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Water Analyst information

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$25K

$77.2K

$140.5K

How much do water analyst jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for water analyst in the United States is $77,156.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,000.00 and $104,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do water analysts make in the US?

Water analysts in the US typically earn a median annual salary of around $60,000 to $70,000, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced analysts with specialized skills can earn over $80,000 annually.

What are some common challenges Water Analysts face when interpreting water quality data?

Water Analysts often encounter challenges such as dealing with incomplete or inconsistent data sets, identifying sources of contamination, and distinguishing between natural fluctuations and pollution events. Additionally, they must stay current with evolving regulatory standards and use specialized software to interpret complex results. Effective communication with field technicians and environmental engineers is also crucial to ensure accurate data collection and reporting.

Which analyst gets paid the most?

Among water analysts, senior or lead positions typically receive the highest salaries due to increased experience and responsibilities. Factors such as industry, location, and certifications can also influence pay levels, with specialized skills in water quality testing and data analysis often commanding higher compensation.

What is the difference between Water Analyst vs Water Quality Technician?

AspectWater AnalystWater Quality Technician
CertificationsOften requires certifications like CWEA or state-specific licensesTypically requires certifications such as CWEA or EPA certifications
Work EnvironmentPrimarily office-based with lab work and data analysisFieldwork-focused, collecting samples and inspecting water sources
Industry UsageUsed across environmental agencies, consulting firms, and water utilitiesCommonly employed by water treatment plants and municipal agencies

While both roles focus on water quality, Water Analysts mainly analyze data and report findings, often working in labs or offices. Water Quality Technicians perform field sampling and inspections to ensure water safety. Both roles require similar certifications and are vital in maintaining water standards within the industry.

What does a water analyst do?

A water analyst tests and monitors water quality by collecting samples and analyzing them for contaminants, pollutants, and chemical levels. They use laboratory equipment and data analysis tools to ensure water safety and compliance with environmental regulations, often working in laboratories or field environments. Certifications in water quality testing and knowledge of environmental standards are typically required.

How to become a water analyst?

To become a water analyst, typically a bachelor's degree in environmental science, chemistry, or a related field is required. Gaining experience with water testing, data analysis, and familiarity with laboratory equipment or software such as GIS or water quality monitoring tools is also important. Certifications like the Certified Water Professional (CWP) can enhance job prospects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Water Analyst, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Water Analyst, you need a solid background in environmental science, chemistry, or a related field, often supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with laboratory analysis techniques, water quality testing equipment, and data management systems is essential, and certifications like Certified Water Professional (CWP) can be advantageous. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help distinguish top performers in this role. These skills ensure accurate assessment of water quality, regulatory compliance, and clear communication of findings to stakeholders.
More about Water Analyst jobs
What cities are hiring for Water Analyst jobs? Cities with the most Water Analyst job openings:
What states have the most Water Analyst jobs? States with the most job openings for Water Analyst jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Water Analyst jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Water Analyst jobs are:
Water Analyst jobs near you
Infographic showing various Water Analyst job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 7% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $77,156 per year, or $37.1 per hour.

Lead Water Analyst

University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Lincoln, NE • On-site

$70K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Position Information
Position Information
Working Title
Lead Water Analyst
Department
UO Husker Energy & Power-12300
Requisition Number
S_260558
Posting Open Date
07/22/2026
Application Review Date: (To ensure consideration, please submit all application materials before review date)
08/12/2026
Posting Close Date
Open Until Filled
Yes
Description of Work
Ranked as one of the Best Employers in Nebraska and certified as a Lincoln Family-Friendly workplace, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln is committed to providing a work environment and culture that fosters personal and professional success and satisfaction. By joining our team, you will be given opportunities to grow as an individual and contribute to the significant impact that we make within the University of Nebraska community and Nebraska's economy each year.
We invest in our employees:
  • Vacation, sick, and holiday pay.
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
  • No-cost life insurance.
  • Employee Assistance Program.
  • Parental leave
  • Retirement plans.
  • Tuition assistance for employees and dependents.
  • Exclusive employee discounts.
  • Professional development through training and education.
  • And many more!!

As the Lead Water Analyst, you will:
  • Plan, design, maintain, and/or improve campus-wide water chemistry testing and treatment programs to ensure safe, compliant, cost-effective, and high-performing operation of boilers, chillers, cooling towers, and conditioned water systems.
  • Administer and execute water and steam chemistry programs to maintain regulatory compliance, maximize thermodynamic efficiency, support system reliability and capacity, and reduce corrosion, forced outages, and maintenance costs.
  • Develop, implement, maintain, and oversee operational procedures, logs, documentation tools, and daily water chemistry practices to ensure consistent performance, regulatory compliance, and adherence to safety and environmental programs.
  • Oversee daily water chemistry testing and treatment, including collection, analysis, documentation, and interpretation of water samples to verify compliance with established guidelines.
  • Collect, monitor, analyze, and document water chemistry across plant conditioning systems, fuel samples, calculate and adjust chemical treatment requirements, and recommend or make equipment adjustments, including blow downs and chemical feed controls, to maintain proper system performance.
  • Verify compliance with water treatment procedures and notify plant management of deviations from established guidelines.
  • Monitor system performance, troubleshoot equipment issues, and perform preventive maintenance, repairs, outage-related testing, initiate testing to determine root cause analysis, and notify applicable personnel when applicable.
  • Oversee and perform metallurgical testing and intervention activities for boilers and other plant systems and components.
  • Evaluate, recommend, and install chemical treatment equipment and electronic programming for chemical feed control systems.
  • Receive, prioritize, and complete work orders related to water and wastewater systems.
  • Coordinate and manage chemical, water treatment, equipment, and regulatory projects, including cost estimates and ongoing cost control.
  • Participate in planning activities related to treated water and wastewater systems to support future operational needs.
  • Lead compliance activities related to wastewater, stormwater, hazardous waste management, chemical safety documentation (MSDS/Right to Know), spill prevention, and pollution incident prevention requirements.
  • Coordinate with Environmental Health and Safety to support compliance for water chemistry operations and hazardous materials and participate in safety committees to promote adherence to applicable safety standards, regulations, and internal procedures.
  • Maintain, prepare, and submit all necessary water treatment, equipment, and chemical safety documentation, and ensure records are current and accessible.
  • Train and support plant personnel on safe water treatment operations, including systems, equipment, chemical controls, and disinfection products, through ongoing coordination, coaching, and EHS collaboration.
  • Research vendors and coordinate purchasing of specialized supplies, equipment, and contracted services, and manage and evaluate contractor performance by providing feedback to support plant water chemistry and water treatment operations.
  • Monitor and control chemical inventory, track chemical usage and expenditures, and provide budget input for chemistry operations, projects, and regulatory compliance needs.
  • Oversee and perform safe storage, handling, transfer, delivery notification, and disposal of hazardous and corrosive chemicals.
  • Participate in an on-call rotation to respond to and support emergency situations involving water chemistry issues.
  • Provide leadership and oversight of staff performance, including setting goals, communicating expectations, delivering coaching and training, conducting evaluations, documenting performance, and recommending salary adjustments.

Sponsorship will not be offered for this position.
The University of Nebraska does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation in its programs, activities, or employment. See https://equity.unl.edu/notice-nondiscrimination/.
Minimum Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Environmental Science, other related field, or equivalent education/experience.
  • 5+ years of experience in industrial, institutional, utility, power generation, or comparable environments performing water and steam chemistry, water treatment, or plant chemistry functions.
  • 1+ year of experience leading, training, or supervising staff, or providing functional leadership in a technical or operational environment.
  • Knowledge of industrial or utility water treatment and water chemistry principles, including corrosion control, chemical treatment strategies, and system performance optimization.
  • Proficient in the administration and oversight of water and steam chemistry programs, including testing, analysis, diagnostics, and remediation activities.
  • Knowledge of regulatory compliance requirements and safe practices related to water treatment, wastewater, stormwater, hazardous materials, and chemical safety.
  • Skilled in the use of associated mechanical equipment and systems.
  • Skilled in analyzing water chemistry data, identifying trends or deviations, and determining appropriate operational or treatment adjustments.
  • Strong ability to apply theoretical principles of chemistry and water treatment to independent operational decision-making and troubleshooting.
  • Skilled in developing, implementing, and maintaining operational procedures, documentation, logs, and compliance records.
  • Familiarity with budgets, cost tracking, and vendor or service contracts.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to convey technical information to non-technical audiences.
  • Strong organizational and project coordination skills.
  • Available by cell phone to assist with campus emergencies on the weekend and after-hours.
  • Must have a valid driver's license and meet University driver eligibility requirements.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Master's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Environmental Science, other related field of study.
  • Certified Water Technologist (CWT) - Association of Water Technologies (AWT)
  • Valid State of Nebraska Grade 4 or higher Water Operators Certificate.
  • Nebraska Grade III Water Operators License.

Pre-Placement Driving Record Review Required
Yes
Physical Required
Yes
Commercial Driver's License (CDL) required. Subject to DOT approved pre-employment & random testing for alcohol and controlled substances.
No
Criminal History Background Check Required
Yes
Posted Salary
$70,000/yr. minimum
How to Apply
Click on "Apply for this Job". You will then either create an application or edit your current application that is on file. You will be required to attach your resume, cover letter and list of references as three (3) separate documents in MS Word or PDF format
For questions or accommodations related to this position contact
uopeopleops@unl.edu
Job Category (old)
Managerial/Professional
Job Type
Full-Time
Alternate Work Schedule (if other than 8-5)
Work Location (City, State)
Lincoln, NE
Position funded by grant or other form of temporary funding?
No
If Temporary, indicate end date
Planned Hire Date:
Appointment End Date

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