Water Quality Technician (Temporary/Part-Time)

Salary: $25.83 - $31.40 Hourly

Location : WWTP - 4301 Hilfiker Lane Eureka CA 95501, CA

Job Type: Temporary/Seasonal

Job Number: T33

Department: Public Works

Division: Wastewater Treatment Plant

Opening Date: 12/01/2025

Closing Date: 12/15/2025 5:00 PM Pacific

Description Summary

The City is currently hiring for one (1) Temporary/Part-Time employee to work in the Water Quality Laboratory at the Hilfiker Wastewater Treatment Plant.

DEFINITION

Under general supervision, performs a variety of chemical, physical, biological, and bacteriological analysis involved in the testing of City water and wastewater quality; and performs related work as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general supervision from assigned supervisory or management personnel. No direct supervision of staff is exercised.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This is a journey-level technical class in the water quality series that assists in performing a variety of routine to complex laboratory tests to ensure that City water and wastewater treatment plants are in compliance with all Federal and State requirements for the processing and distribution/disposal of water/ wastewater for the City and associated areas. Incumbents work independently and have responsibility for maintaining records and submitting reports to the various regulatory agencies and for assisting operations staff in maintaining a high level of plant efficiency and effectiveness. This class is distinguished from the Water Quality Supervisor in that the latter is the full supervisory level class in the series responsible for organizing, assigning, supervising and reviewing the work of assigned staff involved in water quality and related activities.

Expectation of Job Duties

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only)

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

Assists in performing and interpreting chemical, biochemical, biological, bacteriological and physical analyses of samples related to the treatment, quality control and distribution of potable water, as well as treatment, quality control and disposal of wastewater influent and effluent, following standard procedures and guidelines.

Collects samples at various sites throughout the water and wastewater treatment plants for testing to determine the effectiveness of each stage of the treatment process.

Analyzes and interprets laboratory results, recognizing problems that may be occurring during the treatment process.

Prepares samples for analysis by commercial laboratories; ensures that test results are reviewed and reported.

Sets up, calibrates, operates and performs minor maintenance and repair to a variety of laboratory instruments and equipment.

Maintains quality control and quality assurance and follows safe work procedures.

Maintains accurate records of work performed and analysis results.

Consults with treatment plant staff regarding analysis results.

Prepares periodic and special reports for submission to appropriate regulatory agencies in a timely manner; ensures that laboratory certification is in compliance with regulatory requirements.

Prepares standard chemical solutions and reagents; disposes of outdated materials in a safe manner; cleans glassware and equipment and ensures that the laboratory is maintained in a clean and orderly condition.

Maintains an inventory of laboratory supplies, chemicals and equipment.

Enters data into and retrieves data from an automated data control system.

Performs other duties as assigned. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

Chemical, biological and physical characteristics of water and wastewater.

Principles, practices, equipment and materials required for the chemical, biochemical, biological, bacteriological and physical analysis of samples of potable water and wastewater.

Sampling techniques and related statistical analysis techniques.

Laboratory and wastewater plant safety procedures and equipment.

Basic principles of water and wastewater treatment and distribution/disposal.

Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and regulations, including National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES).

Technical report writing practices and procedures.

Principles and procedures of record keeping.

Modern office practices, methods and computer equipment.

Computer applications related to the work.

English usage, spelling, vocabulary, grammar and punctuation.

Techniques for providing a high level of customer service to public and City staff, in person and over the telephone. Ability to:

Perform chemical, biochemical, biological, bacteriological and physical analyses of potable water and wastewater.

Analyze the results of such tests and make appropriate recommendations for plant operations.

Use and perform calibration and minor maintenance and repair on a variety of laboratory equipment.

Maintain an inventory of supplies and equipment required for the performance of necessary analyses.

Interpret, apply and explain complex laws, codes, regulations and ordinances.

Instruct operating staff in basic laboratory procedures and processes.

Prepare and maintain clear and concise reports and accurate records and files.

Utilize computer and related word processing, database and spreadsheet software and applications.

Organize own work, set priorities and meet critical time deadlines.

Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone and in writing.

Use tact, initiative, prudence and independent judgment within general policy, procedural and legal guidelines.

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.

Requirements

Education and Experience:

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Equivalent to an Associate's degree in chemistry, biology, natural sciences, or a related field;

2 years of experience in performing laboratory analysis of wastewater, potable water or industrial products. License:

Valid California class C driver's license with satisfactory driving record.

Grade I Laboratory Analyst certification from the California Water Environment Association within two (2) years of employment. PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Must possess mobility to work in a water and/or wastewater treatment plant laboratory; operate a motor vehicle; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; color vision to identify chemical and biological solvents and substances; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. Employees primarily work indoors but frequently walk within treatment plants and potable water sampling sites to take samples. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to handle laboratory equipment. Positions in this classification bend, stoop, kneel, reach and climb to perform work. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects necessary to perform job functions.

ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS

Employees work primarily indoors but are occasionally exposed to loud noise levels, vibration, confining workspace, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives, and contractors in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

WORKING CONDITIONS

May be required to work evenings, weekends and holidays.

Important Note: Please make sure it is absolutely clear in your application exactly how you meet the minimum qualifications/requirements listed above. Applications that do not appear to meet the minimum qualifications will not move forward in the recruitment process.

City of Eureka's Commitment to Inclusion and Belonging

We envision an inclusive community where everyone's fundamental needs are met, where our employees respect and celebrate all walks of life, where everyone can grow and thrive, as we work with integrity for the good of Eureka. Our mission is to meet the needs of Eureka residents, businesses and visitors by providing services and making decisions that are socially, fiscally and environmentally responsible, creating a workplace that values growth, inclusion and empathy for all.

Disaster Service Worker

All City of Eureka employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the City requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker related training as assigned and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained in this bulletin

may be modified or revoked. The City of Eureka is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and does not discriminate on the basis of handicap status in the admission, access to, treatment, or employment for its programs, or activities, whether funded by the City or by grants. Women, persons with disabilities, and minorities are encouraged to apply. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Human Resources Department will make reasonable efforts in the examination process to accommodate people with special physical or mental requirements. If you have special needs, please call prior to the examination date. When indicating you have a special need, one of the following definitions will apply to you. A disabled person is anyone who: (1) has a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities: i.e., walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, working or learning; or (2) has a record of such impairment; or (3) is regarded as having such an impairment.

Temporary employees do not work more than 999 hours in a fiscal year (07/01 - 06/30) nor do they work more than 1,560 in a 12 month period beginning the first day of employment.

Paid Sick Leave

An employee who, on or after July 1, 2015, works for 30 or more days within a year from the beginning of employment, is entitled to paid sick leave. Employees will earn at least one hour of paid leave for every 30 hours worked. Accrual begins on the first day of employment or July 1, 2015, whichever is later. An employee may use accrued paid sick days beginning on the 90th day of employment.

01

This is an extra-help Temporary/Part-Time position. Continued employment is not guaranteed past June 2026. Are you interested in only part-time employment at this time?

Yes

No

Required Question