Chemist III Citywide; U00057

• Eligible List Type:
  Combined Promotive and Entrance

• Application Opening:
  September 14, 2026
• Application Filing

San Francisco is a vibrant and dynamic city, on the forefront of economic growth & innovation, urban development, arts & entertainment, as well as social issues & change. This rich tapestry of culture and ideas is sustained by our City's commitment to heighten the quality of life for the diverse population of San Franciscans and residents of the greater Bay Area.

Our employees play an important role not only in making our City what it is today, but also in shaping the future of San Francisco.

Note:

This is a Citywide recruitment and its resulting eligible list score report may be used to fill positions in various SFPUC divisions and other city departments.

The Chemist III, under general direction, plans, coordinates, and conducts research projects related to the laboratory analysis of water, wastewater, and environment matrices. They develop and apply analytical methods to identify and quantify specific components in water, wastewater, and environmental matrices using sophisticated analytical instrumentation. They work independently and in conjunction with engineers and laboratory personnel to resolve water quality process problems and to achieve compliance with state and federal regulations.

Incumbents function as the lead worker and are assigned non-routine work, research or special projects, and may train technical and professional personnel in instrumental analysis and applications, and communicates results orally and in writing. The Chemist III requires comprehensive knowledge in theory and principles of analytical chemistry and expertise and experience in extraction, purification, high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC), gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS), Atomic Absorption, and inductively coupled plasma - atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES) instrumental techniques.

The essential job functions of the Chemist III include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Plans, coordinates, and conducts laboratory studies; develops and performs methods in instrumental analysis of diverse environmental matrices for determination of specific organic and inorganic constituents.
• Consults with Supervising Chemist and develops methods to resolve problems in treatment processes and to achieve regulatory compliance; trains laboratory personnel in the operation of laboratory instrumentation and application of developed methods.
• Utilizes gas chromatography, mass spectrometry, and high performance liquid chromatography in development and applications of methods; utilizes ICP-AES, and inductively coupled plasma - mass spectroscopy (ICP/MS), and Atomic Absorption spectroscopy in developing method; performs diagnostic, corrective, and preventative maintenance on complex instruments; evaluates instrumental capabilities and performance in preparing for purchase of laboratory instrumentation.
• Researches relevant literature for most current technology and application to environmental analysis; prepares technical reports and findings for water quality personnel, clients and constituents, and departmental management personnel; prepares technical reports and papers for publication in scientific publications
• Handles and processes data from instrumental data acquisition systems; uses a variety of software applications to facilitate reporting of results.
• Class 2487 Chemist III performs other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

1. Possession of baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university with a major in chemistry or closely related laboratory science;
AND
2. Six (6)…