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Water Quality Tester Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Collects liquid and/or semi-liquid samples; performs a variety of routine water quality laboratory tests; performs process control testing including, but not limited to dissolved oxygen, stability ...

Creates, implements, and coordinates water quality programs; establishes and implements testing and monitoring plans to ensure compliance with the local, state, and federal regulations. * Prepares ...

Water Quality Specialist

Gig Harbor, WA · On-site

$38.17 - $47.75/hr

Operate a variety of equipment and machinery such as personal and laptop computer, radio, cell phone, digital camera, calculator and various water quality testing equipment; * Coordinate with City ...

Water Quality Specialist

Gig Harbor, WA · On-site

$38.17 - $47.75/hr

Operate a variety of equipment and machinery such as personal and laptop computer, radio, cell phone, digital camera, calculator and various water quality testing equipment; * Coordinate with City ...

Water Quality Technician

Austin, TX · On-site

$19 - $27/hr

Conduct water quality testing using state-of-the-art laboratory equipment, including HACH, HAAS, and microscopes. * Sampling and analyzing influents/effluents, source water/product water, feed water ...

Conduct water quality testing using state-of-the-art laboratory equipment, including HACH, HAAS, and microscopes. * Sampling and analyzing influents/effluents, source water/product water, feed water ...

Water Quality Technician

Austin, TX · On-site

$19 - $27/hr

Conduct water quality testing using state-of-the-art laboratory equipment, including HACH, HAAS, and microscopes. * Sampling and analyzing influents/effluents, source water/product water, feed water ...

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Water Quality Manager

Cedar Knolls, NJ · On-site

$110K - $130K/yr

Water Quality Manager Location: Cedar Knolls, NJ (on-site) Status: Full Time (40 hours), Exempt ... testing schedules, sample collection, preservation, and chain of custody procedures. 5. Oversees ...

Summary Under general supervision, monitors and tests water quality to include backflow prevention ... Water Distribution Class C License, Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester (BPAT), and Wastewater ...

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Water Quality Tester information

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How much do water quality tester jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for water quality tester in the United States is $29.58, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.47 and $32.93 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a water quality tester?

Water Quality Testers are professionals who monitor and analyze the condition of water to ensure it is safe for consumption, recreation, and environmental health. They collect water samples from various sources, such as rivers, lakes, and treatment plants, and perform tests to check for contaminants, chemical levels, and other quality indicators. Their work helps protect public health and the environment by identifying pollution sources and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.

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

To thrive as a Water Quality Tester, you need a solid understanding of environmental science, chemistry, and data analysis, typically supported by a relevant degree or certification. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, water sampling techniques, and data management systems like LIMS is essential. Attention to detail, strong problem-solving abilities, and effective communication set outstanding professionals apart in this field. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring accurate water assessments and maintaining public health and environmental standards.

What are some common challenges faced by water quality testers in the field?

Water Quality Testers often encounter challenges such as dealing with unpredictable weather conditions, accessing remote or difficult-to-reach sampling sites, and ensuring the accuracy of tests despite environmental variability. They must also manage strict adherence to safety protocols and regulatory standards, which can sometimes require working during odd hours or rapid response to contamination incidents. Collaborating effectively with environmental scientists, laboratory technicians, and government agencies is key to ensuring data integrity and supporting public health initiatives.

What is the difference between Water Quality Tester vs Water Laboratory Technician?

AspectWater Quality TesterWater Laboratory Technician
CertificationsWater Quality Testing Certification, EPA certificationsLaboratory certifications, EPA certifications
Work EnvironmentField testing sites, water treatment plantsLaboratories, research facilities
Job FocusOn-site water sampling and testingAnalyzing water samples in labs
Employer & IndustryWater utilities, environmental agenciesEnvironmental labs, research institutions

Water Quality Testers primarily perform on-site water sampling and testing to ensure water safety, while Water Laboratory Technicians analyze water samples in labs for detailed data. Both roles require similar certifications and work within water and environmental industries, but differ mainly in work environment and specific responsibilities.

How do you become a water quality tester?

To become a water quality tester, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with training in water sampling and testing procedures. Many employers prefer candidates with a background in environmental science, biology, or chemistry, and certification in water testing or laboratory skills can improve job prospects.
More about Water Quality Tester jobs
What cities are hiring for Water Quality Tester jobs? Cities with the most Water Quality Tester job openings:
What states have the most Water Quality Tester jobs? States with the most job openings for Water Quality Tester jobs include:
Infographic showing various Water Quality Tester 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 $61,523 per year, or $29.6 per hour.

$25.02/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago


Job description

Performs moderately complex, journey-level work. Work involves assisting with the daily operation and maintenance of the water distribution systems and performing various tasks related to water quality compliance with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and Safe Water Drinking Act (SWDA). Administering the City's water quality and sampling programs; ensuring work quality and adherence to established policies and procedures; and performing technical tasks relative to assigned area of responsibility.

Works under general supervisor with limited latitude for initiative and independent judgment. Employee must be able to be scheduled for "on-call" rotation. Essential Duties & Required Qualifications Duties and Responsibilities: Work schedule is Monday - Thursday, 6:30 am to 4:00 pm and Friday, 6:30 am to 10:30 a.m

Creates, implements, and coordinates water quality programs; establishes and implements testing and monitoring plans to ensure compliance with the local, state, and federal regulations. Prepares and organizes water sampling bottles, containers, and related tracking documents; collects water samples from the distribution system, and water treatment plants. Collects liquid and/or semi-liquid samples; performs a variety of routine water quality laboratory tests; performs process control testing including, but not limited to dissolved oxygen, stability, microscopic evaluation, alkalinity, fluoride, hardness, specific conductance, turbidity, chlorine residual, pH, and carbon dioxide.

Delivers water samples to the laboratory for analysis; ensures the required documentation for each sample is complete and correct; monitors sampling schedules daily to ensure the timely completion of sampling. Monitors disinfectant residuals in the distribution system; water levels in storage tanks; pump operations and pump run times; submits monthly reports and samples. Monitors sampling supplies and maintains adequate inventory to maintain the sampling program.

Operates various water and/or wastewater treatment equipment and machinery including vehicles, lawn mowers, lab equipment, hand tools and power tools, mop, and various office equipment. Flushes the distribution system and maintains system flushing records. Reviews statistical data for regulatory compliance; organizes and compiles water quality lab reports; stores data in both hard copy and digital formats.

Inspects sample sites and performs repairs and/or upgrades, as needed. Investigates, diagnoses, and seeks resolution to customer complaints and inquiries regarding taste, odor, pressure, and physical characteristics of the drinking water. May respond to all water quality call-outs during, or after, business hours.

Maintains fire hydrants. Subject to after-hours call out for emergency situations including on call rotation and special events. Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Education and Experience: High School diploma or it's equivalent. Three years work experience of hands-on utility plant operations, maintenance of water distribution system or relatable work experience. Required Certificates and Licenses: Valid Texas Class C driver's license or equivalent from another state.

Must have a TCEQ Class "C" Water Distribution License. Must have a Basic first aid certificate or must obtain one within one year of hire. Preferred Qualifications: Four years related work experience of hands-on utility plant operations or maintenance of water distribution system or relatable work experience.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Knowledge of water distribution systems; water quality testing technique; personal policies and procedures; mathematical practices. Knowledge of water quality testing. Knowledge of EPA-approved standards.

Skill in prioritizing critical tasks. Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing; and follow detailed verbal and written instructions. Ability to communicate with other employees and the general public in a courteous and diplomatic manner.

Ability to attend and understand technical courses; maintain appropriate licenses and certifications. Ability to work hours other than the regular daytime schedule such as shift work, on call, or emergency response situations (i.e., early-mornings, afternoons, evenings, and late-nights shifts, weekends). Knowledge of location of city water meters

Ability to work safely. Must be able to wear city provided uniform and city issued personal protective equipment - Steel-toed leather boots, gloves, eye protection, head protection, safety vest, and ear protection. Workers must be able to follow safety procedures and usage of safety equipment to ensure personal, public, and personnel safety.

Ability to operate heavy (vehicular) construction equipment such as dump truck, bucket lift truck, trenchers, ventilating equipment, hydraulic equipment, hand and electric tools, jackhammer, sewer rodding machines, tapping machines, air compressor, pumps, signs and traffic signals, mowers, clippers, sandblasters, jet cleaners, motor grader, backhoe, chainsaw, shovel, two-way radio, computer. Knowledge of the Texas Motor Vehicle code relating to operation of light and heavy motorized equipment and traffic control in construction zone procedures. Physical Demands & Additional Information Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk or hear and taste or smell.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds and push, pull, drag up to 150 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. Working Environment: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions; moving mechanical parts; high, precarious places; fumes or airborne particles; toxic or caustic chemicals; extreme cold and extreme heat.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate, but occasionally loud. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified in this position.

Job offer and continuation of employment with the City of Leander is contingent upon: Proof of education, certification(s) and experience as listed on the employment application based on the job posting requirements. Satisfactory results from a pre-employment criminal history background and driving record check. Legal authorization to work in the United States without sponsorship.

* Compliance with the Selective Service Registration for male US citizens and immigrants, who are ages 18-25. *The City of Leander participates in E-Verify. Information from each new employee's Form I-9 will be provided to the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to confirm work authorization.

The City of Leander is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information in employment. Applicants should communicate requests for disability-related accommodations during the application process to our Human Resources Department at hr@leandertx.gov or 512-528-2708. Deaf and hard of hearing applicants may contact our office via Relay Texas at 7-1-1 or 1-800-735- 2989 (TTY/TDD).