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Water Testing Lab Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

GFT.

Water Treatment Facility Design Engineer

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$90K - $200K/yr

Testing and Monitoring: Analyze lab data, operator reports, and chemical usage to resolve operational issues and improve efficiency. * Compliance and Safety: Ensure that treated water meets municipal ...

MacLellan

Water Blaster

Dublin, VA · On-site

$15.50 - $20.50/hr

About You: As a Water Blaster, you are part of Best People working as a team operating high ... lab to have tampered with the specimen will not be considered for employment. * Prior to testing ...

Woodard & Curran

Lead Wastewater Operator

Abingdon, VA · On-site

$22 - $36/hr

We seek talented individuals from all backgrounds to help us address a broad range of water and ... Ability to solve problems and perform analytical testing on wastewater in a lab environment.

Woodard & Curran

Lead Wastewater Operator

Abingdon, VA

$21 - $29/hr

We seek talented individuals from all backgrounds to help us address a broad range of water and ... Ability to solve problems and perform analytical testing on wastewater in a lab environment.

Microporous Products

R AND D ENGINEER

Danville, VA · On-site

This position is responsible for assisting with laboratory testing, sample preparation, data ... Prepare and test water-based coating formulations (ceramic and polymer systems) following ...

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How much do water testing lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for water testing lab in Virginia is $25.03, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.09 and $27.64 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Water Testing Lab Technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Water Testing Lab Technician, you need a background in chemistry, biology, or environmental science, often with an associate or bachelor's degree in a related field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, analytical instruments (such as spectrophotometers and chromatography systems), and knowledge of safety protocols are essential, and certifications like NELAC or state-specific credentials may be required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and strong organizational skills distinguish top performers in this role. These competencies ensure accurate water quality analysis, regulatory compliance, and the protection of public health and the environment.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in a water testing lab, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in a water testing lab often encounter challenges such as maintaining strict adherence to quality control protocols, managing high sample volumes, and staying updated with evolving regulations. Ensuring accuracy and preventing cross-contamination require strong attention to detail and rigorous documentation. Collaborating effectively with colleagues and other departments is essential for timely reporting and resolving unexpected results. Continuous training and adopting new technologies can also help address these challenges and enhance both efficiency and data reliability.

What is a water testing lab?

A water testing lab is a specialized facility that analyzes water samples to assess their quality, safety, and composition. These labs test for contaminants such as bacteria, heavy metals, chemicals, and other pollutants to ensure water meets health and regulatory standards. The results help individuals, businesses, and municipalities ensure their water is safe for drinking, industrial use, or environmental compliance. Water testing labs use advanced scientific equipment and follow standardized testing methods for accurate results.

What is the difference between Water Testing Lab vs Water Quality Technician?

AspectWater Testing LabWater Quality Technician
CertificationsLab certifications, e.g., CLT, NELAP accreditationWater treatment certifications, e.g., TCEQ, EPA certifications
Work EnvironmentLaboratory setting, controlled environmentFieldwork, on-site water testing and treatment facilities
Industry UsageTesting water samples for contaminants and complianceMonitoring and maintaining water quality in treatment plants or systems

While both roles focus on water quality, Water Testing Labs primarily analyze water samples in a lab setting, whereas Water Quality Technicians perform on-site testing and maintenance. Both roles require relevant certifications and are essential in ensuring safe, clean water.

What are popular job titles related to Water Testing Lab jobs in Virginia? For Water Testing Lab jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Water Testing Lab jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Water Testing Lab jobs in Virginia are:
Water Testing Lab jobs near you
Infographic showing various Water Testing Lab job openings in Virginia as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $52,066 per year, or $25 per hour.

Water Treatment Facility Design Engineer

GFT.

Fairfax, VA • On-site

$90K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 29 days ago

Job description

GFT is seeking a Water Treatment Design Engineer to join our Water team! This role follows a hybrid work model, requiring regular attendance at one of our many offices.
Joining the water resources team at GFT means contributing to innovative solutions for sustainable water management and infrastructure. Our team excels in dams and levees, advanced water and wastewater treatment, stormwater management, and conveyance, collection, and transmission. With a focus on integrating technology, sustainability, and compliance, we consider each water resources and environmental remediation project a chance to innovate and evolve to protect public health and enhance quality of life. Explore some of our signature water resources and environmental projects here.
What you'll be challenged to do:
In this role you will lead and support design, optimize, and manage systems that treat and transport drinking water to ensure safety, efficiency, and environmental compliance.
In this capacity, the successful candidate will be responsible for the following:
  • System Design:Designing water treatment plants and pumping stations, including detailed CAD drawings and equipment selection. Design new treatment systems or upgrade existing systems, including pre-treatment, various filtration processes including granular media and membranes, chemical storage and feed, UV and other advanced treatment technologies, and pumping equipment
  • Process Optimization:Analyzing and enhancing treatment techniques (e.g., pH adjustment, chemical dosing, aeration) to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
  • System Hydraulics: Performing hydraulic analysis of existing and new water treatment plants, pump stations, and piping systems, making pump selections, and evaluating performance of existing pumps.
  • Testing and Monitoring:Analyze lab data, operator reports, and chemical usage to resolve operational issues and improve efficiency.
  • Compliance and Safety:Ensure that treated water meets municipal or industrial regulatory standards, protecting public health and the environment.
  • Project Management:Conducting feasibility studies, upgrading existing infrastructure, and managing projects from design to completion. Develop cost projections, feasibility studies, and supervise construction or commissioning of new technology.
  • Data Analysis:Monitoring operator reports and lab results to refine treatment techniques.
  • Technical: Function as a technical specialist in the areas of conventional and advanced water treatment

What you will bring to our firm:
  • BS in Civil, Environmental, Chemical Engineering (MS is preferred)
  • Professional Engineer Licensed required (PE) or the ability to obtain in 6-12 months
  • 8 + years of experience preferred in water discipline, particularly as a water engineer designing (study, plans and specifications) water infrastructure (i.e. treatment and pumping station projects)
  • Expert knowledge in standard engineering techniques and procedures.
  • Demonstrated experience and knowledge in primary treatment, filtration processes, chemical storage and feed, advanced water treatment, disinfection, hydraulics, and solids processing and handling preferred.
  • Successful track record leading water design and plant facilities projects
  • Demonstrated ability in both conventional filtration as well as membrane filtration is preferred. In addition, experience in hydraulics, chemical feed systems, alternate disinfection would be preferred.
  • Progressive experience in the evaluation, design, permitting and construction administration of water treatment facilities, pumping stations, and water storage and distribution facilities

Compensation:
The salary range for this role is $90,000 - $200,000. Salary is dependent upon experience and geographic location.
Featured Benefits:
• Hybrid (in-person and remote) work environment.
• Comprehensive benefits package including wellness programs, parental leave, and pet insurance, in addition to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.
• Tax-deferred 401(k) savings plan.
• Competitive paid-time-off (PTO) accrual.
• Tuition reimbursement for continued education.
• Commitment to professional development, access to internal and external training programs, and support of active participation in professional organizations
• Incentive compensation for eligible positions.
At GFT, a privately held AEC firm, we innovate where transportation, water, power, and buildings converge. We call this the Infrastructure of Life. We measure our success by the strength of our relationships - that's why we're the employer of choice for 5,000+ of the industry's brightest engineers, planners, architects, inspectors, designers, and more.
Our clients choose us for our expertise and prefer us for our nimble approach, creativity, and personal touch. Backed by over a century's experience, together we're building a lasting legacy for future generations: stronger communities, a healthier planet, and better lives.
GFT: Ingenuity That Shapes Lives™ is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veterans' status or other characteristics protected by law.
Unsolicited resumes from third party agencies will be considered the property GFT.
GFT does require the successful completion of a criminal background check for all advertised positions.
Location: Fairfax, Newport News, Richmond, Virginia Beach,VA; Raleigh,NC; Baltimore or Owings Mills, MD
Core Business Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Employment Status: Full-Time
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