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Water Quality Analyst Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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How much do water quality analyst jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for water quality analyst in the United States is $32.41, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.28 and $37.02 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

Jobs that pay around $2,000 a day typically include specialized roles such as senior consultants, high-level project managers, certain medical specialists, or experienced freelance professionals in fields like software development or finance. These positions often require advanced skills, certifications, or extensive experience, and may involve consulting, contract work, or leadership responsibilities.

What is a Water Quality Analyst job?

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 is the highest paying lab tech job?

Among water quality analysts and related laboratory technician roles, positions such as senior laboratory technologists or specialists in environmental testing tend to have the highest salaries, often exceeding $60,000 annually. Advanced certifications, specialized skills, and experience in regulatory compliance or instrumentation can further increase earning potential.

How to become a water quality analyst?

To become a water quality analyst, typically a bachelor's degree in environmental science, chemistry, biology, or a related field is required. Gaining experience with water testing methods, laboratory skills, and certifications such as the Certified Water Quality Analyst (CWQA) can improve job prospects. Strong analytical skills and familiarity with water testing equipment are also important.

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.

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

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.

Which state in the US has the worst tap water?

As a Water Quality Analyst, assessing water quality involves analyzing contaminants and regulatory compliance. Some reports indicate that certain states have higher levels of water contamination due to aging infrastructure or industrial pollution, but overall, water quality varies widely across regions. Regular testing and adherence to EPA standards are essential for ensuring safe tap water nationwide.
More about Water Quality Analyst jobs
What cities are hiring for Water Quality Analyst jobs? Cities with the most Water Quality Analyst job openings:
Who are the top companies hiring for Water Quality Analyst jobs? The top employers for Water Quality Analyst jobs are:
What states have the most Water Quality Analyst jobs? States with the most job openings for Water Quality Analyst jobs include:
Infographic showing various Water Quality Analyst job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,422 per year, or $32.4 per hour.

Water Quality Specialist - Dairy Manufacturing

Valley Queen Cheese Factory

Corona, SD

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago


Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION Position Summary The Water Specialist ensures all product contact water (city water and plant generated potable water) used in the facility meets regulatory FDA Grade 'A' Pasteurized Milk Ordinance (PMO) requirements and internal food safety and quality standards. This role oversees water treatment systems, monitors water quality, supports compliance with FDA/FSMA, and ensure all water used in manufacturing, sanitation, ingredient preparation and CIP systems is compliant with internal, customer, and regulatory expectations. Essential Functions Water Quality Monitoring & Control
  • Conduct routine sampling/testing following PMO Chapter 7 and company requirements.
  • Maintain and calibrate water analysis equipment (e.g. chlorine meters, turbidity meters...).
  • Maintain accurate logs for raw, treated, and post-treatment water.
  • Conduct trend analysis to identify areas with continuous improvement opportunity.
Water System Management
  • Monitor and maintain water treatment, filtration, RO, UV and/or chemical dosing systems.
  • Manage water inventory through planning and predicting production of potable water and purchase of city water.
  • Ensure proper functioning of backflow preventers, piping, storage tanks and distribution systems.
  • Participate in maintenance planning and troubleshooting of water system components.
  • Maintain sanitary design and hygienic standards for all water contact infrastructure, including:
  • CIP rinse and final rinse water.
  • Direct-contact water used in equipment, valves, and product pathways.
  • Auxiliary systems (condensate of whey/evaporator water reuse, RO water, softened water).
  • Ensure proper function and sanitation of water filtration, reverse osmosis/polishers, chemical treatment (chlorination, chlorine dioxide generation...), UV systems, and CIP integrated water routes.
  • Partner with Maintenance to troubleshoot water heaters, boilers, supply lines, and backflow preventers.
Compliance
  • Ensure water quality meets PMO Chapter 7 requirements, FDA/FSMA Preventive Controls, and state dairy regulations.
  • Maintain complete water system records for FDA/state inspections, IMS audits, and third-party audits.
  • Support hazard analyses (HACCP/PC) with specific focus on water as an ingredient and indirect-contact risk factor.
  • Lead water-related corrective action investigations and preventive action documentation.
Documentation, Reporting & Continuous Improvement
  • Maintain water sampling schedules, test results, calibration records, and system maintenance documentation.
  • Update and manage SOPs and SSOPs for dairy water systems, CIP water use, and water testing protocols.
  • Provide monthly reports to Quality/Food Safety leadership summarizing trends, deviations, and system performance.
  • Identify opportunities to optimize water usage, reduce chemical consumption, and improve microbial control.
Training & Cross-Functional Support
  • Train CIP operators, production, and sanitation teams on proper water quality expectations and testing procedures.
  • Support Engineering during new equipment installations or modifications to ensure water contact areas meet sanitary design.
  • Serve as the dairy plant's subject matter expert during customer visits, SQF/BRC audits, and regulatory inspections.
Competencies Page Break
  • Problem Solving/Analysis
  • Integrity
  • Dependable
  • Strong Communication Skills
  • Teamwork
  • Innovative
  • Computer Skills
  • Time Management/Initiative
  • Attentive to detail
  • Continuous Learning
  • Page Break Supervisory Responsibility This position has no supervisory responsibilities but will provide guidance and direction to plant staff. Work Environment This job operates in an office, lab and plant environment. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles, moving mechanical parts and vibration. Exposed to extreme temperature variations. The noise level in the work environment and job sites can be loud. Position Type/Expected Hours of Work This is a full-time position, typically working Monday through Friday. This position may require some work on weekends and holidays. Travel Less than five percent travel expected for this position. Required Education, Experience & Certifications
    • Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Dairy Science, Microbiology, Environmental Science, or related field-or equivalent experience.
    • 2+ years in dairy manufacturing, water treatment, or environmental monitoring.
    • Understanding of CIP systems, dairy sanitation, and hygienic design principles.
    • Familiarity with PMO Chapter 7, FSMA, and state dairy regulatory requirements.
    • Experience with microbial testing, water analysis equipment, and trend evaluation.
    Preferred Education, Experience & Certifications
    • Bilingual in English/Spanish.
    • HACCP and/or Preventive Controls Qualified Individual certification.
    • Experience with RO systems, evaporator condensate reuse (COW), and dairy utility systems.
    • Knowledge of SSOP development, CIP troubleshooting, and environmental microbiology.
    Additional Eligibility Qualifications Minimum age requirement is 18. Other Duties Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of responsibilities, duties or tasks that are required of the employee for this job. Responsibilities, duties and tasks may change at any time with or without notice.