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Water Lab Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Sampling and Lab Technician

Memphis, TN

$18.50 - $24.50/hr

At Envirogen Technologies , we deliver advanced water solutions as a premier Lifecycle Performance Company. We are seeking a high-calibre Sampling and Lab Technician to join our team in at our ...

Sampling and Lab Technician

Memphis, TN · On-site

$18.50 - $24.50/hr

At Envirogen Technologies , we deliver advanced water solutions as a premier Lifecycle Performance Company. We are seeking a high-calibre Sampling and Lab Technician to join our team in at our ...

Sampling and Lab Technician

Memphis, TN · On-site

$18.50 - $24.50/hr

At Envirogen Technologies , we deliver advanced water solutions as a premier Lifecycle Performance Company. We are seeking a high-calibre Sampling and Lab Technician to join our team in at our ...

Lab Technician Compensation: $17.00 per hour Hours: Monday through Friday, 3:00 PM - 11:30 PM The ... Support our Scientists by preparing water and soil samples prior to analysis * Follow a variety of ...

Lab Technician Compensation: $17.00 per hour Hours: Monday through Friday, 3:00 PM - 11:30 PM The ... Support our Scientists by preparing water and soil samples prior to analysis * Follow a variety of ...

QC Lab Technicians

Clarksville, TN · On-site

$17.25 - $21.75/hr

Perform routine lab maintenance for e.g., replace and monitor lab filters (air, water, gas) as required Inspect packaging materials (bags, ton-bags) for compliance with quality standards. Receive ...

QC Lab Technicians

Clarksville, TN · On-site

$17.25 - $21.75/hr

Perform routine lab maintenance for e.g., replace and monitor lab filters (air, water, gas) as required. * Inspect packaging materials (bags, ton-bags) for compliance with quality standards.

QC Lab Technicians

Clarksville, TN · On-site

$17.25 - $21.75/hr

Perform routine lab maintenance for e.g., replace and monitor lab filters (air, water, gas) as required. * Inspect packaging materials (bags, ton-bags) for compliance with quality standards.

QC Lab Technicians

Nashville, TN · On-site

$19 - $24.25/hr

Perform routine lab maintenance for e.g., replace and monitor lab filters (air, water, gas) as required Inspect packaging materials (bags, ton-bags) for compliance with quality standards. Receive ...

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Showing results 1-20

Water Lab information

See Tennessee salary details

$8

$22

$41

How much do water lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for water lab in Tennessee is $22.92, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.45 and $25.29 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a water lab technician?

Water lab technicians are professionals who perform tests and analyses on water samples to ensure that water quality meets safety and regulatory standards. They use specialized equipment to detect contaminants, measure chemical and biological properties, and report their findings to ensure public health and environmental safety. These technicians often work for government agencies, water treatment facilities, or environmental organizations, and play a critical role in monitoring and maintaining water quality.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a water lab technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Water Lab Technician, you need a background in chemistry, biology, or environmental science, often supported by a relevant degree or certification. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, analytical instruments (like spectrophotometers), and data management software is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and strong organizational skills help ensure accurate testing and reporting. These skills are vital for maintaining water quality standards, ensuring regulatory compliance, and protecting public health.

What are some common challenges encountered in a water lab position, and how can they be managed effectively?

In a Water Lab role, professionals often face challenges such as maintaining strict sample integrity, adhering to rigorous testing protocols, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Managing high sample volumes under tight deadlines can also be demanding. Effective time management, attention to detail, and regular training on updated procedures help address these challenges. Collaboration with team members and clear communication with field staff are also essential for troubleshooting and maintaining quality control.

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

AspectWater LabWater Quality Technician
CertificationsLaboratory certifications, e.g., CLIA, ISOWater testing certifications, e.g., EPA, state-specific
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, controlled environmentsField sites, treatment plants, outdoor locations
Job FocusAnalyzing samples, lab testing, data reportingCollecting samples, on-site testing, monitoring water quality
Industry UsageUsed in water testing labs, research facilitiesUsed in water treatment plants, environmental agencies

Water Lab professionals primarily work in laboratories analyzing water samples, while Water Quality Technicians often perform field sampling and on-site testing. Both roles require knowledge of water testing procedures, but their work environments and daily tasks differ significantly.

Infographic showing various Water Lab job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 12% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,665 per year, or $22.9 per hour.

Water/Wastewater Plant Operator I (Plant Operations)

City of Kingsport

Kingsport, TN • On-site

$44K - $51K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago


City Of Kingsport rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

454th of 854 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Purpose Skilled work involved in the operation of a water or wastewater treatment plant to produce quality potable water or wastewater effluent in compliance with federal and state environmental regulations. Essential Functions Operate and adjust treatment plant pumps, motors, feeders and other equipment to maintain appropriate plant operations to ensure treated water quality meets state/federal standards; Performs routine treatment plant rounds; inspect, monitor, troubleshoot, performance test and document plant processes by reading plant equipment gauges, graphs, online analyzers, meters, SCADA systems and other instrumentation; Keeps daily log of shift operations and relays pertinent information on to incoming shift; reads logs of previous shifts and records operational data required by state and federal regulations; Keeps plant superintendent and maintenance aware of operational and maintenance issues; Handles bulk chemicals including ton cylinders of chlorine, coagulant fluoride, polymer, zinc orthophosphate, and sulfur dioxide; Makes certain that backup equipment is in working order to prevent/minimize mechanical breakdown from interrupting the treatment process; Perform general plant facility maintenance such as cleaning, painting and repairing plant facilities; Perform semi-skilled maintenance such as replacing chemical feed tubing, installing/adjusting basin flight chain, and UV disinfection maintenance Perform various grounds maintenance duties as required; Collect and analyze process control samples and make proper plant adjustments; Runs lab tests on weekends and when lab technician is not available; Attend training as needed to ensure compliance with safety and regulatory requirements, as well as obtain required certifications; Assist in emergency operations as needed; and Performs additional duties as assigned. Qualifications Ability to make most operational decisions independently under normal operations, but will likely require direction from senior operator or W/WW Plant Manager during abnormal operating conditions; Ability to recognize alarm conditions and take appropriate corrective action Knowledge of state standards for water and wastewater treatment; Ability to establish and maintain effective work relationships with plant personnel, other City staff, and the public; Ability to read and interpret standard operating procedures, rules/regulations and carry out operational directives; Knowledge of principles, practices, and methods of the safe operation of water and/or wastewater plant; Knowledge of the occupational hazards and application of appropriate safety precautions; Knowledge of the safe and proper use of all equipment, tools and machinery; Skill in reading meters and charts accurately and to maintain required records; Skill in performing basic standardized lab tests under direction involving chemical analysis and following appropriate laboratory procedures; Skill in performing mathematic and algebraic calculations accurately; Skill in communicating effectively orally and in writing; Education and Experience High school graduate or high school equivalent; Class B CDL with tanker endorsement preferred.

Must have valid driver's license. The City of Kingsport does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, ethnicity, national origin, sex, disability, age, status as a protected veteran, or any other class protected by Federal or State laws and regulations.


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