Chemist III (2487) - Citywide (U00057)

Application Opening: September 14, 2026 Application Filing Deadline: September 28, 2026 Annual Salary: $147,524 - $179,348 Recruitment ID: (U00057) (REF60928B) THIS IS A CITYWIDE EXAM San Francisco is a vibrant and dynamic city, on the forefront of economic growth & innovation, urban development, arts & entertainment, as well as social issues & change. This rich tapestry of culture and ideas is sustained by our City's commitment to heighten the quality of life for the diverse population of San Franciscans and residents of the greater Bay Area. Our employees play an important role not only in making our City what it is today, but also in shaping the future of San Francisco. Note: This is a Citywide recruitment and its resulting eligible list score report may be used to fill positions in various SFPUC divisions and other city departments. The Chemist III, under general direction, plans, coordinates, and conducts research projects related to the laboratory analysis of water, wastewater, and environment matrices. They develop and apply analytical methods to identify and quantify specific components in water, wastewater, and environmental matrices using sophisticated analytical instrumentation. They work independently and in conjunction with engineers and laboratory personnel to resolve water quality process problems and to achieve compliance with state and federal regulations. Incumbents function as the lead worker and are assigned non-routine work, research or special projects, and may train technical and professional personnel in instrumental analysis and applications, and communicates results orally and in writing. The Chemist III requires comprehensive knowledge in theory and principles of analytical chemistry and expertise and experience in extraction, purification, high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC), gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS), Atomic Absorption, and inductively coupled plasma - atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES) instrumental techniques. The essential job functions of the Chemist III include, but are not limited to, the following: Plans, coordinates, and conducts laboratory studies; develops and performs methods in instrumental analysis of diverse environmental matrices for determination of specific organic and inorganic constituents. Consults with Supervising Chemist and develops methods to resolve problems in treatment processes and to achieve regulatory compliance; trains laboratory personnel in the operation of laboratory instrumentation and application of developed methods. Utilizes gas chromatography, mass spectrometry, and high performance liquid chromatography in development and applications of methods; utilizes ICP-AES, and inductively coupled plasma - mass spectroscopy (ICP/MS), and Atomic Absorption spectroscopy in developing method; performs diagnostic, corrective, and preventative maintenance on complex instruments; evaluates instrumental capabilities and performance in preparing for purchase of laboratory instrumentation. Researches relevant literature for most current technology and application to environmental analysis; prepares technical reports and findings for water quality personnel, clients and constituents, and departmental management personnel; prepares technical reports and papers for publication in scientific publications Handles and processes data from instrumental data acquisition systems; uses a variety of software applications to facilitate reporting of results. Class 2487 Chemist III performs other related duties as required. Minimum Qualifications 1. Possession of baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university with a major in chemistry or closely related laboratory science;                                                              AND 2. Six (6) years verifiable laboratory experience in instrumental analysis, methods development and applied research in the fields of organic and inorganic chemistry                                                             AND 3. Possession of a current valid driver license; Notes:   One year of full-time employment is equivalent to 2,000 hours (2,000 hours of qualifying work experience is based on a 40-hour work week). Any overtime hours that you work above forty (40) hours per week are not included in the calculation to determine full-time employment. Verification : Every application is reviewed to ensure that you meet the minimum qualifications as listed in the job ad. Please review our articles on Employment Application and Minimum Qualifications and Verification of Experience and/or Education for considerations taken when reviewing applications.  Applicants may be required to submit verification of qualifying education and experience at any point during the recruitment and selection process. NOTE : Falsifying one’s education, training, or work experience or attempted deception on the application may result in disqualification for this and future job opportunities with the City and County of San Francisco. Verification of required work experience typically must be on the employer’s letterhead, and must include the applicant’s name, job title, description of job duties, dates of employment, hours per week, and signature of the employer, supervisor, or appropriate representative.  Employees of the City and County of San Francisco may submit performance evaluations showing duties performed to verify qualifying City experience. City employees will receive credit for the duties of the class to which appointed. Credit for experience obtained outside of the employee's class will be allowed only if recorded in accordance with the provisions of Civil Service Commission Rules. CCSF employees will not receive credit for experience obtained outside of their classification unless recorded in accordance with the provisions of the Civil Service Rule 110.9.1/111A.11.2. Experience claimed in self-employment will only be acce