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Water Quality Lab Analyst I

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Water Quality Lab Analyst I

Salary

$23.77 - $28.22 Hourly

Location

Boise, ID

Job Type

Full Time Regular

Job Number

23 -07379

Department

Public Works

Division

Lab Operations

Opening Date

01/06/2026

Closing Date

1/20/2026 12:00 PM Mountain

+ Description

+ Benefits

+ Questions

Summary Statement

The City of Boise is hiring a Water Quality Lab Analyst I for their Public Works department!

The Water Quality Lab Analyst I supports the City of Boise’s wastewater and utility operations by performing hands-on laboratory testing and analysis that protects public health and the environment. This role conducts routine wet chemistry testing, prepares samples and reagents, maintains laboratory instruments, and produces accurate data used for regulatory compliance, engineering analysis, and operational decision-making. Working under direct supervision, the Analyst follows established quality control standards and laboratory procedures while gaining valuable experience in a regulated environmental laboratory setting. This position is ideal for candidates with education or experience in chemistry, biology, or environmental science who are looking to build a career in water quality and environmental protection through meaningful public service work.

Why You’ll Love This Role

• Do meaningful work that protects public health, water quality, and the environment

• Gain hands-on experience in a regulated environmental laboratory

• Build technical skills in wet chemistry, analytical testing, and quality control

• Learn from experienced lab professionals in a collaborative, team-based setting

• Contribute to real data used for regulatory compliance and operational decisions

• Enjoy stable public-sector employment with predictable scheduling

• Opportunities for professional growth, licensing, and continuing education

• Clear advancement path to higher-level laboratory roles, including Water Quality Lab Analyst II and beyond

Why Work for the City of Boise?

Top talent deserves top-notch benefits. The City is among the best in the Treasure Valley when it comes to the benefits and perks we offer our employees.

+ ZERO premium medical coverage option for you and your family

+ PERSI retirement benefits plus 401(k)/457b with employer match

+ 10 hours vacation per month (increases with tenure) + 12 paid holidays + 8 hours sick leave per month

+ 10 weeks Parental Leave

+ Up to $500 annual WellBeing incentive

+ Tuition reimbursement and free local bus pass

+ Basic Life and Long Term Disability insurance at no cost

Essential Functions

Performs routine or repetitive tasks with specific instructions and set procedures. Handles basic issues and problems and refers more complex issues to higher-level staff.

Conducts high-quality analytical testing in a timely manner in accordance with lab requirements. Performs broad spectrum of wet chemistry testing and assays. Generates data used for regulatory compliance, engineering studies and revenue recovery. Uses defined quality control criteria and standardized operating procedures (SOPs) and methods. Routinely responds and integrates large sample loads and unpredictable sampling events into daily work routine. Performs corrective action and troubleshooting. Reports and calculates data and imports or manually enters data. Perform tasks utilizing personal protective equipment and mechanical controls. Maintains chemical hygiene, storage and safety.

Prepares lab instruments and equipment, supplies and samples for testing. Prepares and records laboratory bench stock reagents, calibration standards, glassware, supplies and bench sheets. Assays and calibrates standards. Calibrates lab equipment and runs associated curve checks. Conducts preventative maintenance and performs corrective actions on a variety of laboratory equipment. Documents all maintenance actions and changes in equipment operation or performance.

Utilizes specialized techniques and technical instrumentation. Works as a technical lead with environmental division staff during monthly or specialized field sampling and testing in the mobile laboratory. Develops and recommends new or modified standard operating procedures. Conducts research and development on new methods.

Communicates ongoing corrective actions with quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) coordinators and lab staff. Provides training on sampling and laboratory testing for wastewater process control to facility operators, lab personnel and outside customers. Assists with the training of new lab personnel and develops and provides state-approved Continuing Education Units (CEU) training. Provides tours of the laboratory facility. Serves as a representative on various city committees.

Performs other duties as assigned. Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this position at any time.

Requirements

Required Knowledge, Experience, And Training

Bachelor's degree with emphasis in chemistry, biology, environmental science, or related field; or an associates degree laboratory experience; or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.

Knowledge of:

+ QA/QC measures and protocols

+ Operation and use of a wide variety of laboratory equipment and instruments

+ Use of scientific calculators

+ Graphing and algebra

+ Chemistry, biology, environmental science or engineering

+ Computer usage including related software.

Ability to:

+ Interpret and apply federal, state and city policies, procedures, laws, codes, rules and regulations

+ Evaluate a variety of laboratory tests relating to wastewater, water, bio-solids and soil

+ Understand complex technical literature, theory and instrumentation

+ Prepare clear, accurate and concise technical reports and data

+ Establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, co-workers, clients, regulatory agency representatives and others

+ Communicate effectively in the English language at a level necessary for efficient job performance

+ Perform all essential functions as assigned by an authorized employee, supervisor and/or manager with or without reasonable accommodation.

Preferred Knowledge, Experience, And Training

Advanced degree with emphasis in chemistry, biology, environmental science, or related field, and one year professional laboratory experience in a wastewater, environmental, or analytical laboratory.

Wastewater Treatment Operator Class I license.

Licensing And Other Requirements

Wastewater Laboratory Analyst Class I license or higher; or the ability to obtain the Wastewater Laboratory Analyst Class I license within six-months of meeting the Idaho Bureau of Occupational Licenses eligibility requirements.

Special Requirements

Applicants must be able to pass:

City of Boise background check processes which includes a criminal history check and reference checks in accordance with the City of Boise Hiring Process Regulation

Drug Free Workplace: In accordance with the City of Boise Drug Free Workplace Regulation, this position is designated as safety sensitive and is subject to testing requirements including Post Offer Applicant Testing, Random Testing, Reasonable Suspicion, Post - Accident, etc. Applicants will be required to submit to screening for illegal drug use prior to hire. Appointment to this position is contingent upon a negative pre-employment drug test.

This position is required to handle hazardous materials that if mishandled, place the general public at risk of serious injury.

Working Conditions

The physical effort characteristics and working environment described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Efforts

While performing the duties of this job the employee is always lifting/carrying up to 10 pounds and occasionally lifting/carrying up to 50 pounds. Also, the employee is occasionally pushing/pulling up to 35 pounds and rarely pushing/pulling up to 50 pounds. The noise level is frequently moderate and rarely loud. Work includes sensory ability to talk, hear, smell and touch. Work in this position also includes close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision and depth perception. Employees will sit, stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, reach, grasp, climb and balance. Position requires hand/finger dexterity.Additional physical efforts include: uses step stools and ladders..

Working Environment

The work environment will include inside conditions, outdoor weather conditions, extreme temperatures, in wet and humid conditions, areas of dust, odors, mist and gases or other airborne matter. Employees are exposed to mechanical and electrical hazards. Work includes protected exposure to infectious bacteria, bodily fluids and chemicals. Work areas include wet floors, uneven outdoor walkways, broken glass, sewage, harmful chemicals and compressed gasses. appropriate mechanical controls and personal protective equipment to minimize exposure to caustic chemicals, strong acids, toxic fumes, and heat. Requires handling hot equipment, hot media, and reagents that can cause burns.

This position works: weekdays but rotates Saturday coverage. There is occasional overtime, and work schedule adjustments to meet the demands of the stormwater permit, special sampling events, and/or environmental emergencies.

Top talent deserves top-notch benefits. The City is among the best in the Treasure Valley when it comes to the benefits and perks we offer our employees.

Most positions are eligible for the general benefits listed here; firefighters, police officers, senior managers, command staff, and directors may be offered other benefit plans.

Healthcare:

+ ZERO premium medical coverage option for you and your family

+ Low-cost dental and vision options.

+ Post-employment health savings account.

Retirement and Investment Plans:

+ PERSI retirement benefits

+ 401(k) or 457b pre-tax investment options with employer match.

+ 457b Roth after-tax investment options with no match

WellBeing Program:

+ Up to $500 cash per year for participants.

+ Alternative transportation incentives.

Paid Leave – City employees receive generous paid leave:

+ 10 hours of vacation per month, and this increases the longer you stay with the City

+ 12 paid holidays every year

+ 8 hours of sick leave per month

+ 10 weeks Parental Leave

Life & Long Term Disability:

+ Basic Life insurance at no cost to you

+ Long Term Disability insurance at no cost to you

Other optional benefits:

+ Pre-tax Flexible Spending Accounts

+ Supplemental Life Insurance

+ Supplemental Disability Insurance

+ Tuition reimbursement

+ Free local bus pass

+ Corporate discount programs

+ AFLAC

+ Employee Assistance Program for short-term counseling on work, family, finances, and personal issues.

Please visit our website for further details mybenefits.cityofboise.org