Laboratory Analyst Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary: See Position Description
Location : WTP: 700 East Avenue S, Palmdale, CA
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: LA07282026
Department: Operations
Opening Date: 07/28/2026
Closing Date: 8/11/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Salary Ranges based on experience:
Laboratory Analyst I $46.24-52.33
Laboratory Analyst II $53.64-60.68
Job Summary
To perform professional level duties related to a variety of chemical, biochemical, and bacteriological water testing and analysis activities.
Distinguishing Characteristics
Laboratory Analyst 1 - This is the entry level class in the Laboratory Analyst series. This class is distinguished from the journey level by the performance of the more routine tasks and duties assigned to positions within this series. Employees at this level are not expected to perform under close supervision of senior level employees and may exercise limited independence. Employees may have only limited or no directly related work experience. Employees work under general supervision while learning job tasks.
Laboratory Analyst 2 - This is the journey level class within the Laboratory Analyst series and is distinguished from the 1 level by the assignment of the full range of duties. Employees at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new, unusual or unique situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies within the work unit. Positions in this class are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from the 1 level.
Supervision Received and Exercised
Laboratory Analyst 1: Receives general supervision from the Water Quality/Regulatory Affairs Supervisor; may receive technical and functional supervision from a Laboratory Analyst 2.
Laboratory Analyst 2: Receives direction assigned by the Water Quality/Regulatory Affairs Supervisor; may exercise technical and functional supervision over a Laboratory Analyst 1.
Examples of Duties
Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Test, analyze, and collect water samples from various sources, including raw ground and surface water, residential tap water; and treatment plant process control product.
• Assess chemical, biochemical, and bacteriological characteristics of samples to ensure compliance with State and Federal requirements.
• Recognize problems that may occur in an analytical procedure; trouble shoot known procedures; identify possible problems affecting test results; recommend changes to procedures, as appropriate.
• Set up, calibrate, and operate a variety of laboratory equipment and instruments; perform routine servicing and preventive maintenance of laboratory equipment instruments.
• Prepare standard chemical solutions, reagents, stains and bacteriological media.
• Enter laboratory data into a computer system for further analysis and reporting purposes; maintain laboratory records and prepare required reports.
• Assist in maintaining adequate laboratory supplies and inventory; order supplies as assigned. Work with consultants or vendors as required.
• Test, analyze and collect various granular activated carbon samples.
• Respond to questions and complaints from the public regarding water quality.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other District employees and the public using principles of good customer service.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Typical Qualifications
Laboratory Analyst 1
Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of chemistry, bacteriology and the chemical sciences, including methods and techniques of laboratory testing and analysis.
• Modern laboratory procedures and equipment, including computer uses and applications used in laboratory testing and analysis.
• Sample collection/monitoring procedures and sample preservation methods related to water treatment processes.
• Modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment including word processing, database and spreadsheet applications.

Ability to:

• Perform professional level duties related to a variety of chemical, biochemical, and bacteriological water testing and analysis activities.
• On a continuous basis, know and understand all aspects of the job; intermittently analyze work papers, reports and special projects; identify and interpret technical and numerical information; observe and problem solve operational and technical policy and procedures.
• Prepare reagents; assemble and operate testing apparatus and equipment
• Perform tests accurately and precisely and maintain associated records.
• Learn pertinent local, State, and Federal codes, regulations, and laws.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Experience and Training : Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:
Experience: No professional experience is required; one year of water treatment testing and analysis is desirable.
Training: Equivalent to a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in chemistry, bacteriology, biology or a related field or three years' experience in water treatment or water distribution.
License and Certificate:

• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California Drivers' License.
• Possession of an American Water Works Association Water Quality Laboratory Analyst 1 Certificate is desirable.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain within six months, a State Water Resources Control Board Water Treatment Operator Grade 2 is required.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain within six months, a State Water Resources Control Board Water Distribution Grade 2 certification is required

Laboratory Analyst 2
In addition to the qualifications for the Laboratory Analyst 1:
Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of quality assurance and quality control and their applications to a wide variety of testing and analytical procedures;
• Pertinent local, State, and Federal codes, regulations, and laws.

Ability to: Independently perform professional level duties related to a variety of chemical, biochemical, and bacteriological water testing and analysis activities. Maintain laboratory personnel requirements according to 22 CCR § 64812.00.
Experience and Training
Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:
Experience: Two years of responsible journey experience performing duties similar to a Laboratory Analyst 1 with the Palmdale Water District.
Training: Equivalent to a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in chemistry, bacteriology, biology or a related field.
License and Certificate

• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California Driver's License.
• Possession of a State Water Resources Control Board Water Treatment Operator Grade 2 Certificate is required.
• Possession of a State Water Resources Control Board Water Distribution Operator Grade 2 Certificate is required.

Supplemental Information
Physical Requirements
On a continuous basis, sit at desk for long periods of time; intermittently bend, squat, climb, kneel or twist while performing field sampling work; intermittently twist to reach equipment surrounding desk; perform simple grasping and fine manipulation; use telephone, and write or use a keyboard to communicate through written means; and push, pull, lift or carry weight up to 25 pounds. Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. Must be able to operate a district vehicle.
Approved: December 2025
Palmdale Water District provides its full-time employees with a comprehensive package of benefits to round out employees' total compensation program.
Group Health, Dental, and Vision Care Coverage
The District currently covers the cost of premiums for the lowest tier of health, dental, and vision care coverage for employee and the employee's eligible dependents for the plan all employees would qualify for. Six health care plans -- Anthem Classic PPO, Anthem Advantage PPO, Anthem California Care HMO, Anthem Consumer Driven, Kaiser Consumer Driven and Kaiser HMO; two dental plans -- Delta Dental and Delta Care HMO; and one vision care plan -- Vision Services Plan, are offered. Open enrollment, where you may switch between health care coverage plans, are held annually.
Group health, dental, and vision coverage is effective the first of the month following one month of continuous full-time employment.
Life Insurance
The District offers $10,000 life insurance for employees. Additional supplemental insurance may be purchased and paid through automatic payroll deductions.
Vacation
You will accrue two weeks (6.67 hours per month) of District-paid vacation time each year during your first five years with the District. After probation is completed, you may take vacation time with your supervisor's approval. At year six with Palmdale Water District, you will accrue three weeks (10.00 hours per month); each year from year 6 through 16 you will receive an additional 4.00 hours per year; and after twenty years you will accrue five weeks (16.67 hours per month).
Administrative Leave
Administrative Leave is available to Managers at 80 hours annually; and Supervisors at the rate of 40 hours annually.
Sick Leave
You are allowed 96 hours of sick leave per year. You may accumulate up to a maximum of 250 unused sick days. When you retire, your unused sick days are calculated into your CalPERS service credit time. If your employment is terminated, the time is lost.
Public Employees Retirement System
As a full-time public employee, you are automatically enrolled in the Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS). Employees pay the employee portion of CalPERS.
Holidays
Employees receive twelve paid designated holidays plus two paid floating holidays per year. Floating holidays must be taken by December 31 of each year or they are lost.
Miscellaneous
The District provides employees miscellaneous leaves including bereavement, military, and jury duty.
Credit Union
All District employees are eligible to join the Logix Banking Credit Union.
Deferred Compensation
Through automatic payroll deductions, you may participate in a 457 deferred compensation program that allows you to reduce your current taxable income by deferring some of your pay to an authorized investment until your retirement.
Educational Assistance
Employees who have completed the probationary period and achieved regular status may be reimbursed up to $3000/$5250 per year for the cost of tuition, fees, mileage, parking and books for qualified and approved voluntary education programs undertaken outside regular working hours.
Uniforms
When an employee's job assignment requires a uniform be worn, the District will provide and maintain the uniforms.
Employee Communication
The employee newsletter, The Employee Buzz., is published monthly and is designed to provide recognition to employees for on-the-job accomplishments and to inform employees about issues relating to the District.