Career Opportunity

Biologist (2483) - Citywide- (U00046)

Recruitment: REF59890U

Published: February 09, 2026

Apply using SmartRecruiters, the City and County of San Francisco's application portal.

About:

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.

WHO ARE WE?
San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC)
Headquartered in San Francisco, we have 2,300 employees operating across eight counties serving more than 2.7 million customers in the San Francisco Bay Area – 24 hours per day, 365 days per year.

Our Mission: To provide our customers with high quality, efficient, and reliable water, power, and wastewater services in a manner that values environmental and community interests and sustains the resources entrusted to our care.

Our Vision: We are an innovative utility leader, recognized for excellent results in service, safety, stewardship, and inclusiveness.

We are an award-winning and industry-leading utilities organization committed to our customers, community interests, and the environment. To learn more about our organization, please visit our website at https://www.sfpuc.org/.

We are proud of our infrastructure and programs, but most importantly, we value our highly qualified and dedicated workforce which ensures that this vision becomes a reality.

To learn more about working at the SFPUC, visit our career site at https://www.sfpuc.org/about-us/careers-sfpuc

Application Opening: February 9, 2026

Application Deadline: February 23, 2026

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact ihankins@sfwater.org

Role description

Under general supervision, the Biologist conducts field monitoring studies; collects and analyzes various types of biological data in the field, or laboratory; provides technical and biological expertise, researches permits, agreements, and other regulatory documents; provides assessments of potential effects of new regulatory obligations in compliance with state and federal regulations; performs other record management and quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC); keeps detailed and accurate field, laboratory, and analytical records; uses a laboratory information management system to track, control and generate reports; follows Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) methods, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and other established procedures; keeps abreast of best practices in laboratory or field studies, literature review, and interactions with experts.

Depending on the specified area, positions assigned to each section may perform the tasks described in one or more of the following:

Bioassay (Natural Resources Division): The bioassay biologist (located at the Oceanside Wastewater Treatment Plant in San Francisco) performs chronic and acute whole effluent toxicity (WET) bioassay testing in support of SFPUC water and wastewater treatment facilities. Additional responsibilities include ensuring laboratory compliance with requirements outlined in EPA test methods, The NELAC Institute (TNI) Standard, and SFPUC NPDES permits; test organism maintenance and handling; effluent sample collection and handling; maintaining and calibrating laboratory instrumentation; performing water quality measurements; statistical data analysis; interpretation and technical report preparation; shoreline sampling for indicator bacteria; offshore ocean sampling and performing other duties as required.

Ecology (Natural Resources Division): The ecology biologist (located at SFPUC Headquarters, 525 Golden Gate Ave, SF, with field work on watershed lands in San Mateo, Alameda, Santa Clara, and SF Counties) provides ecological expertise (e.g., botany, plant ecology, wildlife ecology, insect and other invertebrate ecology, fire ecology, biological invasion ecology, plant disease ecology, and related fields) for land management efforts and technical support for planning, permitting, and environmental compliance. This includes: Researching and assessing biological reports, scientific literature, other relevant documents, and field conditions in order to evaluate biological monitoring and reporting requirements; Helping to design/modify projects to protect, conserve, enhance, restore, and monitor watershed biodiversity and special-status resources; Participating in a wide variety of aquatic and terrestrial monitoring studies; Reviewing draft permits, contract specifications, technical reports, education and interpretive program materials, and other documents for biological accuracy and scientific credibility; Working collaboratively with other SFPUC staff and stakeholders to help align SFPUC and stakeholder programs with regulatory requirements and best available science; and representing the SFPUC in meetings with regulatory agency staff and other stakeholders.

Fisheries (Natural Resources Division): The fisheries biologist coordinates and participates in fisheries and related aquatic surveys on the Peninsula Watershed and/or Alameda Watershed. Fisheries-specific tasks include, but are not limited to, habitat; spawning; trapping; snorkeling and electrofishing surveys. Other tasks may include, but are not limited to, benthic macroinvertebrate; reptile; amphibian and wildlife; and water quality surveys. Provides biological and ecological technical support to inform watershed management, planning, and compliance. The fisheries biologist also takes part in survey data analyses and interpretation; the preparation of data summaries and technical reports; and the review of scientific documents. Other duties are performed as required. Works collaboratively with SFPUC staff, stakeholders, and other agencies.

Limnology (Natural Resources Division): The limnologist coordinates and conducts water quality surveys on lakes, reservoirs, and streams on the Peninsula Watershed and/or Alameda Watershed and conducts a variety of laboratory analyses on the water samples collected. The position requires the collection of in-situ, discrete and composite sample data; following quality assurance and quality control measures; plankton identification and enumeration; data entry; data analyses; the interpretation and evaluation of survey results; the preparation of survey summaries and technical reports; and the review of scientific documents. Provides technical support to inform water system operations and management of reservoirs and other water bodies. Other tasks may include, but are not limited to, fisheries; benthic macroinvertebrate; reptile; amphibian; and wildlife surveys. Other duties are performed as required. Works collaboratively with SFPUC staff, stakeholders, and other agencies.

Marine Biology (Natural Resources Division): The marine biologist (located at Oceanside Wastewater Treatment Plant in San Francisco) provides accurate identifications to the lowest possible taxon (usually species level) of benthic infaunal and epibenthic invertebrates from marine and estuarine habitats in support of SFPUC projects and regulatory requirements. The position provides technical expertise in marine invertebrate taxonomy and nomenclature, is current with taxonomic literature, and interacts with appropriate professional organizations. Additional responsibilities include offshore sampling of benthic habitats from a 60 ft vessel; shoreline sampling for indicator bacteria; data analysis, interpretation and technical report preparation; whole effluent toxicity (WET) bioassay testing and monitoring; and performing other duties as required.

Microbiology (Water Quality Division):  Performs qualitative and quantitative analyses of drinking water, wastewater and recreational water in accordance with state and federal regulations as well as special studies and research projects relating to water quality; conducts testing for the detection and identification of bacteria and parasites using approved methods including presence and absence, multiple-tube fermentation, membrane filtration, and heterotrophic plate counts.  Analyzes and interprets results, queries and manages laboratory data using a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), and prepares technical and regulatory reports.  Performs preparation of standards, and reagents; conducts routine and preventive maintenance on equipment; and follows established QA/QC procedures in compliance with NELAC / TNI standards.  Participates in proficiency testing and other quality assurance programs.  Additional responsibilities include performing chemistry work but not limited to testing for pH, fluoride, and turbidity. May work overtime, weekends, and holidays.

Parasitology (Water Quality Division): Performs qualitative and quantitative analyses of drinking water, wastewater and recreational water in accordance with state and federal regulations as well as special studies and research projects relating to water quality; conducts testing for the detection and identification of bacteria and parasites using approved methods including presence and absence, multiple-tube fermentation, membrane filtration, and heterotrophic plate counts; examination for protozoan parasites such as Cryptosporidium and Giardia, including collection, separation, concentration, detection and identification through specialized microscopy using fluorescence and differential interface contrast techniques; performs algal toxin testing by ELISA for the determination of Total Microcystins, Saxitoxin, Anatoxin A and Cylindrospermopsin; operates complex microbial detection and speciation systems such as PCR and other molecular biological identification systems. Analyzes and interprets results, queries, and manages laboratory data using a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), and prepares technical and regulatory reports. Performs preparation of standards, and reagents; conducts routine and preventive maintenance on equipment; and follows established QA/QC procedures in compliance with NELAC / TNI standards.  Participates in proficiency testing and other quality assurance programs.  Additional responsibilities include data analysis, written reports, detailed and accurate records; chemistry work, including, but not limited to testing for pH, fluoride, and turbidity.  May collect water samples in remote or adverse conditions.  May work overtime, weekends, and holidays.

Terrestrial Biology and Restoration (Natural Resources Division): The terrestrial biologist (Millbrae, SF, Sunol, and/or Moccasin) coordinates and participates in restoration, mitigation, and stewardship activities and monitoring; evaluates the work of contractors, consultants, and staff working on projects to protect special status species and sensitive habitats; and provides biological and ecological technical support to inform watershed management, planning, and compliance. Work may include, but is not limited to, native and non-native plant surveys; vegetation community surveys; surveys for wildlife, amphibians, reptiles, birds, fish, invertebrates, and their habitats. Collects, analyzes, and interprets data; writes and reviews documents and technical reports, and performs other duties as required. Works collaboratively with SFPUC staff, stakeholders, and other agencies.

NATURE OF THE WORK: Some positions may require working in the field, watersheds, estuaries, streams, and rivers, on monitoring vessels in lakes, San Francisco Bay or the Pacific Ocean, with mechanical/electrical equipment, may involve working with and around fish and wildlife and hazardous materials (including treated and untreated wastewater); in the Airfield Operations Area (AOA), sensitive habitat areas, at the airport and mitigation sites in the Bay Area. Some positions require working in the laboratory which may include handling hazardous chemicals and pathogenic agents. Some positions may require driving or hiking to remote locations on unimproved dirt or mountain roads in inclement weather; may have little or no advance notice for fieldwork and may be required to work overtime, shifts, weekends, and holidays.

Essential duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to:

According to Civil Service Commission Rule 109, the duties specified below are representative of the range of duties assigned to this job code/class and are not intended to be an inclusive list.

1. Provides technical expertise in the development of monitoring protocols and study plans to ensure regulatory compliance and executes the protocols and the plans in the field and/or laboratory to ensure regulatory compliance and non-regulatory data collection.
2. Researches permits, agreements, and other regulatory documents and assists in providing assessments of potential effects to the department of new regulatory obligations and planning for changes in regulations.
3. Collects and analyzes various types of biological data in the field or laboratory.
4. Maintains detailed and accurate laboratory and field records.
5. Performs record and data management, data analyses, and quality assurance (QA)/quality control (QC) and maintains data integrity.
6. Works with regulatory agencies and diverse stakeholders, multidisciplinary teams, departmental officials, managers, staff, and public regarding departmental projects, permit compliance, and other activities.
7. Follows standard operating procedures (SOPs) and other established procedures.
8. Enters data into laboratory information management system (LIMS) or other databases.
9. Assists with coordination and scheduling of projects including preparation of staffing, sampling supplies field equipment and data sheets.
10. Prepares status reports, compliance reports, data analyses, map, graphic presentations, and technical memos, and reports.
11. Keeps abreast of best practices in laboratory or field studies, literature review, and interactions with experts.
12. Performs other related duties as assigned.

How to qualify

Minimum qualifications reflect the lowest level of acceptable education and/or experience required of an individual such that the individual reasonably could be expected to satisfactorily perform the duties of the position. Candidates must meet all the requirements established by the MQs to be considered for the position:

• • Possession of baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university with a major in environmental biology, marine biology, aquatic biology, wildlife biology, fisheries biology, limnology, aquatic toxicology, microbiology, biochemistry, or related science; AND
  • Licenses: Possession of a current valid driver’s license.

Note: One year of full-time employment is equivalent to 2000 hours. (2000 hours of qualifying work experience is based on a 40-hour work week.)

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.

Selection Procedures:

After application submission, candidates deemed qualified must complete all subsequent steps to advance in this selection process, which includes the following:

Situational Judgment Test (Weight:100%):

Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be sent a Situational Judgment Test via electronic mail after the closing of this filing period. The Situational Judgment Test is designed to measure the knowledge, skills and/or abilities in job-related areas required for the position. Applicants will be given a deadline to complete the Situational Judgment Test. Those who do not complete the Situational Judgment Test by the established deadline will not be eligible to continue in the examination process and will not be added to eligibility list resulting from this process.

Knowledge of: Botany, Fisheries, Wildlife, Ecology, Taxonomy, Toxicology, or Microbiology biological methods, regulations and procedures. Knowledge of Quality Assurance/ Quality Control (QA/QC) procedures and requirements.

Ability to: participate in field sampling activities often under inclement conditions; lift and operate field sampling equipment; work independently; collect, synthesize, and analyze data in the field, airfield or lab; prepare written reports, keep accurate and detailed records of field and analytical activities; communicate scientific and technical information through graphs, charts, maps, data entries, memos and reports; work collaboratively and effectively with diverse and multi-disciplinary teams; resolve differences effectively; communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders including the public and regulatory agency staff .

A passing score on the Situational Judgment Test must be achieved in order to be placed/ranked on the Eligible List. Candidates will be placed on the eligible list in rank order according to their final score.

NOTE: Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed to advance through all of the steps in the selection process.

What else should I know?

A confidential eligible list of applicant names that have passed the civil service examination process will be created, and used for certification purposes only. An examination score report will be established, so applicants can view the ranks, final scores and number of eligible candidates. Applicant information, including names of applicants on the eligible list, shall not be made public unless required by law. However, an eligible list shall be made available for public inspection, upon request, once the eligible list is exhausted or expired and referrals resolved. The eligible list/score report resulting from this civil service examination process is subject to change after adoption (e.g., as a result of appeals), as directed by the Human Resources Director or the Civil Service Commission.

The duration of the eligible list resulting from this examination process will be of 12 months, and may be extended with the approval of the Human Resources Director.

To find Departments which use this classification, please see https://sfdhr.org/sites/default/files/documents/Forms-Documents/Position-Counts-by-Job-Codes-and-Department-FY-2022-23.pdf

Terms of Announcement and Appeal Rights:  

Applicants must be guided solely by the provisions of this announcement, including requirements, time periods and other particulars, except when superseded by federal, state or local laws, rules or regulations.  [Note: The correction of clerical errors in an announcement may be posted on the Department of Human Resources website at https://careers.sf.gov/.] The terms of this announcement may be appealed under Civil Service Rule 110.4.  Such appeals must be submitted in writing to the Department of Human Resources, 1 S Van Ness Avenue, 4th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94103-5413 by close of business on the 5th business day following the issuance date of this examination announcement.  Information concerning other Civil Service Commission Rules involving announcements, applications and examination policies, including applicant appeal rights, can be found on the Civil Service Commission website at https://sf.gov/departments/civil-service-commission.

Additional Information Regarding Employment with the City and County of San Francisco:

• Information About the Hiring Process
• Conviction History
• Employee Benefits Overview  
• Equal Employment Opportunity 
• Disaster Service Worker
• ADA Accommodation
• Veterans Preference
• Seniority Credit in Promotional Exams [required for Combined, Promotive, Entrance (CPE) Exams only]
• Right to Work
• Copies of Application Documents
• Diversity Statement

Applicants will receive a confirmation email from notification@careers.sf.gov that their online application has been received in response to every announcement for which they file. Applicants should retain this confirmation email for their records. Failure to receive this email means that the online application was not submitted or received.

The City and County of San Francisco encourages women, minorities and persons with disabilities to apply. Applicants will be considered regardless of their sex, race, age, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition (associated with cancer, a history of cancer, or genetic characteristics), HIV/AIDS status, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, military and veteran status, or other protected category under the law.