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Entry Level Water Quality Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Garver

WI-MAP Project Engineer (Entry-Level)

Austin, TX

$66K - $87K/yr

Garver is seeking an entry level water industry professional to join the Water Infrastructure ... water quality evaluations, and water loss studies; * Wastewater collection systems, including ...

Wood Plc

Junior Water Resources Engineer

Saint Louis, MO · On-site

$76K - $105K/yr

Overview / Responsibilities Wood is currently recruiting entry level Water Resources Engineers in ... stormwater quality improvement. We have large ongoing contracts with state and local floodplain ...

Wood Plc

Junior Water Resources Engineer

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$75K - $103K/yr

Overview / Responsibilities Wood is currently recruiting entry level Water Resources Engineers in ... stormwater quality improvement. We have large ongoing contracts with state and local floodplain ...

Wood Plc

Junior Water Resources Engineer

Nashville, TN · On-site

$76K - $104K/yr

Overview / Responsibilities Wood is currently recruiting entry level Water Resources Engineers in ... stormwater quality improvement. We have large ongoing contracts with state and local floodplain ...

Wood Plc

Junior Water Resources Engineer

Louisville, KY

$75K - $103K/yr

Overview / Responsibilities Wood is currently recruiting entry level Water Resources Engineers in ... stormwater quality improvement. We have large ongoing contracts with state and local floodplain ...

Wood Plc

Junior Water Resources Engineer

Birmingham, AL · On-site

$74K - $101K/yr

Overview / Responsibilities Wood is currently recruiting entry level Water Resources Engineers in ... stormwater quality improvement. We have large ongoing contracts with state and local floodplain ...

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Entry Level Water Quality information

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How much do entry level water quality jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level water quality in the United States is $25.78, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.67 and $28.61 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level water quality job?

Entry level water quality jobs are positions designed for individuals beginning their careers in water quality testing, monitoring, and management. Typical roles include water quality technician, laboratory assistant, or field sampler, where employees collect and analyze water samples to ensure compliance with environmental standards. These roles often require a high school diploma, associate degree, or bachelor's degree in environmental science or a related field, and offer on-the-job training to develop technical skills. Entry level positions are vital for protecting public health and the environment by monitoring water sources for contaminants.

What skills and qualifications are needed for an entry level water quality specialist?

To thrive as an Entry Level Water Quality Specialist, you need a background in environmental science or a related field, strong analytical skills, and attention to detail. Familiarity with water sampling techniques, laboratory testing equipment, and data analysis software is typically required. Effective communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities help you collaborate with colleagues and report findings clearly. These skills ensure accurate monitoring, compliance with regulations, and protection of public health and the environment.

What types of fieldwork and data collection tasks can I expect in an entry level water quality position?

In an entry level water quality role, you can expect to spend a significant amount of time conducting fieldwork, such as collecting water samples from rivers, lakes, or treatment facilities. Tasks often include measuring parameters like pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen, and turbidity using portable instruments. You’ll also be responsible for documenting your findings, maintaining sampling equipment, and sometimes entering data into specialized software. Fieldwork may require travel to various sites and working in different weather conditions, providing a hands-on introduction to environmental monitoring and teamwork with scientists and technicians.

What is the difference between Entry Level Water Quality vs Entry Level Water Treatment Operator?

AspectEntry Level Water QualityEntry Level Water Treatment Operator
CertificationsWater Quality Testing Certification, Basic Water AnalysisWater Treatment Certification, Basic Water Operations
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, field testing sitesWater treatment plants, treatment facilities
Job FocusMonitoring water quality, testing samplesOperating treatment equipment, managing water purification processes

Entry Level Water Quality roles primarily focus on testing and monitoring water samples to ensure safety and compliance, often working in labs or testing sites. In contrast, Entry Level Water Treatment Operators handle the operation and maintenance of water treatment systems. Both roles require similar certifications and are essential in the water industry, but they differ in daily responsibilities and work environments.

More about Entry Level Water Quality jobs

What cities are hiring for Entry Level Water Quality jobs?

Cities with the most Entry Level Water Quality job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Water Quality jobs?

The most popular types of Water Quality jobs are:

What states have the most Entry Level Water Quality jobs?

States with the most job openings for Entry Level Water Quality jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Water Quality jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Water Quality jobs are:

Entry Level Water Quality jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Water Quality job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,620 per year, or $25.8 per hour.

WI-MAP Project Engineer (Entry-Level)

Garver

Austin, TX

$66K - $87K/yr

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago

Garver rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

122nd of 449 rated engineering

Job description

Garver is seeking an entry level water industry professional to join the Water Infrastructure Modeling, Analytics, and Planning (WI-MAP) Team as a Project Engineer for our developing national resource team specializing in planning and conceptual evaluations for water, wastewater, and reuse infrastructure.
The successful candidate will be responsible for the management and execution of the technical components of exciting water industry projects. With an opportunity to join an established engineering consulting firm that is rapidly growing throughout the United States, the successful candidate will help execute water and wastewater infrastructure projects, provide limited support to regional teams with marketing and business development, participate in industry activities and events, and develop their career as part of a growing national resource team. Specifically, responsibilities will include a variety of projects related to one or more of the following categories:
  • Water distribution systems, including hydraulic modeling, master planning, pumping and storage evaluations, water quality evaluations, and water loss studies;
  • Wastewater collection systems, including hydraulic modeling, master planning, rainfall-derived infiltration and inflow analyses, and lift station evaluations;
  • Water supply and integrated master planning, including evaluations of surface water supplies, ground water supplies, reuse, and water rights;
  • Water distribution and wastewater collection system asset management, including condition assessment, sanitary sewer evaluation studies, and capital planning;
  • Conveyance systems, including wire-to-water analysis, pumping optimization, and transient analysis
Responsibilities will vary in relative volume, and change over time, but will generally include:
  • Project Execution
  • Support conceptual planning studies as a Project Engineer
  • Efficiently execute workload to maintain project schedule and project financials
  • Consistently produce high-quality work products
  • Support development of materials for client workshops and present, as necessary, in client workshops
  • Communicate effectively with other WI-MAP staff at different office locations
  • Coordinate with regional team client service managers and project managers
  • Coordinate with Water Design Center personnel through design phases of projects
Qualified candidates must be capable of performing the following routine functions:
  • Display technical competency of water / wastewater engineering and civil engineering commensurate with experience level in the profession
  • Contribute to multiple projects concurrently
  • Be responsible for time management and work product quality
  • Complete assigned scope items within the allotted budget and schedule
  • Conduct written and oral project reporting for project managers, regional team client service managers, the WI-MAP team leader, and clients, as necessary. Reporting will include project status, upcoming milestones, project accounting, percent completes, progress reports, etc.
  • Contribute to preparation and execution of Project Management Plans and Quality Control Plans
  • Support internal and external project workshops
Requirements
  • Bachelor’s degree in civil or environmental engineering from an ABET accredited program
  • Strong communication skills
Preferred Skills
  • Master’s degree in civil or environmental engineering from an ABET accredited program
  • Registered as an Engineer-in-Training (EIT) or ability to become registered within six months of start of employment
  • Experience with hydraulic modeling software (e.g., Bentley WaterGEMS, Bentley SewerGEMS, Innovyze InfoWater, Innovyze InfoWorks ICM)
  • Strong technical background in hydraulics
  • Experience with ESRI ArcGIS
  • Experience with one of more of the main categories of work for the group outlined previously beyond university coursework
Grow with Us
Garver offers its employees programs such as company-paid professional memberships, company support for industry licenses and continuing education opportunities that foster a progressive atmosphere. Garver provides the tools, resources, and environment to develop leaders, stimulate ideas, and accomplish projects. By offering highly competitive salary packages, attractive benefits, and a comprehensive wellness program; Garver walks the talk when it comes to work-life balance.
Founded in 1919, Garver is an employee-owned engineering, planning, and environmental services firm focused on aviation, transportation, buildings, federal, water and wastewater services; surveying; advisory services; and construction engineering and inspection. In the top 100 of Engineering News-Record’s Top 500 Design Firms list, with more than 1,400 employees, Garver provides an exceptional level of client service that reflects our people-first culture, which has achieved Zweig Group Best Firm to Work for Legacy Status. Learn how Garver invests in people and places they call home at GarverUSA.com.
Garver is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees. Our employment practices are based upon an individual's capabilities and qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other category protected by law.

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