Environmental Field Sampling Jobs in Athens, GA (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $47,798.40 - $60,964.80 Annually
Location : 2641 Old Flowery Branch Road, Gainesville, GA
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 01071
Department: Department of Water Resources
Division: Environmental and Compliance
Opening Date: 07/21/2026
Closing Date: 9/25/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Summary
This position is designated as safety-sensitive. As such, a pre-employment physical examination and drug screening are mandatory. The incumbent will also be subject to random drug and alcohol testing throughout the duration of employment.
Performs environmental monitoring duties; monitors and samples various streams, ditches, creeks and lakes for water quality, identifies and investigates illegal or unusual discharges, reports all findings and observations and takes corrective actions as necessary. Implements a public education program that informs government staff, watershed stakeholders and the general public on water resource protection, stormwater and other water-related issues. Performs stormwater monitoring and construction site inspection duties; monitors and samples stormwater discharges during both wet and dry weather conditions, reports all findings and observations, and takes corrective actions as necessary.
Job Duties
Implements a public education program by conducting presentations, organizing workshops and other outreach activities. Also develops and distributes environmental, stormwater, and Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) educational materials to meet the needs of the Department of Water Resources.
Schedules and assists in conducting weekly inspections of streams and lakes by walking through creeks and streams that feed into any major body of water; prepares reports of findings and takes corrective actions if problems are identified.
Collects samples of the water; marks and labels each sample for time, location, and parameters measured at collection event.
Analyzes data trends to determine areas in need of additional pollution tracking and reduction measures. Informs Environmental Monitoring Coordinator of issues.
Conducts flow monitoring and quantitative streambank erosion calculations at long-term monitoring stations.
Samples, post signs, and reports all wastewater spills and overflows according to City of Gainesville protocol and current GA EPD regulations.
May represent Environmental Services and the Department of Water Resources in various stakeholder meetings and regulatory discussions.
Implements modern methods in regards to stream and lake monitoring and data interpretation.
Researches local waterways and Lake Lanier water chemistry to better understand environmental changes.
Answers and inspects complaints of illegal discharges into streams and lakes; writes reports on findings; forwards the results to Environmental Monitoring Coordinator.
Checks areas of construction for erosion problems, including proper use of silt fences and other erosion control measures.
Coordinate and assist in inspecting stormwater ponds and outfalls, completes inspection forms and generates reports for MS4/stormwater permit compliance.
Coordinates annual MS4 pollution prevention/good housekeeping trainings with multiple City departments.
Assists with Gainesville's annual Rivers Alive Cleanup.
Performs simple preventive maintenance on City vehicles or boats; assists with general custodial duties as needed around facility.
May instruct other employees by assisting with specialized on-the-job training, planning/scheduling work, and/or reviewing assignments.
May conduct stream surveys for aquatic organisms according to stream aquatic organism techniques; prepares reports of water quality based upon survey results.
Assists the Water Conservation Program as needed.
May be called upon to provide supervision to an intern.
Works with various City departments on a case by case scenario when dealing with environmental situations.
Performs other related duties as required.
Employee subject to recall to duty in cases of emergency.
Minimum Qualifications
Education and Experience:
Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Biology, Chemistry or related field.
Two years experience in environmental and/or stormwater monitoring or related field.
Any equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the minimum level of qualifications stated above.
Licenses and Certifications:
Geographic Information System (GIS) Certification Preferred
Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control Certification Level 1A or ability to obtain within 1 year
Stormwater Inspector Certification Preferred
Valid Class C Drivers License and a satisfactory Motor Vehicle Record (MVR)
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Knowledge of the Georgia Stormwater Management Manual (Blue Book).
Knowledge of laboratory methods and procedures.
Knowledge of aquatic organism taxonomy and interpretation.
Knowledge of mathematics and the ability to apply it to water and wastewater sample collection.
Knowledge in social media for outreach and communication.
Knowledge of non-point source pollution and the effects within local watersheds.
Knowledge in the use of technical devices pertinent to the position.
Experience in public speaking.
Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.
Knowledge of geography.
Ability to read and interpret maps.
Ability to effectively supervise other employees.
Ability to work outside in adverse weather and remote locations.
Ability to train and schedule work for a small specialized staff.
Ability to use specialized equipment necessary for aquatic organism monitoring.
Knowledge of laboratory methods and procedures.
Supplemental Information
This class specification should not be interpreted as all inclusive. It is intended to identify the major responsibilities and requirements of this job. The incumbents may be required to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this specification.

• Position qualifies for a 5% certification incentive based upon attainment of a Georgia Soil and Water Conservation Commission Level IB certified inspector certification.

• Position qualifies for a 5% certification incentive based upon attainment of a Georgia MS4 Compliance & Enforcement Certified Inspector.

The City of Gainesville is an equal opportunity employer. The City of Gainesville prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. The City of Gainesville conforms to the spirit as well as to the letter of all applicable laws and regulations.
Overview
Part of the City of Gainesville's success is due to the efforts and loyalty of City employees. Gainesville offers a comprehensive benefits package to its employees and retirees. In assessing our comprehensive programs, the City has taken great care to seek a fair balance between business needs and employment security. There are many options available which afford City staff with coverage to best suit individual and family needs. In many cases, deductions are available on a pre-tax basis.
City Benefits Paid at 100%

• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee Clinic & Wellness Center
• GMEBS Retirement Plan (select positions)
• Life Insurance (up to $75,000)
• Paid Holidays (10)
• Paid Jury Duty Leave
• Paid Military Leave
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Protective Safety Equipment
• Short-Term Disability Insurance (After 12 months of employment)
• Tuition Reimbursement (After one year of employment)
• Uniforms (select positions)
• Workers' Compensation

Supplemental Benefits

• Accident
• Critical Illness
• Death and Dismemberment
• Deferred Compensation
• Dental
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Long-Term Disability
• Medical
• Plan A Retirement (50% City paid - select positions)
• Vision
• Voluntary Life Insurance

Other Benefits

• Biweekly Paycheck
• Credit Union
• Direct Deposit
• Discount PC Purchase Plan
• Employee Recognition Events
• Employee Wellness Opportunities
• Free Flu Shot
• Free Parking
• Health and Benefits Fair