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Water Quality Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Aquaamerica

Facility Operator II, Wastewater

Cary, NC

$34.93/hr

Performs routine water quality analysis in accordance with established processes and procedures. * Makes operational adjustments as needed to comply with state and federal water quality standards.

WSP

Senior Water Resources Engineer-Raleigh

Raleigh, NC · On-site

Watershed assessment and improvement of water quality * Hydraulic design for highway/transit * Bridge hydraulic/scour analysis and floodplain management * Strong communication skills and ability to ...

Town of Chapel Hill

STORMWATER ANALYST

Chapel Hill, NC

$67K - $88K/yr

Designs, manages, and administers water quality monitoring program, including stream and riparian assessments; collects and analyzes water chemistry data using field meter, test kits, and laboratory ...

Town of Chapel Hill, NC

STORMWATER ANALYST

Chapel Hill, NC · On-site

$67K - $88K/yr

Designs, manages, and administers water quality monitoring program, including stream and riparian assessments; collects and analyzes water chemistry data using field meter, test kits, and laboratory ...

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All JobsWater Quality JobsWater Quality Jobs in Raleigh, NC

Water Quality information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$12

$25

$40

How much do water quality jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for water quality in Raleigh, NC is $25.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.10 and $27.79 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Water Quality Specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Water Quality Specialist, you need a background in environmental science, chemistry, or biology, often supported by a relevant degree and field experience. Familiarity with water testing equipment, data analysis software, and regulatory compliance systems (like EPA guidelines) is essential. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and strong communication skills help professionals excel in monitoring and reporting on water conditions. These skills ensure accurate assessments, regulatory compliance, and the protection of public and environmental health.

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

AspectWater QualityWater Treatment Specialist
CertificationsWater Quality certifications, such as WQA or state-specific licensesWater Treatment certifications, including WQA or EPA licenses
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, field sampling sites, environmental agenciesWater treatment plants, industrial facilities, municipal systems
Industry UsageEnvironmental monitoring, water quality testing, complianceDesign, operate, and maintain water treatment systems

Water Quality professionals focus on testing and monitoring water to ensure safety and compliance, while Water Treatment Specialists operate and maintain systems that treat water to meet quality standards. Both roles often overlap but serve distinct functions within the water industry.

What is water quality and what does a water quality specialist do?

Water quality refers to the chemical, physical, and biological characteristics of water, typically in relation to its suitability for a specific purpose like drinking, recreation, or supporting aquatic life. A water quality specialist monitors and analyzes water samples to detect pollutants, ensures compliance with environmental regulations, and recommends solutions to maintain or improve water conditions. They may work for government agencies, laboratories, or environmental organizations, and often use specialized equipment and data analysis to assess water health. Their work helps protect public health and the environment by ensuring safe and clean water resources.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in water quality roles, and how are they typically addressed?

Professionals in water quality roles often encounter challenges such as adapting to changing environmental regulations, responding to emerging contaminants, and ensuring accurate data collection in the field. These challenges are typically addressed through ongoing training, close collaboration with regulatory agencies, and the use of advanced monitoring technologies. Teamwork is essential, as water quality specialists often work with engineers, laboratory technicians, and local authorities to maintain compliance and protect public health. Staying informed about industry best practices and participating in professional networks can also help address these evolving challenges.
What are the most commonly searched types of Water Quality jobs in Raleigh, NC? The most popular types of Water Quality jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What are popular job titles related to Water Quality jobs in Raleigh, NC? For Water Quality jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Water Quality jobs in Raleigh, NC look for? The top searched job categories for Water Quality jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Water Quality jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Water Quality job openings:
Water Quality jobs near you
Infographic showing various Water Quality job openings in Raleigh, NC as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $52,123 per year, or $25.1 per hour.

Water Plant Operator Trainee, I, II, or III (Night Shift)

Town of Hillsborough, NC

NC • On-site

$46K - $94K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

Salary: $46,602.42 - $94,036.96 Annually
Location : Water Treatment Plant, NC
Job Type: Regular, Full-time
Department: Utilities
Division: Water Treatment Plant
Opening Date: 07/09/2026
Closing Date: 7/26/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs if they believe they are unable to perform every task on a job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job. That candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. The town will consider any equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience to meet minimum qualifications.
About the Position
This position performs technical and skilled work to operate and maintain the Town of Hillsborough's water treatment plant in compliance with municipal regulatory requirements, maintain water quality and pressure, and provide safe drinking water to the Hillsborough community.
This position may be filled at the Trainee, Operator I, Operator II, or Operator III level.
This is a night shift position operating on a rotating 12-hour schedule that works three 12-hour shifts one week and four 12-hour shifts the following week. Shift hours are 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. and include Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and every other Saturday (plus holidays as needed).
WHY EMPLOYEES VALUE THE NIGHT SHIFT
  • Quieter work environment: fewer interruptions and less daytime foot traffic, which can make it easier to focus.
  • Built-in overtime opportunity: because the schedule alternates, the four-shift week totals 48 hours, creating a predictable overtime opportunity every other week (consistent with town policy and FLSA requirements).

Job Duties
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The following duties are representative of this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.
  • Starts up and shuts down the water treatment plant.
  • Operates and monitors the functioning of pumps, motors, valves, chemical feeders, and related equipment; recognizes and makes needed adjustments to equipment and or treatment process.
  • Performs basic water plant maintenance and housekeeping; backwashes filters; fills chemical tanks and changes cylinders; drains and cleans sedimentation basins, troughs and flocculation basins; performs maintenance on chemical pumps, motors and piping; performs building and grounds maintenance.
  • Performs skilled preventive maintenance and/or adjustments on equipment, including repacking pumps, greasing pumps, adjusting pumps, overhauling and changing oil in pumps and chemical feeders; performs maintenance and repairs on the plumbing and piping system; maintains and repairs the chemical feed piping system; fills chemical tanks; performs minor maintenance and repair on plant facilities.
  • Collects and maintains accurate data; prepares and submits a variety of records, reports, charts, logs, etc.
  • Gathers samples for lab analysis; performs laboratory quality control testing, such as chlorine residual, Ph, temperature, hardness, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, alkalinity, fluoride, and other tests; performs water quality lab media in lab for use on water microbiological bacteria testing of samples; performs bench jar testing of raw water to optimize the plant's chemical dosage.
  • Adds chemicals in accordance with prescribed standards; receives and properly stores chemical shipments.
  • As the plant is manned 24/7 it serves as the 24-hour emergency call center for utilities.
  • Receives calls from customers (sometimes irate) regarding water bills, water cut-offs, and broken lines; addresses after-hours complaints on nights, weekends, and holidays by dispatching proper personnel for water quality issues, line breaks, sewer spills, and pump station issues; records all received water/sewer service calls.
  • Reports concerns and failures and takes operational direction from the Operator in Responsible Charge.
  • Participates in classroom and other training to ensure certification can be renewed and for increased learning.
  • Maintains plant security on assigned shifts.
  • Serves as an on-call operator.
  • Performs other related duties as required
Operator II and III added duties:
  • Help QA/QC log sheets and state reports.

Position Qualifications
Education and Experience:
  • Trainee to Operator I Requirements
    • HS diploma/GED + 6 months experience or equivalent combination of training and experience. Operator I requires NC Grade C Surface Water Treatment Operator certification after 1 year.
  • Operator II requirements:
    • HS diploma/GED, NC Grade B Surface Water Treatment Operator certification, + 1.5 years experience or equivalent combination of training and experience.
  • Operator III requirements:
    • HS diploma/GED, NC Grade A Surface Water Treatment Operator certification, + 2.5 years experience or equivalent combination of training and experience.
Annual Pay Ranges by Level
Salary range posted encompasses all three levels. Salary is dependent on qualifications.
  • Water Plant Operator Trainee: $46,602.42
  • Water Plant Operator I: $48,816.03- $78,105.65
  • Water Plant Operator II: $53,563.70- $85,701.92
  • Water Plant Operator III: $58,773.10- $94,036.96

Career Progression Pathway
Trainee to Operator I (Grade C)
Trainee must obtain NC Grade C Surface Water Treatment Operator certification within 12 months of start.
The training pathway includes 6 months on night shift, 1-week certification course, and passing the certification exam.
Operator I to Operator II (Grade B)
Operator II requires NC Grade B Surface Water Treatment Operator certification (NC Bacteriological Methods preferred).
Operator II to Operator III (Grade A)
Operator III requires NC Grade A Surface Water Treatment Operator certification.
Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:
  • Must be physically able to operate a variety of equipment.
  • Must be able to exert up to 100 pounds of force occasionally and/or more than fifty pounds of force frequently, and/or more than 20 pounds of force constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. Must be able to lift and/or carry weights of up to 100 pounds.
  • Must be able to walk, stand, bend, reach, climb and stoop.
  • Must be able to remain alert during overnight hours.
  • Work occurs mainly inside for the overnight shift with occasional work outside during rounds in various types of weather.
  • Employee is subject to distracting noise from motors and pumps.
  • Employee is subject to potential hazards including moving equipment, chemicals, fumes, odors, dusts, and oils.
Level of responsibility increases by classification. Trainee/Operator I work under closer guidance; Operator II/III perform more independent operations, troubleshooting, documentation, and may serve in lead/relief roles as assigned
Supplemental Information
Knowledge:
  • Basic principles of surface water treatment and plant operations (treatment process, equipment, and terminology).
  • Safety practices and hazards related to plant operations, chemicals, and equipment.
  • Applicable regulations and requirements relevant to water treatment operations (state/federal/local; including OSHA and NC water rules).
  • Fundamentals of water quality testing (chemical and bacteriological concepts) appropriate to the assigned level.
Skills:
  • Operate, monitor, and perform routine care of plant systems and equipment (pumps, valves, motors, chemical feed, and related systems) consistent with certification level.
  • Perform basic math for operational calculations and dosage adjustments (as assigned).
  • Complete clear, accurate logs, reports, and records (paper or electronic).
  • Use standard workplace technology (email, basic spreadsheets/word processing, and systems used for plant operations/recordkeeping).
  • Communicate effectively with coworkers and (as required) the public in a professional manner.
Abilities:
  • Learn and apply SOPs, safety procedures, and regulatory requirements; follow directions from the Operator in Responsible Charge (ORC) when applicable.
  • Maintain attention to detail, prioritize tasks, and respond calmly during alarms, process upsets, or emergency calls.
  • Work independently on night shift, remain alert, and exercise sound judgment within the scope of the position level.
  • Perform the physical requirements of the job (lifting, climbing, working around noise/chemicals, indoor/outdoor rounds, and overnight work).

A competitive benefits package is provided:
  • 12 paid vacation days/year
  • 12 paid sick days/year
  • 12-13 paid holidays/year
  • Bereavement leave
  • Paid voting leave
  • 6 weeks paid parental leave
  • Employer-paid medical insurance for employee, up to an annual value of $11,363 (2026-27)
  • Employer-paid dental insurance for employee, an annual value of $374 (2026-27)
  • Employer-paid vision insurance
  • Employer-paid life insurance
  • Employer- paid short-term disability insurance
  • Three retirement plans
    • Local Government Retirement System with 13% contribution by the town
    • 401(k) plan with 5%contribution by the town
    • 457
  • Longevity pay plan
  • Employee Assistance Counseling Program
  • Skills training for career progression
  • Tuition Reimbursement Program
  • Student loan and college planning support
  • Potential for relocation assistance
  • Flexible work schedule (dependent on position and approval)
  • Transfer of sick leave from another North Carolina state or local government agency will be considered

Employees have the option to cover their dependents including spouse, domestic partner, and children on the town's group policy at their own expense through payroll deduction.
01
Which of the following best describes your level of education?
  • Some High School
  • High School or GED
  • Some College
  • Associate's Degree
  • Bachelor's Degree
  • Master's Degree
  • Doctoral Degree

02
Do you possess a valid driver's license?
  • Yes
  • No
  • No, but I can have a valid driver's license upon hire.

03
How many years of job-related experience do you have?
  • No experience
  • Less than 1 year
  • 1 year
  • 2 years
  • 3 years
  • 4 years
  • 5 years
  • 6 years

04
If you have worked at a water treatment plant in the past, tell a little bit about the type of plant and your general duties. Was it an overnight shift?
05
What do you think are the three most important traits of a water plant operator?
06
Have you worked in a surface water treatment plant whose raw water intake is from a river and not a reservoir?
  • Yes
  • No

07
Do you possess a NC Grade C-Surface Water Plant Operator's license or higher? (If so, please list in the certifications section of the application.)
  • Yes
  • No

08
Are you willing to work a 12 hour overnight shift, from 7pm to 7am, 7 days out of 14, including some weekends and holidays?
  • Yes
  • No

09
Are you able to remain alert during overnight hours?
  • Yes
  • No

10
Explain your experience and skill level with email, word processing, spreadsheets, and data and acquisition control systems (i.e. SCADA).
11
Why do you believe that you are a good fit for this position?
Required Question

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