Job Details

Chemist II/III

Position Number: 7206293
Location: San Jose, CA
Position Type: Science - Chemistry

Chemist II/III

Valley Water

Salary: See Position Description

Job Type: Full-Time

Job Number: 01989-E

Location: 5750 Almaden Expressway, San Jose, CA, CA

Department: Treated Water

Closing: 6/15/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Description

NOTE Regarding Salary: A 4.5% ABSA - Across the Board Salary Adjustment will apply as of 6/22/26.
Chemist II: $118,934.40 - $152,152.00 Annually
Chemist III: $127,982.40 - $163,820.80 Annually
Overview:

The key role of the Chemist II/III is to provide critical laboratory testing and quality control required by California Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (ELAP) and Division of Drinking Water (DDW) to ensure compliance with all federal and test drinking water regulations standards. This position is also tasked with maintaining and troubleshooting lab instrumentation to ensure optimal operation and meet annual performance testing requirements. The position serves as a subject-matter expert during the on-site regulatory audits and for the internal audit program to maintain lab accreditation. This position plays an important role in reviewing and providing timely data to the treatment plant operations team to ensure reliable plant operations and the continuous delivery of high-quality drinking water to the community and the public.
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 Jose, 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.
Who We Are:
To learn how Valley Water provides safe, clean water and environmental stewardship for the Santa Clara community, please click here

Key Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Develop and review analytical methods and procedures for water quality analysis. Perform complex analytical testing and data review to evaluate the effectiveness of testing methods.
Generate reliable analytical data per the requirements of the Laboratory's Quality Management System in accordance with the Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program.
Review and approve all analytical data prior to release. Perform internal audits to ensure that all Quality Assurance/Quality Control checks are compliant.
Keep all standard operating procedures up to date. Participate in the performance testing program and the corrective and preventive action review process.
Perform routine and non-routine maintenance of instruments. Maintain inventory and ensure service contracts are up to date.

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:

Chemist II: Three (3) years in drinking water or wastewater analysis.

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

Ideal Skills and Abilities:

Chemist II:

Provide analytical support for water quality investigations, such as, distribution systems, source water reservoirs, treatment plant processes, and recycled water.
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.
Adhere to Valley Water and lab's policies and procedures.
Develop, implement, and continuously optimize all analytical measurements.
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.

Chemist III:

Perform water quality investigations of reservoirs, distribution systems, and recycled water samples for specified projects.
Assist in the development of various applied research projects.
Identify and analyze existing and potential laboratory demands and management challenges.
Administer budget, personnel, and administrative issues.
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 water, wastewater, and related material samples for organic or inorganic constituents.

Ideal Knowledge:

Chemist II:

Some Knowledge of:

Operational characteristics of laboratory and electronic instruments and equipment.
Methods and techniques of water sampling, preservation, extraction, and storage requirements.
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.
Pertinent federal and state laws, codes, and regulations such as California regulations for drinking water.

Working Knowledge of:

Principles and practices of chemistry measurement techniques for various water matrices.
Principles and practices of laboratory quality assurance.
Operation of analytical instrumentation and operating systems.
Calibration, operation, and minor maintenance and repair of instrumentation.
Accuracy and precision studies including MDL and MRL determination.
Common desktop applications and software used for lab operation and quality assurance.

Chemist III:

Working Knowledge of:

Principles, practices, and responsibilities involved in leading the work of assigned staff.
Principles and practices of laboratory quality assurance.
Methods and techniques of public speaking.
Data review, validation, analytics, and trend analysis.
Corrective and preventive action review and analysis.
Principles and practices of applied research projects.

Thorough Knowledge of:

Drinking water regulations and monitoring requirements

Ideal Training and Education:

Equivalent to a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, environmental chemistry, chemical engineering, or a related field.

Required License or Certificate

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 for Chemist II/III, please click here

Laboratory Services Unit (Position Code 292)
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% remotely.

Selection Process

(1) The selection process may include one or more of the following: application review, application assessment, performance exercise, written exercise and/or interview.
(2) The Employment Application, Qualifying Information Questions and/or Supplemental Questions will be evaluated based on the ideal candidate criteria listed above. Resumes are highly recommended.

NOTE: Position and start date is subject to availability of funds. Valley Water retains the right to repost this position as deemed necessary.
Consideration may be given to existing applicant pools within the same classification.
Valley Water's Equal Opportunity Non-Discrimination Policy is available for review upon request.

Valley Water will make reasonable efforts in the examination process to accommodate persons with disabilities. Please advise Human Resources in advance of any special needs by calling 408-630-2260.

Please be aware that once submitted all application materials become the property of Valley Water and will not be returned. Human Resources staff are not authorized to make copies of application materials for applicants.

To apply, please visit https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/scvwd/jobs/5362335/chemist-ii-iii