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Water Quality Monitoring Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Address whole effluent toxicity, mixing zones, antidegradation, impaired waters, total maximum daily loads, other water quality issues, as applicable * Develop monitoring, reporting, recordkeeping ...

Address whole effluent toxicity, mixing zones, antidegradation, impaired waters, total maximum daily loads, other water quality issues, as applicable * Develop monitoring, reporting, recordkeeping ...

Address whole effluent toxicity, mixing zones, antidegradation, impaired waters, total maximum daily loads, other water quality issues, as applicable * Develop monitoring, reporting, recordkeeping ...

Address whole effluent toxicity, mixing zones, antidegradation, impaired waters, total maximum daily loads, other water quality issues, as applicable * Develop monitoring, reporting, recordkeeping ...

Address whole effluent toxicity, mixing zones, antidegradation, impaired waters, total maximum daily loads, other water quality issues, as applicable * Develop monitoring, reporting, recordkeeping ...

Address whole effluent toxicity, mixing zones, antidegradation, impaired waters, total maximum daily loads, other water quality issues, as applicable * Develop monitoring, reporting, recordkeeping ...

Address whole effluent toxicity, mixing zones, antidegradation, impaired waters, total maximum daily loads, other water quality issues, as applicable * Develop monitoring, reporting, recordkeeping ...

Address whole effluent toxicity, mixing zones, antidegradation, impaired waters, total maximum daily loads, other water quality issues, as applicable * Develop monitoring, reporting, recordkeeping ...

Senior IT Project Manager

Washington, DC · On-site

$147K - $148K/yr

Preferred : • Experience with water quality monitoring systems or utility billing platforms. • Experience with infrastructure, cybersecurity, and network projects. • Experience of managing ...

Outdoor Technician-Lake and Pond

Leesburg, VA · On-site

$37K - $38K/yr

Monitor and maintain appropriate water chemistry levels, including pH, chlorine, and alkalinity, to ... Maintain accurate records of water quality data, equipment maintenance logs, and animal health ...

Showing results 21-40

Water Quality Monitoring information

See Washington salary details

$14

$29

$46

How much do water quality monitoring jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for water quality monitoring in Washington is $29.20, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.41 and $32.40 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 Washington?

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

What job categories do people searching Water Quality Monitoring jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Water Quality Monitoring jobs in Washington are:

Infographic showing various Water Quality Monitoring job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 8% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 82% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,730 per year, or $29.2 per hour.

Mid-Level NPDES Permit Writer

ERG

Fairfax, VA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

ERG is a research and consulting firm that provides a wide range of support to federal, state, and commercial clients. ERG offers multidisciplinary teams with nationally recognized skills in engineering, science, economics, public health, informational technology, and communications. We hire people with the best minds and then provide them with a vibrant and flexible environment in which to develop their careers. The qualified individual must be highly motivated with the skills to prioritize, perform, and communicate effectively in a fast-paced environment.

ERG provides technical expertise and high-quality service across the water sector to help improve the environment and public health. Committed to attracting and retaining top talent in the water quality industry, ERG offers a casual and collaborative work environment, flexible work arrangements, and opportunities for professional growth and development.

ERG's Fairfax, VA office is seeking a Mid-Level Environmental Scientist with 3-10 years of experience supporting Clean Water Act-related environmental efforts across the United States. This role is especially well suited for an NPDES permit writer who can independently manage substantial portions of the permitting process, apply federal and state requirements to complex discharges, communicate effectively with regulators and permittees, and contribute to multiple projects at once.

In this role, the selected candidate will work alongside experienced NPDES professionals and multidisciplinary teams that include engineers, scientists, policy specialists, data analysts, and regulatory experts. Responsibilities may include supporting the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program, collecting and managing data, analyzing information, conducting desktop reviews and assessments of program documents, and preparing technical reports. Technical work will be performed under the direct supervision and mentorship of experienced ERG staff.

Job Description:
  • Develop, review, and revise individual and general NPDES permits, fact sheets or statements of basis, public notices, response to comments documents, and supporting administrative records
  • Review permit applications, discharge monitoring reports, facility records, engineering information, prior permits, inspection findings, and other technical materials for completeness and regulatory relevance
  • Characterize industrial and municipal processes, wastewater sources, treatment systems, discharge locations, receiving waters, pollutants of concern, and operational conditions
  • Develop technology-based effluent limitations using applicable effluent limitations guidelines, secondary treatment standards, best professional judgment, and other federal or state requirements
  • Evaluate the need for water quality-based effluent limitations, including reasonable potential analyses and interpretation of applicable water quality standards, criteria, wasteload allocations, and implementation procedures
  • Calculate effluent limitations and monitoring requirements using appropriate statistical, technical, and regulatory methods
  • Address whole effluent toxicity, mixing zones, antidegradation, impaired waters, total maximum daily loads, other water quality issues, as applicable
  • Develop monitoring, reporting, recordkeeping, special condition, best management practice, compliance schedule, and pretreatment requirements
  • Review technical analyses prepared by others and perform quality-control checks for regulatory consistency, technical accuracy, and completeness
  • Research and interpret the Clean Water Act, federal NPDES regulations, effluent guidelines, EPA guidance, state regulations, water quality standards, program policies, and relevant permitting precedents
  • Coordinate with permitting authorities, facility representatives, technical specialists, and other interested parties to obtain information and resolve permitting issues
  • Support public participation activities, including preparation of public notices, evaluation of comments, development of responses, and revision of proposed permits
  • Prepare technical memoranda, regulatory analyses, standard operating procedures, permit templates, guidance materials, and training materials
  • Track assignments, budgets, schedules, deliverables, and outstanding information needs across multiple concurrent permits or projects
  • Participate in meetings with clients, regulatory agencies, permittees, and project teams and clearly communicate technical and regulatory conclusions
  • Provide technical guidance and review support to junior staff and contribute to the development of consistent, efficient permitting approaches
  • Support NPDES program evaluations, permit quality reviews, backlog reduction efforts, process improvements, and training activities
  • Contribute to proposals, scopes of work, cost estimates, and other business-development activities, as appropriate
Qualifications and Skills:
  • Experience with NPDES program implementation or other water-related environmental programs
  • Familiarity with the NPDES permitting program and regulations pertaining to wastewater and stormwater
  • MS, BS, or BA in Environmental Science, Biology, Chemistry, Geology, Engineering or related discipline
  • Outstanding written and oral communication skills
  • Strong data analytical skills
  • Proficiency in conducting desktop research
  • Ability to work alone and within a multi-disciplinary team
  • Ability and willingness to travel locally and across the United States as necessary. Little to no travel is anticipated during the first year of employment but may be required over time
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel
  • Acquaintance with erosion and sediment control practices for construction sites and other stormwater pollution prevention best management practices
  • Knowledge of municipal and/or industrial wastewater treatment processes
$60,000 - $90,000 a year
ERG is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable EEOC regulations. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual preference, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.  

Please be aware, the only authentic corporate domain for ERG is https://www.erg.com.  ERG may, on occasion, screen applicants via telephone or video interviews via Skype, Teams, GoToMeeting, or another type of video platform. However, any candidate extended a job offer might be asked to meet in person with an ERG employee before providing confidential personal information associated with new employment. 

If you're a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access ERG's online application process as a result of your disability. To request accommodation, please contact Human Resources via email at [email protected] or call (781) 674-7293. 

ERG fosters a friendly, flexible work environment. ERGers are dedicated to serving clients who are committed to making the world a better place. We promote and recognize principles of fairness and respect in the work we do, the partnerships we foster, and the culture we value both within and outside of our organization. 
 
 
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