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Applications are being accepted for the position of Laboratory Chemist with the City of South San Francisco. 

APPLICATION DEADLINE:  FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2026, 5:00 P.M. OR UPON RECEIPT OF THE FIRST 100 ONLINE APPLICATIONS, WHICHEVER OCCURS FIRST.

THE DEPARTMENT

The Water Quality Control Plant (WQCP) processes wastewater discharge for the cities of South San Francisco, San Bruno and the Town of Colma. The Water Quality Control Plant is a division of the Public Works Department staffed by 38 employees including: Plant Superintendent; Operation, Maintenance, Laboratory and Environment Compliance Supervisors; Senior Chemist; Chemist; Lead Plant Mechanics; Plant Mechanics; Lead Plant Operators; Plant Operators; Electricians; Senior Environmental Compliance Inspector; Environmental Compliance Inspectors, Utility Workers, and two Administrative Assistants.

THE LABORATORY

The WQCP laboratory conducts vital chemical and microbiological tests to the wastewater treatment plant 365 days a year. The laboratory analyzes water samples throughout the various stages of treatment process, and provides the operation with quick feedback critical to maintaining and optimizing the treatment process as well as meeting requirements for regulatory monitoring. The Laboratory is accredited by the Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (ELAP) under the State Water Resources Control Board, and maintains accreditation in accordance with the 2016 TNI Standard. 

Why Join our Department?

The Public Works Department is comprised of Regulatory Compliance, Engineering, Field Maintenance, Facilities/Fleet, Wastewater Treatment, and Asset Management Divisions.  Each division is led by one of two Deputy Directors, who report to the Director of Public Works.  The department is responsible for the City’s major capital projects and infrastructure including streets, street lights, traffic signals, publicly owned facilities, sewer and storm conveyance systems, wastewater treatment plant, pump stations, a major lagoon, dams, and levees; as well as solid waste and environmental programs.  The Department is responsible for regulatory compliance related to Stormwater, Pretreatment, Solid Waste, and other environmental programs, as well as public outreach to raise awareness to the general public and other stakeholders about these issues.

The Public Works Department is committed to high performance standards, utilizing best practices relative to performance management and team-oriented approaches.  Our mission is to enhance the community and its environment by providing sustainable stewardship and innovative approaches to Public Works services.

Look to some of the reasons why the City of San Mateo is a great place to work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_GTIzeSpc_g

The Position

The Environmental Compliance Inspector performs inspections and sampling of industrial, commercial and residential sources of discharge to the City’s sanitary sewer and storm drain systems to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations; inspects hazardous materials storage areas; responds to reports of illicit discharges; performs water quality testing; and conducts public outreach activities.  This classification is distinguished from all other technical and professional classifications in the City by its specialized assignments in support of a variety of environmental compliance programs.  The duties of the class involve courteous, effective and tactful interaction with the community to ensure compliance with wastewater and stormwater discharge regulations.  Persons assigned to this class perform or assist in performing all functions associated with the City’s Source Control (Pretreatment and Pollution Prevention) and Stormwater programs.  This position reports to the Regulatory Compliance Manager or higher level department personnel.

Some additional duties may also include the following:

• Enforce wastewater and stormwater discharge ordinances.
• Conduct on-site inspections of industrial and commercial businesses for compliance with the City’s sanitary sewer and stormwater ordinances.
• Initiate enforcement actions (e.g., issue notices of violation, administrative citations) to persons or businesses in violation of the City’s sanitary sewer and stormwater ordinances.
• Perform field investigations relative to water pollution incidents and/or complaints.
• Collect water samples and perform water quality testing in accordance with established standards and protocols.
• Calibrate and utilize sampling and/or monitoring equipment at appropriate locations; maintain and repair samplers and monitoring equipment.
• Work cooperatively with representatives of other City and County departments to ensure industrial, commercial, and residential conformance with City ordinances.
• Conduct field surveys as necessary to identify the source of or characterize (1) industrial discharges or excessive infiltration and inflow to the City’s sanitary sewer system; and (2) illicit discharges to the City’s storm drain system.
• Keep detailed inspection and follow-up records; maintain organized inspection files and records, both in hard copy and electronic formats.
• Assist with fulfilling wastewater and stormwater regulatory requirements, such as public outreach and education, trash load reduction efforts, and other regulatory requirements, as assigned.
• Measure landfill monitoring well water levels.
• Attend and participate in various technical committees of the San Mateo Countywide Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program.
• Attend workshops and training sessions to maintain job skills that are current with existing, new and changing regulations.
• Organize and participate in litter cleanups as required for Stormwater Permit compliance.
• Purchase required equipment and supplies as needed.
• Present pollution prevention information to various audiences as assigned.
• Work irregular or extended hours as necessary to respond to reports of illicit discharges, collect samples and/or conduct inspections.

For a complete list of duties, reference our job specifications at www.cityofsanmateo.org

PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION VIA THIS LINK: https://wbcpinc.com/job-board/

The City of San José is seeking an experienced, collaborative, and visionary leader to serve as the next Assistant Director of the Environmental Services Department (ESD). As Chief Operating Officer of ESD, the Assistant Director will help lead one of the most dynamic environmental services departments in the nation. This executive position will oversee an approximate $550 million budget and seven direct reports, providing strategic leadership across a broad portfolio of utility operations and environmental programs serving over one million residents, including the city’s solid waste, stormwater, drinking water, and watershed protection services. The ideal candidate will bring a strong foundation in utility operations, regulatory compliance, and public agency administration. They will possess excellent interpersonal skills, technical aptitude, and political acumen, and thrive in a highly collaborative, solution-oriented environment. This is a unique opportunity to help shape San José’s environmental future - apply today!

View the full recruitment brochure here: https://indd.adobe.com/view/5613b8be-7239-44f5-84c0-9e3ee91fd78c

The Environmental Services Department
 

The Environmental Services Department (ESD) is a national leader in pollution prevention, watershed protection, utility services, and climate action. With nearly 582 employees, ESD serves over 1 million residents and thousands of businesses in San José. ESD’s mission is to deliver world-class utility services and programs that enhance health, the environment, and the economy. This mission is executed through the following divisions:
 

• San José–Santa Clara Regional Wastewater Facility (RWF):The largest advanced wastewater treatment facility in the western U.S., serving 1.7 million residents and 17,000 businesses. RWF treats 110 million gallons daily, delivers recycled water, and consistently meets permit standards while earning national recognition.
   

• Capital Improvement Program:A $1.4 billion, 10-year effort to modernize the RWF’s infrastructure, enhancing resilience, treatment capacity, and sustainability for long-term protection of the South Bay.

• Water Resources Division: Operates the San José Municipal Water System, serving over 100,000 residents, and oversees South Bay Water Recycling—the largest recycled water system in Northern California—while exploring future water supply options like potable reuse and desalination.

• Watershed Protection Division: Safeguards San José’s creeks by preventing pollution from entering 30,000 storm drains. Operates an award-winning lab that conducts over 50,000 tests annually and led regional wastewater monitoring during COVID-19.

• Integrated Waste Management Division: Manages waste services for 325,000 homes and 11,000 businesses, maximizing recycling and organics diversion through five contracted haulers to reduce landfill use and maintain city cleanliness.

• Regulatory Affairs and Purified Water Division: Leads implementation of a multi-agency potable reuse initiative and administers the wastewater and air compliance programs for the Regional Wastewater Facility. Supports an integrated regulatory and legislative strategy for wastewater, stormwater, recycled water and drinking water utilities.

• Utility Financial & Business Operations: Provides core support in budgeting, hiring, IT, payroll, billing, and procurement to ensure the efficient operation of all ESD programs and services.

• Communications Division :Leads strategic, multilingual outreach through media, digital campaigns, and public education. Promotes transparency, manages public records responses, and supports emergency communications.

To learn more about ESD, follow @sjenvironment on X, Facebook and Instagram and San Jose Environmental Services on LinkedIn.
 

Position Duties:

Salary Range

The Assistant Director salary range is currently $178, 713.34 - $288, 700.62. Placement within this range will be dependent upon the qualifications and experience of the individual selected. This salary includes an approximate five percent (5%) ongoing non-pensionable compensation. The salary is supplemented by an attractive benefits package. 

The Position

Reporting to the Director, the Assistant Director serves as the Chief Operating Officer of the Environmental Services Department (ESD), overseeing a budget of approximately $550 million and seven direct reports. This executive leader provides strategic and operational direction across a broad and complex portfolio, including Integrated Waste Management, Watershed Protection, Water Resources, Wastewater Management,  Regulatory Affairs and Purified Water, Utility Financial and Business Operations, and Communications. In partnership with Deputy Directors, department leaders, and citywide stakeholders, the Assistant Director drives alignment with City priorities while ensuring regulatory compliance, operational excellence, and organizational effectiveness. Key responsibilities include leading utility rate setting, guiding long-range capital and infrastructure planning, and supporting major initiatives such as homelessness response and environmental restoration. The Assistant Director also plays a critical role in supporting the Director by overseeing the preparation of City Council presentations and tracking high-impact departmental initiatives. This position requires a leader with strong emotional intelligence, sound judgment, and the ability to navigate both day-to-day operations and long-term strategic goals. They will foster a culture of ethical leadership, continuous improvement, and inclusion—strengthening collaboration, building trust, and driving accountability throughout the department. As a public-facing representative of ESD, the Assistant Director will engage in intergovernmental forums, Council sessions, and community meetings, helping to advance the department’s mission while addressing the evolving needs of San José’s residents and environment.

The Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a forward-thinking and grounded leader with a strong command of utility operations, environmental services, and public sector management. They bring not only technical proficiency in areas like infrastructure planning, rate setting, and regulatory compliance, but also the ability to see the bigger picture—connecting long-term vision with practical execution. This individual excels in navigating complexity, whether managing multimillion-dollar budgets, leading large and diverse teams, or guiding cross-departmental initiatives in a fast-paced, high-visibility environment. Politically astute and operationally savvy, they understand how to build momentum around shared goals while balancing mandates, community needs, and day-to-day realities. Clear and confident communication is a hallmark of their leadership style. They are comfortable representing their department in a variety of settings—from Council presentations and regional forums to internal strategy sessions—translating complex topics into clear, actionable directions. Their presence inspires confidence, and their transparency builds trust across all levels of the organization. The ideal candidate will be a mentor and team builder who invests in people, values diversity of thought and background, and creates inclusive environments where staff feel supported and accountable. With a strong sense of purpose and humility, they bring curiosity to new challenges and a collaborative mindset to every interaction.

The ideal candidate will also have the following core competencies. You can view the full definition of all competencies here.

• Job Expertise

• Collaboration

• Fiscal Management

• Leadership

• Political Skills

• Problem Solving

• Vision/Strategic Thinking

• Communication Skills

Minimum Qualifications:

• Education: A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in business administration, public administration, engineering, environmental sciences, or related field.

• Experience: Seven (7) years of increasingly responsible experience in business management and/or administration, operations, or maintenance is required.

• Experience managing a work unit equivalent to a major division within a public agency is preferred.

• Seven (7) years of exemplary supervisory experience is desired.

• Licenses: Possession and maintenance of a valid license authorizing operation of a motor vehicle in California.

• Form 700: Upon commencement of employment and subsequently each spring, the incumbent of this position must file the Family Gift Reporting Form together with the Statement of Economic Interest-Form 700. Please view the following link for details related to the State-Required reporting: Form 700 (ca.gov) and the following link for the City of San José Family Gift Reporting Form.

Employment Eligibility: Federal law requires all employees to provide verification of their eligibility to work in this country. Please be informed that the City of San José will not sponsor, represent, or sign any documents related to visa applications/transfers for H1-B or any other type of visa that requires an employee application.

Other Qualifications:

HOW TO APPLY:

For first consideration, apply by June 23 at: https://wbcpinc.com/job-board/

Round one virtual interviews will take place on July 14th. Round two in-person interviews will take place on July 22nd. Selected candidates must be available for both dates.

QUESTIONS?

Please contact your recruiter, Levi Kuhlman, with any inquiries:

• levi@wbcpinc.com
• 541-664-0376 (Direct) 
• 866-929-9227 (Toll Free)

The City of Sunnyvale is recruiting for a Principal Water Pollution Control Plan Operator.  This position, reporting to the Water Pollution Control Operations Manager, undertakes supervisory responsibilities at the Sunnyvale Water Pollution Control Plant (SWPCP). Their duties include providing instruction, troubleshooting, and maintenance related to plant operations, supervising training programs, ensuring efficient operation and maintenance of equipment, and coordinating with various stakeholders.

The minimum qualifications for education and experience can be met in the following way:

• Graduation from high school or tested equivalent, and
• Five years of experience in the operation and maintenance of a wastewater treatment plant with at least 3 years at the shift supervisor level as defined by the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB).  The Senior WPC Operator position at the SWPCP is considered equivalent to the SWRCB Shift Supervisor definition.
• Grade III Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators Certificate issued by the California State Water Quality Control Board
• Class C California driver's license and a safe driving record

A complete application consists of a city application and supplemental questionnaire. The position is open from starting August 15, 2024, with the first application review on September 16, 2024.  For complete information regarding this current opportunity, please visit: www.sunnyvale.ca.gov

Salary: $59.68 - $76.17 Hourly