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Entry Level Water Quality Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Wood Plc

Junior Water Resources Engineer

Birmingham, AL

$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 ...

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

Saint Louis, MO

$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 ...

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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 Jun 13, 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 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.

What are entry level water quality jobs?

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Water Quality Specialist, and why are they important?

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.
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
Water Operator Trainee - Entry Level

Water Operator Trainee - Entry Level

Bedford Regional Water Authority

Bedford, VA • On-site

$38K - $45K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

The Bedford Regional Water Authority is seeking a Water Operator trainee to join our team. The candidate will perform skilled and responsible work related to the efficient, safe, and compliant operation of the Authority’s water treatment, distribution, and support facilities.

Responsibilities

  • Operate and monitor multiple water system facilities including:
    • Conventional surface water treatment
    • Membrane filtration systems
    • Groundwater facilities with filtration and chemical addition
    • Distribution system components such as water tanks, valve vaults, and water mains
  • Read, interpret, and record data from meters, gauges, and instrumentation.
  • Perform and document laboratory equipment calibrations.
  • Collect and analyze water samples for regulatory compliance and process control.
  • Perform routine preventative maintenance and minor repairs; document all work using Authority software.
  • Operate, maintain, and assist with repair or replacement of valves and pumps.
  • Adjust chemical dosages, flow rates, and system controls as authorized by the responsible operator.
  • Complete accurate and timely data entry for monthly operational and regulatory reports.
  • Flush water lines according to schedule and record data in tracking software.
  • Maintain cleanliness and organization of all buildings and grounds, including breakrooms and restrooms.
  • Investigate customer water quality concerns and assist as needed.
  • Operate forklifts, tractors, mowers, and a service elevator.
  • Maintain assigned vehicle in clean and operable condition.
  • Perform all work safely and in accordance with Authority policies and procedures.
  • Respond to emergency call-outs on a 24-hour basis.
  • Perform other duties as assigned by the Water Operations Manager.

Qualifications

  • High School Diploma or GED
  • Valid Virginia Driver’s License with an acceptable driving record per Authority policy
  • Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Office and Excel
  • Ability to maintain accurate operational logs and prepare reports
  • Ability to follow written and verbal instructions
  • Effective oral and written communication skills
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, agencies, and the public
  • Organized, dependable, and self-motivated
  • Ability to work weekends, holidays, and respond to emergencies as required

Training and Certification

  • Completion of Sacramento Volume 1 within six (6) months of hire
  • Obtain and maintain Virginia Waterworks Operator License – Class IV within twelve (12) months of hire


Work Schedule

  • Typically 8–12 hour shifts, 40 hours per week
  • 30-minute unpaid lunch break
  • Regular weekend and holiday work required
  • Emergency call-in work required

Working Conditions

  • Prolonged standing and walking; minimal sitting
  • Frequent climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, pushing, pulling, and repetitive motions
  • Manual dexterity required
  • Ability to meet standard vision and hearing requirements

Company Description

A Water Authority is a public or quasi-public organization responsible for the management, protection, treatment, and distribution of safe drinking water and, in many cases, wastewater and stormwater services within a defined geographic area. Its primary mission is to ensure reliable access to clean, affordable water while protecting public health and the environment.
Water Authorities plan, operate, and maintain water supply infrastructure such as reservoirs, treatment plants, pipelines, pumping stations, and sewer systems. They are also responsible for monitoring water quality to meet or exceed federal, state, and local regulatory standards, including environmental and public health requirements.
In addition to daily operations, Water Authorities engage in long-term planning to support population growth, infrastructure sustainability, and climate resilience. They may oversee conservation programs, emergency preparedness, infrastructure upgrades, and customer education initiatives to promote responsible water use.