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Wastewater Lab Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Environmental Manager

Kingsport, TN

$111K - $115K/yr

Manages all aspects of the on-site Wastewater lab. * Identifies trends in recurring environmental incidents and facilitates teams to address. Leverages best practices set forth across the Domtar mill ...

Environmental Manager

Kingsport, TN · On-site

$111K - $115K/yr

Manages all aspects of the on-site Wastewater lab. * Identifies trends in recurring environmental incidents and facilitates teams to address. Leverages best practices set forth across the Domtar mill ...

Environmental Manager

Kingsport, TN · On-site

$90 - $140/hr

Manages all aspects of the on-site Wastewater lab. * Identifies trends in recurring environmental incidents and facilitates teams to address. Leverages best practices set forth across the Domtar mill ...

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Wastewater Lab information

What is a wastewater lab?

A Wastewater Lab is a specialized laboratory where scientists and technicians analyze water samples from wastewater treatment plants to monitor and ensure water quality and regulatory compliance. The lab performs tests to detect contaminants, bacteria, and chemical levels in wastewater before and after treatment. These analyses help protect public health and the environment by ensuring that treated water meets safety standards before being released or reused.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a wastewater laboratory technician?

To thrive as a Wastewater Laboratory Technician, you need a solid background in chemistry, biology, and environmental science, typically supported by an associate's or bachelor's degree in a related field. Familiarity with laboratory instruments (such as spectrophotometers and pH meters), standard methods for water analysis, and sometimes state certification are essential. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and strong organizational skills distinguish top performers in this role. These skills ensure accurate testing, compliance with environmental regulations, and protection of public health.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in a wastewater laboratory, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in a wastewater lab often face challenges such as handling hazardous samples, maintaining stringent quality control standards, and managing time-sensitive analyses. Ensuring accurate results requires meticulous attention to detail and adherence to safety protocols. Collaboration with plant operators and engineers is crucial for interpreting data and troubleshooting process issues. Regular training on new testing methods and regulatory standards also helps lab staff stay up-to-date and maintain compliance.

What is the difference between Wastewater Lab vs Wastewater Treatment Operator?

AspectWastewater LabWastewater Treatment Operator
CertificationsLab certifications, such as EPA or state-specific lab certificationsOperator licenses or certifications, such as state wastewater operator licenses
Work EnvironmentLaboratory setting, analyzing samples and conducting testsField and plant environment, managing treatment processes
Job FocusTesting water quality, analyzing data, ensuring complianceOperating and maintaining treatment equipment, process control

While both roles are essential in wastewater management, Wastewater Lab specialists focus on analyzing samples and ensuring water quality through testing, whereas Wastewater Treatment Operators manage the treatment processes on-site. Both require relevant certifications and work in related environments, but their daily tasks differ significantly.

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Wastewater Lab jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Wastewater Lab job openings:

Infographic showing various Wastewater Lab job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, and 13% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Plant Operator-- Wastewater

Nashville, TN • On-site


Liquid Environmental Solutions
Environmental Consulting Services • 501 - 1,000 employees

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

16th of 91 rated recycling and waste

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Respectful managers


$24/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago


Job description

Liquid Environmental Solutions is seeking a Plant Operator for our wastewater treatment plant in Nashville
Join our team at Liquid Environmental Solutions as a Plant Operator at our wastewater treatment facility in Nashville where every day presents an opportunity to contribute to environmental sustainability and community impact. In this hands-on role, you'll manage wastewater treatment processes, operate essential equipment, and ensure compliance with safety and environmental standards.
Schedule: Monday through Friday and occasional Saturday's required
Wage: $24/hr with possibility for Overtime
Location: Nashville, TN
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Manages the space for incoming wastewater and treatment of the material.
  • Performs cleanup of the area as required.
  • Checks tank levels for necessary space for material processing.
  • Follows all safety and compliance rules and regulations.
  • Wears and properly uses safety equipment at all times.
  • Always works in a safe and compliant manner.
  • Operates and maintains shop equipment.
  • May perform preventative maintenance on all equipment.
  • Operates heavy equipment including forklift truck and skid steer.
  • May perform minor electrical maintenance functions.
  • Cleans and maintains process equipment.

MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITY REQUIREMENTS:
  • The ability to learn procedures related to the safe handling of materials.
  • Committed to growth in a company.
  • Collaborative with team members.
  • Good eye-hand coordination.
  • Organizational ability.
  • Reliable transportation.
  • The ability to be cross-trained to perform other jobs as needed.
  • Ability to communicate with others for safety and efficiency requirements.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:
  • High school diploma or equivalent (Required).
  • One (1) year of experience as a Plant Operator with the maintenance of water pumps and plant machinery (Preferred).
  • Laboratory experience strongly preferred
  • Must be willing to work in environments with strong odors.
  • Must be willing to work in hot, cold, and wet conditions.

Work Environment:
  • Lifting, climbing, and bending
  • Must be able to work on feet most of the workday
  • Varied weather working in hot, cold, and wet conditions
  • Strong odors and smells

Benefits:
  • Affordable medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Paid holidays, vacation, and personal time off
  • 401k plan with company contribution
  • Growing industry
  • Team environment
  • Hourly pay with overtime
  • Company-paid life insurance
  • Employee referral bonus program

Who We Are:
Liquid Environmental Solutions is the nation's leading provider in the growing industry of liquid, non-hazardous waste solutions. We offer services such as waste collection, transportation, processing, recycling, reclamation, and disposal. For over 20 years, Liquid Environmental Solutions has been the trusted resource for responsibly managing non-hazardous liquid waste.
We have attracted thousands of customers to join us in our responsibility of protecting the environment. Collectively, we reduce greenhouse emissions, increase landfill diversion, and protect the earth's most precious resource - water. At every location, you will find team members committed to customer service, compliance and safety, the environment, and continuous improvement. You will also find that we are committed to our team members. Are you ready to join our team?
Liquid Environmental Solutions is committed to employing a diverse workforce. Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, or disability.
Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/Disability/Veteran
keywords: Wastewater non Hazmat non-hazardous liquid waste water treatment water treatment works waste water non-hazmat non-hazardous plant machine operator chemicals manual labor general labor physical labor mechanically inclined laboratory lab experience in the lab testing sampling samples tests
Fayetteville
  • 10 hour shift
  • 8 hour shift
  • Day shift
  • Monday to Friday
  • Overtime
  • Weekends as needed

Work Location: In person
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.


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