ability to guide, mentor, and foster a positive, collaborative team environment. Technical expertise in advanced laboratory instruments, including wet chemistry, ion chromatography, metals analysis, and TOC. Education and Experience A combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. A typical qualifying background includes: Graduation from an accredited four‑year college or university with a degree in chemistry, biology, bacteriology, chemical engineering, or a closely related field. Senior Water Systems Chemist: Two years of experience as a Water Systems Chemist II or in an equivalent position. Applications, including answers to supplemental questions, must be submitted online by the final filing date. Apply for this position at governmentjobs.com/careers/slocountyca. Most County recruitments require you to respond to supplemental questions as part of the application process. We recommend that you review these questions prior to beginning your application. An initial application review will be conducted. Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications and are best qualified will be invited to participate in selection activities which may include online assessments, performance exams, written exams, and interviews. Final candidates will be required to have an in‑depth background review performed before proceeding in the process. Please note that references will not be contacted until the end of the process. If you have questions or would like to discuss the opportunity further, please contact Human Resources at hr@co.slo.ca.us. Confidential inquiries are welcomed. For further information regarding the County of San Luis Obispo, visit our website at www.slocounty.ca.gov. #J-18808-Ljbffr