ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Water Quality Research Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

McMillen, Inc.

Water Quality Lead (Portland)

Portland, OR · On-site

$143K - $209K/yr

Lead and supervise teams conducting water quality investigations, laboratory research, and regulatory impact analyses. * Oversee the preparation and review of technical documentation, study plans ...

GiveWell

OR · On-site

Team values We think our research team has unique qualities: * We care deeply and centrally about ... Our researchers assist in communicating our research findings to the public and our donors, and on ...

Cedar Point

Water Quality Technician

Sandusky, OH · On-site

Working as a Water Quality Technician means you'll play an essential role in providing guests a ... Complete daily logs and checks * Assist with other duties as required Some of our amazing perks and ...

Cedar Point

Water Quality Technician

Fremont, OH · On-site

Working as a Water Quality Technician means you'll play an essential role in providing guests a ... Complete daily logs and checks * Assist with other duties as required Some of our amazing perks and ...

Cedar Point

Water Quality Technician

Norwalk, OH · On-site

Working as a Water Quality Technician means you'll play an essential role in providing guests a ... Complete daily logs and checks * Assist with other duties as required Some of our amazing perks and ...

City of Edmonds, WA

Water Quality Control Technician

WA · On-site

$7.6K - $9.2K/mo

Applicants may attach additional information that will assist us in the review and selection ... Coordinates the City's Water Quality Program to ensure compliance with state and federal ...

previous page

Showing results 41-60

All JobsWater Quality Research JobsWater Quality Research Assistant Jobs

Water Quality Research Assistant information

See salary details

$12

$19

$28

How much do water quality research assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for water quality research assistant in the United States is $19.93, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $21.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a water quality research assistant do?

A Water Quality Research Assistant supports scientific studies related to the assessment and improvement of water quality. Their tasks typically include collecting water samples from various sites, conducting laboratory analyses, maintaining data records, and assisting with field research. They may also help in preparing reports and presenting findings to researchers or regulatory bodies. This role is crucial for ensuring environmental safety and compliance with water quality standards.

What is the difference between Water Quality Research Assistant vs Water Quality Technician?

AspectWater Quality Research AssistantWater Quality Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in environmental science, biology, or related field; some roles may require certifications in water testingHigh school diploma or equivalent; certifications in water testing and safety are common
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, research sites, field sampling locationsField sites, water treatment plants, laboratories
Employer & Industry UsageResearch institutions, environmental agencies, universitiesMunicipal water utilities, environmental consulting firms, water treatment facilities

While both roles involve water quality testing and environmental monitoring, Water Quality Research Assistants focus more on research, data analysis, and laboratory work, often within academic or research settings. Water Quality Technicians typically perform routine testing and sampling in the field or treatment plants to ensure water safety and compliance. Understanding these differences helps job seekers identify the role that best matches their skills and career goals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a water quality research assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Water Quality Research Assistant, you need a strong background in environmental science, chemistry, or biology, often supported by a relevant bachelor's degree. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, water sampling techniques, and data analysis software like GIS or statistical tools is typically required. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills for accurate data collection and collaborative research. These skills ensure reliable results, regulatory compliance, and meaningful contributions to water quality studies and environmental protection.

What are some of the common challenges faced by water quality research assistants during fieldwork?

Water Quality Research Assistants often encounter challenges such as difficult weather conditions, remote or hard-to-access sampling sites, and the need to carefully follow protocols to avoid sample contamination. Additionally, they may need to troubleshoot equipment malfunctions in the field and ensure accurate data recording under time constraints. Effective communication with team members and adaptability are crucial to overcoming these obstacles and ensuring reliable research outcomes.
More about Water Quality Research Assistant jobs
What cities are hiring for Water Quality Research Assistant jobs? Cities with the most Water Quality Research Assistant job openings:
What states have the most Water Quality Research Assistant jobs? States with the most job openings for Water Quality Research Assistant jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Water Quality Research Assistant jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Water Quality Research Assistant jobs are:
Water Quality Research Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Water Quality Research Assistant job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 90% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,453 per year, or $19.9 per hour.

Water Quality Lead (Portland)

McMillen, Inc.

Portland, OR • On-site

$143K - $209K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago

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.

#J-18808-Ljbffr

Apply