LaboratoryField Technician Field

The City of Sunnyvale is currently recruiting for a Field Technician to join the Environmental Services Department team! The Environmental Services Department provides comprehensive and innovative utility services for Sunnyvales residents businesses and facilitates initiatives to achieve the Citys sustainability objectives. The Department brings together technical operational and administrative professional disciplines to form its dedicated and dynamic team.

City of Sunnyvale Field Technicians work in the field when assigned to the Compliance Inspection group in the Regulatory Programs Division. Field Technicians work under the supervision of the Senior Environmental Compliance Inspector primarily in the field collecting samples from industries restaurants and the sanitary sewer collection system in order to determine compliance with local and federal discharge limits. The Field Technicians in Compliance Inspection work closely with the Environmental Compliance Inspectors to regulate dischargers. Field technicians also perform sampling at designated drinking water locations.

Additionally the City of Sunnyvale offers:

• Comprehensive medical dental and vision benefits
• Classic CalPERS members have 4% of the employee contributions paid by the City leaving only 3% for the employee to contribute
• Retiree medical benefits available

For a complete job description click here: Laboratory/Field Technician

(May include but are not limited to the following):

• Collects samples from locations within the Water Pollution Control Plant for operational decisions regarding treatment or process control in accordance with Federal State and Local requirements.
• Collects samples from drinking water sources within the Citys water distribution system for laboratory analysis ensuring compliance with Federal State and Local requirements.
• Collects samples from receiving waters in proximity to the Water Pollution Control Plant via boat.
• Performs physical chemical and bacteriological analyses of potable water wastewater or industrial waste samples using analytical techniques or instruments in accordance with approved protocols or methods in the field or the laboratory.
• Maintains records of physical chemical and bacteriological tests performed on samples.
• Reviews logbooks field data recordings and other documentation related to the drinking water system discharges from the Water Pollution Control Plant and industrial and commercial sites.
• Keeps detailed and accurate records of field activities and observations using logbooks laboratory analysis sheets and computerized software programs.
• Performs work assignments in accordance with appropriate safety rules regulations and when necessary emergency procedures.
• Maintains field equipment and vehicles for daily use in the field; operates motor vehicles to access sampling sites for collection of samples.
• Assists laboratory and inspection staff with special assignments under direction of assigned supervisor.
• Attends staff and professional meetings training classes and workshops.
• Responds and assists in development of analytical test methods monitoring techniques and other laboratory/monitoring services.

• Collects wastewater samples from industrial dischargers in accordance with Federal State and Local requirements.
• Performs various monitoring activities for the Compliance Inspection Group including dye testing and flow monitoring.
• Collects wastewater from residential and commercial discharges via sanitary sewer manholes in the street.
• Collects measurements from Grease Removal Devices at commercial facilities.
• Collects samples from receiving waters and via storm system manholes.
• Conducts initial surveys of industrial and commercial facilities and drinking water complaint investigations.

Education and Experience:

The minimum qualifications for education and experience can be met in the following way:

An Associate degree or 60 semester units or 90 quarter units from an accredited college or university in environmental science including courses in chemistry biology or other related science AND

Two years of experience performing field technician and/or laboratory duties.

A Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university in environmental science including courses in chemistry biology or other related science may be substituted for one year of experience.

Knowledge of:

• Basic chemistry principles and/or basic laboratory testing methods.
• Sampling techniques and chain of custody procedures.
• Basic principles of potable water wastewater and/or industrial waste pretreatment.
• Field and laboratory safety practices and procedures.
• Recordkeeping techniques.
• Office methods procedures software and equipment.

• Collect samples in the field.
• Conduct chemical tests and analysis.
• Use potable water and/or wastewater monitoring equipment.
• Maintain accurate data and keep detailed records.
• Develop precise and detailed statistical information charts and data files.
• Read and interpret complex technical documents and instructions.
• Safely work with and around wastewater industrial wastes and hazardous substances and in the immediate vicinity of chemicals and reactive agents used in industrial waste treatment.
• Carry out specific functions in the laboratory.
• Follow instructions and procedures.
• Interpret tests appropriately and convey results clearly.
• Convey technical information to supervisor professional and field personnel.
• Operate a computer using word processing and business software and other office equipment.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain and promote positive and effective working relationships with employees other agencies public officials and the public.
• Demonstrate initiative and exercise good judgment in the performance of duties.
• Work independently and as a team member; recognize and set priorities and meet deadlines.
• Observe safety principles and work in a safe manner.

• A Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university in chemistry environmental science or a related field.

The application period closes on Tuesday January 20 2026 at 5:00 pmor after receiving 100 qualified and complete applications whichever is first.If you are interested in this opportunity please submit a City of Sunnyvale employment application and responses to the supplemental questions to the Department of Human Resources(postmarks or faxes are not accepted).Candidates are asked to fully describe any training education experience or skills relevant to this position.Electronic applications may be submitted on-line through the Citys employment page at and click on JOBS.Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.

EXAM PROCESS

Applications will be competitively screened based on the minimum qualifications of this position.Based upon a review of the application materials the most qualified candidates will be invited to participate in the examination process which may consist of an oral examination scheduled for Thursday February 5 2026 (Note: The examination process may be changed as deemed necessary by the Director of Human Resources).

SELECTION PROCESS

Those candidates that receive a passing score on the examination will be placed on an eligibility list for up to one year in accordance with the Citys Civil Service Rules and Administrative Policies. Top candidates on the eligibility list will be invited to participate in a selection interview with the department tentatively scheduled for the week of February 9 2026.Selection interviews will typically take place in-person please plan accordingly.

Any candidate selected by the hiring department will be required to successfully complete a pre-employment process which may consist of a comprehensive background investigation as well as medical exam(s) administered by a City-selected physician(s) before hire. Prior to starting work all newly-hired employees will be fingerprinted to check conviction history. A conviction history will not necessarily disqualify an applicant from appointment; however failure to disclose conviction history will result in refusal of employment or termination.

INFORMATION ABOUT PROOF OF EDUCATION

Any successful candidate selected by the hiring department will be required to submit proof of education (i.e. original copy of the diploma or college/university transcripts).

Any successful candidate selected by the hiring department will be required to submit proof of education (i.e. copy of the diploma or college/university transcripts). An applicant with a college degree obtained outside the United States must have education records evaluated by a credential evaluation service at the candidates expense. Candidates may utilize any third-party agency for the evaluation. If you search education equivalency verification or similar online you will obtain results for agencies that provide this evaluation service. A conditional job offer cannot be made until the education has been evaluated and submitted to the Department of Human Resources.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Summary of Sunnyvales Employees Association (For Full Time Positions)SEA Benefits

Notice of CFRA (California Family Rights Act) Rights and Obligations

For assistance on how to fill out your job application watch the following video:

• How to Apply for a City of Sunnyvale Job - YouTube (5:13)

The information contained within this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.

The City of Sunnyvale is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants for all job openings will be considered without regard to age race color religion sex national origin sexual orientation disability veteran status or any other consideration made unlawful under any federal state or local laws. The City of Sunnyvale is committed to offering reasonable accommodations to job applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability please contact us at or