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Water Monitoring Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Water Distribution Operator

Oxnard, CA · On-site

$59K - $83K/yr

Water Service: 251 South Hayes Avenue, Oxnard, CA 93030, CA Job Type: Full Time Job Number: 2100-PW ... Incumbents may serve as lead workers, assigning and monitoring the work of others. WORK SCHEDULE:

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Water Monitoring information

See California salary details

$13

$22

$33

How much do water monitoring jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for water monitoring in California is $22.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.51 and $25.38 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

In water monitoring, high-paying roles such as environmental consultants or specialized technicians can sometimes reach $4,000 weekly, especially with experience and certifications. These jobs often require technical skills, knowledge of water systems, and sometimes licensing, but may not require a traditional college degree.

What jobs will no longer exist in 2030?

In the water monitoring field, roles such as manual data collection and basic field technician jobs are likely to decline due to automation and remote sensing technologies. Advanced skills in data analysis, sensor operation, and environmental modeling will become more essential as automation reduces routine tasks.

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

AspectWater MonitoringWater Quality Technician
CertificationsEnvironmental certifications, such as EPA certificationsSame certifications often required, including EPA and state certifications
Work EnvironmentFieldwork outdoors, sampling water sourcesField and laboratory work, analyzing water samples
Industry UsageUsed across environmental agencies, research, and consultingCommon in water treatment plants, environmental labs, and regulatory agencies

Water Monitoring and Water Quality Technician roles share many certifications and work environments, focusing on water analysis and environmental safety. While Water Monitoring emphasizes collecting data from water sources, Water Quality Technicians often analyze samples in labs. Both roles are vital in maintaining water standards and are frequently searched together by professionals in environmental fields.

What is water monitoring?

Water monitoring is the process of regularly measuring and assessing the quality, quantity, and characteristics of water in various environments such as rivers, lakes, groundwater, and drinking water systems. This is done to ensure that water is safe for human use, supports healthy ecosystems, and complies with environmental regulations. Water monitoring involves collecting samples, analyzing them for pollutants or other parameters, and reporting the results to inform management decisions and protect public health.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Water Monitoring, and why are they important?

To thrive in Water Monitoring, you need a solid understanding of environmental science, water quality standards, and sampling techniques, usually supported by a relevant degree or certification. Familiarity with field sampling equipment, data logging devices, and laboratory analysis software is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for accurate reporting and collaboration. These competencies ensure reliable data collection, regulatory compliance, and effective protection of water resources.

How do I become a water tester?

To become a water tester, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with training in water quality testing methods. Certification in water analysis or environmental testing can improve job prospects, and familiarity with testing tools and laboratory procedures is often required.

What jobs pay 500,000 a year in the US?

In the field of water monitoring, high-paying roles such as senior environmental engineers, water resource managers, or chief sustainability officers can reach or exceed $500,000 annually, especially in large organizations or consulting firms. These positions typically require advanced degrees, extensive experience, and expertise in environmental regulations, data analysis, and specialized monitoring tools.

What are the most common challenges faced by professionals in water monitoring roles and how can they be managed?

Professionals in water monitoring often face challenges such as working in remote or difficult-to-access locations, dealing with rapidly changing weather conditions, and ensuring the accuracy of data collection. Managing these challenges typically involves thorough preparation, adherence to safety protocols, and the use of reliable, well-maintained equipment. Collaboration with team members and ongoing training also play key roles in overcoming obstacles and maintaining high-quality results in the field.
What are popular job titles related to Water Monitoring jobs in California? For Water Monitoring jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Water Monitoring job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,592 per year, or $22.4 per hour.
Superintendent of Water Treatment/Distribution/Systems Water Quality (System Water Quality)

Superintendent of Water Treatment/Distribution/Systems Water Quality (System Water Quality)

East Bay Municipal Utility District

Oakland, CA

$191K - $221K/yr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

The Position Qualified candidates are invited to apply for this Superintendent position in the System Water Quality Section. The Superintendent of System Water Quality plans, schedules, supervises, coordinates and reviews the operation of EBMUD's distribution system including managing technical water quality maintenance programs, water system upgrades, system treatments, system troubleshooting, and consumer complaint resolution plans. Duties include: Analyzes chlorine residuals, bacteriological, quality, and pressure and flow problems in the distribution system; advises on corrective action to be taken and recommends improvements on the effectiveness and economy of water quality maintenance programs to water distribution/treatment staff; conducts source water monitoring programs, investigations, and special studies to maintain water quality and treatment efficiency and effectiveness.

Leads or participates on interdepartmental task forces and working committees to coordinate district-wide approaches to water treatment, distribution, and water quality issues including regulatory compliance; represents EBMUD in meetings with representatives of other agencies, associations, and the public. Directs the preparation and implementation of plans to ensure water quality standards are met in distribution and treatment systems including annual system flushing, hydrant testing, reservoir sampling and treatments, and other disinfectant action plans such as total coliform rule action. Studies current industry developments in the field of water treatment, water distribution, and water quality and serves as primary technical resource to personnel in maintaining operational compliance with water treatment and water quality regulations and industry applicable environmental and health standards; leads or conducts operational studies to identify distribution system or treatment plant problems and to introduce system changes as assigned.

Knowledge of: The principles, practices, and methods involved in the operation and maintenance of large (above 40 MGD) water treatment facilities or distribution facilities with multiple storage reservoirs, pressure zones, pumping plants, and flow requirements; related laws and regulations pertaining to municipal water systems and their water quality; safe working practices; effective supervisory techniques, including scheduling training, counseling, and evaluating subordinates; budget preparation and control; effective utilization of materials, equipment, and personnel required of a large operating unit; the operation of pumps, electric motors, piping, and control systems; standard water quality analysis equipment and procedures; and the elements and application of control and data management systems as they apply to water treatment or distribution operations. Knowledge of the biological, chemical, and physical mechanisms associated with the maintenance of water quality in source water and drinking water reservoirs and distribution systems; and laboratory analytical procedures for applicable drinking water analyses and water quality regulations under the Safe Drinking Water Act and Title 22 Code of Regulations for California. Ability to: Apply a complex energy management system, including time of use pumping and pump efficiency studies, for a distribution system or test equipment and manage treatment process improvement projects; plan, assign, supervise, review, and evaluate the work of an operations or inspection staff; resolve budget, personnel, and other administrative issues; develop and administer training programs; prepare accurate records, clear and comprehensive reports, and correspondence; analyze operational problems and develop and implement effective solutions; exercise sound judgment in emergency situations; interpret engineering drawings including plant, piping, and distribution diagrams; communicate effectively to subordinates, supervisors, regulatory agency representatives, water industry experts, and community groups; plan, organize, and direct the work of subordinates.

Understand and apply contemporary environmental and health issues to technical water quality decisions for a large distribution and treatment system; apply laboratory analytical methods to monitoring the quality of the drinking water system and troubleshooting water quality problems; manage the implementation of distribution system improvements involving coordination between operations staff, other departments, regulatory agencies, water industry experts, customers, and community groups. The salary range is $15,972 per month increasing to $16,771, $17,610 and $18,491 after 6, 18, and 30 months, respectively. EBMUD is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, gender, gender identity (including transgender status), gender expression, marital or registered domestic partnership status, age for individuals age forty or older, national origin, ancestry, disability (mental or physical), medical condition (cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, sexual orientation, military and veterans status, family or medical leave status, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation or related medical condition), pregnancy disability leave status, domestic violence victim status, political affiliation, and other categories protected by federal, state and/or local laws. Requirements Any combination of education and experience that has led to the acquisition of the knowledge and abilities indicated above. Typical means of acquiring these knowledge, skills and abilities are: 1.

A bachelor's degree; AND 2a. Three years of experience supervising the operation of water quality control programs or distribution systems for a domestic water system with facilities of the size, number, and complexity approximating those of EBMUD; or 2b. Three years of experience as an engineer at a level comparable to EBMUD's class of Associate Engineer performing applied operational studies to maintain or improve water quality for a domestic water system with facilities of the size, number, and complexity approximating those of EBMUD.

Such experience must have included significant technical, administrative, and supervisory responsibilities. 3. Possess or obtain a valid State Water Resources Control Board Division of Drinking Water certificate as a D2 operator within 12 months, a D3 operator within 36 months, a D4 operator within 48 months, and a D5 operator within 72 months of appointment to Superintendent.

4. California driver's license with a satisfactory driving record. 5.

Possess the physical characteristics to perform the critical and important duties of the class. Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered. To be considered under the "equivalent combination of education and experience" provision, it is your responsibility to include in your application materials written evidence of employment performed at the level of the typical duties of this position and/or coursework in subject areas directly related to this position.

For more information, see our FAQ page at http://www.ebmud.com/jobs/job-resources/job-faqs-frequently-asked-questions/. The Selection Process 1. Submit a completed EBMUD application and the required supplemental question responses online at www.ebmud.com by 4:30 p.m., Friday, July 10, 2026

Only application materials submitted online during the filing period will be accepted. 2. Candidates must achieve a passing score on each test part in order to advance to the next step in the selection process.

3. All qualified applications and supplemental responses will be competitively evaluated, with those candidates demonstrating the strongest qualifications to be invited to a panel interview tentatively scheduled for August. 4.

Successful candidates will be placed on the hiring list, based on rank, for further consideration to fill the current regular vacancy, as well as others occurring over the next 12 to 24 months. 5. The probation period for this position is 12 months.

For those holding civil service status the probation period is 6 months. 6. All employment offers are conditional, pending the results of a Live Scan background screening.

All selected finalists must participate in the Live Scan background screening process to remain in consideration for EBMUD employment. Supplemental Information As the first step in the selection process, responses to the supplemental questions must be submitted online with the regular EBMUD application. The purpose of this supplement is to obtain sufficient information to determine which candidates possess the best job related qualifications for this classification.

Those candidates will be invited to the next step in the selection process. Due to the competitive nature of the review, it is very important to fill out this supplement completely and accurately. Incomplete applications and/or supplement responses such as "see application" or "see resume" instead of addressing the questions directly, will not be considered.

It is your responsibility to describe your work experience, including specific details which are relevant to the position. Please provide thorough, accurate descriptions of assignments you have personally performed.