Location
Description
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.
Ideal Candidate
The ideal Laboratory Chemist is a self-motivated professional who demonstrates integrity, initiative, and sound technical judgment while working both independently and collaboratively within a team environment. The successful candidate possesses a strong background in chemical, biological, and bacteriological analyses, with hands-on experience performing water/wastewater testing in accordance with regulatory requirements and established quality systems. The ideal candidate will also have experience in preparing reagents and related laboratory tests on samples of wastewater; operating, maintaining and cleaning laboratory equipment; performing quality control procedures; accurately preparing reports; and following OSHA safety standards. The Laboratory Chemist will also work within a laboratory team with the ability to prioritize tasks effectively with a commitment to strong customer service, while building positive working relationships for efficient wastewater treatment operations.
QUALIFICATIONS: Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities would be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge, skills, and abilities would be:
Experience: One year of increasingly responsible experience performing chemical, bacteriological, biological, or biochemical laboratory analysis. Experience performing laboratory analysis in a treatment plant is preferred.
Training: A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in microbiology, biology, chemistry, or a related field.
Licenses/Certificates: All licenses and certificates must be maintained as a condition of employment.
• Possession of a valid California driver's license and a satisfactory driving record.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain and maintain, a California Water Environment Association Laboratory Analyst II Certificate, which is required within two years of employment.
THE APPLICATION PROCESS:
To be considered, the following REQUIRED items must be submitted at the time of application:
- City application
- Responses to the supplemental questionnaire
NOTE: Applications must be completed in full. All work experience, and education or training must be listed directly on the City application. Applications that state "See Resume" or omit required information will be considered incomplete and subject to disqualification. Resumes may be attached separately; however, resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed City application. Only application materials and documents that are specifically required within this job announcement will be reviewed as part of the application process.
THE SELECTION PROCESS:
The process will first consist of a review of application materials, including responses to supplemental questions, which must be detailed and complete. Applicants whose submitted application materials demonstrate knowledge, skills and abilities in the best alignment with the required and desired qualifications of this position will be selected to participate in the next phase of the qualification and selection process, which will include an oral panel interview, tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, April 22, 2026.
Following this examination, the top scoring candidates will be invited to a final selection interview with the hiring department.
To review complete job descriptions which include all special requirements, go to http://www.ssfca.gov
Benefits
Retirement: CalPERS retirement formula is 2% at age 60 for Classic members or; 2% at age 62 for “new members” as defined by Government Code §7522.04(e). Social Security and Medicare participation and option to participate in 457 deferred compensation plans. City contributes equivalent of 1.5% of base pay towards a medical after-retirement account.
Health Insurance: City offers a choice of medical HMO (two providers) or PPO plan, and offers vision and dental coverage. City pays 100% of vision and dental premiums for employee and eligible dependents. Employees shall contribute 10% of the HMO premium cost based on category of coverage (single, two, family). For PPO, employee pays cost difference between PPO and HMO plans. City provides 100% City-paid short- and long-term disability insurances. The City offers a discretionary benefit account for employees who demonstrate health coverage elsewhere.
Vacation: Fifteen to thirty working days annual vacation, based on the length of service.
Holidays: Thirteen paid holidays per year, including one floating holiday.
Programs: 457 Deferred Compensation, Unreimbursed Medical and Dependent Care Expenses, Employee Assistance Program, Long Term Care, Credit Union, Recreation Classes, and Reduced-fee Child-care Programs are available.
This classification is in an employee bargaining unit.
Special Instructions
Prior to appointment, candidates will be required to submit to any or all of the following (as applicable):
- Reference Check
- SSF Background Check
- Pre-Employment Medical Examination and Drug Screen
A conviction history will not necessarily disqualify an applicant from appointment. Determinations are made on a case-by-case basis with consideration given to the nature and recency of the conviction and relationship to job duties. All City standards must be met before the final appointment is made.
Candidates with a disability who may require special assistance in any phase of the recruitment process should advise the Human Resources Department upon submittal of application.
Candidates requesting veteran’s preference must provide a copy of U.S. Government DD Form 214 "Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty" as an attachment to their CalOpps application.
The policy of the City of South San Francisco is to grant equal employment opportunity to all qualified persons without regard to race, color, sex, gender, age, religion, ancestry, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status or national origin. It is the intent and desire of the City of South San Francisco that equal employment opportunity will be provided in recruiting, hiring, training, promoting, wages, benefits, and all other privileges, terms and conditions of employment. The City of South San Francisco is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).
DISCLAIMER: This general announcement does not constitute an express or implied contract and is subject to change. Any provisions contained within this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice.