Laboratory/Field Technician - Laboratory
Apply NowCompany: City of Sunnyvale, CA
Location: Sunnyvale, CA 94087
Description:
Salary: $37.45 - $47.80 Hourly
Location : Sunnyvale, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 24-00233
Department: Environmental Services
Division: Regulatory Program
Opening Date: 03/05/2025
Closing Date: 4/2/2025 5:00 PM Pacific
Description
LABORATORY/FIELD TECHNICIAN - LABORATORY
Regular Full-Time Employment Opportunity
Final filing date is April 2, 2025 by 5:00 pm or after receiving 100 qualified and complete applications, whichever is first.
The City of Sunnyvale is currently recruiting for a Laboratory Technician to join the Environmental Services Department team! The Environmental Services Department provides comprehensive and innovative utility services for Sunnyvale's residents and businesses and facilitates initiatives to achieve the City's sustainability objectives. The Department brings together technical, operational, and administrative professional disciplines to form its dedicated and dynamic team.
The Laboratory Technician works in the laboratory. This job posting is for the laboratory section. In the laboratory, Laboratory/Field Technicians work independently under the supervision of Senior Environmental Chemists primarily collecting and analyzing samples for Sunnyvale's Water Pollution Control Plant and the drinking water system. The laboratory performs a variety of physical, chemical, biological and bacteriological analyses to monitor operations and demonstrate compliance for the City's wastewater, drinking water, and industrial pretreatment programs.
Additionally, the City of Sunnyvale offers:
For a complete job description, click here:
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
The position of Laboratory/Field Technician is a fully qualified journey-level technical classification. The Laboratory/Field Technician is distinguished from the higher-level Environmental Chemist I or Environmental Compliance Inspector by the lower-level analytical techniques used in laboratory analysis, inspection, and regulatory compliance activities.
Essential Job Functions
(May include, but are not limited to, the following):
In addition to the above, if assigned to the Laboratory, duties may include but are not limited to the following:
WORKING CONDITIONS
Position requires prolonged sitting, standing, walking on level, uneven and slippery surfaces, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, squatting and stooping in the performance of daily activities. The position also requires grasping, repetitive hand movement and fine coordination in using a computer keyboard and certain tools. The position also requires near and far vision when performing tasks such as inspections and repair work, in reading written work-related documents and using a computer. Acute hearing is required when providing phone and personal customer service. The need to lift, drag, carry and push equipment, tools and supplies up to 50 pounds is also required. Additionally, the incumbent may be exposed to mechanical and electrical hazards, loud noise, and inclement weather conditions, such as wet, heat and cold. Some of these requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodations.
Minimum Qualifications
Education and Experience:
The minimum qualifications for education and experience can be met in the following way:
An Associate degree or 60 semester units or 90 quarter units from an accredited college or university in environmental science, including courses in chemistry, biology or other related science, AND
Two years of experience performing field technician and/or laboratory duties.
A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in environmental science, including courses in chemistry, biology or other related science may be substituted for one year of experience.
Knowledge of:
Ability to:
Willingness to:
Wear protective clothing and use protective equipment.
Travel to sites within the City to conduct monitoring and sampling programs.
Licenses/Certificates:
Possession and continued maintenance of a valid class C California driver's license and a safe driving record.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Application and Selection Process
APPLICATION PROCESS
If you are interested in this opportunity, please submit a City of Sunnyvale employment application and responses to the supplemental questions to the Department of Human Resources by 5:00 pm on April 2, 2025(postmarks or faxes are not accepted). If interested in this position, you should apply as soon as possible as only the first 100 qualified and complete applications will be considered.
Candidates are asked to fully describe any training, education, experience or skills relevant to this position. Electronic applications may be submitted on-line through the City's employment page at Sunnyvale.ca.gov and click on Jobs. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.
EXAM PROCESS
Applications will be competitively screened based on the minimum qualifications of this position. Based upon a review of the application materials, the most qualified candidates will be invited to participate in the examination process, which may consist of an oral examination scheduled for Thursday, April 17, 2025. (Note: The examination process may be changed as deemed necessary by the Director of Human Resources).
SELECTION PROCESS
Those candidates that receive a passing score on the examination will be placed on an eligibility list for up to one year, in accordance with the City's Civil Service Rules and Administrative Policies. Top candidates on the eligibility list will be invited to participate in a selection interview with the department tentatively scheduled on the week of April 28, 2025. Any candidate that is selected by the hiring department will be required to successfully complete a pre-employment process, which may consist of a background history check, as well as a medical exam(s) administered by a City selected physician(s) before hire. Prior to starting work, all newly-hired employees will be fingerprinted to check conviction history. A conviction history will not necessarily disqualify an applicant from appointment; however, failure to disclose conviction history will result in refusal of employment or termination. Positions which are covered by the Department of Transportation regulations are required to submit to a pre-employment drug test and to random drug and alcohol testing.
INFORMATION ABOUT PROOF OF EDUCATIONAny successful candidate selected by the hiring department will be required to submit proof of education (i.e., copy of the diploma or college/university transcripts). An applicant with a college degree obtained outside the United States must have education records evaluated by a credential evaluation service at the candidate's expense. Candidates may utilize any third-party agency for the evaluation. If you search 'education equivalency verification' or similar online, you will obtain results for agencies that provide this evaluation service. A conditional job offer cannot be made until the education has been evaluated and submitted to the Department of Human Resources.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATIONPositions in this job classification are represented by the Sunnyvale Employees Association (SEA).
For assistance on how to fill out your job application, watch the following video:
The City of Sunnyvale is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of the City of Sunnyvale not to discriminate against all qualified applicants or employees on the basis of actual or perceived race, religion (including religious dress or grooming practice), color, sex (includes gender, pregnancy, childbirth, medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth, breastfeeding or medical conditions related to breastfeeding), gender identity and/or gender expression, sexual orientation (including heterosexuality, homosexuality and bisexuality), ethnic or national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, uniformed service member status, marital status, family relationship, age, cancer or HIV/AIDS related medical condition, genetic characteristics and/or genetic information, and physical or mental disability. Applicants needing special accommodations for testing should submit a request to the Department of Human Resources at time of application.
Summary of Sunnyvale's Employees Association (For Full Time Positions)
Summary of Service Employees International Union, Local 521 (For Part Time Positions)
01
Instructions for completing the supplemental questionnaire:
This supplemental questionnaire will be a primary tool in the evaluation of your qualifications for this position. The supplemental information that you provide will be evaluated along with your completed application. Please limit your response to one page per question. In answering the question(s), be as specific as you can. Some questions may include multiple parts (i.e., (a), (b), (c), (d), etc.). Please make sure to address each part of each question in the supplemental questionnaire below.
Please be advised that you will be 'timed out' of this page after 30 minutes. Therefore, it is best to copy the supplemental questions that require text answers from this page into a document that you can save on your computer, produce your responses in that document, and then copy and paste the responses into the space provided below. Additionally, please save your work continuously.
The completed application and responses to supplemental questions constitute an examination. Note: qualifying experience must be reflected on the education, work experience, Certificates/Licenses section of the job application form. Please note the information provided in the supplemental question will not be accepted in lieu of completing the work experience section of the application.
Resumes may be attached, but they will not be accepted in lieu of completing the work experience section of the application or the supplemental questions. The information you provide will be used to further identify those applicants who are best qualified to continue in the selection process for this position.
Your responses to the questions that require you to detail your background and experience should include the following information:*
Additionally, I certify that I have completed the following supplemental questionnaire on my own; the answers accurately reflect my training, education and experience; and, I understand that my responses are subject to verification.
02
Do you have an Associate's degree or 60 semester units or 90 quarter units from an accredited college or university in environmental science, including courses in chemistry, biology or other related science?
03
NOTE: A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in environmental science, including courses in chemistry, biology or other related science may be substituted for one year of experience. Do you currently possess a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in environmental science, including courses in chemistry, biology or other related science?
04
Please select the option that best describes your work experience.
05
If you answered the question above, please describe your laboratory experience below. Please include the agency you worked for, your title and your specific responsibilities. Please include your experience with the sample collection, conducting physical, chemical, biological and bacteriological analyses of wastewater and/or drinking water. If you do not have this experience, please enter N/A in the space below.
06
Describe your experience with calibrating and maintaining equipment or instrument, such as pH meters and composite samplers. If you do not have this experience, please enter N/A in the space below
07
Describe your experience with quality assurance and quality control system or tools to track, log, and manage sampling and/or laboratory activities. If you do not have this experience, please enter N/A in the space below.
Required Question
Location : Sunnyvale, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 24-00233
Department: Environmental Services
Division: Regulatory Program
Opening Date: 03/05/2025
Closing Date: 4/2/2025 5:00 PM Pacific
Description
LABORATORY/FIELD TECHNICIAN - LABORATORY
Regular Full-Time Employment Opportunity
Final filing date is April 2, 2025 by 5:00 pm or after receiving 100 qualified and complete applications, whichever is first.
The City of Sunnyvale is currently recruiting for a Laboratory Technician to join the Environmental Services Department team! The Environmental Services Department provides comprehensive and innovative utility services for Sunnyvale's residents and businesses and facilitates initiatives to achieve the City's sustainability objectives. The Department brings together technical, operational, and administrative professional disciplines to form its dedicated and dynamic team.
The Laboratory Technician works in the laboratory. This job posting is for the laboratory section. In the laboratory, Laboratory/Field Technicians work independently under the supervision of Senior Environmental Chemists primarily collecting and analyzing samples for Sunnyvale's Water Pollution Control Plant and the drinking water system. The laboratory performs a variety of physical, chemical, biological and bacteriological analyses to monitor operations and demonstrate compliance for the City's wastewater, drinking water, and industrial pretreatment programs.
Additionally, the City of Sunnyvale offers:
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits
- Classic CalPERS members have 4% of the employee contributions paid by the City, leaving only 3% for the employee to contribute
- Retiree medical benefits available
For a complete job description, click here:
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
The position of Laboratory/Field Technician is a fully qualified journey-level technical classification. The Laboratory/Field Technician is distinguished from the higher-level Environmental Chemist I or Environmental Compliance Inspector by the lower-level analytical techniques used in laboratory analysis, inspection, and regulatory compliance activities.
Essential Job Functions
(May include, but are not limited to, the following):
- Collects samples from locations within the Water Pollution Control Plant for operational decisions regarding treatment or process control in accordance with Federal, State and Local requirements.
- Collects samples from drinking water sources within the City's water distribution system for laboratory analysis, ensuring compliance with Federal, State and Local requirements.
- Collects samples from receiving waters in proximity to the Water Pollution Control Plant via boat.
- Performs physical, chemical and bacteriological analyses of potable water, wastewater or industrial waste samples using analytical techniques or instruments in accordance with approved protocols or methods in the field or the laboratory.
- Maintains records of physical, chemical and bacteriological tests performed on samples.
- Reviews logbooks, field data, recordings, and other documentation related to the drinking water system discharges from the Water Pollution Control Plant, and industrial and commercial sites.
- Keeps detailed and accurate records of field activities and observations, using logbooks, laboratory analysis sheets and computerized software programs.
- Performs work assignments in accordance with appropriate safety rules, regulations and, when necessary, emergency procedures.
- Maintains field equipment and vehicles for daily use in the field; operates motor vehicles to access sampling sites for collection of samples.
- Assists laboratory and inspection staff with special assignments, under direction of assigned supervisor.
- Attends staff and professional meetings, training classes and workshops.
- Responds and assists in development of analytical test methods, monitoring techniques and other laboratory/monitoring services.
In addition to the above, if assigned to the Laboratory, duties may include but are not limited to the following:
- Cleans laboratory equipment and glassware and maintains such in a neat and orderly condition.
- Performs preventive maintenance on laboratory equipment and instruments; calibrates and certifies safety equipment for proper usage and keeps detailed records on each piece.
- Prepares reagents, solutions, and media for chemical and bacteriological analyses.
- Participates in quality assurance and quality control programs required to maintain lab certification with Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (ELAP).
WORKING CONDITIONS
Position requires prolonged sitting, standing, walking on level, uneven and slippery surfaces, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, squatting and stooping in the performance of daily activities. The position also requires grasping, repetitive hand movement and fine coordination in using a computer keyboard and certain tools. The position also requires near and far vision when performing tasks such as inspections and repair work, in reading written work-related documents and using a computer. Acute hearing is required when providing phone and personal customer service. The need to lift, drag, carry and push equipment, tools and supplies up to 50 pounds is also required. Additionally, the incumbent may be exposed to mechanical and electrical hazards, loud noise, and inclement weather conditions, such as wet, heat and cold. Some of these requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodations.
Minimum Qualifications
Education and Experience:
The minimum qualifications for education and experience can be met in the following way:
An Associate degree or 60 semester units or 90 quarter units from an accredited college or university in environmental science, including courses in chemistry, biology or other related science, AND
Two years of experience performing field technician and/or laboratory duties.
A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in environmental science, including courses in chemistry, biology or other related science may be substituted for one year of experience.
Knowledge of:
- Basic chemistry principles and/or basic laboratory testing methods.
- Sampling techniques and chain of custody procedures.
- Basic principles of potable water, wastewater and/or industrial waste pretreatment.
- Field and laboratory safety practices and procedures.
- Recordkeeping techniques.
- Office methods, procedures, software and equipment.
Ability to:
- Collect samples in the field.
- Conduct chemical tests and analysis.
- Use potable water and/or wastewater monitoring equipment.
- Maintain accurate data and keep detailed records.
- Develop precise and detailed statistical information, charts and data files.
- Read and interpret complex technical documents and instructions.
- Safely work with and around wastewater, industrial wastes and hazardous substances and in the immediate vicinity of chemicals and reactive agents used in industrial waste treatment.
- Carry out specific functions in the laboratory.
- Follow instructions and procedures.
- Interpret tests appropriately and convey results clearly.
- Convey technical information to supervisor, professional and field personnel.
- Operate a computer using word processing and business software and other office equipment.
- Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
- Establish and maintain and promote positive and effective working relationships with employees, other agencies, public officials and the public.
- Demonstrate initiative and exercise good judgment in the performance of duties.
- Work independently and as a team member; recognize and set priorities and meet deadlines.
- Observe safety principles and work in a safe manner.
Willingness to:
Wear protective clothing and use protective equipment.
Travel to sites within the City to conduct monitoring and sampling programs.
Licenses/Certificates:
Possession and continued maintenance of a valid class C California driver's license and a safe driving record.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
- A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in chemistry, environmental science or a related field.
Application and Selection Process
APPLICATION PROCESS
If you are interested in this opportunity, please submit a City of Sunnyvale employment application and responses to the supplemental questions to the Department of Human Resources by 5:00 pm on April 2, 2025(postmarks or faxes are not accepted). If interested in this position, you should apply as soon as possible as only the first 100 qualified and complete applications will be considered.
Candidates are asked to fully describe any training, education, experience or skills relevant to this position. Electronic applications may be submitted on-line through the City's employment page at Sunnyvale.ca.gov and click on Jobs. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.
EXAM PROCESS
Applications will be competitively screened based on the minimum qualifications of this position. Based upon a review of the application materials, the most qualified candidates will be invited to participate in the examination process, which may consist of an oral examination scheduled for Thursday, April 17, 2025. (Note: The examination process may be changed as deemed necessary by the Director of Human Resources).
SELECTION PROCESS
Those candidates that receive a passing score on the examination will be placed on an eligibility list for up to one year, in accordance with the City's Civil Service Rules and Administrative Policies. Top candidates on the eligibility list will be invited to participate in a selection interview with the department tentatively scheduled on the week of April 28, 2025. Any candidate that is selected by the hiring department will be required to successfully complete a pre-employment process, which may consist of a background history check, as well as a medical exam(s) administered by a City selected physician(s) before hire. Prior to starting work, all newly-hired employees will be fingerprinted to check conviction history. A conviction history will not necessarily disqualify an applicant from appointment; however, failure to disclose conviction history will result in refusal of employment or termination. Positions which are covered by the Department of Transportation regulations are required to submit to a pre-employment drug test and to random drug and alcohol testing.
INFORMATION ABOUT PROOF OF EDUCATIONAny successful candidate selected by the hiring department will be required to submit proof of education (i.e., copy of the diploma or college/university transcripts). An applicant with a college degree obtained outside the United States must have education records evaluated by a credential evaluation service at the candidate's expense. Candidates may utilize any third-party agency for the evaluation. If you search 'education equivalency verification' or similar online, you will obtain results for agencies that provide this evaluation service. A conditional job offer cannot be made until the education has been evaluated and submitted to the Department of Human Resources.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATIONPositions in this job classification are represented by the Sunnyvale Employees Association (SEA).
For assistance on how to fill out your job application, watch the following video:
- - YouTube (5:13)
The City of Sunnyvale is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of the City of Sunnyvale not to discriminate against all qualified applicants or employees on the basis of actual or perceived race, religion (including religious dress or grooming practice), color, sex (includes gender, pregnancy, childbirth, medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth, breastfeeding or medical conditions related to breastfeeding), gender identity and/or gender expression, sexual orientation (including heterosexuality, homosexuality and bisexuality), ethnic or national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, uniformed service member status, marital status, family relationship, age, cancer or HIV/AIDS related medical condition, genetic characteristics and/or genetic information, and physical or mental disability. Applicants needing special accommodations for testing should submit a request to the Department of Human Resources at time of application.
Summary of Sunnyvale's Employees Association (For Full Time Positions)
Summary of Service Employees International Union, Local 521 (For Part Time Positions)
01
Instructions for completing the supplemental questionnaire:
This supplemental questionnaire will be a primary tool in the evaluation of your qualifications for this position. The supplemental information that you provide will be evaluated along with your completed application. Please limit your response to one page per question. In answering the question(s), be as specific as you can. Some questions may include multiple parts (i.e., (a), (b), (c), (d), etc.). Please make sure to address each part of each question in the supplemental questionnaire below.
Please be advised that you will be 'timed out' of this page after 30 minutes. Therefore, it is best to copy the supplemental questions that require text answers from this page into a document that you can save on your computer, produce your responses in that document, and then copy and paste the responses into the space provided below. Additionally, please save your work continuously.
The completed application and responses to supplemental questions constitute an examination. Note: qualifying experience must be reflected on the education, work experience, Certificates/Licenses section of the job application form. Please note the information provided in the supplemental question will not be accepted in lieu of completing the work experience section of the application.
Resumes may be attached, but they will not be accepted in lieu of completing the work experience section of the application or the supplemental questions. The information you provide will be used to further identify those applicants who are best qualified to continue in the selection process for this position.
Your responses to the questions that require you to detail your background and experience should include the following information:*
- The number of years of experience you have had performing the duties that you are describing;
- The name(s) and type(s) of organization(s) where you obtained such experience; and,
- Your role and specific responsibilities within the organization(s).
Additionally, I certify that I have completed the following supplemental questionnaire on my own; the answers accurately reflect my training, education and experience; and, I understand that my responses are subject to verification.
- Yes
- No
02
Do you have an Associate's degree or 60 semester units or 90 quarter units from an accredited college or university in environmental science, including courses in chemistry, biology or other related science?
- Yes
- No
03
NOTE: A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in environmental science, including courses in chemistry, biology or other related science may be substituted for one year of experience. Do you currently possess a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in environmental science, including courses in chemistry, biology or other related science?
- Yes
- No
04
Please select the option that best describes your work experience.
- At least One (1) year of experience performing Laboratory Technician Duties.
- At least Two (2) years of experience performing Laboratory Technician Duties.
- None of the above
05
If you answered the question above, please describe your laboratory experience below. Please include the agency you worked for, your title and your specific responsibilities. Please include your experience with the sample collection, conducting physical, chemical, biological and bacteriological analyses of wastewater and/or drinking water. If you do not have this experience, please enter N/A in the space below.
06
Describe your experience with calibrating and maintaining equipment or instrument, such as pH meters and composite samplers. If you do not have this experience, please enter N/A in the space below
07
Describe your experience with quality assurance and quality control system or tools to track, log, and manage sampling and/or laboratory activities. If you do not have this experience, please enter N/A in the space below.
Required Question