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Water Quality Testing Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of Columbia, SC

WATER QUALITY TECHNICIAN

Columbia, SC · On-site

$35.40K - $44.25K/yr

Monitors and tests water quality; * Flushes fire hydrants and records turbidity and chlorine levels ... and testing equipment; * Ability to perform skilled work involving rules/systems with almost ...

City of Bellingham

Water Quality Specialist

Bellingham, WA · On-site

$95.45K - $115.66K/yr

Collects wastewater, drinking water and surface water samples for laboratory testing from identified sites. Provides technical input on projects that may influence water quality. 8. Responds to ...

ASP

Lagoon Water Quality

La Marque, TX · On-site

We pride ourselves on providing "resort quality services". To do this we have built a team of ... Maintenance of the Lagoon Water Testing Documentation of results Balancing of Water levels Working ...

ASP

Lagoon Water Quality

Dayton, TX

We pride ourselves on providing "resort quality services". To do this we have built a team of ... Maintenance of the Lagoon Water Testing Documentation of results Balancing of Water levels Working ...

City of Garland Texas

Water Quality Inspector

Garland, TX · On-site

$20.72 - $26.78/hr

TCEQ Class C Water Distribution License * 1 year experience in Water Quality sampling Or equivalent ... TCEQ Backflow Protection Assembly Tester License, or ability to obtain within 18 months * TCEQ Type ...

City of Denison, TX

Water Quality Specialist

Denison, TX · On-site

$40.50K - $56.22K/yr

... water quality and meter service areas. Routinely performs investigations of collection lines and ... Performs flow testing, painting, clearing, and upkeep of fire hydrants and flush points. May ...

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How much do water quality testing jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for water quality testing in the United States is $21.22, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $23.32 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Water Quality Testing, and why are they important?

To excel in Water Quality Testing, you need a background in environmental science, chemistry, or biology, often supported by a relevant degree or certification. Familiarity with laboratory testing equipment, analytical software, and regulatory compliance systems is crucial. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and strong communication skills help professionals accurately interpret results and report findings. These competencies ensure the reliability of water quality data, compliance with safety standards, and protection of public health and the environment.

What are some typical daily challenges faced by professionals in water quality testing roles?

Professionals in water quality testing often encounter challenges such as managing tight sampling schedules, ensuring adherence to strict regulatory standards, and maintaining the accuracy of test results under various field conditions. They may need to troubleshoot equipment malfunctions on site or respond quickly to unexpected contamination findings. Collaboration with environmental engineers, lab technicians, and regulatory agencies is common to address complex water quality issues and report findings efficiently.

What is water quality testing?

Water quality testing is the process of analyzing water samples to assess their chemical, physical, and biological characteristics. This testing helps determine if water is safe for human consumption, agricultural use, recreational activities, or supporting aquatic life. Professionals test for contaminants such as bacteria, heavy metals, pH, turbidity, and other substances that may affect health or the environment. Regular water quality testing is crucial for ensuring public health and meeting regulatory standards.

What is the difference between Water Quality Testing vs Water Treatment Specialist?

AspectWater Quality TestingWater Treatment Specialist
CertificationsWater Quality Testing certifications, EPA certificationsWater Treatment certifications, EPA certifications
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, field testing sitesWater treatment plants, industrial facilities
Job FocusAnalyzing water samples for contaminantsDesigning and maintaining water treatment systems

Water Quality Testing primarily involves analyzing water samples to assess contamination levels, while Water Treatment Specialists focus on designing, operating, and maintaining systems to treat water. Both roles require similar certifications and often work in related environments, but their core responsibilities differ in focus and daily tasks.

More about Water Quality Testing jobs
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What job categories do people searching Water Quality Testing jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Water Quality Testing jobs are:
Water Quality Testing jobs near you
Infographic showing various Water Quality Testing job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 4% Nights. Highlights an 68% Physical, 11% Hybrid, and 21% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,139 per year, or $21.2 per hour.
WATER QUALITY TECHNICIAN

WATER QUALITY TECHNICIAN

City of Columbia, SC

Columbia, SC • On-site

$35.40K - $44.25K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Salary: $35,396.00 - $44,245.00 Annually
Location : Columbia, SC
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 202600134
Department: UTILITIES
Division: WATER DISTRIBUTION & MAINT
Opening Date: 05/20/2026
Closing Date: 6/21/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Pay Grade: 105
Description
This position tests and monitors water quality for City water customers; and performs other technical work as required. The incumbent works according to some procedures but decides how or when to do things; work is reviewed regularly by supervisor.
The work is considered light-to-medium in nature and involves walking or standing virtually all of the time and also involves exerting between 20 and 50 pounds of force on a recurring basis, or considerable skill, adeptness and speed in the use of fingers, hands or limbs in tasks involving close tolerances or limits of accuracy. The work requires the following physical abilities to perform the essential job functions: fingering, grasping, handling, hearing, kneeling, lifting, mental acuity, pulling, pushing, reaching, repetitive motion, speaking, stooping, talking, visual acuity, and walking.
Work environment may involve exposure to bright / dim light, extreme heat and/or cold, wet or humid conditions, dusts and pollen, fumes and/or noxious odors, traffic, toxic / caustic chemicals; and is dynamic that requires sensitivity to change and responsiveness to changing goals, priorities, and needs.
Essential Job Functions
  • Receives and responds to customer complaints regarding poor water quality;
  • Monitors and tests water quality;
  • Flushes fire hydrants and records turbidity and chlorine levels; reports test results to appropriate City personnel for resolution;
  • Follows up with customers to ensure timely problem resolution;
  • Troubleshoots customer water quality issues;
  • Maintains accurate and up-to-date records of water quality activities;
  • Performs general clerical work as required, including but not limited to preparing reports and records, completing forms, entering and retrieving computer data, copying and filing documents, answering the telephone, etc.;
  • Attends meetings, training, seminars, etc., as appropriate to enhance job knowledge and skills; and
  • Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO PERFORM WORK:
  • High school diploma or GED;
  • Six (6) months of relevant prior experience;
  • Valid South Carolina Class "D" Driver's License.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Knowledge of basic algebra involving variables and formulas and/or basic geometry involving plane and solid figures, circumferences, areas and volumes, and/or computing discounts and interest rates;
  • Ability to gather, organize, analyze, examine or evaluate data or information and may prescribe action based on such data or information;
  • Ability to speak or signal to people to convey or exchange information of a general nature;
  • Ability to handle or use machines, tools or equipment requiring moderate instruction and experience, such as fire hydrants and testing equipment;
  • Ability to perform skilled work involving rules/systems with almost constant problem-solving;
  • Ability to read technical instructions, procedures, manuals and charts to solve practical problems; composing routine reports and specialized reports, forms and business letters with proper format; speaking compound sentences using normal grammar and word form;
  • Ability to perform clerical, manual or technical tasks requiring a wide range of procedures and requiring intensive understanding of a restricted field or complete familiarity with the functions of a unit or small division of an operating agency; requires normal attention with short periods of concentration for accurate results or occasional exposure to unusual pressure; and
  • Ability to guide others, requiring frequent decisions affecting co-workers and others who depend on the service or product; works in a somewhat fluid environment with rules and procedures but with many variations from the routine.

The City of Columbia is proud to offer a complete benefits package to full-time employees. This package includes health care, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
Part-time or temporary employees, including interns, are not eligible for City benefits.
To learn more details, visit our benefits page at:
01
Do you have a High School diploma or GED?
  • Yes
  • No

02
Do you have at least six (6) months of work experience relevant to this position?
  • Yes
  • No

03
Do you have a valid Driver's License?
  • Yes
  • No

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