Water Sampling Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $32.48 - $39.49 Hourly
Location : Fridley Water Plant, 4300 Marshall Street NE, Minneapolis, MN
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 2026-00281
Department: Public Works - Water Treatment & Distribution
Division: PW Water Treatment
Opening Date: 07/09/2026
Closing Date: 7/26/2026 11:59 PM Central
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: CAF
Position Description
Perform collection and analysis of water samples to ensure the safe and efficient production of water for commercial, industrial and public use, assist chemists with various laboratory proceedings, and provide assistance and training to plumbers and operators.
Salary
The anticipated starting salary for this role is: $32.48-$39.49/hourly, depending on qualifications.
Work Location
This position currently works on-site only.
The City of Minneapolis does not sponsor applicants for work visas.
Job Duties and Responsibilities
• Perform water analysis for turbidity, color, alkalinity, hardness (total and calcium), pH, temperature, conductivity, and chlorine residual.
• Perform quality assurance tests of materials and methods used in the laboratory and water treatment plant.
• Operate lab instruments (including calibration). Some examples are pH meter(s), balances, Radiometer, and Sterilizer in performing chemical and water analysis.
• Collect samples at various stages of treatment at both the Fridley and Columbia heights facilities; for example, the Softening plant, Pump Stations 4, 5, 7, and 8, Filter plant, and Membrane plant, and from sources outside the plants.
• Assist other units like the Dewatering plant, i.e., handling the weekly and monthly Lagoon and LOTP samples, and help the plumbers with sampling temporary water lines.
• Provide assistance with, and help the East-Side-Yard with Dirty Water complaints and/or "Non-routine" distribution samples.
• Deal with customer complaints via the telephone or in person (e.g., answering water quality questions or concerns). Including handling forwarded 311 calls.
• Satisfy compliance/regulatory requirements. Including collecting the 180 samples throughout the distribution needed each month to meet the Total Coliform Rule. Also, quarterly samples for phosphate, THM, and HAA monitoring - for the Minnesota Department of Health Water Quality Report.
• Provide training to the Water Treatment Plant Operators on the use of the HACH DR-5000 Spectrophotometer; and familiarizing them with the SOPs for measuring fluoride, ortho-phosphate, free and total ammonia.
• Keep abreast of changes in the water treatment testing and monitoring of water quality.
Working Conditions: Exposure to hazardous materials.
Required Qualifications
Minimum Education
Bachelor's Degree from an approved program in Chemistry, Microbiology, Biology, Biochemistry or Environmental Science or equivalent.
Minimum Experience
One year of performing laboratory work in a chemical or water testing environment within the last 10 years.
Equivalency
An equivalent combination of education and experience closely related to the duties of the position MAY be considered.
Licenses/Certifications
Possess and maintain a valid Driver's License.
A resume is required, ensure you attach an updated resume to your application.
Those who submit a cover letter will receive first consideration.
Selection Process
The selection process will consist of one or more of the following steps: a rating of relevant education and experience 100%. It is important that your application show all the relevant education and experience you possess. This information will be used to determine which candidates will proceed in the selection process. A submitted application is also used to verify the answers to any supplemental questions. Only those candidates who attain a passing score 70% on each step in the selection process will be placed on the eligible list. The City of Minneapolis Human Resources Department reserves the right to limit the number in any phase of the selection process.
Background Check
The City has determined that a criminal background check and/or qualifications check may be necessary for certain positions with this job title. Applicants may be required to sign an informed consent form allowing the City to obtain their criminal history and/or verify their qualifications in connection with the position sought. Applicants who do not sign the informed consent form will not be further considered for the position.
Drug and Alcohol Testing
All job applicants must pass a pre-employment drug and alcohol test once a conditional offer of employment has been made. Applicants will be required to sign a notification and consent form prior to undergoing drug and alcohol testing. Applicants who do not consent to undergo drug and alcohol testing will not be required to do so and the City will withdraw the conditional job offer, resulting in the job applicant no longer being considered for the position.
Union Representation
This position is represented by a collective bargaining agreement between the City of Minneapolis and the AFSCME General Unit (CAF). For more information on the terms and conditions of this agreement please visit:
Eligible List Statement
The names of applicants who meet minimum qualification and who pass the screening process shall be placed on the eligible list for employment consideration. This list will be certified to the hiring manager who may use the list to fill a vacancy of the same job title. This eligible list will expire one month after it has been established.
Interview Selection
The hiring authority reserves the right to determine the maximum number of candidates to interview from the established eligible list. If the hiring authority decides to interview other than by exam score order, they may select additional people to interview based on a candidate's education or experience related to the field, work history, or skills uniquely related to the operational needs of the position.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
• Ability to work independently in the field performing collection and investigation.
• Working knowledge of computer software, e.g., Microsoft Word and Excel spreadsheets.
• Good verbal and written communication skills, and human relations skills.
• Knowledge of laboratory principles, techniques, terminology, and equipment.
• Ability to make mathematical computations for lab work.
• Ability to assist in performing laboratory tests and other laboratory work.
• Willingness to work a flexible schedule, i.e., weekends and holidays as scheduled.
As the largest and most vibrant city in the state, Minneapolis depends on purposeful, dedicated and innovative employees. Minneapolis has a large variety of careers for people of all experiences and backgrounds who come together for a singular purpose-serving the residents, businesses and visitors of Minneapolis.
The City of Minneapolis is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.
Benefits Summary
Our employees enjoy competitive salaries and generous benefits. We pride ourselves on a comprehensive benefits program that supports employees' health and financial well-being. Programs, resources, and benefit eligibility varies based on position, average hours worked, location and length of service. For detailed benefits information, please visit the
Insurance
Health insurance
Eligibility for benefits begins the first of the month following employment date. The City of Minneapolis offers eligible employees with a choice of six provider networks, allowing you to select the best option for you. Available plans include Medica Choice Passport, Medica Elect, VantagePlus with Medica, Park Nicollet and HealthPartners Medical Group First with Medica, Ridgeview Community Network powered by Medica, and Clear Value with Medica.
Dental insurance
The City of Minneapolis offers dental insurance through Delta Dental of Minnesota and pays 100% of the monthly premium for eligible employees.
Life insurance
The city provides basic life insurance of one times your annual salary up to $50,000. You can elect to purchase optional life insurance.
Paid time off
Our generous leave package includes vacation, holidays and paid sick leave, which gives employees the opportunity to enhance their quality of life outside work. Amounts and accrual rates are based on years of experience and
Paid parental leave
City employees are eligible for up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in the event of a birth or placement for adoption of a child.
Retirement
City employees earn a pension and may choose to participate in additional retirement savings programs.

• Pension: The City of Minneapolis participates in the Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA). Employees and the City both contribute a percentage of your pay to fund future benefits.
• Deferred compensation: Employees may choose to participate in pre-tax or after-tax savings plans through the Minnesota State Retirement System (MSRS).

Transportation
Eligible City employees may choose to participate in the following transportation programs:

• Metropass: The program allows eligible employees to enroll in a pass for unlimited bus or light rail rides at a discounted price.
• Parking or Van Pool: The City of Minneapolis gives you options to pay certain commuting costs, such as qualified parking and van pool expenses, with pre-tax dollars.

Learning and development
To engage and develop employees, the City of Minneapolis offers classes in leadership, cultural agility, change management and more. Additionally, educational discounts at Augsburg University, Hamline University, St. Catherine's, and St. Mary's University of Minnesota are available to City employees.
Other perks
Employees can also take advantage of flexible spending accounts, the , health club discounts and more.
01
How did you find out about this position? (Select all that apply)

• Recruiter
• City of Minneapolis website
• City of Minneapolis employee
• City of Minneapolis job interest card
• City of Minneapolis Career Opportunities Bulletin
• Friend or family member
• League of Minnesota Cities website
• Diversityjobs.com website
• Governmentjobs.com website
• Indeed.com website
• Minnesotajobs.com website
• Minnesota Council of Nonprofits Website
• Other website
• LinkedIn
• Twitter
• Facebook
• Other social media site
• Newspaper
• Other media
• College or University
• Community organization
• Job Fair
• Professional association
• Site Visit

02
Please specify where you heard about this position (e.g., website name, City of Minneapolis employee name, job fair, professional association).
03
What is your highest level of education that you have successfully completed in Chemistry, Microbiology, Biology, Biochemistry or Environmental Science or equivalent?

• No Degree
• Associate's Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree or higher

04
Select the field of study in which you have obtained your degree in.

• No Degree
• Chemistry
• Microbiology
• Biology
• Biochemistry
• Environmental Science
• Other

05
How many years of experience do you have performing laboratory work in a chemical or water testing environment within the last 10 years?

• No Experience
• Less than 1 year
• 1 year but less than 2
• 2 years but less than 3
• 3 years but less than 4
• 4 years but less than 5
• 5 or more years

06
Do you currently possess and will continue to maintain a valid driver's license?

• Yes
• No

07
How many years of experience do you have of laboratory principles, techniques, terminology and equipment?

• No Experience
• Less than 1 year
• 1 year but less than 2
• 2 years but less than 3
• 3 or more years

08
How many years of experience do you have dealing with customer complaints via telephone or in person?

• No Experience
• Less than 1 year
• 1 year but less than 2
• 2 years but less than 3
• 3 years but less than 4
• 4 or more years

09
Please rate your skill level relative to Microsoft Word.

• None
• Beginner (Create and edit simple documents, change the appearance of documents using a variety of editing techniques.)
• Intermediate (Create custom templates and styles, manage tables and table data, insert graphics, etc.)
• Advanced (Automate tasks by writing and revising macros, prepare documents for publication, modify an HTML page in Word, etc.)

10
Please rate your skill level relative to Microsoft Excel.

• None
• Beginner (basic worksheets, edit data, sort/filter, basic calculations, change formatting etc)
• Intermediate (complex formulas, charts, conditional formatting, edit templates, etc.)
• Advanced (pivot tables/charts, link data, forecasting, macros, consolidating etc.)

Required Question