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Water Tester Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Water Plant Operator

TN ยท On-site

$21.66 - $29.88/hr

Water/Wastewater Department, TN Job Type: Full-Time Department: Water/Wastewater Division: Water ... Laboratory and testing equipment, mechanical tools, pumps, motors, fire hoses, and various hand ...

Lifeguard (Summer Season)

Antioch, TN ยท On-site

$13.75 - $17.50/hr

Complete required documentation for incidents, rescues, inspections, and water/chemical testing. * Assist with pool and deck cleanliness, basic facility upkeep, and water testing/chemical monitoring ...

Lifeguard (Summer Season)

Brentwood, TN ยท On-site

$13.50 - $17.25/hr

Complete required documentation for incidents, rescues, inspections, and water/chemical testing. * Assist with pool and deck cleanliness, basic facility upkeep, and water testing/chemical monitoring ...

Water & Sewer Maintenance Opening Date: 06/16/2026 Description PAY & BENEFITS: Pay begins at $46 ... Assists in conducting backflow testing. * Performs general cleaning/maintenance tasks necessary to ...

Lifeguard (Summer Season)

Nashville, TN ยท On-site

$13.75 - $17.75/hr

Inspect pool facilities, equipment, and water conditions to ensure a safe and clean environment. * Assist with pool maintenance, including water testing, recording chemical levels, maintaining logs ...

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Water Tester information

See Tennessee salary details

$4

$26

How much do water tester jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for water tester in Tennessee is $26.18, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.20 and $26.20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a water tester?

A water tester works under the guidelines of EPA standards to test water quality at waste treatment plants and throughout freshwater systems. You do this to promote and protect the public health. As a water tester, your duties are to take samples of water from a plant and test its quality using specialized skills and equipment. Your goal is to test the levels of harmful materials and chemicals in the water supply through biological sampling and chemical testing. Your responsibilities are incredibly important because of the threat to public health that improper testing of chemicals in our water systems can cause.

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

To thrive as a Water Tester, you need a solid understanding of environmental science, chemistry, and water quality standards, often supported by a relevant degree or certification. Familiarity with laboratory testing equipment, water sampling procedures, and data analysis software is essential. Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and effective communication help ensure accurate results and clear reporting. These skills are crucial for maintaining public health and environmental safety by ensuring water sources meet regulatory standards.

What are some common challenges faced by water testers in the field, and how can they be managed?

Water Testers often work in diverse environments, from treatment plants to natural water sources, which can present challenges such as difficult terrain, inclement weather, and ensuring sample integrity during transport. Managing these obstacles requires strong attention to detail, adherence to safety protocols, and the ability to adapt to varying site conditions. Regular training on sampling techniques and equipment maintenance, as well as effective communication with laboratory teams, helps ensure accurate results and efficient workflows.

What is the difference between Water Tester vs Water Quality Analyst?

AspectWater TesterWater Quality Analyst
CertificationsWater testing certifications, EPA certificationsSame certifications often required, plus laboratory certifications
Work EnvironmentField testing sites, water treatment plantsLaboratories, research facilities, field sites
Job FocusCollecting samples, performing basic testsAnalyzing data, interpreting results, reporting
Employer & IndustryWater treatment plants, environmental agenciesEnvironmental consulting firms, government agencies

Water Testers primarily perform field sampling and basic testing of water samples, while Water Quality Analysts focus on detailed data analysis and reporting. Both roles require similar certifications and work in related environments, but the Analyst role involves more in-depth analysis and interpretation of water quality data.

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Water Tester jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Water Tester job openings:

Infographic showing various Water Tester job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $54,457 per year, or $26.2 per hour.

Water Quality Technician (Full Time)

Memphis, TN โ€ข On-site

Memphis Zoo
Arts, Entertainment, and Recreationย โ€ขย 201 - 500 employees

$16.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago


Job description

Summary:
The Water Quality Technician is responsible for the daily operations, monitoring, and basic preventative maintenance of all Life Support equipment and areas in the zoo footprint. Technicians work as members of a team to maintain LSS systems, monitor exhibit and public feature water quality, and preserve the levels of communication and documentation that allow for productive operations, sound animal well-being, and positive guest experience. This position provides multiple opportunities to learn and be certified in LSS/WQ at the Zoo, including but not limited to Aquatic Animal Life Support Operator (AALSO), Certified Pool Operator (CPO), and Aquatic Facilities Operator (AFO).
Common Definitions for the Memphis Zoo:
LSS - Life Support Systems - refers to all systems necessary to maintain positive well-being for animals and guest experience, including but not limited to filtration, mechanical equipment such as pumps and motors, piping and valves, chemical distribution, sterilization systems, and water features.
WQ - Water Quality - refers to all the basic water chemistry aspects necessary to maintain positive well-being for animals and guest experience, including but not limited to basic water testing, sterilization, chemical measuring and additions, and documentation.
Public Water Features - refers to any water feature on zoo grounds that the public has direct access too, including but not limited to the Splash Pad, Teton Geyser, and Nile River features.
Animal Life Support - refers to any water feature/pump room that has direct influence over animal well-being, including but not limited to exhibit pools, water features, and filtration.
Preventative Maintenance - refers to any and all scheduled and unscheduled maintenance performed by the LSS/WQ team for the purpose of maintaining LSS/WQ systems. This work can be prescribed by vendor requirements or by the LSS/WQ Manager/Team Lead as daily duties. This does NOT include major repairs or work where a plumber or electrician is required.
Essential Job Functions:
  • Conduct daily checks of all Life Support Systems and Public Water Features, which includes but is not limited to performing consistent morning rounds, performing daily preventative maintenance, monitoring systems throughout the workday, and responding to radio calls from animal and operations staff.
  • Respond efficiently to new and on-going issues in a timely manner, including but not limited to radio calls, emails, and on-going monitoring/projects.
  • Maintain detailed documentation of all required data and measurements, including but not limited to equipment readings and daily basic water testing.
  • Perform weekly and daily collections for required water testing, including samples collected for the lab and for in-house testing.
  • Maintain effective communication networks between Zoo operations staff, veterinary care staff, animal care staff, and Zoo leadership, including but not limited to radio and email communications.
  • Build and maintain positive working relationships and communication with the City of Memphis Supporters and Vendors, including but not limited to on-site plumbers and electricians through in-person collaborations and the City of Memphis work order network.
  • Effectively communicate with LSS/WQ staff and Zoo leadership regarding new and on-going issues and work order submissions and be able to effectively describe issues and locations in detail.
  • Daily and weekly pump room maintenance, including but not limited to basic cleaning duties, line tracing for leaks, and perform preventative maintenance.
  • Upon certification, staff can participate in pool cleaning via the MZ Dive Team or hold a safety position for the MZ Dive Team when needed.

Minimum Education and Experience:
  • High school diploma or equivalent.

Preferred Education and Experience:
  • Previous experience in water quality, life support, water works, plumbing, or similar.
  • Dive certification or experience is appreciated.
  • Previous experience in a similar role, especially in regard to working outdoors during high heat/humidity.

Competencies:
  • Written and Oral Communication.
  • Ability to Read & Interpret Reports.
  • Observation & Data Collection.
  • Attention to Detail.
  • Safety Awareness.
  • Problem Solving/Analysis.
  • Water Quality Knowledge.
  • Equipment Operation.
  • Troubleshooting.
  • Teamwork Orientation.
  • Microsoft Office Suite.
  • Decision Making.

Supervisory Responsibility: None.
Reporting Structure: Reports to Team Lead, Water Quality Manager.
Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:
Full-time positions are defined as positions scheduled to work approximately 40 hours a week. Scheduling is at the discretion of the manager. This position regularly requires flexible hours including weekdays, holidays, and weekends.
This position is considered non-exempt under the federal and state wage and hour laws.
Work Environment: While performing the duties of the job, the employee will work in outdoor settings (Zoo grounds), and occasionally underwater (upon certification). When outdoors this position is required to work in various weather conditions including rain, humidity, and extreme heat or cold.
Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
This position requires frequent standing/walking/bending/kneeling and will often move or lift objects up to 50 pounds. Occasional swimming or diving is required, per the scope of the position.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Other Duties: Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Other Requirements:
  • 21 years or older.
  • Clear background check.
  • Clear drug screening.
  • Clear MVR screening.
  • Valid driver's license.
  • Proof of current automobile insurance.

Benefits & Perks
The Memphis Zoo has a comprehensive benefits and employee perks package. Please see our Memphis Zoo Careers page for details.
EEOC and Inclusion Statement:
The Memphis Zoo believes that human diversity is as important as the biodiversity we seek to conserve. World-class zoos are comprised of world-class team members representing a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We value a diverse workplace and strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, and veterans to apply.
The Memphis Zoo is an equal-opportunity employer. Applicants will not be discriminated against because of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, citizenship status, disability, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, medical condition, or any protected category prohibited by local, state or federal laws. If you need to request any accommodations for the interview or hiring process, please let the Human Resources team (HR) know. HR can be contacted at hrteam@memphiszoo.org.
The Memphis Zoo participates in E-Verify and is an EEO/ADA/Veteran employer.
All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of pre-employment screening. Memphis Zoo is a drug-free workplace.
Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.
How to Apply:
Applications should be submitted via the Memphis Zoo Careers page. Please note that any other application submissions will not be considered. www.memphiszoo.org/careers.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.