Senior Laboratory Scientist

Job Description and Duties

Under the direction of the Laboratory Director, this position provides expert technical oversight for water quality and environmental data management within the Department of Water Resources. The incumbent serves as the subject matter expert for the environmental database and laboratory information management system, ensuring data accuracy, integrity, security, and compatibility with evolving scientific and technical standards. The role supports complex water quality monitoring studies, laboratory analyses, and quality assurance efforts, working closely with laboratory staff, environmental scientists, and the Quality Management Section to resolve data issues and ensure reliable reporting.

The position also functions as the water quality data steward for the Water Data Library, coordinating statewide and national data sharing, ensuring efficient dissemination of DWR water quality information. Additional responsibilities include advising on system improvements, supporting department-wide data management initiatives, directing technical investigations, preparing scientific reports, guiding junior staff, and completing special projects as assigned.

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Special Requirements

Incumbent must possess a valid California driver's license to drive to various meetings.

Knowledge of scientific principles and methods of water quality and environmental data collection, handling, and management, laboratory analytical procedures, water quality chemistry, aquatic biology, and related technical expertise for field and laboratory data collection and processing, such as complex data process control and management of datasets and systems using MS Access, Excel, SQL Server, and additional software as needed.

All employees are responsible for contributing to an inclusive, safe, and secure work environment that values diverse cultures, perspectives, and experiences, and is free from discrimination.

Desirable Qualifications

In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

The ideal candidate will have demonstrated experience using environmental data management systems and designing or supporting databases that store field sampling data or analytical chemistry results. They will have a proven track record in implementing and managing database backup, recovery, and archiving strategies, as well as designing or implementing data validation rules, automated quality control checks, and scientific review workflows to ensure data integrity. A strong understanding of laboratory analytical methods related to water quality, including chemistry, biology, and environmental testing, is essential, along with experience ensuring laboratory analyses meet data quality and regulatory standards. The candidate should be proficient in implementing or overseeing QA/QC protocols for environmental or laboratory data and applying scientific principles to enhance database and data management processes. Experience in preparing, reviewing, and presenting scientific or technical reports, and maintaining documentation supporting environmental data integrity, is highly desirable. Additionally, the candidate should have experience providing guidance, training, or direction to junior staff or project teams, the ability to work independently, and a demonstrated capacity to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams. Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications is also required.

Benefits

DWR employees are eligible for a number of benefits. Health benefits and leave programs are available for most permanent, full-time employees and some permanent, part-time employees. Benefit eligibility may depend on length of service and may be subject to collective bargaining agreements, which are contracts negotiated between the State of California and employee organizations that define employees' wages, hours, and conditions of employment.

Some added benefits DWR offers eligible employees at this location include:

• Free Parking
• Health, Dental, & Vision Benefits
• Paid Sick & Vacation
• Retirement
• Employee Assistance Program
• 11 Paid Holidays
• 401(k) & 457 plans
• Student Loan Forgiveness
• Long Term Care
• Group Legal Services

The Lab is located in the Bryte neighborhood of West Sacramento, close to the Hwy 80/50 interchange, shopping, parks, grocery stores, and restaurants.

to read about the outstanding benefits offered to eligible employees.

Effective July 1, 2025, state employees are subject to temporary wage reductions in exchange for Personal Leave Program (PLP) accruals. The specific rate and hours earned were negotiated and agreed upon by each bargaining unit. The actual monetary impact of these temporary reductions can vary based on your bargaining unit and/or federal and state tax withholdings. For additional information please visit Human Resources Manual - CalHR .

Special Instructions

To be considered, submit a completed State application (STD. 678) and Statement of Qualifications. Please reference SAP Position #50099194 and Job Control #499012in the “examination(s) or job title(s) for which you are applying” section of your application.

The Statement of Qualifications (SOQ)should reference the Duty Statement for this position and describe the candidate’s education, skills, work experience, and pertinent qualifications as they relate to the duties and desirable qualifications for this role. The SOQ should be no more than two pages in length, double-spaced using 12-point Arial font and 1” margins.

Resumes, cover letters, and/or other attachments will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application. Failure to submit all requested documents will result in disqualification.

. This survey is for research purpose only and will not affect the application status.

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

• Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
• Resume is optional. It may be included, but is not required.
• Statement of Qualifications - See Special Instructions for additional details.