LABORATORY ANALYST I or II

Job Description

The Position

The City of Riverside is accepting applications for the position of Laboratory Analyst I or II to fill one (1) vacancy in the Sewer - Laboratory Service Division of the Public Works Department. The eligibility list established may be used to fill the current and/or upcoming vacancies within this classification for up to six (6) months.

The Riverside Water Quality Control Plant (RWQCP) is located at 5950 Acorn Street Riverside, CA92504. The plant was recently expanded and retrofitted to meet the needs of future generations. This plant expansionintroduced several new technologies designed to produce high quality effluent water and increase the plant's efficiency. As currently constructed, the RWQCP consists of two separate treatment plants with a common chlorine contact basin, de-chlorination and outfall structures. These provide preliminary, primary, secondary and tertiary treatment for a rated capacity of 46 million gallons per day (MGD) or enough to fill up 70 Olympic size pools.

Laboratory Analysts, under general supervision, perform chemical and bacteriological analyses and examinations according to standard methods and procedures, and do related work as required.

LABORATORY ANALYST I
$67,260.00 - $81,792.00 Annually

LABORATORY ANALYST II
$83,664.00 - $101,640.00 Annually

Work Performed

For Laboratory Analyst I:

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Perform chemical, bacteriological, and biological analyses of samples taken from wastewater treatment plant processes, industrial waste, domestic water, and receiving water.
• Perform Ion Chromatography analyses, COD analyses, hydrogen sulfide analyses, BOD analyses, and various other analyses to ensure the safety and compliance of all wastewater; calibrates equipment and performs all related analyses tasks with professionalism and accuracy.
• Prepare, draft, and maintain a variety of records and reports.
• Maintain and operate laboratory instruments; make appropriate determinations on various equipment to use in the testing and evaluation of samples.
• Implement and use analytical methods for effective analysis and discovery; ensure the most transparent processes are used to evaluate samples; handle all samples in compliance with safety regulations and standards.
• Review and evaluate test results; identify areas of concern, make suggestions, provide detailed analysis and explanation, and provide concrete evidence of test findings.
• Order laboratory supplies; maintain inventory and general accounting of supplies.
• Prepare and standardize solutions and reagents used in laboratory analyses.
• Clean, acid wash, and sterilize laboratory glassware, equipment, and utensils; ensure equipment remains operational and stocked.
• Assist in the technical operations and overall activities of the laboratory; clean equipment and store all utensils and glassware; dispose of waste and biological material according to regulations and standards.
• Observe housekeeping and safety regulations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

For Laboratory Analyst II:

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Perform chemical, bacteriological, and biological analyses of samples taken from wastewater treatment plant processes, industrial waste, domestic water, and receiving water.
• Perform Ion Chromatography analyses, COD analyses, hydrogen sulfide analyses, BOD analyses, and various other analyses to ensure the safety and compliance of all wastewater; calibrates equipment and performs all related analyses tasks with professionalism and accuracy.
• Prepare, draft, and maintain a variety of records and reports.
• Maintain and operate laboratory instruments; make appropriate determinations on various equipment to use in the testing and evaluation of samples.
• Implement and use analytical methods for effective analysis and discovery; ensure the most transparent processes are used to evaluate samples; handle all samples in compliance with safety regulations and standards.
• Assist in the preparation of method validation packages for certification purposes.
• Review and evaluate test results; identify areas of concern, make suggestions, provide detailed analysis and explanation, and provide concrete evidence of test findings.
• Order and purchase laboratory supplies; maintain inventory and general accounting of supplies.
• Prepare and standardize solutions and reagents used in laboratory analyses.
• Clean, acid wash, and sterilize laboratory glassware, equipment, and utensils; ensure equipment remains operational and stocked.
• Assist in the technical operations and overall activities of the laboratory; clean equipment and store all utensils and glassware; dispose of waste and biological material according to regulations and standards.
• Observe housekeeping and safety regulations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Laboratory Analyst I
Education: Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Chemistry, Biology, or a closely
related field.
Experience: One (1) year of laboratory experience in a wastewater or similar facility.

Necessary Special Requirement for Laboratory Analyst I:

• Possession of a Grade I Laboratory Analyst certification issued by the California Water Environment Association (CWEA) within 18 months of appointment.

Laboratory Analyst II
Education: Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Chemistry, Biology, or a closely related field.
Experience: Three (3) years of experience in a laboratory setting, or two (2) years of laboratory experience comparable to that of a Laboratory Analyst I in a wastewater laboratory or facility.

Necessary Special Requirement for Laboratory Analyst II:

• Possession of a Grade II Laboratory Analyst certification issued by the California Water Environment Association (CWEA) within 18 months of employment.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions: Work is done inside a laboratory environment with exposure to biowaste, hazards, chemicals, equipment, sampling materials, and fumes. Employees may interact with staff and/or public and private representatives and will provide professional customer service

Selection Process

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED AT THE TIME OF APPLICATION:
1) Completed Employment Application
2) Completed Supplemental Questionnaire
3) Current California Water Environment Association (CWEA) Certificate, if applicable

PLEASE NOTE: FOR GENERAL INFORMATION ON COMPLETING YOUR ON-LINE APPLICATION, CLICK HERE: (Application Guide).

The selection process will begin with an employment application package screening, with the best qualified candidates being invited to participate further in the assessment process. This process may include any combination of written, performance, and oral assessments to evaluate job-related education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities. Those who successfully complete the selection process will be placed on the eligibility list for this classification.

The City of Riverside does not provide sponsorship for employment-based work visas. Candidates must be legally authorized to work permanently in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship now or in the future.

An exception may be made if the selected candidate is eligible to work in the United States as a USMCA professional in the TN nonimmigrant classification .

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON SCHEDULING ASSESSMENTS:
If you are selected to move forward in the assessment process, you may be required to self-schedule your appointment. You will be notified via email of your status and provided with self-scheduling instructions. Please check your email regularly following the closing date of this recruitment.

It is the responsibility of candidates with a disability requiring accommodation in the assessment process to contact the Human Resources Department in writing to request such accommodation prior to the closing date of this recruitment.

Appointment may be subject to the successful completion of a pre-employment background investigation, drug screen, and/or medical/physical examination.

NOTE : The City reserves the right to modify selection devices and test instruments in accordance with accepted legal, ethical, and professional standards. Candidates may reapply when there is a posting to establish an eligibility list.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Proof of education listed in your application will be requested at the time of conditional offer. Acceptable documentation consists of transcripts or degree, if applicable, by the accredited U.S. college or university.

Education obtained outside the United States (US) require one of the following options:

An equivalency statement from an evaluation company certified by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) at Members - NACES or the Association of International Credential Evaluators Inc. (AICE) at http://aice-eval.org/members/ .

An advanced-level degree from an accredited US college or university.

All applicants will be notified via e-mail or telephone of their application status and the assessment dates/times/locations after the closing date of this announcement.

THE PROVISIONS OF THIS JOB ANNOUNCEMENT DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED CONTRACT.

Service Employees International Union (SEIU) - General Unit

The City offers an attractive benefits package, the central provisions of which are as follows:

• Retirement for Classic Members - For employees hired after 1/1/2013 who are CLASSIC MEMBERS of California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) or a reciprocal agency as of 12/31/12 and have not been separated from service from such agency for six months or more, the retirement benefit shall be 2.7 % @ age 55; 3-year final compensation. The required employee contribution is 8%. The City does not participate in Social Security; thus, employees do not bear this additional 6.2% expense.
• Retirement for New Members - For employees hired 1/1/2013 or later and who ARE NOT a member of the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) or a reciprocal agency as of 12/31/12, or those who have been separated from a public agency which contracts with CalPERS or a reciprocal agency for six months or more, the retirement benefit shall be 2% at age 62; 3 year final compensation. The required employee contribution is 50% of the normal cost and is subject to change per CalPERS every fiscal year. The City does not participate in Social Security; thus, employees do not bear this additional 6.2% expense.
• Health Insurance - The City offers six health insurance plans and contributes up to $1,687 per month for HMO plans (family coverage).
• Dental Insurance - The City provides three dental insurance plans and contributes up to $85 per month.
• Vision Insurance - The City provides vision coverage through Vision Service Plan (VSP) for employees and their dependents that are enrolled in medical coverage.
• Life Insurance - The City provides and pays for term life insurance equal to $100,000. Additional Life Insurance is available and voluntary for employees and eligible dependents (up to $300k).
• Deferred Compensation - The City contributes $50 a month with a minimum employee contribution of $12.50 per check. Participation in the deferred compensation plan is optional.
• Leave Benefits - Includes vacation leave, sick leave, bereavement leave, and holiday benefits. Please refer to the SEIU MOU for specific details.
• Flexible Spending Account - The City offers a Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Plan for optional participation.
• State Disability Insurance - Automatic coverage administered by the Employee Development Department (EDD) of the State of California
• Vacation Accrual - 0-4 yrs. = 80hrs, 5-9 yrs. = 120hrs, 10+ yrs. = 160 hrs.

For other special compensation, refer to the SEIU MOU .
For additional benefits information, please visit the following website: https://www.riversideca.gov/human/employee-hub/benefits/about-1
For part-time, benefitted positions the insurance and other benefits (leave accruals, holidays, etc.) are pro-rated based on ½ or ¾ time status.

Closing Date/Time: 11/22/2026 11:59 PM Pacific