Microbiologist II/III (20702743)

Microbiologist II: $118,934.40 - $152,152.00 annually 
Microbiologist III: $127,982.40 - $163,820.80 annually

Overview:

Ready to use your microbiology expertise to protect your community and ensure safe, reliable drinking water? Check out this opportunity.

The Microbiologist II/III is a critical position to meet compliance requirements related to treatment operations, adoption of new Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (ELAP) regulations, bacteriological monitoring, algae monitoring, invasive species monitoring, and other critical water quality testing. 

The overall focus of this position is to perform full range of microbiological and analytical testing activities in the Water Quality Lab's microbiology section, including method development, data review and approval, standard operating procedure updates, and meeting all requirements of the Laboratory's quality assurance program. This position has the responsibility to perform a number of bacteriological determinations, analysis of Giardia/Cryptosporidium, invasive mussels, algae speciation, and other work as assigned.

This position will be responsible for sample collection and analysis of a variety of samples in the field and at various facilities. In addition, the ideal candidate will have thorough understanding of drinking water regulations and monitoring requirements and will be able to adapt specific U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and/or Standard Methods for the Analysis of Water and Wastewater for the purpose of State accreditation. The position requires good instrument troubleshooting and maintenance skills, and ability to perform complex water quality studies; review and analysis of analytical data; follow all environmental health and safety policies and procedures; and work well with other team members.

Our Commitment: 
We are committed to building and sustaining a working environment where all individuals are respected and valued. We believe every member of our team brings unique perspectives that enhance our ability to serve the public effectively. By fostering a workplace with employees from the communities we serve, we broaden our collective understanding of the world around us and strengthen our mission to equitably provide safe, clean water, natural flood protections, and environmental stewardship.

About Valley Water:
Valley Water is a public agency with an operating and capital budget of $964 million, and over 900 employees. With headquarters in San José, Valley Water provides water supply, enhances streams and watersheds through creek restoration and habitat protection, provides flood protection for homes, schools, businesses and roadways, and partners with other agencies to provide trails and open space for the community.

Key Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Develop and review microbiological and analytical methods and procedures for water quality analysis. 
• Perform complex microbiological testing and evaluate the effectiveness of testing methods.
• Comply with the requirements of the Laboratory Quality Management System.
• Maintain all Documentation and conduct Standard Operating Procedure review and updates.
• Sample collection, receiving, login, preservation, and shipping.
• Participate in the proficiency testing program and monitor the performance of work performed in the Microbiology section through the internal audit program.
• Perform routine and non-routine maintenance of laboratory equipment and instruments.
• Data reporting, review, and trend analysis using the Laboratory Information Management System.

Ideal Candidate's Background Includes:

Applicants whose experience and background best match the ideal experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, and education are considered ideal candidates for the position. To determine the top candidates, each applicant will be assessed based on the ideal candidate criteria as listed below.

Ideal Experience:

Microbiologist II: Three (3) years of experience in drinking water or wastewater analysis. 

Microbiologist III: Five (5) years in drinking water or wastewater analysis.

• Knowledge and experience in the preparation of bacteriological media, and Total Coliform and E. coli, and Heterotrophic Plate Counts (HPC) analysis.
• Monitoring of reservoirs and source waters to detect changes in water quality due to biological activity, such as, algae and algal toxicity, bacteriological, invasive mussels and other constituents as needed.
• Hands on experience or training in the analysis of Giardia/Cryptosporidium.

Ideal Skills and Abilities:

Microbiologist II

• Perform special biological, limnological, and ecological investigations of reservoirs, distribution systems and recycled water collect samples for specified projects.
• Assist in the development of applied research projects; develop and review test equipment, products, methods, and procedures; recommend operational and equipment modifications to ensure delivered water meets regulatory requirements.
• Maintain and conduct minor maintenance on various laboratory equipment.
• Develop, implement, and continuously optimize measurement techniques.
• Enter data and navigate the Laboratory Information Management System.
• Perform a variety of duties in the analysis of drinking water, recycled water, and groundwater samples.
• Learn to perform and interpret water analysis test results.
• Learn to identify and analyze existing and potential laboratory demands and management challenges.
• Learn to administer budget, personnel, and administrative issues.
• Learn to analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals.
• Learn to conduct complex water quality studies and review, analyze, and interpret the results. 
• Prepare clear and concise reports. 
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

Microbiologist III 

In addition to the qualifications for Microbiologist II 

• Independently perform analysis of Giardia/Cryptosporidium meeting the regulatory requirements. 
• Identify and analyze existing and potential laboratory demands and management challenges. 
• Administer budget, personnel, and administrative issues. 
• Maintain laboratory equipment and participate in procurement process for equipment and supplies. 
• Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions, and implement recommendations in support of goals. 
• Conduct complex water quality studies and review, analyze, and interpret the results. 
• Perform a variety of technical tasks relative to assigned areas of responsibility. 
• Perform a wide variety of professional analytical and technical duties involved in the analyses of drinking water, wastewater, and related material samples for organic or inorganic constituents.

Ideal Knowledge:

Microbiologist II 

Some Knowledge of: 

• Operational characteristics of laboratory and electronic instruments and equipment. 
• Methods and techniques of water sampling, preservation, extraction, storage requirements, and analysis of microorganisms. Methods and techniques used in laboratory quality assurance programs. 
• Principles and practices of applied research projects. 
• Methods and techniques of handling and storing hazardous materials. 
• Federal and state laws, codes, and regulations such as Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 40 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Parts 136 and 141, and Title 22, Chapter 15 of the California Code of Regulations for drinking water. 

Working Knowledge of: 

• Principles and practices of microbiology measurement techniques for various water matrices. 
• Operation of analytical instrumentation and operating systems. 
• Calibration, operation, and minor maintenance and repair of instrumentation. 
• Interpretation of test results for water quality determinations. 

Microbiologist III 

In addition to the qualifications for Microbiologist II 

Working Knowledge of: 

• Principles, practices, and responsibilities involved in leading the work of assigned staff. 

Thorough Knowledge of: 

• Drinking water regulations and monitoring requirements. 
• Regulatory notification and reporting requirements.

Ideal Training and Education:

Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in microbiology, molecular biology, or related scientific field. 

Substitution

Directly related experience may be substituted for the college requirement on the basis of one and one-half years of experience for one year of education to a maximum of four years.

Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid California driver's license. Individuals who do not meet the driver's license requirement due to a disability will be considered for a reasonable accommodation on a case-by-case basis.

To review the Classification Specification, please click here (Download PDF reader)

Laboratory Services Unit  (Position Code 535)
Valley Water Telework Program: Eligibility for telework will depend on the type of work performed, operational needs, and the ability for the employee to perform the essential functions of their job duties while teleworking. Employment with Valley Water requires employees to live within 150 miles of their primary physical work location located in San Jose, California by their start date. 

This position is eligible for a hybrid telework schedule, typically working 10% - 20% remote.