City and County of San Francisco
Supervising Chemist (2488) SFPUC (U00041)
City and County of San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States, 94199
Supervising Chemist (2488) SFPUC (U00041)
City and County of San Francisco
Department: Citywide
Job class: 2488 - Supervising Chemist
Salary range: $153,192.00 - $186,238.00
Role type: Permanent Civil Service
Hours: Full-time
Exam type: Class Based Test
Rule: Rule of 10
List type: Combined Promotive and Entrance
This is a Citywide Exam
Application Opening: 12/11/2025
Application Deadline: 01/08/2026
Role Description Under general direction, Supervising Chemists for the Water Quality Division (WQD) supervise the activities of environmental laboratory professionals in the chemical, biological, and physical analysis of water, wastewater, and a variety of environmental matrices. The WQD operates five California State Water Resource Control Board (SWRCB) Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (ELAP)-accredited laboratories across the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission’s Upcountry, Regional, and Local Water Systems. Working within our Laboratory Section’s established Quality System, Supervising Chemists will provide administrative and technical support within their assigned work group, validate and release analytical data, coordinate special studies and projects for compliance planning and monitoring, and develop and implement quality assurance activities in the laboratory.
Work Location: 1000 El Camino Real, Millbrae, CA 94030
Hours: Full-time, Mon-Fri; Weekends in the event of emergency/unforeseen instances impacting water quality
Essential Duties
Assigns and evaluates the work of chemists and technicians in the delivery of water quality for an assigned section; prepares performance appraisals and develops work plans for assigned staff; takes corrective action to resolve deficiencies.
Provides training and orientation on laboratory procedures, bureau policy and laboratory safety; arranges for the technical training and professional development of the group.
Develops work plans for an assigned section; schedules and establishes timelines for goals and objectives in the work plan; and evaluates group’s performance measures and adherence to work plan schedules and/or City policies.
Directs, implements, and monitors the established laboratory quality assurance program; reviews and validates analytical data reported to water quality management, clients, and personnel; assures that validated data meets acceptance and reporting criteria as set forth by the quality assurance plan and regulatory agencies.
Implements approved analytical procedures; writes standard operating procedures for the work of the group.
Consults with water quality clients regarding analytical services; organizes and directs the delivery of analytical services; answers technical questions regarding reported data; implements modifications where appropriate; may represent the division and laboratory in meetings with other water quality jurisdictions which coordinate regional monitoring activities.
Coordinates the planning and development of sample collection and monitoring procedures.
Performs related duties and responsibilities as assigned.
Business Unit Also Includes
Prepares budget requests and recommends major purchases for section; participates in development of division and laboratory policies and procedures; develops and submits policies and procedures to group for review and comment.
How to Qualify
Possession of baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university with a major in chemistry or closely related laboratory science; AND
Eight years (8) of verifiable laboratory experience in analytical chemistry of which must include two (2) years experience in a water quality or wastewater laboratory.
Valid CA driver's license.
Desirable Qualifications
Experience working in Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (ELAP) or NELAC Institute (TNI) accredited laboratory.
Knowledge of EPA approved methodology and QA/QC requirements.
Selection Procedures
In-person written essay exam.
Exam Information Written exam is weighted at 100%. Candidates deemed qualified will be admitted to a written in-person essay exam to measure knowledge, skills and/or abilities in job related areas which may include but not limited to the below listed.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Theory and principles of water and wastewater treatment, including the principles of standard and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved methods of chemical and physical analysis of water and wastewater.
Principles of analytical, organic, and inorganic chemistry and associated laboratory instrumentation.
Knowledge of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) laboratory guidelines including principles of quality assurance, compliance and laboratory policies and procedures.
Knowledge of Information management systems and principles of record keeping, including the ability to interpret data and results in a timely manner to draft and communicate results to management, vendors, and water quality clients in a timely manner.
Supervise and direct the work of others, and take corrective personnel actions.
Ability to maintain working relationships with water quality clients, department personnel, vendors, consultants and others in the organization involved in the delivery of services.
Ability to prepare budgetary requests.
Equal Employment Opportunity The City and County of San Francisco encourages women, minorities and persons with disabilities to apply. Applicants will be considered regardless of their sex, race, age, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition (associated with cancer, a history of cancer, or genetic characteristics), HIV/AIDS status, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, military and veteran status, or other protected category under the law.
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Department: Citywide
Job class: 2488 - Supervising Chemist
Salary range: $153,192.00 - $186,238.00
Role type: Permanent Civil Service
Hours: Full-time
Exam type: Class Based Test
Rule: Rule of 10
List type: Combined Promotive and Entrance
This is a Citywide Exam
Application Opening: 12/11/2025
Application Deadline: 01/08/2026
Role Description Under general direction, Supervising Chemists for the Water Quality Division (WQD) supervise the activities of environmental laboratory professionals in the chemical, biological, and physical analysis of water, wastewater, and a variety of environmental matrices. The WQD operates five California State Water Resource Control Board (SWRCB) Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (ELAP)-accredited laboratories across the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission’s Upcountry, Regional, and Local Water Systems. Working within our Laboratory Section’s established Quality System, Supervising Chemists will provide administrative and technical support within their assigned work group, validate and release analytical data, coordinate special studies and projects for compliance planning and monitoring, and develop and implement quality assurance activities in the laboratory.
Work Location: 1000 El Camino Real, Millbrae, CA 94030
Hours: Full-time, Mon-Fri; Weekends in the event of emergency/unforeseen instances impacting water quality
Essential Duties
Assigns and evaluates the work of chemists and technicians in the delivery of water quality for an assigned section; prepares performance appraisals and develops work plans for assigned staff; takes corrective action to resolve deficiencies.
Provides training and orientation on laboratory procedures, bureau policy and laboratory safety; arranges for the technical training and professional development of the group.
Develops work plans for an assigned section; schedules and establishes timelines for goals and objectives in the work plan; and evaluates group’s performance measures and adherence to work plan schedules and/or City policies.
Directs, implements, and monitors the established laboratory quality assurance program; reviews and validates analytical data reported to water quality management, clients, and personnel; assures that validated data meets acceptance and reporting criteria as set forth by the quality assurance plan and regulatory agencies.
Implements approved analytical procedures; writes standard operating procedures for the work of the group.
Consults with water quality clients regarding analytical services; organizes and directs the delivery of analytical services; answers technical questions regarding reported data; implements modifications where appropriate; may represent the division and laboratory in meetings with other water quality jurisdictions which coordinate regional monitoring activities.
Coordinates the planning and development of sample collection and monitoring procedures.
Performs related duties and responsibilities as assigned.
Business Unit Also Includes
Prepares budget requests and recommends major purchases for section; participates in development of division and laboratory policies and procedures; develops and submits policies and procedures to group for review and comment.
How to Qualify
Possession of baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university with a major in chemistry or closely related laboratory science; AND
Eight years (8) of verifiable laboratory experience in analytical chemistry of which must include two (2) years experience in a water quality or wastewater laboratory.
Valid CA driver's license.
Desirable Qualifications
Experience working in Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (ELAP) or NELAC Institute (TNI) accredited laboratory.
Knowledge of EPA approved methodology and QA/QC requirements.
Selection Procedures
In-person written essay exam.
Exam Information Written exam is weighted at 100%. Candidates deemed qualified will be admitted to a written in-person essay exam to measure knowledge, skills and/or abilities in job related areas which may include but not limited to the below listed.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Theory and principles of water and wastewater treatment, including the principles of standard and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved methods of chemical and physical analysis of water and wastewater.
Principles of analytical, organic, and inorganic chemistry and associated laboratory instrumentation.
Knowledge of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) laboratory guidelines including principles of quality assurance, compliance and laboratory policies and procedures.
Knowledge of Information management systems and principles of record keeping, including the ability to interpret data and results in a timely manner to draft and communicate results to management, vendors, and water quality clients in a timely manner.
Supervise and direct the work of others, and take corrective personnel actions.
Ability to maintain working relationships with water quality clients, department personnel, vendors, consultants and others in the organization involved in the delivery of services.
Ability to prepare budgetary requests.
Equal Employment Opportunity The City and County of San Francisco encourages women, minorities and persons with disabilities to apply. Applicants will be considered regardless of their sex, race, age, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition (associated with cancer, a history of cancer, or genetic characteristics), HIV/AIDS status, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, military and veteran status, or other protected category under the law.
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