SR Water Systems Chemist in San Luis Obispo, California at County of San Luis Obispo

The Senior Water Systems Chemist supervises assigned staff and oversees complex chemical and biological analyses of drinking water and wastewater. This position provides technical guidance on water and wastewater regulations, compliance, monitoring, reporting, and quality assurance/quality control.

Click here to learn more about the Public Works Water Quality Division.

The Senior Water Systems Chemist also assists with special projects and serves as a technical resource to laboratory, operations, management, and regulatory personnel. As assigned, the position acts on behalf of the Water Quality Manager during their absence.

Click here to view detailed job description for Senior Water Systems Chemist.

The ideal candidate is an experienced water quality professional with a strong background in drinking water and wastewater analysis, regulatory compliance, and laboratory operations. They bring sound scientific judgment, strong leadership skills, and a commitment to maintaining the highest standards of data quality and regulatory compliance.

The successful candidate will have experience working within an ELAP-accredited and TNI-compliant laboratory environment, with a thorough understanding of laboratory quality systems, QA/QC requirements, analytical methods, data integrity, documentation, and regulatory reporting.

They will be a confident leader who can supervise, train, and mentor staff, while effectively coordinating with laboratory, field, operations, management, and regulatory personnel. The ideal candidate will be proactive in identifying compliance issues, interpreting regulatory requirements, improving processes, and developing practical solutions.

Most importantly, this individual will be committed to using their scientific expertise and leadership skills to ensure regulatory compliance, support reliable water and wastewater operations, maintain the integrity of analytical data, and protect our community’s water resources.

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.