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Water Quality Monitoring Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

AquaTropic Husbandry

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$18.42 - $19.50/hr

This position also supports general husbandry operations, including water quality monitoring, tank maintenance, inventory management, and livestock handling. Primary Responsibilities & Duties

Senior Stormwater/Environmental Scientist-QSD

Torrance, CA · On-site

$86K - $116K/yr

This senior position is a seller-doer responsible for implementing water quality monitoring projects for municipal, industrial, and construction stormwater projects. The role involves serving as a ...

Senior Stormwater/Environmental Scientist-QSD

Torrance, CA · On-site +1

$86K - $116K/yr

This senior position is a seller-doer responsible for implementing water quality monitoring projects for municipal, industrial, and construction stormwater projects. The role involves serving as a ...

Support groundwater and surface water quality monitoring programs. * Analyze and interpret agricultural, soil, irrigation, nutrient, and environmental data. * Prepare technical reports, regulatory ...

Showing results 21-40

Water Quality Monitoring information

What is a water quality monitoring?

A Water Quality Monitoring job involves collecting and analyzing water samples to assess the physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of water sources. Professionals in this field ensure compliance with environmental regulations, detect pollution, and recommend measures to maintain water safety. They may work for government agencies, environmental organizations, or private companies. Their work helps protect public health and ecosystems by identifying contaminants and addressing water quality issues.

What does a water quality monitoring do?

A typical day in Water Quality Monitoring often involves collecting water samples from various sources, conducting field tests, and performing detailed laboratory analyses to detect pollutants or contaminants. You may also spend time maintaining equipment, recording data, preparing reports, and communicating findings to regulatory agencies or project teams. Collaboration with environmental scientists, local authorities, and sometimes the public is common, especially when investigating potential water quality issues. The role is dynamic, blending outdoor fieldwork with laboratory and office tasks, which keeps the workday varied and engaging.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in water quality monitoring?

To thrive in Water Quality Monitoring, you need a background in environmental science, chemistry, or biology, along with strong analytical and data interpretation skills. Experience with water sampling equipment, laboratory analysis techniques, and familiarity with regulatory standards or certifications such as HAZWOPER are typically required. Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and effective communication help professionals excel when documenting results and collaborating with teams or stakeholders. These qualities are essential to ensure accurate assessments, regulatory compliance, and the protection of public and environmental health.

How to become a water quality monitoring professional?

To become a water quality monitoring professional, typically a bachelor's degree in environmental science, biology, chemistry, or a related field is required. Gaining experience with water testing methods, laboratory skills, and certifications such as the Certified Water Quality Analyst can enhance job prospects. Familiarity with monitoring equipment and data analysis is also important in this field.

What are popular job titles related to Water Quality Monitoring jobs in California?

For Water Quality Monitoring jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Water Quality Monitoring job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

$86K - $116K/yr

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

Description This recruitment will be used to establish an employment list for future vacancies. DEFINITION To safely and effectively direct and participate in the performance of a variety of laboratory analyses in support of the Public Works and Utilities Department, and to maintain the laboratory and its equipment in proper working order; to perform qualitative and quantitative analyses of drinking water, groundwater, wastewater, and sludge samples. DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS This job class functions at an advanced journey/lead level of classification and is responsible for training, directing, coordinating, and monitoring others in a lead capacity.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED Receives limited supervision from the Laboratory Manager and Wastewater Treatment Facilities Manager. Exercises lead supervision over the Water Quality Laboratory Technician, and subordinate staff. Examples of Duties EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES - Duties may include but are not limited to the following: Performs and coordinates the performance of a variety of laboratory chemical, biological, and bacteriological analyses to determine wastewater treatment compliance with state and federal agency requirements and for process control Performs chemical and bacteriological analyses for the Water Division and chemical analyses and gas analysis for the Solid Waste Division Prepares technical reports and correspondence Maintains the laboratory and equipment in a clean, neat, and orderly condition; performs quality assurance tests Performs qualitative and quantitative analyses of drinking water, groundwater, wastewater and sludge samples Maintains a variety of records related to laboratory tests, operations and sample control; prepares daily and periodic reports on lab data Collects samples and maintains sampling equipment Inputs, accesses and analyzes data using a computer Develops new analytical laboratory procedures Trains, directs, and monitors the work of plant operations and laboratory technicians in proper and safe laboratory procedures, operations, and analyses Requisitions laboratory supplies Keeps abreast of technical changes in equipment and procedures Prepares chemical reagents, lab supplies, and glassware for use in analyses Performs related duties similar to the above in scope and function as required EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS Knowledge of: general principles and methods of chemical, biological, and bacteriological tests commonly performed for water/wastewater analyses laboratory safety and equipment care and maintenance chemicals and equipment used in water quality analyses working knowledge of current chemical laboratory procedures, methods, equipment, facilities and materials chemical, physical and bacteriological characteristics of drinking water, groundwater, influents, effluents, and drainage waters Ability to: perform a variety of laboratory tests involving the chemical, physical, and biological analyses of water and sludge operate, maintain, and calibrate analytical instruments and equipment determine appropriate sampling procedures interpret laboratory data as acquired prepare testing media and reagents keep accurate and legible records and prepare clear, concise reports train, direct, and monitor the work of others in a lead capacity gather appropriate samples for testing and analyses bend, stoop, and squat to gather samples climb stairs and ladders use fine hand manipulation; use a keyboard effectively and tactfully communicate in both oral and written forms intermittently twist to reach equipment surrounding work area and to gather samples distinguish colors of certain fluids hear adequately to converse on a telephone and in person work indoors using near vision for prolonged periods work outside, walking on uneven ground work with chemicals, influent, bacteria, and landfill gas drive an automobile climb stairs establish and maintain effective work relationships with those contacted in the performance of required duties Typical Qualifications TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE Any combination of training and experience, which would provide the required knowledge and abilities, is qualifying.

A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be: Bachelor's Degree in Biology, Chemistry, or a closely related science; and Two years experience in a water, wastewater or related laboratory, performing chemical, physical and/or biological analyses LICENSE AND CERTIFICATION A valid Class C California Driver's license, including a safe driving record A Grade II Laboratory Analyst Certificate issued by the California Water Environment Association or equivalent may be substituted for a Bachelor's Degree Supplemental Information The candidate will be appointed for a 12-month probationary period. Names of successful candidates who do not receive a job offer will be placed on an employment list which normally remains effective for one year. The Human Resources Department may abolish an Employment list at any time the needs of the City so require.

This position is represented by the Operating Engineers Local Union No.3 bargaining group. Prior to appointment to the position of Water Quality Chemist, a medical examination and Department of Justice Livescan fingerprinting will be required. The City of Watsonville is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages workplace diversity

The City of Watsonville is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act by including people with disabilities in all of its programs and activities. NOTE: THIS ANNOUNCEMENT DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A CONTRACT, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, AND ANY PROVISIONS CONTAINED IN THIS BULLETIN MAY BE MODIFIED OR REVISED WITHOUT NOTICE.