Associate Chemist

This recruitment will be used to build an Eligibility List for Associate Chemist positions at Metropolitan’s treatment plant laboratories at the following locations:
Weymouth in La Verne, Skinner in Winchester, Jensen in Granada Hills, Mills in Riverside, and Diemer in Yorba Linda. This list will be valid for 6 months from the date a candidate accepts the position.

At the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, water quality isn’t a task—it’s a public trust.

We are currently seeking an Associate Chemist who understands California’s complex water landscape and thrives in a regulated laboratory environment. Based at our Skinner Treatment Plant laboratory in Winchester, California, you’ll play a key role in protecting public health and ensuring compliance with Federal and California drinking water standards.

• Collect, prepare, and analyze water samples in accordance with state and federal regulations
• Perform routine and non-routine drinking water compliance analyses (chemistry and microbiology)
• Support treatment plant operations with accurate, defensible data
• Maintain compliance with the Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (ELAP) requirements
• Apply sound Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) practices to ensure data integrity
• Ensure laboratory safety protocols
• Use Laboratory Instrumentation Management System (LIMS) and other laboratory data software

Your work will directly support regulatory compliance and operational decision‑making at a major drinking water treatment facility serving Southern California.

• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biology, microbiology, environmental science, chemical or environmental engineering, or other closely related scientific field
• Two years of laboratory experience
• Strong knowledge of laboratory instrumentation and techniques, principals of chemistry and microbiology, statistics, and QA/QC procedures
• Experience in a drinking water or related laboratory is preferred
• Familiarity with California drinking water regulations and compliance reporting is highly valued
• Valid California Class C Driver’s License

California’s water supply is dynamic, regulated, and essential. Your expertise will directly support safe, reliable drinking water for millions of Southern Californians.

If you’re a laboratory professional who understands the science behind safe water — and the responsibility that comes with it — we’d like to meet you.

Schedule:

5/8, Monday through Friday from 6 am to 2:30 pm.

This position will work independently under the direct supervision of the Treatment Plant Laboratory Team Manager and maintain close working relationships with personnel in Water Treatment and Water Quality sections.

This job announcement has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work being performed by employees in this classification / job.

Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in a related field and two years of relevant experience.

Related field is defined as:
Chemistry, biology, microbiology, chemical or environmental engineering, environmental science, or other related scientific degree.

Relevant Experience is defined as water quality laboratory experience with:
Principles of chemistry and statistics; chemistry and microbiology laboratory techniques and instrumentation; laboratory software; and/or standard laboratory quality assurance and control requirements, including laboratory safety protocols.

Employees in this position may be required to obtain and maintain the following certifications, licensing, and registrations:

License(s):
Valid California Class C Driver’s License or equivalent (required at time of application) that allows you to drive during your employment.

• Competitive compensation
• Excellent medical, dental, life, vision plans.
• Deferred compensation in the form of a 401(k) plan (with matching contribution) and a 457 plan.
• Retirement benefits under the California Public Employees' Retirement System
• Tuition reimbursement
• Training and advancement…