Laboratory Analyst I/II

The City of Turlock is seeking applicants for the Laboratory Analyst I/II position. Under general direction this position performs chemical, biological and bacteriological analysis of water/wastewater, related solids and liquids in support of efficient operation of water and wastewater treatment operations. This position works closely with Water/Wastewater/Distribution Operations and Environmental Compliance staff.

This classification is assigned to the Turlock City Employees Association bargaining unit for labor relations purposes and is subject to overtime assignments.

Depending on qualifications candidates may be considered for either the Laboratory Analyst I ($4,937 - $6,001) or Laboratory Analyst II ($5,575 - $6,947) .

An eligibility list will be established from this recruitment that will be valid for six (6) months. All employees are required to serve a twelve (12)probationary period.

Distinguishing Characteristics

This is an entry/journey level class.  Individuals working in the Lab Analyst I classification work under close supervision to perform routine laboratory testing procedures.  This classification requires basic knowledge of water and wastewater analysis and procedures.

Individuals working the Lab Analyst II classification are expected to have all the characteristics of a Lab Analyst I and journey level knowledge and experience of more advanced water and wastewater analysis and procedures.

Supervision Exercised and Received 

General supervision is provided by the Water Quality Control Laboratory Supervisor or Laboratory Analyst Supervisor; incumbents may receive technical direction from the Laboratory Analyst, Sr.

Essential Functions - Include But Are Not Limited To The Following: :

Laboratory Analyst I

• Learn to performs a variety of basic and advanced chemical, biological, and bacteriological tests of water, wastewater, and solids necessary to ensure that plant processes meet wastewater treatment and NPDES discharge permit standards and that drinking water meets State and Federal regulations. 
• Learn to collect samples for analysis, prepare glassware and equipment for lab use and perform lab housekeeping duties as necessary.
• Learn to perform mathematical calculations and statistical analysis for test results;
• Learn to maintain and perform minor repairs on laboratory and field equipment.
• Learn to coordinate sample collection and provide input for process evaluation.

• Participate in special projects or studies as assigned.
• Observe and enforce safety rules.
• Assist with the preparation of technical and administrative reports, and other written documents, including the submittal of all regulatory required reports.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with staff through clear and concise communication.
• Subject to rotating shifts, weekends, and holidays.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Laboratory Analyst II

In addition to the essential functions for Laboratory Analyst I classification.

• Perform a variety of basic and advanced chemical, biological, and bacteriological tests of water, wastewater, and solids necessary to ensure that plant processes meet wastewater treatment and NPDES discharge permit standards and that drinking water meets State and Federal regulations. 
• Collect samples for analysis, prepare glassware and equipment for lab use and perform lab housekeeping duties as necessary.
• Perform mathematical calculations and statistical analysis for test results.
• Maintain and perform minor repairs on laboratory and field equipment.
• Coordinate sample collection and provide input for process evaluation.
• Make recommendations for budgetary items.
• Oversee and train subordinate staff. 

Qualifications: :

Laboratory Analyst I

Knowledgeof:

• To learn chemistry and microbiology as applied in a water or wastewater treatment laboratory.
• To learn analytical procedures used in testing water and wastewater samples and the mathematics used to obtain results.
• To learn quality assurance and quality control procedures in the laboratory and water and wastewater sample collection procedures.
• To learn general principles and procedures of wastewater treatment, water treatment and distribution systems.
• Safety rules and regulations.
• Use of modern office equipment and applicable software.

Ability to:

• Perform a variety of chemical and biological laboratory tests.
• Recognize and communicate water and wastewater process control and compliance issues.
• Perform sample collection.
• Manage multiple tasks while maintaining accurate results.
• Complete all written data entry documentations with attention to detail and accuracy. 
• Ability to follow oral and written instruction.
• Operate modern office equipment and software programs.
• Communicate clearly and concisely orally and in writing.
•  

Laboratory Analyst II

Knowledge of:

In addition to the requirements for the Lab Analyst I classification:

• Intermediate to advanced chemistry and microbiology as applied in a water or wastewater treatment laboratory.
• Analytical procedures used in testing water and wastewater samples and the mathematics used to obtain results.
• Quality assurance and quality control procedures in the laboratory and water and wastewater sample collection procedures.
• General principles and procedures of wastewater treatment, water treatment and distribution systems. 

Ability to:

In addition to the requirements for the Lab Analyst I classification:

• Assess changing conditions and initiate appropriate action.
• Work with limited supervision and exercise sound judgment.

Experience and Training Guidelines :

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

Training:

Laboratory Analyst I

Equivalent to a high school diploma or GED certification.

Laboratory Analyst II

Equivalent to a high school diploma or GED certification and six college units or CEUs in a related field or scholastic general education (i.e. Speech, Math, English, Science, Foreign Language, etc.).

Experience:

Laboratory Analyst I

Experience in a laboratory is desirable but not required.

Laboratory Analyst II

Two years of increasingly responsible experience in a water and wastewater laboratory analysis similar or greater in size and complexity to the City of Turlock.

License:

Possession of an appropriate, valid Class C California Driver's License at the time of appointment, to be maintained as a condition of continued employment.

Certificate (s):

Laboratory Analyst I

Possession of a valid Grade I Laboratory Analyst Certification from the California Water Environment Association or a Grade I Water Quality Laboratory Analyst Certification from the CA-NV Section of the American Water Works Association within 24 months of appointment to the position.

California Water Environment Association Environmental Compliance Inspector, Water Distribution and Water Treatment Certification is desired.

Laboratory Analyst II

Possession of a valid Grade I Laboratory Analyst Certification from the California Water Environment Association or a Grade I Water Quality Laboratory Analyst Certification from the CA-NV Section of the American Water Works Association at time of appointment

Obtain a Grade II Laboratory Analyst Certification from the California Water Environment Association or a Grade II Water Quality Laboratory Analyst Certification from the CA-NV Section of the American Water Works Association within 24 months of appointment to the position.

California Water Environment Association Environmental Compliance Inspector, Water Distribution and Water Treatment Certification is desired.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Physical Conditions:

Maintain the following physical abilities: See well enough to read fine print, computer screens and analytical equipment; hear well enough to receive and understand instructions, converse on the telephone, and in person; use of hands and fingers for use sensitive analytical equipment, computer keyboard, filing, writing and answering telephones; ability to differentiate odors; capable of clear speech; bodily mobility to stand for extended periods, stoop, bend as needed; able to lift and carry objects weighing up to 25 pounds.

Selection Process:

1. All applicants must complete a standard City of Turlock application for employment form, supplemental questionnaire and submit the following documentation:

• Proof of education-this can be a copy of transcripts or any degree.

2.  You may submit your required verification using the following options:

• Attach a scanned copy in the "Add Attachment" option (of the Neo Gov online application) or
• Fax a copy to (209) 668-5529 or
• Email a copy to agodinez@turlock.ca.us or
• Hand deliver copies of your attachments to 156 S. Broadway, Suite 235, Turlock, CA on or before the final filing date.

Applications will be rejected if they are incomplete or the required documentation is not attached.

3. Applications will be reviewed for possession of the minimum qualifications. In the event that a large number of applicants possess the minimum qualifications, applicants who appear to be the most qualified based on their breadth and recency of experience will be invited to compete in the testing process.
 
4. Candidates invited to compete in the testing process may be required to take a written examination, which is graded on a pass/fail basis. Only those applicants who pass the written examination will advance to the oral examination. The oral examination is tentatively scheduled the week of February 2, 2026. 
 
5.   Candidates who participate in the oral examination and receive a score of 70% or more will be placed on an eligibility list. Ranking on the eligibility list is based solely on the results of the oral exam.
 
6.  Completion of a practical exercise may be conducted in order to further evaluate skills relating to essential job functions.
 
7.  Top candidates from the eligibility list will be referred to the Municipal Services Director for final appointment consideration.
 
8. Final appointment will be contingent upon passing the following: reference review, medical examination which includes a drug/alcohol screening, hearing exam and vision exam.

Veteran's Preference System

The City of Turlock has adopted a veteran's preference system (effective January 1, 2002). The percentage score achieved through an entrance (non-promotional) examination which ranks applicants on an eligibility list shall be adjusted to provide: (a) one (1) percentage point added to the final test score for each six (6) months of active service during a time of armed conflict, up to a maximum of five (5) points, and (b) five (5) percentage points added to the final test score for veterans who are disabled as a result of active military service during a time of armed conflict, regardless of length of service. To receive preference points, applicants must provide supporting documentation and proof of honorable discharge. In no event shall an applicant receive more than a five (5) point adjustment. This request should be made in section #12 of the employment application form. A copy of your DD214 must be attached for this request to be considered.

An Equal Opportunity Employer

The City of Turlock is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are sincerely interested in receiving applications from qualified minorities, women and the disabled. Qualified applicants receive equal consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, political affiliation or belief except where indicated by requirements of the job. The City of Turlock will make every effort to accommodate applicants that have disabilities that would not allow them to compete in the announced process. Applicants are asked to indicate their request for accommodation in the application form.

Medical Examination and Drug/Alcohol Screening 

The incumbent will be required to take a medical examination including a drug/alcohol screening and be fingerprinted.

Customer Service Policy
  
The City of Turlock is committed to quality service to our customers. Our goal is to create a positive, productive and courteous atmosphere for our employees and customers. Employees are evaluated on the quality of customer service they provide

Benefits

Holidays:  Eleven (11) paid holidays and three (3) floating holidays.
Vacation:  Paid vacation that increases with years of service.
Sick Leave:  Accrual of one day (eight (8) hours) for each month worked.
Retirement:  Qualified candidates who are currently a Cal PERS member or have been a Cal PERS member within the last six (6) months or are subject to reciprocity with another eligible retirement plan, may be a "classic member" and may be enrolled in the City's 2.7% @ 55 plan. Employee pays employee contribution rate of 9% on a pre-tax basis. Cal PERS "final compensation" may be based on the highest twelve (12) continuous months of qualifying employment. Non-classic or "new members" will be enrolled in the 2% @ 62 plan and Cal PERS "final compensation" will be based on the highest thirty-six (36) continuous months of qualifying employment.
 Deferred Compensation:  The City will match employee's contribution up to one half of one percent (0.5%) of the employee's base salary for each pay period in which employee contributes to the program.
Retiree Health Savings (RHS) Vantage Care:  Two (2) percent of the employee's base payroll will be deposited in each individual's RHS Vantage Care
account.
 Health:  The City offers a generous health, prescription, vision, and dental insurance plans for employees and dependents.
Continuous Service Pay:
Beginning with the tenth (10th) year and every year thereafter, 1.5% of base salary.
Beginning with the fifteenth (15th) year and every year thereafter, 1.5% of base salary.
Beginning with the twentieth (20th) year and every year thereafter, 1.5% of base salary.
Additional Benefits:
Associate/Bachelor/Master's Degree Incentive Pay (If not listed as a minimum qualification)*Educational Reimbursement Program* Computer Loan Program* *Upon completion of probation.

Notes:

Information contained herein does not constitute an expressed or implied contract as it is subject to change.

WHERE TO APPLY

City of Turlock

Human Relations Department

156 S. Broadway, Suite 235

Turlock, CA 95380-5454

(209) 668-5150

Or

Visit our website at:  www.cityofturlock.org to apply

All applications must be returned to the Human Relations Department no later than Thursday, January22, 2026 at 5 p.m. POSTMARKS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.

Cell phones are typically incompatible with the online application format or browser. We recommend using a desktop or laptop computer. If you are still having technical difficulties, please call NEOGOV at 1-855-524-5627.

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