Water Quality Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $102,750.44 - $141,642.54 Annually
Location : Burbank, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 260992B1
Department: Burbank Water & Power
Division: Water Production/Operations
Opening Date: 08/21/2026
Closing Date: 9/18/2026 5:00 PM Pacific
OPEN COMPETITIVE RECRUITMENT
Open to all qualified candidates
Tentative examination dates for this recruitment:
Week of 10/05/26 - Blind Application & Supplemental scoring
Week of 10/19/26 - Oral examination
Under general supervision, to perform a variety of analytical and technical tasks in the administration of the City's Water Quality Programs; assist the utility in ensuring regulatory compliance with Federal and State water legislation and policy; and perform related work as required.
Essential Functions
Develops, implements and regularly updates the Water Division's Water Quality and Production programs and trains employees as necessary; participates as a member of the Water Division's water regulation compliance group; advises the Production/Operations section staff of water quality concerns that may affect treatment and/or operations; assists with oversight of the Water Division's Cross Connection Control Program; performs analysis and conducts studies; assists in the preparation of water data reports, plans, procedures, specifications, research and the administration of contracts; responds to customer water quality inquiries and complaints; maintains files and databases; compiles data and daily logs of water production, water quality activities and analyzes and interprets results of water tests; participates in consultations with regulatory agencies such as the State Department of Health, Los Angeles County Department of Health Services, Environmental Protection Agency, Regional Water Quality Control Board and other interested parties; assists in the preparation of the applications for the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System(NPDES) permit program and reviews data for compliance of established permits under NPDES; performs periodic review of cross connection program records to ensure compliance to Title 17 requirements; performs laboratory inspections; reviews and updates a variety of basic laboratory procedures for bacteriological testing and qualitative testing of water samples in the laboratory and in the field; reviews laboratory logs and records for accuracy and prepares various reports; develops and implements the water laboratory quality assurance/quality control procedures and maintains documentation; administers contract laboratory services including scheduling, reporting and invoice processing; reviews and interprets laboratory reports; participates in laboratory accreditation and may act as signatory for laboratory reports; attends conferences and meetings related to regulatory compliance of permits and programs implemented by the Water Division; drives on City business.
Minimum Qualifications
Employment Standards:
Knowledge of principles of water treatment and quality tests; regulatory codes and laws relating to the operation of a water system, including but not limited to Title 17 (cross connection) and Title 22 (water quality); NPDES permit program; occupational hazards and safety precautions in the workplace; Federal and State requirements and standards for analyzing potable water; research methods and analytical techniques; modern office procedures, practices and equipment, including but not limited to computer equipment and supporting software.
Skill in Microsoft Office Windows programs, including but not limited to Access, Excel, and Word.
Ability to work according to safety standards; research, analyze, and interpret water quality or environmental regulations or issues and prepare written reports; compile, review, and analyze data; maintain records and files; read and interpret blueprints and diagrams; perform basic laboratory water testing; operate assigned laboratory equipment; communicate effectively both verbally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, fellow employees, the public, and outside agencies.
Education/Training: Graduation from high school or equivalent, supplemented by two years of technical training, jobexperience and/or college courses such as biology, chemistry, computer applications, environmental science and othersubjects related to water quality and production and three years of recent experience in water quality analysis, or arelated profession in a public or private water utility system or related industry.
License & Certificates: A valid T-2 Water Treatment Operator certificate issued by the State of California Department of Health Services and a valid D-2 Water Distribution Operator certificate issued by the State of California Department of Health is required within two years of appointment; certification by AWWA or CWEA as a Water Quality Laboratory Analyst Grade I at time of appointment; a valid California Class "C" Driver's License or equivalent at time of appointment.
Supplemental Information
None.
This job title is represented by the Burbank City Employees' Association (BCEA)
The City of Burbank offers excellent employee benefits, please click on the following link for additional information regarding employee benefits: https://www.burbankca.gov/web/management-services/employee-benefits
Additionally, there are Benefit Summary Sheets for each represented and unrepresented employee group that provide a more detailed summary of benefits. There are also some Benefit Summary Sheets for specific job titles. To access the Benefit Summary Sheets, please click here: https://www.burbankca.gov/web/management-services/benefits-summary-sheets
Please note, employee benefits vary based on employment status - full-time or part-time; regular or temporary, and many benefits are not applicable to temporary employees.
01
You must answer the following question in order to be considered for the position. The purpose of this Supplemental Questionnaire is to give you an opportunity to provide additional information regarding your specific qualifications for the position of Water Quality Analyst. This Supplemental Questionnaire is considered part of your application process and will be evaluated along with your application on a competitive basis to determine which applicants will proceed to the next step in the selection process.INSTRUCTIONSAnswer should be complete, specific, and precise. Incomplete, illegible, vague, or excessively long responses to any question may disqualify you from being considered further for the position. Please be specific in answering the Supplemental Questions, as they will be used to evaluate which applicants will be given further consideration in the process. DO NOT answer, "see resume" or "see application" as these are not valid answers. Click "Yes" to reflect that you have read and understand this statement.

• Yes

02
I certify that the Supplemental Questionnaire responses are my own and were not generated by artificial intelligence (AI) or any other automated tool. I understand that submitting responses that are not my own may result in disqualification from the selection process or removal from employment consideration.

• Yes, I certify that the responses provided are my own.

03
Describe your experience planning, conducting, and documenting drinking water quality sampling programs. Please also list any certifications you currently hold that are relevant to drinking water treatment, distribution, or water quality sampling.
04
Describe your experience reviewing laboratory analytical reports for drinking water quality or environmental compliance.
05
Describe your experience communicating or coordinating with regulatory agencies, certified laboratories, consultants, or public agencies regarding drinking water quality or environmental compliance.
06
Describe a water quality or environmental compliance project that you managed or coordinated.
07
Describe your experience using computer software, databases, or information management systems to manage water quality data and information.
08
What is your highest level of completed education?

• High school diploma or GED
• High school diploma or equivalent, supplemented by at least two years of technical training, job experience, and/or college coursework in biology, chemistry, computer applications, environmental science, water quality and production, or a related subject
• Associate's degree in biology, chemistry, environmental science, water quality, or a related field
• Bachelor's degree or higher in biology, chemistry, environmental science, water quality, or a related field
• College degree in an unrelated field
• None of the above

09
How much recent experience do you possess performing water quality analysis or working in a related profession within a public or private water utility system or related industry?

• 0-11 months of experience
• 1 year of experience
• 2 years of experience
• 3+ years of experience
• No experience at all

Required Question