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Water Laboratory Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of Manassas, VA

Laboratory Analyst

Manassas, VA · On-site

$64K - $112K/yr

Water & Sewer Opening Date: 06/12/2026 FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Grade: B13 Position Summary The City of Manassas welcomes applications for our Laboratory Analyst opportunity! For this role, we are ...

City of Manassas

Laboratory Analyst

Manassas, VA

$64K - $112K/yr

The Laboratory Analyst is responsible for collecting water samples, performing microbiological and chemical analyses, coordinating laboratory service needs, monitoring water quality to ensure ...

Middlesex Water Company

Laboratory Technician

Dover, DE

$17.59 - $26.39/hr

Under the supervision of the Manager of Water Quality, the Laboratory Technician independently performs all physical, chemical and bacteriological tests in the area of water quality, water and ...

Middlesex Water Company

Laboratory Technician

Dover, DE · On-site

$17.59 - $26.39/hr

Under the supervision of the Manager of Water Quality, the Laboratory Technician independently performs all physical, chemical and bacteriological tests in the area of water quality, water and ...

Middlesex Water Company

Laboratory Technician

Dover, DE · On-site

$17.59 - $26.39/hr

Under the supervision of the Manager of Water Quality, the Laboratory Technician independently performs all physical, chemical and bacteriological tests in the area of water quality, water and ...

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All JobsWater Laboratory Jobs

Water Laboratory information

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How much do water laboratory jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for water laboratory in the United States is $25.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.23 and $27.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in a water laboratory environment?

One common challenge in a water laboratory is managing tight turnaround times for sample analysis, as water quality results are often urgently needed for public health and regulatory compliance. Professionals must also maintain strict adherence to safety and contamination-prevention protocols, which requires attention to detail and consistent documentation. Additionally, adapting to evolving testing methods and staying updated with new regulations is essential, making ongoing learning a key part of the job. Collaboration with field technicians, regulatory agencies, and other lab staff is frequent, ensuring accurate and reliable data reporting.

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

To thrive as a Water Laboratory Technician, you need a solid background in chemistry, biology, and laboratory techniques, often supported by a degree in environmental science or a related field. Familiarity with analytical instruments like spectrophotometers, chromatographs, and laboratory information management systems (LIMS) is essential, along with relevant safety certifications. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and strong organizational skills distinguish top performers in this role. These competencies are crucial for ensuring accurate water quality testing, regulatory compliance, and protection of public health.

What are water laboratory technicians?

Water laboratory technicians are professionals who analyze water samples to ensure they meet safety and quality standards. They conduct chemical, biological, and physical tests on water from various sources, such as drinking water, wastewater, and environmental bodies. Their work helps to detect contaminants, monitor pollution levels, and support public health initiatives. These technicians often use specialized equipment and follow strict procedures to provide accurate results.

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

AspectWater LaboratoryWater Quality Technician
CertificationsLaboratory certifications, e.g., CLIA, ISOWater testing certifications, e.g., EPA, State certifications
Work EnvironmentLaboratory setting, controlled environmentField and laboratory, often outdoors or at water sites
Job FocusAnalyzing water samples, conducting tests, data reportingCollecting samples, performing on-site tests, ensuring water safety
Employer & IndustryEnvironmental labs, research institutions, government agenciesWater treatment plants, environmental agencies, consulting firms

While both roles involve water testing, Water Laboratory professionals primarily analyze samples within labs, focusing on data accuracy and reporting. Water Quality Technicians often perform field sampling and on-site testing to ensure water safety and compliance. Both roles require related certifications and work in the water industry, but their work environments and daily tasks differ significantly.

More about Water Laboratory jobs
What cities are hiring for Water Laboratory jobs? Cities with the most Water Laboratory job openings:
What states have the most Water Laboratory jobs? States with the most job openings for Water Laboratory jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Water Laboratory jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Water Laboratory jobs are:
Water Laboratory jobs near you
Infographic showing various Water Laboratory job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 2% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,516 per year, or $25.2 per hour.

Chemical Analyst / Subject Matter Expert

Akicita Federal, LLC

Boulder, CO

$120K - $124K/yr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

New

Job description

Location: On-site — Lakewood or Boulder, CO (National Water Quality Laboratory)
About the Role
Join a national water-quality laboratory as a senior Chemical Analyst / Subject Matter Expert supporting trace-level environmental analysis. You will validate and improve analytical methods, safeguard data quality, and mentor laboratory staff — playing a central role in the integrity of environmental data used to inform national water-resource decisions.
Key Responsibilities
•Perform chemical analysis and data analysis of instrumental analytical batches
•Validate new methods, troubleshoot existing methods, and test production methods against data-quality objectives and internal QC limits
•Lead method development, re-validation, and documentation in accordance with ISO/IEC 17025 and NELAC standards, comparable to US EPA and Standard Methods
•Use internal QC studies to calculate accuracy, bias, and variability; produce statistical, graphical, and summary QC/QA reports
•Serve as the point of contact for theoretical and interpretive questions in the organic or inorganic unit
•Train and mentor analytical staff; propose SOP updates as methods and regulations change

Required Qualifications
•B.S. in Chemistry
•Minimum 4 years as a senior scientist and 8+ years as an environmental chemist in a NELAC-, EPA-, or state-certified drinking-water laboratory
•Hands-on organic and/or inorganic method validation and testing, including equipment as complex as triple-quadrupole (QQQ) mass spectrometry
•Working knowledge of Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) and QC/QA statistics
•Ability to obtain and maintain a federal background investigation; U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency

Preferred Qualifications
•Advanced degree in chemistry or related field
•Experience with GC/MS, LC/MS/MS, and ICP-MS/OES
•Proficiency with Python or R for data analysis; experience with analytical/statistical software (e.g., MassHunter, Target)

About Akicita FederalAkicita Federal is a Native American-owned federal contractor delivering healthcare, clinical, IT, and program-support services across the Indian Health Service, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and other federal agencies. We hire the people who do the work — clinicians, analysts, engineers, support staff — and we treat them like the professionals they are.

Equal Opportunity EmployerAkicita Federal is an equal opportunity / affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Akicita Federal complies with the Indian Preference provisions of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (P.L. 93-638) where applicable.