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Full Time Water Sampling Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Water Plant Operator

North Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$59K - $76K/yr

Public Works Distribution Center (Utilities), North Chicago, IL Job Type: Full Time Job Number: 103 ... The incumbent may have to collect water samples, and will be required to make scheduled inspection ...

... taking samples and monitor treatment to ensure treated water is safe for its intended use ... Our full-time employees enjoy: 401K Plan with Company Match Medical, Dental, Vision, FSA/HSA Life ...

... taking samples and monitor treatment to ensure treated water is safe for its intended use ... Our full-time employees enjoy: 401K Plan with Company Match Medical, Dental, Vision, FSA/HSA Life ...

... taking samples and monitor treatment to ensure treated water is safe for its intended use ... Our full-time employees enjoy: 401K Plan with Company Match Medical, Dental, Vision, FSA/HSA Life ...

Environmental Scientist

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$51K - $75K/yr

Support general water (NPDES) compliance project work including stormwater inspection/sample ... All full-time employees enjoy a minimum of 8 Paid Holidays per year. * TRC ensures that all ...

Stationary Engineer

Wheaton, IL ยท On-site

$86K/yr

County Farm Road, Wheaton, IL Job Type: Full-time Job Number: 25-00074 Department: Facilities ... Draws water samples from various systems. * Tests samples by established procedures and adjusts ...

Stationary Engineer

Wheaton, IL ยท On-site

$86K/yr

County Farm Road, Wheaton, IL Job Type: Full-time Job Number: 26-00105 Department: Facilities ... Draws water samples from various systems. * Tests samples by established procedures and adjusts ...

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Showing results 1-20

Full Time Water Sampling information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$15

$25

$38

How much do full time water sampling jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for full time water sampling in Chicago, IL is $25.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.29 and $32.69 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a full time water sampling job?

Full time water sampling jobs involve collecting water samples from various sources such as rivers, lakes, reservoirs, or treatment plants to test for contaminants, chemical balances, and other quality indicators. Professionals in this role follow strict protocols to ensure accurate and uncontaminated samples and may also perform on-site measurements like pH, temperature, or turbidity. The data gathered helps inform water quality management, regulatory compliance, and environmental protection efforts. These positions often require travel to different field locations and a strong understanding of scientific sampling methods.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a full time water sampling technician?

To thrive as a Full Time Water Sampling Technician, you need knowledge of environmental science, sampling protocols, and a high school diploma or relevant technical certification. Familiarity with field testing equipment, GPS devices, and data entry software is typically required. Attention to detail, time management, and effective communication help ensure accurate data collection and reporting. These skills are crucial for maintaining regulatory compliance and ensuring the safety and quality of water sources.

What are some common challenges faced in a full time water sampling role, and how can they be managed?

Full-time water sampling professionals often work outdoors and may encounter challenging weather conditions, difficult terrain, or remote locations. Managing these challenges requires proper safety training, the use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), and careful planning to ensure all necessary sampling tools and documentation are on hand. Additionally, maintaining strict adherence to sampling protocols is crucial to ensure data accuracy and regulatory compliance. Team collaboration is important, as samplers often coordinate with lab technicians and environmental scientists to transport and analyze samples efficiently.

What is the difference between Full Time Water Sampling vs Part Time Water Sampling?

AspectFull Time Water SamplingPart Time Water Sampling
Work HoursTypically 40 hours/week, full scheduleFewer hours, flexible schedule
CertificationsOften requires certifications like EPA or state-specific water sampling licensesMay require similar certifications but less frequently
Work EnvironmentFieldwork at water sites, laboratories, or officesSimilar environments but with less time commitment
Job ResponsibilitiesRegular sampling, data collection, reportingSampling and data collection on a part-time basis

Full Time Water Sampling involves a standard 40-hour workweek with consistent responsibilities, certifications, and work environments. Part Time Water Sampling offers more flexible hours with similar duties but fewer hours per week, making it suitable for those seeking part-time engagement in water quality testing and monitoring.

What are the most commonly searched types of Water Sampling jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Water Sampling jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Public Water Supply Operator

Crystal Lake, IL โ€ข On-site

$78K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Salary : $78,499.20 - $100,464.00 Annually
Location : 100 W. Woodstock Street, Crystal Lake, IL
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 2026-27
Department: Public Works
Opening Date: 08/25/2026
The City of Crystal Lake is seeking a knowledgeable, motivated, and safety-conscious Public Works Public Water Supply Operator to join our Public Works Department. This position focuses primarily on the City's drinking water treatment, storage, and distribution operations, helping to oversee and maintain a system that includes:
  • Production & treatment of หœ3.9 million gallons per day on average
  • 6 active shallow aquifer wells
  • 5 active deep aquifer wells
  • 5 drinking water treatment plants
  • 4 elevated storage tanks
  • 4 ground storage tanks
  • 4 pressure reducing valves
  • Over 250 miles of water main
  • 3,200 hydrants
  • 14,000 services

If you enjoy hands-on technical work, problem-solving, and working both independently and as part of a team, we encourage you to apply.
Position Summary
This is technical work involving the operation, maintenance, monitoring, and repair of the City's water treatment plants, deep and shallow wells, and related infrastructure. Responsibilities include plant operations, equipment troubleshooting and repair, water sampling and analysis, regulatory compliance, preventive maintenance, recordkeeping, and responding to emergency situations.
Work is performed under the general supervision of the Water & Sewer Supervisor or Superintendent, who reviews work through observation, reports, and operational results.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
  • Operate, monitor, inspect, and maintain water treatment plants and related facilities to ensure efficient and compliant operations.
  • Perform routine facility inspections and process control testing, including laboratory analysis of water samples for operational control and regulatory reporting.
  • Monitor and adjust treatment processes, chemical feed systems, pumping levels of wells, storage reservoirs, water towers, tanks; operates and maintains all brine pits, pumps, iron removal and softening and other equipment; operates and maintains all altitude valves; and plant operations to maintain compliance with state and federal water quality standards.
  • Operate and monitor SCADA systems and enter operational data into computer applications for analysis, reporting, and recordkeeping.
  • Troubleshoot, inspect, repair, and perform preventive maintenance on pumps, motors, valves, blowers, electrical, mechanical, and treatment equipment.
  • Safely handle and change treatment chemicals while following all applicable safety procedures.
  • Maintain inventory of treatment chemicals, equipment, and repair parts; order supplies and assist with budget recommendations.
  • Performs chemical changes including routine chlorine gas cylinder changes and safely handles dangerous chemicals.
  • Plan and coordinate assigned maintenance, operational, capital improvement, and capital maintenance projects under the direction of the Supervisor or Superintendent.
  • Maintain accurate operational records, work orders, project documentation, and prepare required daily, weekly, monthly, and regulatory reports.
  • Assist in preparing work assignments and coordinating daily activities for division personnel.
  • Operate a variety of equipment used in water system maintenance, repair, and construction.
  • Perform semi-skilled building maintenance including painting, plumbing, masonry, and minor electrical work.
  • Clean, maintain, and perform preventive maintenance on buildings, facilities, vehicles, tools, and equipment.
  • Ensure that equipment is operated safely and in accordance with established procedures.
  • Perform heavy physical work, including loading and unloading materials and attaching equipment accessories.
  • Respond to customer concerns, investigate operational issues, communicate findings, and assist with public education, facility tours, and community outreach.
  • Respond to emergencies caused by severe weather, power outages, equipment failures, or other system disruptions.
  • Assist other Public Works divisions as needed.
  • Participate in snow and ice removal operations during the winter season.
  • Maintains availability for emergency call back status.
  • Perform other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications
  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Coursework in water treatment, environmental sciences, or a related field is preferred.
  • Experience in water treatment plant operations, maintenance, or related mechanical trades; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
  • Familiarity with personal computers, Microsoft Office applications, spreadsheets, email, GIS mapping, and SCADA systems is highly desirable.
  • Ability to work independently, prioritize multiple tasks, solve problems effectively, and maintain accurate records.
  • Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and excellent communication skills.

Required Certifications and Licenses
Candidates must possess:
  • Illinois EPA Class B Public Water Supply Operator Certification or Class B Operator-in-Training Certification.
  • Ability to wear a respirator.

Candidates must also possess, or obtain within six (6) months of hire:
  • Illinois Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Class A or B with Air Brake Endorsement and Tanker Endorsement. The City will provide training as needed.

Work Schedule
  • Monday through Friday
  • 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

This position requires:
  • Participation in an on-call rotation for after-hours emergencies.
  • Weekend, evening, and holiday work as needed.
  • Emergency response during severe weather, utility outages, and other Public Works emergencies.
  • Participation in snow and ice control operations.

Compensation and Benefits
Starting Hourly Rate: $37.74 to $48.30 per hour, depending on qualifications (currently subject to negotiations for a successor Collective Bargaining Agreement).
The City of Crystal Lake offers a comprehensive benefits package including:
  • Health, dental, and life insurance effective on the first day of employment
  • Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) pension participation
  • Ten (10) paid holidays
  • Monthly accrued vacation and sick leave
  • Employer-provided CDL training, if needed

Employment Requirements
Offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of:
  • Background investigation
  • Pre-employment physical examination
  • Drug screening

This position is covered by the collective bargaining agreement between the City of Crystal Lake and Local 150 of the International Union of Operating Engineers.
How to Apply
Qualified candidates should complete a City employment application at www.crystallake.org.
The City of Crystal Lake is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.
The City of Crystal Lake provides an excellent benefit package to its full-time employees that includes medical, dental, vision, and life insurance as well as medical and dependent care flexible spending accounts, a retirement plan through Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund, paid holidays, paid vacation, and sick leave.
01
Do you currently have a valid Illinois CDL Class A or B Driver's License?
  • Yes
  • No

02
Do you have a tanker endorsement on your driver's license?
  • Yes
  • No

03
Do you have an air brake endorsement on your driver's license?
  • Yes
  • No

04
Do you hold an IEPA Class B Public Water Supply Operator Certificate or Class B Operator-in-Training Certificate?
  • Yes
  • No

05
Do you have Water Treatment Plant operations experience or experience in the mechanical trades? If yes, please describe.
06
Do you have snow plowing experience? If yes, please describe, including the equipment and truck size utilized.
Required Question