Water Quality Supervisor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $69,300.00 - $84,228.00 Annually
Location : WWTP - 4301 Hilfiker Lane Eureka CA 95501, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 25/26.35
Department: Public Works
Division: Wastewater Treatment Plant
Opening Date: 06/29/2026
Closing Date: 7/14/2026 5:00 PM Pacific
Description Summary
DEFINITION
Under general direction, plans, schedules, assigns and reviews the work of water quality laboratory staff; coordinates, monitors, and provides technical input for assigned water quality control; directs and trains staff in the collection of samples and performance of laboratory tests; develops a variety of analytical testing techniques; serves as a technical resource to water and wastewater personnel; provides technical assistance to the Deputy Public Works Director; performs a variety of technical tasks relative to conducting and interpreting standard and complex laboratory analysis; and performs related work as required.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives general direction from assigned supervisory or management personnel. Exercises general supervision over assigned staff.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
This is the full supervisory-level class in the water quality series. Responsibilities include planning, organizing, supervising, reviewing and evaluating the work of laboratory staff. The incumbent is expected to independently perform the full range of sampling and chemical, biochemical, biological, bacteriological and physical analyses. Performance of the work requires the use of considerable independence, initiative and discretion within established guidelines. This class is distinguished from the Deputy Public Works Director in that the latter has management responsibility for all utility functions and activities of the City.
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.

• Plans, organizes, assigns, supervises and reviews the work of assigned staff in laboratory work.
• Trains staff in work and safety procedures and in the operation and use of equipment and supplies; implements procedures and standards.
• Evaluates employee performance, counsels employees and effectively recommends initial disciplinary action; assists in selection and promotion.
• Monitors operations and activities of the laboratory; recommends improvements and modifications and prepares various reports on operations and activities.
• Determines and recommends equipment, materials, and staffing needs for laboratory operations; participates in the annual budget preparation; prepares detailed cost estimates with appropriate justifications, as required; maintains a variety of records and prepares routine reports of work performance.
• Monitors and controls supplies and equipment; orders necessary supplies and equipment.
• Ensures compliance with regulatory quality control standards, including developing, implementing and enforcing in-house quality assurance program, updating and reviewing standard operating procedures, and performing corrective action when required.
• Ensures compliance with applicable regulatory regulations, including compiling and preparing various reports and records related to water quality regulatory monitoring in addition to processing control requirements.
• Provides plant operation technical assistance regarding sampling and chemical or microbiological analysis, including attending and participating in weekly staff meetings with operations, maintenance, and pretreatment staff.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning, assignment, review and evaluation, discipline, and the training of staff in work procedures.
• 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).
• Principles and practices of safety management and application.
• 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 dealing effectively with the public, vendors, contractors and City staff, in person and over the telephone.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service to public and City staff, in person and over the telephone.

Ability to:

• Assist in developing and implement goals, objectives, practices, policies, procedures, and work standards.
• Supervise, train, plan, organize, schedule, assign, review and evaluate the work of staff.
• Organize, implement and direct laboratory operations and activities.
• Analyze, interpret, apply and enforce Federal, State and local policies, procedures, laws and regulations.
• Understand, interpret, and successfully communicate both orally and in writing, pertinent department policies and procedures.
• Identify problems, research and analyze relevant information, develop and present recommendations and justification for solution.
• Perform chemical, biochemical, biological, bacteriological and physical analysis 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.
• Instruct operations staff in basic laboratory procedures and processes.
• Prepare and maintain clear and concise reports and accurate records and files.
• Establish and maintain a variety of manual and computerized record keeping and project management systems.
• Utilize computer and related word processing, database and spreadsheet software and applications.
• Make sound, independent decisions within established policy and procedural guidelines.
• Organize own work, set priorities and meet critical time deadlines.
• Operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and software programs.
• 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, biochemistry, biology, microbiology, natural or physical science, environmental engineering, sanitary engineering, or chemical engineering or
• A Grade II Laboratory Analyst certification from the California Water Environment Association in lieu of required education.
• Four (4) years of experience in performing laboratory analysis of wastewater, potable water or industrial products, including
• Two (2) years of lead or supervisory experience.

License:

• Valid California class C driver's license with satisfactory driving record.
• Grade II Laboratory Analyst certification from the California Water Environment Association within two (2) years of employment.

No other information will be accepted and resumes, cover letters or additional materials WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Must possess mobility to work in a water and/or wastewater treatment plant laboratory; operate and 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 to take samples. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to handle laboratory equipment. 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.
THE SELECTION PROCESS
All applications received are screened to determine which applicants most closely match the desired education, experience, knowledge, and abilities of the position. Applicants will receive email notification of the results of the screening process. Applicants meeting the minimum qualifications are not necessarily guaranteed advancement to the examination process, as only the most qualified candidates will be invited to participate. The most qualified applicants will be invited to an oral board examination tentatively to be held in late July or early August. The Department Head (and/or designee(s)) will interview the top six (6) candidates from the examination process. The eligible list created from this recruitment may be used to fill full-time, part-time, temporary, and grant positions. The City reserves the right to extend the final filing date as necessary.
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 (707) 441-4124 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.
Retirement
CalPERS Classic members: (2.7% @ 55) - Employees hired before 01/01/2013 by a CalPERS agency and who have less than a 6 month break in service, are considered "classic members" with all classic member benefits and restrictions. Employee portion: 8% per MOU agreement.
CalPERS PEPRA members: (2% @ 62) - Employees hired by a CalPERS agency after 01/01/2013, are considered PEPRA members with the new AB 340 benefit formulas, final compensation and contribution requirements. Employee portion: 7.75% per MOU agreement. The employee contribution is included in salary and is paid by the employee.
NOTE: Earnings from this job are not covered under Social Security. When you retire, you may receive a pension based on earnings from this job. For more information, go to
Medical
The City's workers' compensation coverage is self-funded. Medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and eligible dependents is provided through Teamsters. An agreed portion of the health insurance premium is paid by the City; the remainder is paid by the employee. If eligible, the City's payment includes contributions to a Health Savings A