Science Technician (Water Sampling)

About Us

The City of Philadelphia values inclusion, integrity, innovation, empowerment, and hard work. We offer a vibrant work environment, comprehensive health care and benefits, and opportunities for growth and professional development. The work you do here impacts millions of residents and contributes to the future of Philadelphia.

General Definition

This is technical work performing a variety of assignments in support of engineering, scientific, and medical projects in the Health or Water Departments. Assignments may include:

• Water quality investigations, collecting and evaluating water, wastewater, and sludge samples.
• Preparing preliminary mechanical, electrical, or electronic designs and plans, and making minor modifications based on operational efficiency and field conditions (Water Sampling specialty).
• In the Medical Laboratory Specialty, performing tasks such as collecting blood and body fluids, conducting biochemical, microbiological, or serological testing, validating and interpreting laboratory results, or testing autopsy specimens in the Medical Examiner’s Office.
• Monitoring the city’s ambient air and analyzing samples for pollutants under city, state, and federal air regulations (Air Management Services Division).

Work is performed under the supervision of an engineering, scientific, medical, administrative, or technical superior and may involve shift work and disagreeable aspects.

Requirements

The following represents the minimum training and experience standards for the Water Sampling Specialty:

Option 1

Education: Completion of a two-year program at a technical institute or an accredited college or university with major course work in water, engineering, construction, architectural or medical technology, engineering, biology, chemistry, or environmental studies.

Option 2

Education: Completion of 60 college credits with major course work in water, engineering, construction, architectural or medical technology, engineering, biology, chemistry, or environmental studies.

Experience: Two years of technical experience in water or wastewater treatment, water quality analysis, or a related field.

Option 3

Education: Completion of 30 college credits with major course work in water, engineering, construction, architectural or medical technology, engineering, biology, chemistry, or environmental studies.

Experience: Four years of technical experience in water or wastewater treatment, water quality analysis, or a related field.

Option 4

Experience: Six years of technical experience in water or wastewater treatment, water quality analysis, or a related field.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health care and benefits.
• Eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
• Opportunities for professional growth and career advancement in a diverse and inclusive environment.

Residency and Preferences

• Residency Waiver: The requirement for candidates to be Philadelphia residents for one year prior to appointment has been waived. However, residency in Philadelphia will be required within one year of appointment.
• Preference for Philadelphia Residents: Candidates who have maintained a bona fide residence in Philadelphia for at least one year prior to the exam date receive priority over others with identical test scores.
• Veteran’s Preference: Ten points added to the scores of eligible veterans (honorably discharged). Spouses of disabled or deceased veterans may also qualify.
• Legacy Preference: Ten points added to the scores of children or grandchildren of Philadelphia Firefighters or Police Officers killed or died in the line of duty.
• National Volunteer Service Preference: Up to five points added for completing terms of service with Peace Corps, AmeriCorps, or similar programs.
• Philadelphia School District CTE Preference: Up to five points added for graduates of a career technical education (CTE) program within the last three years.

Notes to Applicants

• Only an open-competitive eligible list will be established; permanent City employees receive no promotional preference.
• Candidates who pass the exam will remain on the civil service list for a minimum of one year and a maximum of two years.
• Applicants must certify they are current on all debts, taxes, fees, or judgments owed to the City or Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW) or have entered into a payment agreement.
• Training and experience will be evaluated based on submitted documentation (e.g., transcripts, certifications, licenses).
• An eligible list will be established the week of September 14, 2026 (date subject to change).
• Candidates may review their test papers within 30 days of results being mailed.