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Water Quality Analyst Jobs in Reno, NV (NOW HIRING)

Conduct accurate microbiological analysis of raw materials, in-process products, and finished goods ... water quality testing, pathogen swabbing, and allergen swabbing. * Perform routine laboratory and ...

Conduct accurate microbiological analysis of raw materials, in-process products, and finished goods ... water quality testing, pathogen swabbing, and allergen swabbing. * Perform routine laboratory and ...

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Water Quality Analyst information

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$17

$32

$50

How much do water quality analyst jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for water quality analyst in Reno, NV is $32.32, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.23 and $36.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a water quality analyst?

A Water Quality Analyst is responsible for monitoring, testing, and assessing water quality to ensure it meets environmental and safety regulations. They collect water samples from various sources, conduct laboratory tests, and analyze data to detect pollutants, contaminants, or other irregularities. Their work helps maintain public health, support environmental conservation, and ensure compliance with local, state, and federal water quality standards. Water Quality Analysts often collaborate with government agencies, environmental organizations, and utility companies to implement solutions for improving water safety and sustainability.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a water quality analyst?

To thrive as a Water Quality Analyst, you need a strong background in environmental science, chemistry, or biology, with hands-on experience in sampling and laboratory analysis. Familiarity with analytical instruments (like spectrophotometers and chromatographs), water sampling equipment, and knowledge of regulatory standards such as EPA guidelines are commonly required, along with certifications like Water Quality Analyst or relevant state licenses. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and strong written and verbal communication skills help distinguish successful analysts. These competencies are vital for ensuring accurate data collection, regulatory compliance, and effective communication of findings to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

What are the typical work environments and team structures for water quality analysts?

Water Quality Analysts often split their time between laboratory settings, field sampling locations such as rivers or treatment plants, and office environments for data analysis and reporting. They usually work as part of multidisciplinary teams that may include environmental engineers, laboratory technicians, and regulatory specialists. Collaboration is essential, especially when interpreting results or designing water monitoring programs. Being adaptable to both independent and collaborative tasks, as well as varying work environments, is key to success in this role.

How do you become a water quality analyst?

To become a water quality analyst, individuals typically need a bachelor's degree in environmental science, chemistry, biology, or a related field. Relevant skills include laboratory techniques, data analysis, and knowledge of water testing methods; certifications such as the Certified Water Professional can enhance job prospects.

What job categories do people searching Water Quality Analyst jobs in Reno, NV look for?

The top searched job categories for Water Quality Analyst jobs in Reno, NV are:

What cities near Reno, NV are hiring for Water Quality Analyst jobs?

Cities near Reno, NV with the most Water Quality Analyst job openings:

Infographic showing various Water Quality Analyst job openings in Reno, NV as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Part Time. Highlights an 88% In-person, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,225 per year, or $32.3 per hour.

Water Resources Engineer - Practice Lead

NICHOLS CONSULTING ENGINEERS CHTD

Reno, NV โ€ข On-site

$140K - $180K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago


Job description

Water Resources Engineer – PRACTICE Lead

Are you drawn to water and desire to make positive impacts in your local community? NCE has an exciting opportunity to lead our Nevada Water Resource Practice. We are seeking a dynamic Senior Water Resource Engineer, Hydrologist, Hydrogeologist, or Watershed Scientist to lead and grow NCE’s Nevada Water Resources Practice. You will join a talented and diverse interdisciplinary group that supports projects in Nevada and the Sierra Nevada region.

You will be a “leader/seller/doer” who can inspire, manage and guide all aspects of our Water Resource Practice, are innately strategic in your approach, an analytical problem solver, and inherently love the dynamic nature of water resources. You will also be naturally goal oriented, driven to succeed, love to inspire those around you, and thrive in problem solving.

As the lead for Water Resources in Nevada, you will be expected to guide strategic thinking and implementation within the marketplace, guide and mentor staff, recognize and resolve issues, and work closely with the Regional Manager and Firmwide Water Resource Practice Lead to provide a vision for the service.

Responsibilities:

  • Provide leadership for NCE’s Water Resources Practice in Nevada and the Sierra Nevada Region
  • Establish NCE as a go to firm for Water Resources in the region and grow the Practice
  • Drive business development and marketing, project management, staff mentoring and supervision, recruitment, and leadership
  • Develop and nurture a robust client list within Nevada and the Sierra Nevada Region
  • Support integrated project pursuits and delivery by delivering outstanding water resource team technical expertise
  • Identify and pursue new project opportunities through the development of proposals, scopes of work, fee estimates and interviews
  • Develop, manage, and successfully deliver project scopes of work, budgets, and schedules
  • Work closely with colleagues across NCE from other Practice Areas including Environmental and Civil Engineering
  • Provide technical mentorship and guidance to water resources team members
  • Organize and manage water resources team workloads by distributing and assigning projects and tasks
  • Assemble, review, and evaluate complex data and integrate technical information into project deliverables
  • Develop, lead, and manage water resource assessment, engineering, and management studies
  • Oversee and deliver drainage analysis and hydraulic reports
  • Evaluate surface water hydrology, groundwater, water quality, and water demand data
  • Conducting field investigations and mapping of watersheds, drainage systems, and flood control facilities

Qualifications (Must Have):

  • B.S. in Hydrology, Hydrogeology, or Water Resource Engineering or related discipline with 15+ years of experience
  • Strong academic background in water resources, watershed management, hydrology, and/or related coursework
  • Demonstrated ability to drive water resource related business development
  • Experience managing water resource related projects and clients
  • Desire and ability to manage and inspire NCE’s water resource professionals
  • Experience modeling and analyzing watersheds, storm drain systems, or flood control facilities
  • Demonstrated ability to prepare water resources technical studies and reports
  • Working knowledge of California and Nevada drainage and flood control requirements

Qualifications (Nice to Have):

  • Professional registration (P.E., P.G., CPSWQ)
  • Master’s degree in relevant field
  • California and/or Nevada Professional Engineer (P.E.) license or ability to obtain license within 6 months
  • Working knowledge of HEC-RAS (1-D and 2-D) and XP Storm and other common industry software packages
  • Understanding of river mechanics and geomorphic principles
  • Experience applying hydrologic and hydraulic engineering to surface water restoration projects (channels, creeks, rivers)
  • Experience leading LOMR/CLOMR studies, and coordination with FEMA, local agencies, and clients
  • Twenty (20+) years professional consulting experience
  • Experience developing PS&E packages for drainage improvements, including storm drains, detention basins, and creek restoration projects
  • Experience with sediment transport calculations and modeling

Working Conditions: Generally, it requires normal office working conditions. May require field work (e.g., construction equipment and sites, roadway, uneven ground, river/stream banks, crossing drainages, and/or remote locations)

Salary range: $ $140,000 to $180,000 annually, DOE