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Water Sampler Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

... samples in the laboratory and in the field; reviews laboratory logs and records for accuracy and prepares various reports; develops and implements the water laboratory quality assurance/quality ...

PLANT OPERATOR - WATER

Stockton, CA · On-site

$65K - $84K/yr

As a Plant Operator , you will be grabbing samples, checking water quality parameters, checking chemical feed equipment, verifying online instrumentation, visual inspections of equipment and plant ...

WATER QUALITY ANALYST

Burbank, CA · On-site

$102K - $141K/yr

... samples in the laboratory and in the field; reviews laboratory logs and records for accuracy and prepares various reports; develops and implements the water laboratory quality assurance/quality ...

PLANT OPERATOR - WATER

Stockton, CA · On-site

$65K - $84K/yr

As a Plant Operator, you will be grabbing samples, checking water quality parameters, checking chemical feed equipment, verifying online instrumentation, visual inspections of equipment and plant ...

Water Distribution Operator

Oxnard, CA · On-site

$59K - $83K/yr

Assisting with sampling; * Performing traffic control during repairs; * Installing and removing water services and connections; * Performing janitorial and grounds maintenance for facilities. Minimum ...

Showing results 41-60

Water Sampler information

See California salary details

$5

$23

$61

How much do water sampler jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for water sampler in California is $23.58, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $20.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a water sampler do?

A Water Sampler is responsible for collecting water samples from various sources such as rivers, lakes, reservoirs, or treatment plants to test for contaminants and ensure water quality. They follow strict protocols to prevent contamination during the collection process and may use specialized equipment for sampling. After collecting the samples, they often transport them to a laboratory for analysis and may assist in interpreting the results. Water Samplers play a crucial role in environmental monitoring and public health by helping to ensure that water meets safety standards.

What are the main challenges a water sampler may face in the field and how can they be addressed?

Water Samplers often work in diverse outdoor environments and may encounter challenges such as inclement weather, difficult terrain, or accessing remote sampling locations. Ensuring the integrity of samples during collection and transport is critical, requiring attention to proper procedures and contamination prevention. Effective communication with laboratory staff and adherence to safety protocols also play key roles in overcoming these challenges. Preparation, appropriate equipment, and ongoing training help Water Samplers address these issues and maintain high-quality data collection.

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

To thrive as a Water Sampler, you need a solid understanding of environmental science, sampling protocols, and data collection, typically supported by a relevant degree or on-the-job training. Familiarity with field sampling equipment, GPS devices, and laboratory information management systems (LIMS) is essential. Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and the ability to communicate findings clearly are crucial soft skills. These competencies ensure accurate sampling, reliable data, and effective reporting, which are vital for maintaining water quality and regulatory compliance.

What is the difference between Water Sampler vs Water Quality Technician?

AspectWater SamplerWater Quality Technician
CertificationsWater sampling certifications, EPA certificationsWater quality testing certifications, EPA certifications
Work EnvironmentField sampling sites, laboratoriesLaboratories, field testing sites
Employer & IndustryEnvironmental agencies, research labs, consulting firmsEnvironmental agencies, water treatment plants, consulting firms

Water Samplers primarily focus on collecting water samples from various locations for analysis, while Water Quality Technicians perform detailed testing and analysis of water samples to assess quality. Both roles often require similar certifications and work in related environments, but their core responsibilities differ: sampling versus testing and analysis.

What are popular job titles related to Water Sampler jobs in California?

For Water Sampler jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Water Sampler jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Water Sampler jobs in California are:

Infographic showing various Water Sampler job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $49,053 per year, or $23.6 per hour.

Water Distribution/Production Specialist

City of Fresno

Fresno, CA • On-site

$75K - $91K/yr

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago


City Of Fresno rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 22 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

149th of 855 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Come join the City of Fresno in Building a Better Fresno. Want to see what it's like to work here. Explore our We Work For You video series to discover the real stories, passion, and purpose of the team behind Fresno's success.

Position Description THE POSITION Water Distribution/Production Specialist is the advanced level class which participates in the maintenance, construction and distribution of potable water for the production of ground water for the City's water systems. Incumbents may be required to work evenings, weekends and holidays. Depending upon assignment, incumbents may be assigned work in distribution or groundwater production.

A Water Distribution/Production Specialist may provide lead instruction to lower-level distribution and production water utility staff. Duties may include but are not limited to the following: Installs, maintains, and repairs water lines, valves, meters, fire hydrants, pressure regulators, pumps and tanks, surface water and groundwater treatment equipment, distribution, production equipment, and other water system infrastructures. Operates and services equipment used in the repair, installation and maintenance of water system infrastructures including, but not limited to, compressors, jack hammers, backhoes, trenchers, tractors, trucks, and any other assigned light and heavy equipment.

Makes minor adjustments on service equipment; maintains tools and equipment in working order. Operates and maintains wells, reservoirs, hydropneumatics tanks, and treatment facilities; and inspects residential and commercial service issues. Monitors and adjusts water distribution and production equipment.

Installs pipelines; makes water line taps; installs water services, fire hydrants, valves, and other water devices. Performs field duties related to the water system; takes water samples and inspects new construction. Excavates trenches and installs shoring as required by Cal OSHA rules and regulations.

Identifies service and main leaks; operates pipe locators; installs and inspect backflow devices. Identifies and diagnoses leaks for customers and contractors. Reads and update waters distribution maps and as-built plans and blueprints.

Cleans and monitors pump stations and related equipment. Performs emergency repairs to water lines as necessary; establishes proper traffic control devices. Repairs, maintains, and installs water meters and related service lines; reads meters; turn services off and on as necessary.

Maintains logs of daily activities and keeps accurate records. Handles complaints and answers questions from the public. Performs minor concrete work, e.g., meter boxes, and pouring hydrant pads, pump pedestals and short sections of sidewalks and curbs

Installs and removal of pumps in water wells. Inspects new wells, monitoring wells, and destruction of privately owned wells. Notifies underground service alert of requirement for locating, marking, notification, and pavement markings for excavation.

Locates and identifies City owned water and sewer line locations for Underground Service Alert (USA) as needed. Performs surface water, groundwater and distribution system sampling. Cleans and maintains recharge basins; reads and maintains basin meters.

Wears and uses applicable PPE consistent with state mandates as required. May repair sewer lines that were damaged in the performance of duties. Maintains inventory and utilizes electronic work order systems.

Full job specifications available to be viewed at: https://www.fresno.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Water-Distribution-Production-Specialist-10_25-10w1128.pdf View "We Work For You" video to get an inside look at how rewarding it is to work for the City of Fresno: https://youtu.be/RjOUf52KPrk?si=NmkwtgYbTxdKcKOz The two (2) current vacancies exist in the Department of Public Utilities Water Division, in the Distribution and Landfill Sections. Immediate and future vacancies will be filled from this eligible list for a period of three (3) months from the date the eligible list is created, with the option of extending that period at the City's discretion. If the examination process is suspended for this recruitment, the eligible list may be limited to three (3) months

THE REQUIREMENTS Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications on or before the posted filing deadline in order to qualify for the examination and do not assure placement on the eligible list. High School Diploma or GED completion or satisfactory completion of the educational requirements necessary to obtain a valid Water Distribution Operator Certificate, Grade D2, issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board AND Two (2) years of full-time work experience in the testing, cleaning, maintenance, inspection, repair, installation, replacement, construction, distribution and operation of water systems. Applicants must attach a copy of their valid D2 certification under Cover Letters and Attachments.

Applicants lacking the documentation may be rejected. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS Possession of a valid Class "C" California Driver's License is required at the time of application and continued maintenance throughout the entire term of employment in this classification. Possession of a valid Water Distribution Operator Certificate, Grade D2, issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board is required AT TIME OF application and continued maintenance throughout the entire term of employment in this classification.

Failure to maintain a valid Water Distribution Operator Certificate, Grade D2 certificate shall be cause for termination from this class. Depending on assignment area: 1) may be required to obtain and maintain a valid Commercial Class "A" or "B" California Driver's License with appropriate endorsements for the entire term of employment in this classification within twelve (12) months of assignment, 2) may be required to obtain and maintain throughout the entire term of employment in this classification a valid Backflow Certificate by the California State Water Resources Control Board. PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands described here are representative of those that are necessary to safely, effectively, and efficiently perform the essential functions of this job with or without reasonable accommodation.

This classification's physical demands involve heavy work exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally with assistance, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Additionally, the following physical demands may be required: balancing, climbing, crawling, crouching, feeling, manual dexterity, grasping, handling, hearing, kneeling, lifting, mental acuity, pulling, pushing, reaching, repetitive motion, speaking, standing, stooping, talking, visual acuity, walking. THE SELECTION PROCESS The examination process may consist of the following: WRITTEN EXAMINATION - 100%: A job-related written examination will be administered which may test a candidate's knowledge of the materials, methods, practices equipment and tools used in the installation and maintenance of valves, hydrants, water lines, meters, regulators, pumps, surface water and ground water treatment equipment, distribution and water services, basic mathematical principles, ability to communicate effectively in oral and written form, ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the performance of assigned duties.

The written examination has been tentatively scheduled for the week of September 21, 2026. Candidates must achieve a passing score on the Written Examination to qualify for placement on the eligible list. VETERAN'S PREFERENCE Qualified veterans who pass the examination may obtain five (5) additional points.

Candidates applying for veteran's preference are required to submit a copy of their DD214 with their application during the specified filing period. Evidence must be presented to indicate that the candidate was discharged honorably from the military service. Veterans, including City employees, must resubmit proof of honorable service for every examination for which veteran's preference credit is requested.

How To Apply For information on how to complete an online application, please visit the Help & Support tab. For NEOGOV Application Assistance, please call 1-855-524-5627 or email support@governmentjobs.com. ONLY ONLINE APPLICATIONS AND MATERIALS ARE ACCEPTED and must be submitted by midnight on the closing deadline, or they will not be accepted for any reason

Required licenses, certifications, and education must be verified with supporting documents. Foreign education must be evaluated by a credential evaluation service recognized by the U.S. Department of Education

Please ensure all relevant attachments are uploaded with your application. For the work experience section, provide detailed descriptions of job duties for each position related to the specific role you are applying for. Resumes are not a substitute for completing this section and will only be reviewed as supplemental information, not for determining minimum qualifications.

For other City of Fresno employment opportunities, please view our Careers Homepage. If you have recruitment questions, please call our office at 559-621-6950. Our office is located at 2600 Fresno Street, Room 1030, Fresno, CA 93721.

Equal Opportunity Employer The City of Fresno is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Should you need a special accommodation due to a qualifying disability, please contact the Personnel Service Department at (559) 621-6950 in advance of the examination.


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