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Water Biologist Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

City of Saginaw, MI

Biologist

Saginaw, MI · On-site

$56K - $61K/yr

Water Treatment Opening Date: 08/14/2026 Closing Date: 9/12/2026 11:59 PM Eastern Description *Open to SEIU Salaried Members and the Public* SEIU Salaried Members must apply within the first 14 days ...

The City of Saginaw

Biologist

Saginaw, MI · On-site

$56K - $61K/yr

Investigates water quality concerns at residences, businesses, and other locations throughout the ... Associate degree in Biology or a related science required. Bachelors degree preferred. Experience:

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How much do water biologist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for water biologist in Michigan is $24.77, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.47 and $29.55 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a water biologist do?

A water biologist studies aquatic ecosystems, including plants, animals, and microorganisms, to understand their interactions and health. They often conduct fieldwork, collect samples, and analyze data using laboratory tools to assess water quality and support conservation efforts.

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Water Biologist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Water Biologist job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 3% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,524 per year, or $24.8 per hour.

Biologist

City of Saginaw, MI

Saginaw, MI • On-site

$56K - $61K/yr

Full-time

Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Salary : $56,784.00 - $61,942.40 Annually
Location : City of Saginaw Water Treatment Plant, MI
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 2026-0056
Department: Department of Water and Wastewater Treatment
Division: Water Treatment
Opening Date: 08/14/2026
Closing Date: 9/12/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Description
*Open to SEIU Salaried Members and the Public*
SEIU Salaried Members must apply within the first 14 days of this posting to be considered as an in-house candidate. Any applications received after the first 14 days will be considered with applications from the public.
Applications will be screened. Those qualified will be invited to participate in performance testing and an oral interview. Applicants must successfully pass each of the selection processes by a score of 70% or better to proceed in the process.
This posting is subject to close after 14 days
Under general supervision, this position conducts biological and chemical standardized lab tests, water analysis and field tests to ensure water quality meets state and federal regulations.
Major Duties
  1. Performs routine microbial sampling, testing, and reporting for bacteriological, protozoan, and chemical analysis.
  2. Adheres to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) mandated programs for drinking water.
  3. Prepares, standardizes, verifies, and maintains laboratory reagents, media, and chemical solutions used by the Water Treatment Plant and Whitestone Raw Water Pumping station laboratories. Analyzes treatment chemicals and bacterial media to verify content and purity.
  4. Effectuate the Quality Assurance Plan for biological and chemical analyses. Reviews testing procedures and results; investigates questionable results or procedural discrepancies.
  5. Performs bacteriological sampling, testing, and disinfectant residual testing and throughout the treatment plant and water distribution system. Investigates water quality concerns at residences, businesses, and other locations throughout the water system.
  6. Performs microscopic examination of raw and treated water to detect, identify, and enumerate algae and other biological organisms affecting source-water or finished-water quality.
  7. Maintains complete and accurate laboratory records, reports, and analytical documentation in accordance with regulatory and departmental requirements, including analyses associated with water-main construction and regulatory compliance.
  8. Operates, calibrates, verifies, troubleshoots, and maintains laboratory and online analytical instrumentation to ensure accurate and reliable water-quality measurements.
  9. Provides laboratory and operational water-quality support to Water Plant personnel as needed. Trains and instructs new employees, temporary employees, and other assigned personnel in laboratory procedures, sampling techniques, equipment operation, and quality control practices.
  10. Conducts research and investigative testing to improve routine plant operation and potable water quality. Maintains and evaluates Saginaw River, raw water, and reservoir testing programs.
  11. Maintains laboratory facilities, equipment, glassware, and work areas in clean, sanitary, organized, and safe condition and follows established laboratory safety and contamination-control procedures.
  12. Conduct Water Treatment plant tours and provides educational presentations to students, community organizations, civic groups, and members of the public regarding water treatment processes, water quality, and related topics.
  13. Adhere to all utility security policies and procedures, including those outlined in the Emergency Response Plan (ERP) and Risk and Resilience Assessment (RRA) documentation, to ensure the ongoing security and resilience of the water system's infrastructure, operations, and water quality.
  14. Immediately report any actual or potential physical or cybersecurity threats, vulnerabilities, or incidents to the designated utility security point of contact or supervisor.
  15. Performs other duties as assigned.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by personnel so classified.
Job Requirements
Minimum Qualifications
Education: Associate degree in Biology or a related science required. Bachelors degree preferred.
Experience: Two (2) years of hands-on work experience in a laboratory.
Licenses and Certifications
  • Possession and maintenance of Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) Drinking Water Certification F-3 required.
    • If not in possession at time of hire, once eligible, must obtain F-4 certification within four (4) test cycles of hire and an F-3 certification within four (4) test cycles after obtaining F-4 certification.
  • Valid State of Michigan Driver License.
Knowledge of
  • Standard laboratory techniques and practices.
  • Use and care of laboratory equipment.
Skill in
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.) as well as the ability to become proficient in various departmental related software.
  • Attention to detail to ensure accurate review and recording of test results.
Ability to
  • Work independently and multi-task.
  • Analyze, interpret, and report the results of laboratory findings.
  • Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.

Working Conditions
Working Conditions
Work is primarily performed in a municipal treatment laboratory and plant environment with exposure to toxic or caustic chemicals, fumes or airborne particles, strong acids/bases, volatile substances, ultraviolent radiation, and toxic chemical fumes. Some work performed in varying field conditions with exposure to variable weather conditions, work near moving mechanical parts, risk of electrical shock, and loud noises.
Physical Demands
  • Frequent exertion of up to 10 pounds of force, occasionally exerts up to 25 pounds of force.
  • Frequent standing, walking, sitting, and climbing stairs within the treatment facility.
  • Occasional balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, pushing, pulling, reaching with hands and arms, gross manipulation using hands and fingers to type and operate a computer mouse.
  • Standard vision and hearing. Employees must be able to see, hear, and communicate clearly, with the ability to identify and distinguish colors clearly to read laboratory instruments and interpret test results.
  • Personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, lab coats, face shield, goggles and safety glasses is required during certain tasks.
  • May be required to wear a respirator during non-strenuous activities and during emergency.

The City of Saginaw is committed to hiring individuals who are authorized to work in the United States. All applicants must provide proof of their eligibility to work in the U.S. as required by federal law. The City of Saginaw will not sponsor visas for employment.
The City of Saginaw is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
The City of Saginaw offers a competitive benefits package to full time employees.
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield Health Care with low bi-weekly employee premium contributions (low deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums).
  • Dental Insurance and Vision Plan; 100% employer-paid premium
  • MERS Hybrid Retirement Plan: 2 plans in one - Defined benefit plan with the investment choice of a defined contribution plan.
  • Healthcare Savings Plan: Savings Plan to help you prepare for the costs of health care after you leave employment.
  • City-paid life and accidental death & dismemberment.
  • 13 Paid Holidays
  • PTO (Paid Time Off) days based on length of service; accrual can be up to 22 days during the first year of employment.
  • City-paid short and Long-Term Disability Benefits
  • Deferred Compensation Program: Voluntary 457 and Roth IRA
  • Tuition Reimbursement Program
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
(Benefits are subject to change in accordance with collective bargaining agreements.)
01
Do you have an associate's degree in biology or a related science field?
  • Yes
  • No

02
Do you have (2) Two years of experience in a laboratory?
  • Yes
  • No

03
The information provide in your application must support your selected answers in the supplemental questions. The information you provide will be verified and documentation may be required. Please be as honest and accurate as possible. You may be asked to demonstrate your knowledge and skills in a performance test or during an interview. By completing this supplemental questionnaire, you attesting that the information you have provided is accurate. Any mis-statement, omissions, or falsification of information may eliminate you from consideration or result in dismissal.
  • Yes, I understand and agree
  • No, I do not agree

Required Question

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