Salary : $78,571.44 - $86,631.12 Annually

Location : Sacramento, CA

Job Type: Permanent Full-Time

Job Number: 27931-C

Department: Sanitation Districts Agency

Opening Date: 04/17/2024

Closing Date: 5/29/2024 5:00 PM Pacific

The Position

Come join one of

This is a continuous filing exam. Next filing cut-offs are at 5:00 pm on:

5/8/2024, 5/29/2024 (Final)

Positions in the Environmental Laboratory Analyst series perform a variety of laboratory tests to determine chemical, bacteriological, biological, and physical data composition of liquids, solids, and gaseous substances.

Examples of Knowledge and Abilities

Knowledge of:

Laboratory methods and procedures
Use and care of laboratory equipment
Sampling and testing procedures
Characteristics of chemical and bacteriological elements in water and wastewater
Chemical quantitative and qualitative analyses
General operation and use of computers, automated equipment and application software used for laboratory work
Acceptable safety standards in laboratory work and safe work practices.
Laws, regulations, and standards pertaining to water quality control
Advanced and specialized laboratory analytical and research methods and techniques
Purposes, use and operation of specialized laboratory testing equipment
Principles of quality control and quality assurance
Principles of supervision and employee training
Concepts and practices utilized to ensure adherence to safety and health standards.

Ability to:

Analyze and interpret the results of laboratory testing
Keep records and prepare accurate reports of laboratory activities
Read, write, and speak English at a level necessary for satisfactory performance
Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others
Operate motor vehicles
Operate motorized boats
Work with the laboratory information system and computer software
Operate computers and peripheral equipment and utilize laboratory applications software
Work weekends, shift and holiday schedules.
Conduct independent research
Evaluate the accuracy and status of test results
Perform special research and analysis
Inspect, adjust, test, and make minor repairs to all types of laboratory equipment
Assist in the supervision, training, and direction of assigned laboratory staff.

Employment Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:
Any combination of training and experience which would provide the required knowledge and ability is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the requisite knowledge and abilities would be:

Either: 1. Two years as a Environmental Laboratory Analyst in Sacramento County.

Or: 2. Two years of progressively responsible environmental laboratory experience performing tests in chemical, bacteriological, or public health.
AND
Twenty-four (24) semester hours in college or university laboratory courses such as chemistry, physics, biology, or bacteriology.

Physical Requirements
Must be able to use hands to hold, shake, twist laboratory equipment during analysis; distinguish visually colors, shapes, sizes, and numbers, and distinguish visually measurements as small as millimeter and a milliliter. Some positions in this series require the ability to climb ladders and walk on sloped ground such as river levees carrying a variety of laboratory equipment; the use of contact lenses is prohibited in the laboratory.

License Requirements
Possession of a valid California Driver's License, Class C or higher, is required at the time of appointment.
Note: Failure to maintain the appropriate valid California Driver's License may constitute cause for termination from the class in accordance with Civil Service Rule 11.4.

The probationary period for this classification is Six (6) months.

Application and Testing Information

APPLICATION Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply immediately. All applicants must complete and submit an online County of Sacramento employment application by 5:00 PM on the posted cut-off date. Click to apply.

County of Sacramento
Department of Personnel Services
Employment Services Division
700 H Street, Room 4667
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone (916) 874-5593; 7-1-1 California Relay Service

Email Inter-Office Mail Code: 09-4667

Employment applications and all documentation requested in this announcement must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on the cut-off date.
Employment Services is not responsible for any issues or delays caused by an applicant's computer or web browser. Applicants will be automatically logged out if they have not submitted their applications and all documentation prior to 5:00 p.m. on the cut-off date.
Your application should highlight all relevant education, training, and experience, and clearly indicate how you meet the minimum qualifications for the position as of the cut-off date.
Application information must be current, concise and related to the requirements in this job announcement. You may only apply for this recruitment once. Duplicate and incomplete applications will be disqualified.
A resume may be included with your application, however it will not substitute for the information requested on the application.

SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE Applicants are required to provide a full and complete response to each supplemental question. The Supplemental Questionnaire is located in the tab marked "Supplemental Questions". Please be descriptive in your response.

Note: Responses of "See Resume" or "See Application", or copy and paste of work experience are not qualifying responses and will not be considered.

Supplemental Questionnaires must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on the cut-off date. Employment Services is not responsible for any issues or delays caused by an applicant's computer or web browser. Applicants will be automatically logged out if they have not submitted their applications and all documentation prior to 5:00 p.m. on the cut-off date.
The supplemental questions are designed to elicit specific information regarding a candidate's experience, education, and training. Responses should be consistent with the information on your application and are subject to verification.
Please provide place of employment, pertinent dates, and concise, descriptive and detailed information for each question.
If a job included responsibilities applicable to several questions, separate the different functions of the job to answer all the questions completely.
Resumes or referral to the application or other questionnaire responses will not be accepted in lieu of completing each question.
If you have no experience, write "no experience" for the appropriate question.
For many individuals, it is more efficient to develop responses to the supplemental questions in a word processing document and then paste them into the final document to be submitted. Changes or corrections to your Supplemental Questionnaire cannot be made once your application packet has been submitted.
If the Supplemental Questionnaire is used in the Formula Rate exam, failure to complete all of the questions or incomplete responses will result in a lower score. While scoring the Supplemental Questionnaire, the candidate's application and/or attachments will not be reviewed, therefore, a candidate's responses to the questions should be accurate, thorough, detailed, and complete.

FORMULA RATE EXAMINATION (Weighted 100%) All candidates meeting the minimum qualifications by the cut-off date will have their Supplemental Questionnaire scored in the Formula Rate Examination.

This examination will evaluate the relevance, level, recency, progression and quality of candidate's education, training and experience. The candidate's application or other materials will not be included in this examination. Therefore, the candidate's responses to the supplemental questionnaire should be thorough, detailed and complete. The score from the Formula Rate Examination will determine the ranking on the eligible/employment list for this job.

All candidates competing in the testing process will receive written notice of their examination results by email. Notices can also be accessed in their governmentjobs.com inbox. Applicants achieving a passing score will be placed on the eligible list in rank order. The rank is determined by the test score attained from the examination.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Click for Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)For information regarding County jobs:
Applicants requesting reasonable accommodations during employment examinations: For more information, please review the and submit an Employment Exam Reasonable Accommodation

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

As an employee of the County of Sacramento, there will be a variety of benefits available to you. These benefits currently include: health, dental and life insurance; flexible spending account options for dependent care and unreimbursed dental and/or medical cost; and an employee assistance program (EAP).

GENERAL BENEFITS:
Most employee benefits are similar to the following for all County employees. However, some benefits differ, depending on the employee representation unit to which the employee's job classification is assigned. Information about the exact benefits applicable to a particular job classification may be obtained from the Sacramento County Department of Benefits or by visiting

TEMPORARY POSITIONS:
Most benefits do not apply to temporary positions. The explanations of benefits applies to employees in regular positions.

SALARY STEP INCREASES:
The beginning salary and the top of the salary range are usually shown on the job announcement. Upon satisfactory service, salary increases of approximately 5% are given annually until the top of the salary range has been attained.

PAY:
All employees are paid bi-weekly via direct deposit into the employee's bank account. The pay period covers fourteen (14) calendar days, starting on a Sunday and ending on the second Saturday thereafter. Salaries are generally paid on the Friday following the end of the pay period. Employees can set up their direct deposit and access their pay information via Employee Self Service in MySacCounty.

VACATION:
Generally, vacation with pay begins at 10 days annually. With increase over a period of years, the maximum annual vacation with pay is 25 days.

HOLIDAYS:
14.5 holidays per year as recognized.

SICK LEAVE:
Equivalent to 15 days annually, unlimited accumulation. Upon retirement, unused sick leave is converted to retirement service credit.

PARENTAL LEAVE:
Entitles a regular County employee, with at least one year of continuous employment, to schedule a paid parental leave of up to 160 hours upon the birth or during the process of an adoption of a minor child. Parental leave shall be approved by the employee's appointing authority, except where the granting of the parental leave request would unduly interfere with or cause severe hardship upon department operations.

TUITION REIMBURSEMENT:
Dependent upon union agreements, regular County employees may be eligible to receive Tuition Reimbursement. The costs for course tuition/registration fees and required books/supplies are eligible for reimbursement. Tuition reimbursement amounts may vary depending upon union agreement.

RETIREMENT:
Social Security and Sacramento County Employees' Retirement System coverage.

HEALTH INSURANCE:
The County offers a variety of health plan design options to fit individual needs.

DENTAL INSURANCE:
The County provides a comprehensive dental benefit program for regular full-time and part-time employees and their eligible dependents. This plan pays on a set fee schedule that varies by procedure. Any amount over the fee schedule is the employee's responsibility. The yearly maximum is $2,000 per person, not including orthodontia. The orthodontic benefit is 50% of covered charges with a lifetime maximum of $1,000 per person.

LIFE INSURANCE:
The County of Sacramento provides a basic life insurance benefit of $15,000 to all eligible employees at no cost. Additional coverage may be purchased through payroll deduction.

DEFERRED COMPENSATION:
The County offers a Deferred Compensation Program which enables employees to save in a systematic way without paying income tax on either the payroll deduction or the earned interest, prior to withdrawal.

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM:
The County of Sacramento provides an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for employees and their eligible dependents. The EAP offers confidential, professional counseling services in areas such as:

Legal Advice/Difficult Decisions
Marriage or Family Relationships
Financial or Credit Worries/Elder Care
Alcohol and Drug Abuse

WELLNESS INCENTIVE PROGRAM:
The County will recognize and award time off to eligible employees who maintain an excellent attendance record.

FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNT:
The County offers regular employees two separate Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA's). These accounts allow employees to set money aside, on a pre-tax basis via payroll deduction, to pay for medical, dental or dependent care expenses.

DEPENDENT CARE REIMBURSEMENT ACCOUNT:
Employees may set aside pre-tax dollars to pay for qualified childcare or dependent care expenses that are necessary for the employee and/or spouse to continue working.
MEDICAL REIMBURSEMENT ACCOUNT:
The Medical Reimbursement Account allows pre-tax dollars to be set aside to pay for out-of-pocket expenses that are not paid by insurance or reimbursed by any other benefit plan.

WORKERS' COMPENSATION:
In case of injury while on the job, each employee is protected under the Workers' Compensation laws of California.

SACRAMENTO CREDIT UNION:
The credit union offers loan facilities and systematic saving plans through payroll deduction.

SELECTION AND PLACEMENT

Sacramento County encourages applications from all persons regardless of race, color, ancestry, religious creed, national origin, gender, disability, political affiliation, or age.

Certain age limits may be required by law, ordinance, or Civil Service direction for specific classifications such as those identified with hazardous occupations.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Please read carefully the "Minimum Qualifications" section of your announcement. You must meet those qualifications by the application deadline date unless otherwise specified. Your application must clearly show you meet the minimum qualifications by the application deadline date, or it will not be accepted. All statements are subject to verification.

"Experience" means full-time paid experience unless the announcement states that volunteer experience is acceptable. Part-time paid experience may be accumulated and pro-rated to meet the total experience requirements.

PROMOTIONAL EXAMINATIONS:
If the announcement indicates the examination is given on a promotional basis, candidates must hold permanent status in Sacramento County Civil Service by the application deadline date and must meet the minimum qualifications.

OPEN EXAMINATIONS:
Any person who meets the minimum qualifications may apply.

CONTINUOUS FILING EXAMINATIONS:
Applicants are eligible to reapply to and retake a continuous filing exam after 6 months from the date the previous exam results was received.

ELIGIBLE LISTS:
Names of qualified persons who made a passing score on an examination are entered, in order of their final grades, on an eligible list. To fill each vacancy, the hiring department will make a selection from among the top three ranks on the employment lists.

EXAMINATION RATINGS:
Unless otherwise stated on the announcement: To be successful, candidates must obtain a rating of at least 70% on each part of the examination. This may be an adjusted score or an arithmetic 70% of the total possible score as determined by the Director.

APPEAL PROCESS:
Persons who believe their applications have been improperly rejected may request the Employment Services Division to review its decision to reject the application. If the applicant desires to submit additional proof of qualifications, such proof must be received by Personnel Services not less than two (2) calendar days prior to the scheduled date for the examination.

Persons who are disqualified in any phase of the examination may appeal such adverse action, in writing, to the Civil Service Commission, 700 H Street, Room 2640, Sacramento, CA 95814, telephone: (916) 874-5586. Such appeals must be filed within thirty (30) calendar days after notice of the adverse action was mailed to the candidate.

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE VISIT OUR FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs):

OTHER INFORMATION

VETERAN'S PREFERENCE:
Military veterans who have served during wartime shall be given preference in initial appointment to County service. Such preference shall apply, provided the veteran has first achieved a minimum passing score in the examination. The passing score of a veteran shall be annotated to indicate the veteran's score shall be regarded as 5 points or higher, OR 10 points higher for disabled veterans, only for the purpose of determining the three ranks along with which the veteran's name shall be certified. No score shall actually be changed and no new rank shall be created as a result of application of veteran's preference for certification purposes.

"Disabled Veteran" means any veteran who has served during wartime and, who, as of the final filing date for an examination is declared by the United States Veterans Administration or military service department to be 10% or more disabled as a result of his/her military service. Persons claiming eligibility for disabled veteran's preference must submit to the employment office, on or before the application deadline date, a certification from the United States Veterans Administration or a military service department, dated within 1 year, which certifies the present existence of a service related disability of 10% or more, or other acceptable proof of such disability as a result of his/her military service.
Persons claiming eligibility for veterans preference must submit a copy of Form DD 214 or other acceptable proof of veteran's status on or before the final filing date for the examination. For purpose of this rule "reserve" status does not constitute active duty.

CITIZENSHIP OR AUTHORIZED ALIEN REQUIREMENT:
As required by the Immigration Reform and Control Act, all County employees must be United States citizens or aliens lawfully authorized to work in the United States. Proof of citizenship or authorized status will be required prior to appointment.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST CODE:
Some County Civil Service positions are covered by financial disclosure requirements intended to identify potential conflicts of interest.

CONCURRENT EMPLOYMENT:
No employee may concurrently occupy more than one County position.

SPECIAL SKILL QUALIFICATIONS (WHEN SPECIFIED ON THE APPLICATION):
Persons who have special skills required by some (but not all) positions in a class may be certified ahead of others provided that:

Such special skills are based on the duties and requirements of the positions and are in conformance with merit system and equal opportunity principles, and
The certification of eligibles who possess special skills have been approved by the Civil Service Commission.

PRE-EMPLOYMENT MEDICAL EXAMINATION & DRUG TESTING:
The County of Sacramento is committed to maintaining a drug and alcohol free workplace. All persons selected for appointment to positions must pass a medical examination and a drug test, administered by the County at no cost to the applicant.

DRIVER LICENSE:
Possession of a valid California Driver License may be required for some positions.

PROBATIONARY PERIOD:
Regular positions are subject to a probationary period which is an extension of the selection process. Unless otherwise indicated on the announcement, the probationary period is six (6) months.

AGENCY SHOP/FAIR SHARE FEE:
Some positions require, as a condition of continued employment, that the person either:
1. Become a union member;
2. Pay a fair share fee to the union; or,
3. Meet specific requirements under which an equivalent amount must be paid to a charity.

FINGERPRINTING AND CRIMINAL RECORD CHECKS:
Fingerprinting and criminal record checks are required for some positions.

01

The following Supplemental Questionnaire is the Civil Service Exam for this position and will be used to determine your exam score.
Note: The Supplemental Questionnaire and the Application are administered as two separate documents. The Application is used only to determine if the minimum qualifications are met; and the Supplemental Questionnaire will be used only to determine your exam score.
In order to receive every consideration in the selection process, you must complete all questions with concise but detailed answers and provide all requested information. Each answer will be scored separately. References such as 'See Resume' as a response will not be scored.
By continuing in the exam process, you are certifying that all information provided in the Supplemental Questionnaire is true to the best of your knowledge.

I have read and understood the above instructions.

02

Select the one box that best describes how your experience meets the minimum qualifications stated on the job announcement.

None.
Two (2) years as an Environmental Laboratory Analyst in Sacramento County.
Two (2) years of progressively responsible environmental laboratory experience performing tests in chemical, bacteriological, or public health. ANDTwenty-four (24) semester hours in college or university laboratory courses such as chemistry, physics, biology, or bacteriology.

03

Select the one box that best describes your education from an accredited college or university.

None.
Associate Degree or 24 lower division units in chemistry, physics, biology, bacteriology, or a closely related field.
24 mixed upper and lower division units in chemistry, physics, biology, bacteriology, or a closely related field.
24 upper division units in chemistry, physics, biology, bacteriology, or a closely related field.
Bachelor's Degree or higher in chemistry, physics, biology, bacteriology, or a closely related field.
Master's Degree or higher in chemistry, physics, biology, bacteriology, or a closely related field.
Units or a degree in an unrelated field.

04

To qualify for this position using your education, you must have met the education requirement by the final filing date listed on the announcement. Copies of transcripts or your diploma must be attached or sent to our office or you may be disqualified.

If you have questions, please click or speak to someone in our office before the final filing date.

I have attached the documentation to my application.
I will submit my documents by the filing date via email.
I am not using education to qualify for this position.

05

Select all the boxes that best describe the types of duties you have paid experience performing in an environmental laboratory environment.

None.
Performing analytical work according to specified procedures.
Assisting in carrying out special assignments according to general instructions.
Preparing chemical solutions, reagents, stains, and media in order to perform a variety of laboratory and research tests.
Assembling, operating, and performing field collection of a variety of samples using appropriate equipment.
Preparing reports of field or laboratory work, calculating results of tests, and entering data into manual and automated recording systems.
Reviewing and validating data for accuracy and precision.
Performing data verification for historical trends, outliers, and exceptions.
Operating full range of basic and complex laboratory equipment and apparatus used in environmental laboratory analytical work, including computers, automated equipment and related software.
Generating a variety of reports and statistical summaries for management and other governmental oversight agencies.
Providing customer service and guidance to clients with respect to their laboratory service needs including but not limited to testing, sampling, and planning.

06

Select all the boxes that best describe the type of your full time paid laboratory experience in a journey or advanced journey position.

None.
Bacteriological.
Chemical / Industrial.
Water / Wastewater.
Public Health / Medical.
Other related scientific laboratory.

07

Select all the boxes that best describe regulations with which you have experience in performing your work duties in an environmental laboratory environment.

None.
Employer's internal policies and procedures.
NPDES and/or WDR.
ELAP, NELAP, and/or State Accreditation.
TNI.
Other regulations and/or permits.

08

Select the one box that best describes the highest level of staff responsibilities you perform on a regular basis in a laboratory environment.

None.
Responsible for coaching and mentoring less experienced laboratory staff.
Responsibility as a leadworker to provide work direction, technical instruction, and mentoring to laboratory support staff.
Responsibility as a supervisor or project leader to provide work direction and technical instruction to laboratory support staff.

09

Select the one box that best identifies your proficiency using Microsoft Word or comparable software. You may be required to demonstrate your proficiency using Word during the interview process.

None.
Basic: Opening, creating, and saving simple documents; creating and editing headers and footers; inserting page numbers; adjusting page margins and orientation; controlling text flow around a graphic; inserting graphics; etc.
Intermediate: Creating and modifying styles; formatting multiple sections; entering a formula in a table; drawing and editing shapes; inserting and modifying objects; using templates; inserting and navigating with hyperlinks; etc.
Advanced: Inserting a linked object from a file; setting up user permissions; recording, running, and deleting macros; inserting subdocuments into a master document; creating an index; creating footnotes; creating bookmarks and cross-references; etc.

10

Select the one box that identifies your proficiency using Microsoft Excel or comparable software. You may be required to demonstrate your proficiency using Excel during the interview process.

None.
Basic: Data entry; inputting data to create simple reports; using and creating simple formulas; etc.
Intermediate: Using complex formulas; using macros; creating spreadsheets/worksheets; etc.
Advanced: Creating macros; creating complex spreadsheets; extracting data from multiple sources and worksheets; creating charts and graphs; etc.

11

Select all the boxes that best describe the computer programs you are proficient in and use on a regular basis in the administration of your job. You may be required to demonstrate your proficiency during the interview process.

None.
Laboratory equipment application software.
Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
Other computer software or applications to record and maintain data.

12

Select all the boxes that best describe the environmental laboratory processes / reports you perform on a regular basis in a journey level or higher position.

None.
Writing standard operating procedures for laboratory analysis.
Writing technical reports, scientific papers, and presentations.
Generating statistical summaries for clients.
Designing and performing experiments to identify and resolve complex projects.

13

Select all the boxes that best describe your experience interacting with customers.

None.
Serving as a subject matter expert (SME) for analytical work.
Reviewing projects and permits to identify appropriate testing.
Serving as liaison between customers and laboratory.

14

Explain your training and experience that qualifies you for the Senior Environmental Laboratory Analyst position. In your response, please include:

Your employer(s), dates of employment, job title, and primary duties and responsibilities.
Any certifications you possess related to the intent of the job class, including the certificate number(s), date of issuance, and date of expiration, if applicable
Your experience analyzing, interpreting, and ensuring compliance with the regulations identified in the question 7
Your experience as a supervisor/leadworker, providing direction and/or training to staff in a laboratory environment. Please specify the number of persons, job classifications and duties, the extent of your responsibilities, and employer
Any information needed to support and further clarify the experience selected in questions 2 through 13

If you have no experience, write none.

15

Are you willing to work weekend, shift, and holiday s