Job Description
Company Description
This is a Citywide Exam
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.
WHO ARE WE?
San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC)
Headquartered in San Francisco, we have 2,300 employees operating across eight counties serving more than 2.7 million customers in the San Francisco Bay Area – 24 hours per day, 365 days per year.
Our Mission: To provide our customers with high quality, efficient, and reliable water, power, and wastewater services in a manner that values environmental and community interests and sustains the resources entrusted to our care.
Our Vision: We are an innovative utility leader, recognized for excellent results in service, safety, stewardship, and inclusiveness.
We are an award-winning and industry-leading utilities organization committed to our customers, community interests, and the environment. To learn more about our organization, please visit our website at https://www.sfpuc.org/.
We are proud of our infrastructure and programs, but most importantly, we value our highly qualified and dedicated workforce which ensures that this vision becomes a reality.
To learn more about working at the SFPUC, visit our career site at https://www.sfpuc.org/about-us/careers-sfpuc
Application Opening: 12/11/2026
Application Deadline: 1/08/2026
Job 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: Positions at 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/pr 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.
Qualifications
1. Possession of baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university with a major in chemistry or closely related laboratory science; AND
2. 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.
3. Valid CA driver's license
Every application is reviewed to ensure that you meet the minimum qualifications as listed in the job ad. Please review our articles on Employment Application and Minimum Qualifications and Verification of Experience and/or Education for considerations taken when reviewing applications.
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
The stated desirable qualification may be considered at the end of the selection process when candidates are referred for hiring.
Selection Procedures
After application submission, candidates deemed qualified must complete all subsequent steps to advance in this selection process, which includes the following:
Supplemental Questionnaire Examination (Weight: 100%): Candidates who meet minimum qualifications will be invited via a separate link to complete the Supplemental Questionnaire Examination. The purpose of the Supplemental Questionnaire Examination is to evaluate the experience, knowledge, skills and abilities that candidates possess in job-related areas, which have been identified as critical for this position and include, but are not limited to:
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
Additional Information
A confidential eligible list of applicant names that have passed the civil service examination process will be created, and used for certification purposes only. An examination score report will be established, so applicants can view the ranks, final scores and number of eligible candidates. Applicant information, including names of applicants on the eligible list, shall not be made public unless required by law. However, an eligible list shall be made available for public inspection, upon request, once the eligible list is exhausted or expired and referrals resolved. The eligible list/score report resulting from this civil service examination process is subject to change after adoption (e.g., as a result of appeals), as directed by the Human Resources Director or the Civil Service Commission.
The duration of the eligible list resulting from this examination process will be of 12 months, and may be extended with the approval of the Human Resources Director.
To find Departments which use this classification, please see https://sfdhr.org/sites/default/files/documents/Forms-Documents/Position-Counts-by-Job-Codes-and-Department-FY-2026-23.pdf
Terms of Announcement and Appeal Rights:
Applicants must be guided solely by the provisions of this announcement, including requirements, time periods and other particulars, except when superseded by federal, state or local laws, rules or regulations. [Note: The correction of clerical errors in an announcement may be posted on the Department of Human Resources website at https://careers.sf.gov/.] The terms of this announcement may be appealed under Civil Service Rule 110.4. Such appeals must be submitted in writing to the Department of Human Resources, 1 S Van Ness Avenue, 4th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94103-5413 by close of business on the 5th business day following the issuance date of this examination announcement. Information concerning other Civil Service Commission Rules involving announcements, applications and examination policies, including applicant appeal rights, can be found on the Civil Service Commission website at https://sf.gov/departments/civil-service-commission.
Additional Information Regarding Employment with the City and County of San Francisco:
Information About the Hiring Process
Conviction History
Employee Benefits Overview
Equal Employment Opportunity
Disaster Service Worker
ADA Accommodation
Veterans Preference
Seniority Credit in Promotional Exams [required for Combined, Promotive, Entrance (CPE) Exams only]
Right to Work
Copies of Application Documents
Diversity Statement
Applicants will receive a confirmation email from notification@careers.sf.gov that their online application has been received in response to every announcement for which they file. Applicants should retain this confirmation email for their records. Failure to receive this email means that the online application was not submitted or received.
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, ****** orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, military and veteran status, or other protected category under the law.
This is a Citywide Exam
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.
WHO ARE WE?
San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC)
Headquartered in San Francisco, we have 2,300 employees operating across eight counties serving more than 2.7 million customers in the San Francisco Bay Area – 24 hours per day, 365 days per year.
Our Mission: To provide our customers with high quality, efficient, and reliable water, power, and wastewater services in a manner that values environmental and community interests and sustains the resources entrusted to our care.
Our Vision: We are an innovative utility leader, recognized for excellent results in service, safety, stewardship, and inclusiveness.
We are an award-winning and industry-leading utilities organization committed to our customers, community interests, and the environment. To learn more about our organization, please visit our website at https://www.sfpuc.org/.
We are proud of our infrastructure and programs, but most importantly, we value our highly qualified and dedicated workforce which ensures that this vision becomes a reality.
To learn more about working at the SFPUC, visit our career site at https://www.sfpuc.org/about-us/careers-sfpuc
Application Opening: 12/11/2026
Application Deadline: 1/08/2026
Job 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: Positions at 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/pr 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.
Qualifications
1. Possession of baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university with a major in chemistry or closely related laboratory science; AND
2. 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.
3. Valid CA driver's license
Every application is reviewed to ensure that you meet the minimum qualifications as listed in the job ad. Please review our articles on Employment Application and Minimum Qualifications and Verification of Experience and/or Education for considerations taken when reviewing applications.
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
The stated desirable qualification may be considered at the end of the selection process when candidates are referred for hiring.
Selection Procedures
After application submission, candidates deemed qualified must complete all subsequent steps to advance in this selection process, which includes the following:
Supplemental Questionnaire Examination (Weight: 100%): Candidates who meet minimum qualifications will be invited via a separate link to complete the Supplemental Questionnaire Examination. The purpose of the Supplemental Questionnaire Examination is to evaluate the experience, knowledge, skills and abilities that candidates possess in job-related areas, which have been identified as critical for this position and include, but are not limited to:
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
Additional Information
A confidential eligible list of applicant names that have passed the civil service examination process will be created, and used for certification purposes only. An examination score report will be established, so applicants can view the ranks, final scores and number of eligible candidates. Applicant information, including names of applicants on the eligible list, shall not be made public unless required by law. However, an eligible list shall be made available for public inspection, upon request, once the eligible list is exhausted or expired and referrals resolved. The eligible list/score report resulting from this civil service examination process is subject to change after adoption (e.g., as a result of appeals), as directed by the Human Resources Director or the Civil Service Commission.
The duration of the eligible list resulting from this examination process will be of 12 months, and may be extended with the approval of the Human Resources Director.
To find Departments which use this classification, please see https://sfdhr.org/sites/default/files/documents/Forms-Documents/Position-Counts-by-Job-Codes-and-Department-FY-2026-23.pdf
Terms of Announcement and Appeal Rights:
Applicants must be guided solely by the provisions of this announcement, including requirements, time periods and other particulars, except when superseded by federal, state or local laws, rules or regulations. [Note: The correction of clerical errors in an announcement may be posted on the Department of Human Resources website at https://careers.sf.gov/.] The terms of this announcement may be appealed under Civil Service Rule 110.4. Such appeals must be submitted in writing to the Department of Human Resources, 1 S Van Ness Avenue, 4th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94103-5413 by close of business on the 5th business day following the issuance date of this examination announcement. Information concerning other Civil Service Commission Rules involving announcements, applications and examination policies, including applicant appeal rights, can be found on the Civil Service Commission website at https://sf.gov/departments/civil-service-commission.
Additional Information Regarding Employment with the City and County of San Francisco:
Information About the Hiring Process
Conviction History
Employee Benefits Overview
Equal Employment Opportunity
Disaster Service Worker
ADA Accommodation
Veterans Preference
Seniority Credit in Promotional Exams [required for Combined, Promotive, Entrance (CPE) Exams only]
Right to Work
Copies of Application Documents
Diversity Statement
Applicants will receive a confirmation email from notification@careers.sf.gov that their online application has been received in response to every announcement for which they file. Applicants should retain this confirmation email for their records. Failure to receive this email means that the online application was not submitted or received.
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, ****** orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, military and veteran status, or other protected category under the law.
💡 Quick Summary
Seeking a career-building opportunity? The Supervising Chemist (2488) SFPUC (U00041)- post position is now open for candidates interested in the IT Engineer & Developer Jobs sector. This role in San Francisco offers a professional environment and growth potential.
Requirement Snapshot: Candidates should possess basic communication skills, a proactive attitude, and the ability to work in a team. Experience in IT Engineer & Developer Jobs is a plus.
