Microbiologist jobs in San Jose, CA

The Environmental Services Department (ESD) is a national leader in pollution prevention, watershed protection, utility service provision, and climate action. Together, ESD employees positively impact every resident and business in San Jose.

Our department is an exceptional place to start or grow your career. We have a supportive leadership team, numerous professional growth opportunities, and an inclusive workplace culture that is welcoming of your talents! We offer an array of meaningful career paths and value flexibility. Additionally, the City offers a wide array of benefits, as well as 15 paid holidays!

To learn more about ESD, follow @sjenvironment on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and San Jose Environmental Services on LinkedIn.

About the Watershed Protection Division: 

The Watershed Protection Division strives to preserve and sustain natural aquatic resources by connecting people to their watershed, the San Francisco Bay, and helping them understand how their daily activities affect water quality. The Watershed Protection Division is approximately 100 employees and is responsible for stormwater management, environmental enforcement, source control and laboratory services.  

Stormwater Management coordinates a wide array of activities, such as education, outreach, trash reduction and collaboration with County wide stakeholders to protect and to prevent pollution into the waterways. Environmental Enforcement provides inspection, education, and enforcement services to ensure that local discharges into the storm and sanitary sewers meet regulatory requirements and protect water quality. The Pretreatment Program administers federal requirements that includes permitting and compliance monitoring to industrial that discharges into the sanitary sewer system and Region Wastewater Facility. Lastly, Laboratory Services provides scientific analysis for monitoring operations and compliance at the Regional Wastewater Facility which addresses water quality issues entering the Bay.

Actual salary shall be determined by the final candidates’ qualifications and experience. The salary ranges include an approximate five percent (5%) ongoing non-pensionable compensation pay.

These positions work on-site at the Regional Wastewater Facility in Laboratory Services located at 4245 Zanker Road, San Jose, CA 95134. Hybrid work is not available for Microbiologist positions. Laboratory Services operates 365 days per year. Typical schedules are five days per week, working various shifts between 6:00 am-6:00 pm. Microbiologists can expect to work occasional weekend and holiday shifts.

Wastewater Microbiologist Positions 

Education:   

Microbiologist I/II: Bachelor's degree in bacteriology, microbiology or related scientific discipline.

Microbiologist I: One (1) year of experience working in a laboratory environment.

Microbiologist II: Three (3) years of experience working in a water or wastewater laboratory environment.

Acceptable Substitutions: Master’s degree or higher in bacteriology, microbiology or a related scientific discipline can be substituted for one (1) year of experience working in a laboratory environment.

Required Licensing: Possession of a valid driver’s license authorizing operation of a motor vehicle in California.

Physical/Environmental Elements: Depending on assignment, this classification may be Sedentary up to Medium Work.

The ideal candidate will possess the following competencies, as demonstrated in past and current employment history. Desirable competencies for this position include: 

Job Expertise - Demonstrates knowledge of and experience with applicable professional/technical principles and practices, Citywide and departmental procedures/policies, and federal and state rules and regulations. 

Knowledge of: 

Analytical Skills – Approaching a problem or situation by using a logical, systemic, sequential approach.  

Creativity – Address objective and problems while questioning traditional assumptions/solutions in order to generate creative ideas and new ways of doing business.; exhibits creativity and innovation when contributing to organizational and individual objectives; seeks out opportunities to improve, streamline, reinvent work processes.  

Reliability – Completes quality work assignments in a timely and efficient manner; fulfills responsibilities and maintains confidentiality as appropriate. 

Selection Process 

This position will remain Open Until Filled, with the next application review date set for Tuesday, March 26, 2024. Please allow adequate time to complete the application and submit before the deadline or the system may not save your application.  

The selection process will consist of an evaluation of the applicant's training and experience based on the application and responses to all the job-specific questions. You must answer all questions to be considered or your application may be deemed incomplete and withheld from further consideration. Only those candidates whose backgrounds best match the position will be invited to proceed in the selection process. Additional phases of the selection process will consist of one or more interviews.  

If you have questions about the duties of these positions, the selection, or the hiring process please contact Ernesto Zamaguey at Ernesto.Zamaguey@sanjoseca.gov.