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Water Monitoring Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Water Superintendent

Westminster, CA · On-site

$107K - $137K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Monitors changes in regulations and technology that may affect operations; implements policy and procedural changes after approval. * Receives, investigates, and responds to difficult and sensitive ...

Water System Operator

Newberry Springs, CA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Monitors and sustains pressure zones ensuring customers have satisfactory pressure. Exercises and operates potable groundwater wells to sustain Water Quality (WQ) standards and meet daily system ...

Water Distribution Operator

Oxnard, CA · On-site

$59K - $83K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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:

Water Operator I

Klamath, CA

$23.48 - $35.50/hr

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES 1. Perform the assigned rounds of the water system and treatment plant to inspect, monitor, and document plant operations by visually inspecting, reading, and recording ...

Water Resources Engineer / Scientist

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$90K - $130K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Experience supporting groundwater monitoring programs, water supply evaluations, field investigations, technical reporting, and environmental compliance is highly desirable. This role is a great ...

Water Resources Engineer / Scientist

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$90K - $130K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Experience supporting groundwater monitoring programs, water supply evaluations, field investigations, technical reporting, and environmental compliance is highly desirable. This role is a great ...

Water Operator I

Klamath, CA · On-site

$23.48 - $35.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES 1. Perform the assigned rounds of the water system and treatment plant to inspect, monitor, and document plant operations by visually inspecting, reading, and recording ...

Water Restoration

Riverside, CA · On-site

$18 - $25/hr

  • PTO

Performs daily monitoring and tasks on assigned water jobs Communicates customer issues and daily job activities with supervisor and key company staff Prepares documentation and pictures according to ...

Showing results 21-40

Water Monitoring information

See California salary details

$13

$22

$33

How much do water monitoring jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 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 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?

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.

Is water monitoring a good career?

Water monitoring is a valuable career that involves assessing water quality and environmental conditions, often requiring knowledge of chemistry, biology, and data analysis. It can offer stable employment with opportunities in government agencies, environmental consulting, and research, and may require certifications or training in water testing methods. The job typically involves fieldwork and laboratory analysis, with a focus on environmental protection and public health.

How to become a water monitoring professional?

To become a water monitoring professional, typically a high school diploma or equivalent is required, with many roles preferring or requiring a bachelor's degree in environmental science, biology, or a related field. Skills in data collection, laboratory analysis, and familiarity with water quality testing tools are important, and obtaining certifications such as the Water Quality Analyst certification can enhance job prospects.

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 job categories do people searching Water Monitoring jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Water Monitoring jobs in California are:

Infographic showing various Water Monitoring job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 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.

$107K - $137K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago


City Of Westminster (Colorado) rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

142nd of 846 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Description ***CONTINUOUS RECRUITMENT - OPEN UNTIL FILLED*** 4/10 WORK SCHEDULE DEFINITION Under general direction, plans, organizes, oversees, coordinates, and reviews the work of staff performing difficult and complex professional, technical, and administrative support related to programs and activities of the City's Water Division, including assisting with long- and short-term project planning and overseeing the design, construction, maintenance, and operations of water utility systems, facilities, and related appurtenances; coordinates assigned activities with other City departments and outside agencies; provides complex and responsible support to the Public Works Director; and performs related work as required. SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED Receives general direction from the Public Works Director. Exercises general direction and supervision over supervisory, professional, technical, and administrative support staff through subordinate levels of supervision.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS This is a division manager class over the Water Division in the Public Works Department. The incumbent is responsible for planning, organizing, reviewing, and evaluating the day-to-day activities of the City's water production and distribution systems, facilities, and equipment including short- and long-term capital improvement planning and development and the administration of funds for projects, expansions, and operations. Successful performance of the work requires the use of considerable independence, initiative, and discretion within established guidelines.

This class is distinguished from the Public Works Manager in that the latter has management responsibility for City-wide public works maintenance functions and activities. Examples of Duties EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only) Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job. Plans, manages, and oversees the daily functions, operations, and activities of the Water Division within the Public Works Department, including capital improvement project planning, installation, construction, maintenance, and repair of water utility systems, facilities, and equipment.

Participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for the division; recommends within departmental policy, appropriate service and staffing levels; recommends and administers policies and procedures. Participates in the development and administration of and oversees division budgets. Develops and standardizes procedures and methods to improve and continuously monitors the efficiency and effectiveness of assigned programs, service delivery methods, and procedures; assesses and monitors workload, administrative and support systems, and internal reporting relationships; identifies opportunities for improvement and recommends to the Public Works Manager.

Participates in the selection of, trains, motivates, and evaluates assigned personnel; provides or coordinates staff training; works with employees on performance issues; implements discipline and termination procedures. Recommends and administers policies and procedures such as procedure guidelines, design standards, and standard plans and specifications while ensuring that operation and maintenance, financial, regulatory, and legal requirements are met. Participates in the development of requests for proposal for professional and/or construction services and bid processes; monitors contracts after award.

Meets and confers with contractors, engineers, developers, architects, a variety of outside agencies, and the general public in acquiring information and coordinating water utility maintenance matters; provides information regarding City development requirements. Provides technical information and instruction regarding applicable procedures and methods; interprets and explains rules, regulations, and procedures; answers questions and resolves concerns. Serves as a liaison for the assigned division to other City departments, divisions, and outside agencies; attends meetings, as necessary; provides staff support to commissions, committees, and task forces, as necessary; negotiates and resolves controversial issues.

Provides staff assistance to the Public Works Manager; may present information to various commissions, committees, and boards; performs a variety of public relations and outreach work related to assigned activities. Conducts a variety of organizational studies, investigations, and operational studies; recommends modifications to water utilities maintenance and operations programs, policies, and procedures. Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of water utilities maintenance and operations; researches emerging products and enhancements and their applicability to City needs.

Monitors changes in regulations and technology that may affect operations; implements policy and procedural changes after approval. Receives, investigates, and responds to difficult and sensitive problems and complaints in a professional manner; identifies and reports findings and takes necessary corrective action. Performs other duties as assigned.

Typical Qualifications Knowledge of: Administrative principles and practices, including goal setting, program development, implementation, and evaluation, and project management. Principles and practices of budget development and administration. Principles and practices of employee supervision, either directly or through subordinate levels of supervision, including work planning, assignment, review and evaluation, and the training of staff in work procedures.

Organization and management practices as applied to the development, analysis, and evaluation of programs, policies, and operational needs of the assigned functional area. Methods, materials, and techniques used in the construction of public works projects. Contract management practices in a public agency setting.

Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility. Practices of researching operations and maintenance issues, evaluating alternatives, making sound recommendations, and preparing and presenting effective staff reports. General principles of risk management related to the functions of the assigned area.

Recent and on-going developments, current literature, and sources of information related to water utilities operations and maintenance. Record-keeping principles and procedures. Modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment and applications related to the work.

English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation. Techniques for effectively representing the City in contacts with governmental agencies, community groups, and various business, professional, educational, regulatory, and legislative organizations. Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.

Ability to: Recommend and implement goals, objectives, and practices for providing effective and efficient services. Administer complex and technical operations, maintenance, and related programs in an independent and cooperative manner. Plan, organize, assign, review, and evaluate the work of staff; train staff in work procedures.

Evaluate and develop improvements in operations, procedures, policies, or methods. Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods, procedures, and techniques. Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, and other written materials.

Analyze, interpret, summarize, and present administrative and technical information and data in an effective manner. Interpret, apply, explain, and ensure compliance with Federal, State, and local policies, procedures, laws, and regulations. Conduct complex research projects, evaluate alternatives, make sound recommendations, and prepare effective technical staff reports.

Effectively represent the department and the City in meetings with governmental agencies, community groups, and various businesses, professional, and regulatory organizations and in meetings with individuals. Establish and maintain a variety of filing, record-keeping, and tracking systems. Operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and specialized software applications programs.

Organize and prioritize a variety of projects and multiple tasks in an effective and timely manner; organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines. Make sound, independent decisions within established policy and procedural guidelines. Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing.

Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines. Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work. Education and Experience: Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying.

A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be: Equivalent to completion of the twelfth (12th) grade supplemented by college-level coursework and/or specialized technical training in a related field and five (5) years of increasingly responsible experience in water utility or public works maintenance, including two (2) years of supervisory and/or administrative experience. A four-year college degree is desired. Licenses and Certifications: Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California Driver's License by time of appointment.

Possess and maintain a valid Grade IV Water Distribution Operator Certificate issued by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). Possess and maintain a valid Grade II Water Treatment Operator Certificate issued by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). Supplemental Information Physical Demands Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer, to inspect City development sites, to operate a motor vehicle, and to visit various City and meeting sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone.

This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information.

Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to 25 pounds. ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.


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