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Water Quality Management Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Test and record water quality parameters, including hardness, pH, conductivity, and chemical ... Manage inventory of treatment chemicals and supplies. * Adhere to safety, environmental, and ...

Test and record water quality parameters, including hardness, pH, conductivity, and chemical ... Manage inventory of treatment chemicals and supplies. * Adhere to safety, environmental, and ...

Be Seen First

Investigate customer water quality concerns and assist as needed. * Operate forklifts, tractors ... Perform other duties as assigned by the Water Operations Manager. Qualifications * High School ...

Be Seen First

Investigate customer water quality concerns and assist as needed. * Operate forklifts, tractors ... Perform other duties as assigned by the Water Operations Manager. Qualifications * High School ...

Water Plant Operator

Stafford, VA · On-site

$25.26 - $54.18/hr

... Plant Manager, or Senior Operator on duty. There are four levels to the Water Plant Operator ... water quality Performs and documents routine process control tests (e.g., DPD, pH, turbidity ...

Water Resources Engineer

Fairfax, VA · Hybrid

$78K - $107K/yr

Typical projects involve assisting federal, state and local clients in support of stormwater management (water quality and quantity), floodplain management (CLOMR and LOMR), hydraulic modeling ...

Water Resources Engineer

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$78K - $107K/yr

Typical projects involve assisting federal, state and local clients in support of stormwater management (water quality and quantity), floodplain management (CLOMR and LOMR), hydraulic modeling ...

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Showing results 1-20

Water Quality Management information

See Virginia salary details

$38.2K

$90.3K

$137.3K

How much do water quality management jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for water quality management in Virginia is $90,266.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,900.00 and $109,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is water quality management?

A Water Quality Management job involves monitoring, assessing, and improving water quality to ensure it meets regulatory standards and is safe for human consumption and the environment. Professionals in this field collect and analyze water samples, develop treatment plans, and implement policies to prevent contamination. They often work for government agencies, environmental organizations, or water treatment facilities. Their responsibilities may also include educating the public on water conservation and pollution prevention.

What are the typical responsibilities of someone working in water quality management?

Professionals in Water Quality Management are responsible for monitoring and analyzing water samples, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations, managing pollution prevention strategies, and preparing detailed reports for stakeholders or government agencies. You may also be involved in conducting site inspections, developing water treatment plans, and collaborating with engineers or public health officials. The role often blends fieldwork—such as sampling bodies of water or inspecting treatment plants—with office-based data analysis and project coordination. This dynamic environment provides a meaningful opportunity to protect public health and environmental resources while working collaboratively across disciplines.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in water quality management, and why are they important?

To thrive in Water Quality Management, you need a solid background in environmental science or engineering, expertise in water testing and analysis, and often a relevant degree or certification. Experience with laboratory equipment, water sampling technologies, data analysis software, and regulatory compliance systems such as EPA guidelines is crucial. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, and effective communication set top professionals apart in this field. These abilities ensure accurate monitoring, effective mitigation of contamination, and successful coordination with regulatory agencies and the public.

Is water quality management a good career?

Water quality management is a viable career that involves monitoring and improving water safety, often requiring knowledge of environmental science, chemistry, and regulatory standards. It offers opportunities in public health, environmental protection, and consulting, with roles in government agencies, private firms, and research institutions. The job typically requires relevant certifications and technical skills, and it can provide stable employment with growth potential.

What degree do you need to be a water quality management specialist?

A water quality management specialist typically needs at least a bachelor's degree in environmental science, water resources, civil engineering, or a related field. Advanced positions may require a master's degree or professional certifications such as the Certified Water Professional (CWP).

What are popular job titles related to Water Quality Management jobs in Virginia?

For Water Quality Management jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Water Quality Management jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Water Quality Management jobs in Virginia are:

Infographic showing various Water Quality Management job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $90,266 per year, or $43.4 per hour.

WATER QUALITY COMPLIANCE SPECIALIST

City of Alexandria, VA

Alexandria, VA • On-site

$70K - $124K/yr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago


City Of Alexandria (Virginia) rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

200th of 856 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Salary: $70,883.54 - $124,742.28 Annually
Location : Alexandria, VA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 2027-00515
Department: Transportation & Environmental Services
Division: STORMWATER
Opening Date: 08/26/2026
Closing Date: 9/25/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Bargaining Unit: N/A
Water Quality Compliance Specialist
An Overview
Are you knowledgeable about water quality and passionate about protecting the environment? If so, you should apply for the Water Quality Compliance Specialist position in the Department of Transportation and Environmental Services (T&ES) Stormwater Management Division (SWM) to perform professional and technical work related to water quality. This position implements the City's Stormwater Facility Best Management Practice (BMP) Inspection and Enforcement Program for stormwater facilities, implements the Dry Weather Outfall Screening Program, investigates Illicit Discharge and Illegal Discharge (IDDE) Complaints, performs Staff Training, and performs Public Education and Outreach to support compliance with the City's Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) General Permit and MS4 Program Plan.
The position works under the supervision of the Stormwater Principal Planner, and must take a highly proactive approach to work, think strategically to formulate solutions, and possess strong verbal and written communication skills to work effectively with the public, coworkers, and elected officials. Given that this position responds to resident service requests and performs essential job functions like BMP and outfall inspections, the position will not include a routine telework option.
The Opportunity
  • Implements a comprehensive Stormwater Facility BMP Inspection and Enforcement Program for private BMPs by performing onsite inspections, completing all inspection documentation, interacting with the public for required maintenance activities, completing all enforcement actions, and properly documenting the process;
  • Maintains the City's BMP Database, to include creating entries for new BMPs from site development plans, creating electronic and hard copy field files, updating the ArcGIS layer, generating reports, and performing routine QA/QC of the data to ensure accuracy;
  • Reviews As-Built plans for conformity with approved site plans prior to bond release;
  • Reviews BMP Maintenance Agreements and BMP Certifications to ensure conformity with submitted site plans under review and approved as-built plans, respectively;
  • Performs Dry Weather Outfall Screening, to include inspections and maintenance of the Outfall Database;
  • Responds to Illicit Discharge and Illegal Dumping complaints, enforces violations of the City's ordinance and completes all documentation using the Alex311 service request system built on Salesforce and the Cityworks™ asset management system;
  • Provides Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination (IDDE) and Pollution Prevention and Good Housekeeping training for field staff per the MS4 Program Plan, completes required documentation, and updates training materials as needed;
  • Implements Public Education and Outreach activities to include planning and holding stream cleanups, organizing and completing outreach events, and providing outreach to the public;
  • Helps create education and outreach materials for dissemination through social media, eNews, websites, or in-person events; and
  • Performs related work as required.

About the Departmentis a community partner in shaping a livable, green, and prospering Alexandria. We plan, build, operate, and maintain transportation systems and infrastructure that improve mobility and provide people and businesses with core public services. The work we do keeps Alexandrians moving, growing sustainability, and thriving. For a broader view of our City, click to learn more.
Minimum & Additional Requirements
Four-Year College Degree; one year of experience stormwater pollution and measurement activities, and preventing pollution in storm water runoffs to comply with water quality requirements mandated by the Clean Water Act (CWA) and the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Stormwater Program or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.
Preferred Qualifications
Four-Year College Degree; College/university graduation with major course work in environmental sciences or engineering, water resources, natural resources, or a related field; thorough technical knowledge of the principles and practices of environmental sciences or engineering, especially related to the media of water.
The hired candidate should possess or obtain within six (6) months of employment professional certification as a Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (VDEQ) Stormwater BMP Inspector. Also, the hired candidate must possess or obtain VDEQ Erosion and Sediment Control Inspector certification within the first 12 months.
The hired candidate must have the ability to be present in the office five (5) days a week, along with some weekend and evening work, and the ability to lift a minimum of 50 pounds.
The City of Alexandria is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in its workforce. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, genetic information, military status, or disability.
We are proud to welcome you to explore the City of Alexandria's excellent benefits and programs!
The benefits referenced on this site, may be changed from time to time without notice. Temporary and some part-time positions are not eligible for these benefits. For further information, please contact the Talent Acquisition Team of Human Resources at
01
Do you have a four-year college degree and one (1) year of experience in stormwater measurement activities and preventing pollution to comply with water quality requirements mandated by the Clean Water Act (CWA) and the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Stormwater Program or any equivalent combination of experience and training, which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities?
  • Yes
  • No

02
Is your degree in one of the following areas?
  • Environmental Science
  • Engineering
  • Biology
  • Or related field
  • N/A

03
Do you have at least two (2) years of experience in water resources and MS4 compliance activities?
  • Yes
  • No

04
Do you possess or have the ability to obtain professional certification as a Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (VDEQ) Stormwater Inspector within six months of employment?
  • Yes
  • No

05
Do you possess or have the ability to obtain professional certification within twelve months of employment as a VDEQ Erosion and Sediment Control Inspector?
  • Yes
  • No

06
Are you familiar with reading and interpreting construction site plans?
  • Yes
  • No

07
If so, briefly describe your experience. If not, answer N/A.
08
Given the extensive in-field work with this position, do you have the ability to be present in the office 5 days a week?
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question

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