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Water Sample Collection Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Field Technician

Marion, OH · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

The Field Technician is responsible for overseeing the collection, transportation, and delivery of water samples to the laboratory, ensuring compliance with laboratory protocols, safety standards ...

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Water Sample Collection information

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How much do water sample collection jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for water sample collection in the United States is $20.03, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.03 and $21.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a typical day look like for someone working in Water Sample Collection?

A typical day in Water Sample Collection often involves traveling to designated sites such as lakes, rivers, reservoirs, or treatment plants to collect water samples according to specific protocols. You’ll use sampling kits and field measurement equipment, follow chain-of-custody documentation, and sometimes interact with local stakeholders or environmental teams. The role may require working outdoors in various weather conditions and collaborating closely with laboratory technicians or scientists to ensure accurate sample analysis. Attention to safety guidelines and precise record-keeping are key aspects of the daily routine, helping maintain the integrity and quality of collected data.

What is the highest paying job in a laboratory?

In a laboratory setting, the highest paying roles are often senior scientists, laboratory managers, or specialized researchers such as clinical or pharmaceutical scientists. These positions typically require advanced degrees, extensive experience, and strong technical skills, and they can earn six-figure salaries depending on the industry and location.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Water Sample Collection position, and why are they important?

To thrive in Water Sample Collection, you need a basic understanding of environmental science, sampling techniques, and safety procedures, often supported by a high school diploma or relevant coursework. Experience with field sampling equipment, GPS devices, and sometimes certification in hazardous materials handling or water quality testing is typical. Attention to detail, organizational skills, and clear communication are valuable soft skills for accurate data recording and reporting. These competencies are essential to ensure reliable sample results, regulatory compliance, and effective teamwork in often outdoor or field-based environments.

What degree do you need to be a water quality specialist?

A water quality specialist typically needs at least a bachelor's degree in environmental science, chemistry, biology, or a related field. Some positions may require a master's degree or additional certifications in water quality testing or environmental management.

What is water sample collection?

Water sample collection is the process of gathering water samples from various sources to analyze their quality and contamination levels. It involves using sterile containers, proper techniques, and sometimes field testing tools to ensure accurate results for environmental monitoring or regulatory compliance.

What is a Water Sample Collection job?

A Water Sample Collection job involves gathering water samples from various sources like lakes, rivers, wells, or treatment plants for testing and analysis. Professionals in this role follow strict protocols to ensure samples are collected, stored, and transported without contamination. These samples are analyzed for contaminants, chemical composition, or biological organisms. The job is essential for environmental monitoring, public health, and regulatory compliance.

What is a person who tests water called?

A person who tests water is called a water quality technician or water sampler. They collect and analyze water samples to assess contamination levels, often using specialized equipment and following safety protocols. Certification in water testing methods may be required for this role.
More about Water Sample Collection jobs
What cities are hiring for Water Sample Collection jobs? Cities with the most Water Sample Collection job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Water Sample Collection jobs? The most popular types of Water Sample Collection jobs are:
What states have the most Water Sample Collection jobs? States with the most job openings for Water Sample Collection jobs include:
Infographic showing various Water Sample Collection job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,666 per year, or $20 per hour.
Environmental Professional - Surface Water Monitoring I

Environmental Professional - Surface Water Monitoring I

sealaska

Los Alamos, NM • On-site

Other

Re-posted 20 days ago


Job description

Job Title: Environmental Professional Surface Water Monitoring I

Job Summary:
Environmental Professional (Surface Water Monitoring supports the Storm Water and Surface Water Monitoring Projects under the N3B Los Alamos Legacy Cleanup Contract (LLCC). The Environmental Professional will be responsible for the completion of field work, including collection of storm and surface water samples, completion of sample paperwork, maintenance of sampling equipment and storm water controls, maintenance of surface water gaging stations, site inspections and construction verifications and/or documentation of work completed, data entry, and coordination with T2S subcontractors supporting these projects.

The Environmental Professional will ensure all activities and operations are performed in a safe and deliberate manner; will maintain required safety, security and all operational training; assure procedural and regulatory compliance; and make safety and security an integral part of every task, including taking the necessary steps to pause or stop work if continuing the task is unsafe or compromises security.

Duties/Responsibilities:
•    Collection of storm & surface water samples, and maintenance of sample collection equipment and storm water controls.
•    Operation and maintenance of stream gaging stations including routine inspections, troubleshooting equipment, and flow measurements as applicable.
•    Completion of field work, including site inspections and construction verifications and/or documenting work completed.
•    Maintain quality control throughout the sample collection process.
•    Provide oversight and occasional audits of subcontractors.
•    Ability to coordinate with, and willingness to take direction from project leads as required.
•    Support the project with requesting site access, data entry, and report preparation, as needed.
•    Comply with all health & safety policies and practices.
•    Other duties in support of the Water Program as assigned.

Required Skills/Abilities: 
•    Mechanical aptitude desired
•    Skill and ability to perform basic tasks and to analyze and develop innovative solutions to problems.
•    Ability to recommend approaches for new and improved processes.
•    Ability to work with broad objectives, with latitude to determine the best way to accomplish tasks.
•    Level of language skills, mathematical skills, communication skills, reasoning ability and computer skills necessary to perform essential functions of the job.
•    Ability to work in a team-oriented project environment.
•    Ability to work in a team-oriented project environment.
•    Familiarity with RCRA waste management practices and sample planning desired
•    Excellent communication skills (both verbal and written)
•    Broadly applied software including Microsoft Office.

Education and Experience:
•    Associate degree, or higher, in engineering, science, hydrology or related technical discipline, or equivalent; however, a combination of education and relevant experience wherein the knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the position’s duties and responsibilities have been adequately demonstrated is acceptable. 
•    Experience and certification in Sediment and Erosion Control preferred.
•    Familiarity with Fluvial geomorphology preferred.
•    Familiarity with storm water best management practices (BMPs) preferred.
•    Familiarity with the LANL site and work environment preferred.
•    A pre-employment drug screen in compliance with federal regulations is required, along with a physical if needed.
•    Must possess a valid driver’s license with a clean driving record without restrictions.

Working Conditions:
The physical and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands: 
•    Physical demand requirements are in excess of those for sedentary work
•    The employee exerts up to 30 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. Will also be carrying up to 30 pounds while hiking. 
•    The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; hike; use hands to handle or feel, and reach with hands and arms
•    The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl
•    Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and distance vision

Work Environment: 
This position will be required to work in the outdoors, and at times may include walking and hiking several miles while carrying equipment weighing approximately 30 lbs.

This description is not intended to be, nor should it be construed as an all-inclusive list of responsibilities, skills or working conditions associated with the position. It is intended to accurately reflect the activities and requirements of the position, but duties may be added, deleted, or modified, as necessary. This description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.