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Water Quality Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of Graham, NC

Water Quality Technician I

Graham, NC · On-site

$49K - $74K/yr

Work is performed under the general supervision of the Field Operations Manager. Work is evaluated ... Flushing and maintaining water quality within the distribution system. Utilizing various laboratory ...

City of Graham

Water Quality Technician I

Graham, NC · On-site

$49K - $74K/yr

Work is performed under the general supervision of the Field Operations Manager. Work is evaluated ... Flushing and maintaining water quality within the distribution system. Utilizing various laboratory ...

City of Naples

Water Quality Project Manager

Naples, FL

$90K - $140K/yr

... Lake Management Plan, and annual surface water and pump station water quality reports Responds to concerns, inquiries, and complaints from the general public in both oral and written contexts ...

City of Franklin

Water Quality Specialist I

Franklin, TN · On-site

$29.69 - $32.31/hr

Assists in the administration and management of the Water Quality section of the Stormwater Management Program, in order to meet the goals and objectives of the City's MS4 NPDES permit, City of ...

City of Edmonds, WA

Water Quality Control Technician

WA · On-site

$7.6K - $9.2K/mo

Coordinates the City's Water Quality Program to ensure compliance with state and federal ... Water Distribution 2 Manager certification within one year of date of hire. * Cross Connection ...

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Water Quality Manager information

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$24K

$86.2K

$158K

How much do water quality manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for water quality manager in the United States is $86,159.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,000.00 and $136,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What state in the US has the worst tap water?

As a Water Quality Manager, assessing water quality involves analyzing contamination levels and regulatory reports. Some states have historically faced higher issues with pollutants like lead, arsenic, or industrial contaminants, but water quality varies widely within states. Regular testing and compliance with EPA standards are essential for ensuring safe tap water across all regions.

What is the highest salary for water treatment?

The highest salaries for Water Quality Managers can exceed $100,000 annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and working in high-demand regions. Senior professionals overseeing large treatment facilities or specialized projects tend to earn the top compensation in the field.

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 is the highest paying manager position?

In the water quality field, senior management roles such as Director of Water Quality or Vice President of Operations typically have the highest salaries, often exceeding $100,000 annually. These positions require extensive experience, advanced certifications, and leadership skills to oversee large teams and strategic initiatives.

Is water management a good career?

Water management is a viable career that involves overseeing water quality, supply, and treatment processes. Water Quality Managers typically require knowledge of environmental regulations, technical skills, and certifications, and they often work in field and office environments. The field offers opportunities in public agencies, consulting firms, and private companies focused on sustainable water use.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Water Quality Manager, and why are they important?

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.

More about Water Quality Manager jobs
What cities are hiring for Water Quality Manager jobs? Cities with the most Water Quality Manager job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Water Quality jobs? The most popular types of Water Quality jobs are:
What states have the most Water Quality Manager jobs? States with the most job openings for Water Quality Manager jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Water Quality Manager jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Water Quality Manager jobs are:
Water Quality Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Water Quality Manager job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,159 per year, or $41.4 per hour.
Water Quality Education Specialist- Part Time

Water Quality Education Specialist- Part Time

The Allen County

Fort Wayne, IN • On-site

$21.84/hr

Part-time

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

WATER QUALITY EDUCATION SPECIALIST
Department: Allen County Department of Environmental Management FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Classification/Level: Part Time Date: 05/2026
Under the direction of the Director of Department of Environmental Management and MS4 Program Coordinator, the Water Quality Education Specialist carries out the annual work plan as established by the MS4 Coordinator. The Education Specialist educates the public about the impacts polluted storm water run-off can have on water quality and ways the public can minimize their impact on storm water quality sufficient enough to satisfy local, state and federal regulatory requirements. This position is covered as defined by The Board of Commissioners of the County of Allen Employee Handbook.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
  • Develops a public education and outreach program to inform citizens about the impacts polluted storm water run-off can have on water quality and ways they can minimize their impact on storm water quality as directed by the MS4 Coordinator.
  • Provides opportunities for public participation and involvement in the storm water quality education program.
  • Develops educational materials and carries out activities aimed at educating all sectors of the public about various water resource and water quality issues.
  • Provides presentations and water quality information and outreach at fairs, festivals, expos, workshops and to community organizations, businesses, schools, residents, teachers and other agencies.
  • Develops and provides public service announcements, website information, and news articles on water quality topics and has a presence within social media outlets for educating users on water quality issues and activities.
  • Supports education and training efforts for Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) entities regarding regulatory requirements for Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination, Construction and Post Construction, and Pollution Prevention and Good Housekeeping Minimum Control Measures.
  • Helps provide data for MS4 Coordinator's annual report outlining the activities accomplished during the course of each year to satisfy the MS4 regulatory requirements.
  • Keeps elected officials and supervisors updated on the activities and programs accomplished including meeting annual reporting requirements to MS4 regulatory agencies.
  • Develops and implements a program for educating public employees, schools, businesses, and the general public about illicit discharges and proper disposal of waste.
  • Performs research on water resource and water quality issues and attends trainings and conferences as required.
  • Performs all other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS:
  • Bachelor's degrees in Agriculture, Natural Resources, Environmental Science, Public Relations/Communications, Education, Journalism or related field and field work experience
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking and the ability to create brochures and educational materials
  • Strong presentation and training skills
  • Strong computer skills, including experience with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), web design software and related software to perform website administration
  • Specialized knowledge of the principles and practices of public information correspondence, including the ability to write news releases, public service announcements and speeches
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationship with media, community organizations, and residents
  • Strong organizational and time management skills and the ability to work independently
  • Knowledge of water quality related issues and local, state and federal water quality regulatory requirements
  • Valid Indiana driver's license for operating county-owned vehicle

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS:
The Water Quality Education Specialist performs work that consists of duties, restricted in scope but of substantial intricacy, involving several variables or considerations when writing acceptable and comprehensible water quality educational materials for the public. It is essential for the education specialist to possess the capability of communicating with the public in a manner that is understandable and enlightening to help change constituents' mindsets and attitudes about their responsibility to help keep local waterways as clean and free of pollutants as possible.
RESPONSIBILITY:
The Water Quality Education Specialist makes choices and takes actions in performing a variety of tasks when developing and carrying out activities aimed at educating all sectors of the public about various water resources and water quality issues.
PERSONAL WORK RELATIONSHIPS:
The Water Quality Education Specialist has regular contact with representatives of business and community organizations, government agencies and the general public while exchanging information and maintaining coordination with the MS4 Coordinator and the Director of the Department of Environmental Management.
WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The Water Quality Education Specialist works in an office environment, and sometimes outdoors, requiring sitting, standing and some walking. Some lifting (up to 40 pounds), bending, pushing/pulling loads, reaching overhead and kneeling, as well as some typing, monitoring equipment, detailed inspection and frequent attention to detail and transcription/proofreading required.
SUPERVISION:
None
LICENSING:
Valid Indiana Driver's License for operating county-owned vehicle
IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR:
Director of Department of Environmental Management and MS4 Program Coordinator
HOURS:
24 hours per week average
EEO CATEGORY:
1002
WORKERS'S COMP CODE:
9410
Please complete the application accurately and thoroughly. A resume is optional. Remember to save and submit your application. If applying for multiple positions, submit a separate application for each one. You'll receive an email confirmation once your application is received. Due to the high volume of applications, further communication will only occur if you're selected for an interview.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO). Accordingly, all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, age, disability or medical condition, national origin, and veteran status, and all other categories protected by federal, state, and local anti-discrimination laws. Reasonable accommodations for persons with a known disabling condition will be considered in accordance with State and Federal Law.

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