Lab Director Consultant - Gilroy, CA

Water At Jacobs, we're challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world's most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission-critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting-edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good.

Your impact

At Jacobs, we challenge what is currently accepted, so we can shape innovative and lasting solutions for tomorrow. Through the delivery of our operations and maintenance services, you’ll make it simpler and more seamless for our industrial clients to operate safely and efficiently, empowering communities to focus on what matters most to them – people.

Jacobs is searching for a Lab Director/ Industrial Pre-Treatment Coordinator to join the team in Gilroy, CA to supervise and direct the operations of the laboratory for our water/wastewater facility. You'll be responsible for the implementation of an industrial pretreatment program and recommendations to ensure regulatory compliance.  

Bring your team-focus, adaptability, and commitment to excellence, and we’ll help you grow what drives you – and deliver the world’s most challenging Operations Management projects, together.

#ourjacobs #bia #omfs #challengeaccepted 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:   

• Conducts a variety of biochemical, chemical and bacteriological tests and draws sound conclusions from laboratory analyses; as necessary, makes appropriate recommendations regarding water/wastewater treatment plant analyses   

• Performs chemical research   

• Determines whether the requirements are being met for an industrial pretreatment program 

• Implements a comprehensive quality assurance program based on the established guidelines   

• Advises Project Manager of results of various tests performed, and makes recommendations regarding the improvement of laboratory procedures, special studies and future laboratory operations   

• Personally performs many chemical analysis tests including the operation and maintenance of the most complex laboratory equipment   

• Directs, assigns and trains employees   

• Determines the effectiveness of and needed control of wastewater treatment operation  

• Uses laboratory equipment and materials skillfully and safely and supervises the cleaning and care of the lab equipment and supplies   

• Prepares reports and makes recommendations regarding laboratory record-keeping, reporting, operations, monitoring and control activities   

• Prepares a proposed budget for the laboratory   

• Teaches classes in mathematics and elementary chemistry to wastewater treatment plant personnel  

• Develops a safety program based on the OMI guidelines and the Right-to-Know regulations  

• Tracks and interprets pretreatment program regulations  

• Identifies requirements and responsibilities of POTW and industrial citizens  

• Maintains monitoring data and compliance records   

• Maintains current list of industrial users and open communication channels with same  

• Writes and issues discharge permits  

• Reviews industrial process changes and needs that may affect discharge to POTW  

• Recommends revisions in local pretreatment regulations and the POTW pretreatment program to keep them current with federal requirements and to meet the process needs of the POTW   

• Conducts and documents inspections  

• Schedules and conducts or coordinates sampling for the purpose of compliance and surcharge monitoring   

• Reviews self-monitoring and other monitoring data and determines compliance status • Calculates and reports surcharges for high-strength loadings (if applicable)   

• Develops or provides assistance to client in development of Enforcement Response Plan 

• Develops technically-based local limits   

• Provides technical assistance to client in determination of appropriate enforcement actions   

• Assists POTW operations department in diagnosing process problems and identifying the source  

• Prepares Annual Report and others as required   

• Performs other duties as required  

Here's what you'll need

• BS Degree in Chemistry or BS Degree in Bacteriology   

• Five years of experience doing chemical analysis and related tests  

• One year of experience at a supervisory level  

• Possess a valid driver’s license with no major infractions   

Ideally You'll Also Have:

• Master’s degree in Environmental Science, Chemistry or related field   

• Mid-level operator certification in the State in which the project is located  

• Five years of experience doing chemical analysis and related tests, including at least two years of experience in a wastewater treatment laboratory and one year in a management position   

• Knowledge of the principles of chemistry, biology, and related sciences; principles and methods of chemical, biochemical, and bacteriological testing and analysis; chemicals and materials used in the laboratory; laboratory safety and equipment and material care and maintenance; the principles of supervision and training   

• Proficient in the use of computer software including but not limited to Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook  

• Ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in written form 

Working Conditions:

Safety is a core value at Jacobs. We are committed to providing a safe and healthy workplace for all employees. This position will spend a substantial amount of time performing safety sensitive labor or services

Posted Salary Range: Minimum

124,800.00

Posted Salary Range: Upper

124,800.00

Our health and welfare benefits are designed to invest in you, and in the things you care about. Your health. Your well-being. Your security. Your future. Employees have access to medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance, a 401(k) plan, and the ability to purchase company stock at a discount. Eligible employees may also enroll in a deferred compensation plan or the Executive Deferral Plan. Jacobs has an unlimited U.S. Personalized Paid Time Off (PPTO) policy for full-time salaried/exempt employees, seven paid holidays, and caregiver leave. And certain roles may be eligible for additional rewards, including merit increases, performance discretionary bonus, and stock.

The base salary range for this position is $124,800.00 to $124,800.00. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. Job posted on May 28, 2026. This position will be open for at least 3 days.

Onsite employees are expected to attend a Jacobs Workplace on a full-time basis, as required by the nature of their role.

Your application experience is important to us, and we’re keen to adapt to make every interaction even better. If you require further support or reasonable adjustments with regards to the recruitment process (for example, you require the application form in a different format), please contact the team via Careers Support .

Locations

City State Country
Gilroy	California	United States
San Jose	California	United States