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Water Quality Manager Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

McMillen, Inc.

Water Quality Lead (Portland)

Portland, OR · On-site

$143K - $209K/yr

Manage the response to water quality issues, including incident investigations and corrective action implementation. * Support water quality modeling, data management, and interpretation to guide ...

City of Astoria

Water Operator

Astoria, OR · On-site

$23/hr

Work is performed under the general supervision of the Public Works Internal Operations Manager and in coordination with the Water Quality Supervisor and Water Source Operator.The recruitment may ...

City of Astoria

Water Operator

Astoria, OR · On-site

Work is performed under the general supervision of the Public Works Internal Operations Manager and in coordination with the Water Quality Supervisor and Water Source Operator. The recruitment may ...

City of Astoria

Water Operator

Astoria, OR · On-site

$23/hr

Work is performed under the general supervision of the Public Works Internal Operations Manager and in coordination with the Water Quality Supervisor and Water Source Operator. The recruitment may ...

Wood Plc

Senior Water Resources Engineer

Portland, OR · On-site

Manage multi-discipline project deliverables including quality, schedule and budget * Provide ... Preference for surface-water experience * Valid driver's license is required. * Must pass drug test ...

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All JobsWater Quality JobsWater Quality Manager JobsWater Quality Manager Jobs in Oregon

Water Quality Manager information

See Oregon salary details

$25.4K

$91.1K

$167.1K

How much do water quality manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for water quality manager in Oregon is $91,095.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,500.00 and $143,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a water quality manager do?

A Water Quality Manager is responsible for overseeing the testing, treatment, and monitoring of water to ensure it meets safety and regulatory standards. They manage teams that collect water samples, analyze data, and implement procedures to prevent contamination. Their work includes coordinating with government agencies, maintaining compliance with environmental laws, and addressing public concerns about water safety. Ultimately, they play a key role in protecting public health and the environment by ensuring water quality.

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

To thrive as a Water Quality Manager, you need expertise in environmental science, chemistry, and regulatory compliance, typically supported by a relevant bachelor's or master's degree. Familiarity with laboratory analysis tools, water sampling equipment, and environmental management software is essential, and certifications like Certified Water Professional (CWP) can be advantageous. Strong analytical thinking, leadership, and communication skills help in managing teams, interpreting data, and interacting with regulatory agencies or the public. These skills and qualities ensure effective monitoring, compliance, and protection of public health and environmental resources.

What are some common challenges faced by water quality managers and how can these be addressed on the job?

Water Quality Managers often encounter challenges such as adapting to changing environmental regulations, managing unexpected contamination events, and coordinating between different departments or agencies. Staying current with regulatory updates and investing in ongoing professional development can help address compliance issues. Building strong communication channels within teams and with external stakeholders is also essential for effective response and collaboration during emergencies. Proactive monitoring and data analysis can help identify potential risks early, allowing for timely intervention and maintaining high water quality standards.

What is the difference between Water Quality Manager vs Water Treatment Plant Operator?

AspectWater Quality ManagerWater Treatment Plant Operator
CertificationsEnvironmental or water quality certifications, such as CWEA or WQ certificationOperator licenses or certifications specific to water treatment
Work EnvironmentOffice settings, field inspections, overseeing water quality standardsOperational control of water treatment equipment, plant facilities
Employer & Industry UsageMunicipalities, environmental agencies, consulting firmsWater treatment facilities, municipal water plants

The Water Quality Manager focuses on overseeing water quality standards, compliance, and policy implementation, often in an office or supervisory role. In contrast, the Water Treatment Plant Operator handles the day-to-day operation of water treatment systems, ensuring proper functioning of equipment. Both roles require specialized certifications and are integral to maintaining safe, clean water supplies, but they differ in scope and responsibilities.

Is water quality management a good career?

Water quality management is a viable career that involves monitoring and improving water safety and compliance with environmental regulations. It often requires knowledge of water treatment processes, laboratory skills, and relevant certifications, making it a stable field with opportunities in public health, environmental agencies, and private companies.

What are the most commonly searched types of Water Quality jobs in Oregon?

The most popular types of Water Quality jobs in Oregon are:

What are popular job titles related to Water Quality Manager jobs in Oregon?

For Water Quality Manager jobs in Oregon, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Water Quality Manager jobs in Oregon look for?

The top searched job categories for Water Quality Manager jobs in Oregon are:

What cities in Oregon are hiring for Water Quality Manager jobs?

Cities in Oregon with the most Water Quality Manager job openings:

Water Quality Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Water Quality Manager job openings in Oregon as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,095 per year, or $43.8 per hour.

Water Quality Lead (Portland)

WeBuildIdaho.org

Portland, OR • On-site

$143K - $209K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Design a career and build your future... Because it matters!

Water Quality Lead

McMillen, Inc is seeking a highly motivated and self‑directed Water Quality Lead to provide technical and leadership support for complex water quality projects across the Northwest. The ideal candidate will be a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) with expertise in water quality modeling, technical documentation management, and regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities
  • Lead and supervise teams conducting water quality investigations, laboratory research, and regulatory impact analyses.
  • Oversee the preparation and review of technical documentation, study plans, and water quality reports.
  • Review and interpret analytical results from bacteriological and chemical analyses to ensure regulatory compliance.
  • Manage the response to water quality issues, including incident investigations and corrective action implementation.
  • Support water quality modeling, data management, and interpretation to guide project decisions.
  • Contribute to relicensing documentation, environmental reports, and compliance deliverables.
  • Ensure adherence to all applicable federal and state environmental regulations.
  • Implement and maintain management policies, quality assurance protocols, and operating practices.
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, regulatory agencies, and stakeholders to advance project objectives.
  • Provide mentorship and guidance to junior staff and technical specialists.
Qualifications
  • Professional Engineer (PE) license required; Ph.D. in Environmental Science, Water Resources, or related field preferred.
  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Natural Resource Management, Environmental Science, Ecology, Biology, or related technical discipline.
  • 8+ years of relevant professional experience, including supervisory or project management roles.
  • Demonstrated expertise in water quality modeling and regulatory documentation management.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with strong technical and analytical abilities.
  • Proven ability to manage multiple projects and collaborate with diverse stakeholders.
  • Willingness to travel to project sites as needed and perform occasional fieldwork in varying weather conditions.
  • Flexible work schedule with both office and remote work options.
Compensation Package
  • Pay Range: $143,846 - $209,199
  • Benefits: McMillen provides a full Benefits Program consisting of Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability, FSA, EAP, 401(k) and match, 9 Paid Holidays, generous PTO, opportunity for Stock Ownership and Wellness Reimbursement.
Who We Are

McMillen, Inc. (McMillen) is an engineering, environmental, and construction firm providing scalable, multi-disciplinary capabilities. We are a design and build firm providing clients with balanced perspective and realistic solutions. With experts in the United States, Canada, Australia, and France, our staff bring best practices from the water resources, energy, dams, infrastructure, fisheries, aquaculture, and restricted access markets.

We balance technical precision with collaborative delivery throughout all project phases. We have the resources and expertise to contribute to a project at the feasibility and planning stage, navigate the regulatory and permitting requirements, develop detailed designs, self‑perform construction, and participate in startup, testing, and commissioning. We offer strategic planning, technical expertise, comprehensive project management, and integration of multi‑disciplinary studies for traditional and alternative project delivery methods.

We want our employees to make a career doing what they love to do. We aren't looking for the complacent or the comfortable. We are looking for the highly technical, the creators, the manic obsessives, the outliers who know being the best is a journey, not a finish line. We support our employees' efforts to stay on the cutting edge of technology while fostering a great work‑life balance.

EEO

McMillen, Inc. is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and will make all employment related decisions without race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

Visa sponsorship, including renewal during employment, will not be provided for this position.

No recruiters, please.

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disabled and veterans.

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