Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Water Quality Technician

🎯 Role Definition

The Water Quality Technician is responsible for planning and executing routine and investigative water quality monitoring programs across surface water, groundwater, drinking water, and wastewater systems. This role combines field sampling, portable and bench-top analytical testing, instrument calibration and maintenance, laboratory QA/QC, data entry and validation, and preparation of technical reports and regulatory deliverables. The ideal candidate will ensure compliance with EPA, state, and local monitoring requirements (NPDES, SDWA, Clean Water Act) while supporting environmental assessments, habitat restoration projects, and engineering studies.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Laboratory Technician or Water/Wastewater Operator
Environmental Science or Biology Graduate (intern or entry-level)
Field Sampling Assistant or Environmental Field Technician

Advancement To:

Senior Water Quality Technician / Field Supervisor
Environmental Scientist / Water Resources Specialist
Laboratory Supervisor or Quality Assurance Officer
Environmental Compliance Manager or Project Manager

Lateral Moves:

Wastewater Treatment Operator
GIS/Environmental Data Analyst
Stormwater Program Specialist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Execute routine and event-driven field sampling programs for surface water, groundwater, drinking water, and wastewater following approved sampling plans, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and regulatory methods; ensure proper sample preservation, labeling, temperature control, and chain-of-custody documentation for laboratory analysis.
Perform in-situ measurements using portable instrumentation (pH, dissolved oxygen, conductivity, turbidity, temperature, chlorophyll, total dissolved solids, ORP) and log real-time readings into electronic field notebooks or mobile data collection platforms with attention to data integrity.
Collect and manage discrete, composite, and grab samples for laboratory analysis of nutrients (nitrate, nitrite, ammonia, total nitrogen, total phosphorus), metals (lead, mercury, arsenic, copper), organics (PAHs, VOCs, pesticides), and microbiological indicators (E. coli, coliforms) per EPA or state-approved methods.
Conduct routine bench-top laboratory analyses (colorimetry, spectrophotometry, titrations, membrane filtration, turbidity assays) and prepare samples for send-out to commercial or contract laboratories, ensuring sample chain-of-custody and NELAP-compliant documentation.
Calibrate, maintain, troubleshoot, and perform preventative maintenance on field and laboratory instruments (portable meters, multi-parameter sondes, autosamplers, Hach meters, dissolved oxygen probes, flow meters), and coordinate repairs or service with vendors to minimize downtime.
Implement and document QA/QC procedures including field and lab blanks, duplicates, calibration checks, matrix spikes, and control standards; review QA/QC results and flag data that fails quality criteria for follow-up.
Prepare and maintain accurate field logs, sample tracking records, laboratory notebooks, and electronic data files; ensure timely upload and backup of monitoring data into LIMS, GIS, or client databases.
Review laboratory reports (analytical data packages, chain-of-custody forms, instrument logs) for completeness and consistency; perform initial data validation and provide annotated comments to laboratories or project managers.
Develop sampling schedules, coordinate sampling routes, and manage logistics including site access permissions, traffic control, confined space entry, and coordination with third-party contractors or landowners to ensure efficient field operations.
Conduct hydrologic and streamflow measurements using flow meters, weirs, and ADCP where applicable to support load calculations and mass-balance studies; calculate instantaneous and daily loads as required for regulatory reporting.
Assist project managers and scientists with reconnaissance, site selection, and risk assessments for sampling events; prepare site maps, GPS coordinates, and chain-of-custody forms in advance to streamline field activities.
Support preparation of regulatory reports and permit submittals (NPDES monitoring reports, drinking water compliance reports, permit-required monitoring) by compiling validated data, preparing summary tables, and drafting technical sections for review.
Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental procedures including confined space entry, fall protection, hazardous materials handling, and personal protective equipment (PPE) protocols; complete required site and task-based Job Hazard Analyses (JHAs).
Operate company vehicles, trucks, and vessels (boats) safely for field sampling; maintain field vehicles and equipment inventories, and ensure all driving and marine certifications and logs are current.
Conduct sediment and soil sampling for contaminant screening and ecological assessments, including proper sieving, preservation, and handling techniques to prevent cross-contamination.
Perform source water and distribution system sampling for utilities, including sampling at reservoirs, treatment plants, storage tanks, and customer taps, following SDWA and utility-specific sampling plans.
Support emergency response and incident monitoring (spill response, algae bloom events, fish kills) by deploying rapid field tests, collecting priority samples, and providing timely data to incident command and regulators.
Train and mentor junior technicians, contractors, and summer interns in sampling protocols, instrumentation use, QA/QC best practices, and safe field work procedures to build team capability and consistency.
Participate in method development and validation efforts for emerging contaminants (PFAS, pharmaceuticals, PFOS/PFOA) including sample collection protocols, preservation techniques, and coordination with specialty analytical labs.
Coordinate with GIS and data teams to georeference sampling locations, integrate monitoring datasets into spatial analyses, and support visualization of trends and hot spots for stakeholders.
Manage inventory of field supplies, consumables (filters, vials, preservatives), and calibration standards; place orders, track budgets, and document expenditure for project billing and auditing.
Prepare clear, concise technical summaries, memos, and presentations for internal teams, clients, and regulators that explain monitoring results, compliance status, and recommended follow-up actions.

Secondary Functions

Assist with continuous monitoring system installations, troubleshooting, and telemetry (sonde deployments, SCADA interfaces, datalogger maintenance) to support automated long-term monitoring networks.
Support data QA/QC workflows including statistical screening, outlier detection, and preparation of validated datasets for upload to state and federal reporting systems.
Contribute to proposal development and scope-of-work estimates by providing field time estimates, equipment needs, and labor resource planning based on past monitoring projects.
Participate in public outreach, community meetings, and stakeholder presentations to explain sampling programs, monitoring results, and best management practices in accessible language.
Maintain professional certifications and participate in continuing education to keep current on analytical methods, regulatory changes, and advances in monitoring technologies.
Support cross-functional teams (engineering, restoration, habitat assessment) by supplying water quality data and technical input for design, permitting, and adaptive management decisions.
Coordinate third-party sampling assignments and subcontractor quality assurance to ensure external partners meet the same standards and SOPs as internal teams.
Contribute to the organization’s data stewardship and archival procedures by tagging data with metadata, maintaining version control, and supporting long-term data retention strategies.
Participate in internal audits and external inspections, providing documentation and evidence of compliance with laboratory accreditation (where applicable) and environmental monitoring protocols.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Field sampling techniques for surface water, groundwater, drinking water, and wastewater; proficiency with grab, composite, passive, and discrete sampling methods.
Strong knowledge of EPA, state methods, and standard methods for water and wastewater analysis (e.g., EPA 1669, EPA 624/8260/8270 approaches, SM 4500 series, EPA 200.8).
Hands-on experience with portable field meters and sondes (pH, DO, conductivity, turbidity, temperature) including calibration, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
Experience with bench-top analytical techniques: colorimetry, spectrophotometry, titration, membrane filtration, and sample preparation for metals and organics.
Familiarity with emerging contaminant sampling protocols (PFAS, endocrine disruptors) and chain-of-custody/preservation requirements for specialty analyses.
Proficiency with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), electronic field data collection tools, and basic data validation workflows.
Ability to perform QA/QC tasks: field blanks, lab blanks, duplicates, spikes, calibration checks, and interpretation of control charts and QC flags.
Experience operating and maintaining autosamplers, flow meters, ADCPs, and basic hydrologic instrumentation for flow measurement and load estimation.
Competence with GIS basics for mapping sampling locations and integrating monitoring data into spatial analyses.
Familiarity with safety and compliance certifications: OSHA HAZWOPER (24-/40-hour), confined space entry, CPR/First Aid, and hazardous materials handling.
Basic mechanical skills for routine equipment maintenance and minor field repairs; ability to read schematics and follow maintenance logs.
Proficient with Microsoft Office suite (Excel for data summaries, pivot tables) and experience exporting/importing monitoring data for regulatory reporting.

Soft Skills

Strong verbal and written communication skills to prepare clear technical reports, memos, and regulatory submittals and to explain complex results to non-technical stakeholders.
Attention to detail and strong organizational skills to manage multiple sampling routes, maintain accurate chain-of-custody, and ensure data integrity.
Problem-solving and troubleshooting mindset for field instrument failures, unexpected sampling conditions, and laboratory discrepancies.
Team player with ability to train, mentor, and coordinate with cross-functional project teams, subcontractors, and clients.
Time management and prioritization skills to meet tight sampling schedules, permit deadlines, and rapid-response situations.
Adaptability to work in variable weather and field conditions, remote locations, and flexible hours including occasional nights or weekends.
Professionalism and customer-service orientation when interacting with landowners, utility staff, regulatory personnel, and the public.
Analytical thinking with ability to synthesize monitoring results and recommend next steps or follow-up sampling.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High school diploma or GED with relevant certifications (e.g., water sampling, HAZWOPER, confined space); OR
Associate degree in environmental science, chemistry, biology, or related technical field with field/lab experience.

Preferred Education:

Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Hydrology, Chemistry, Biology, or closely related discipline.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Environmental Science or Environmental Engineering
Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, or Biochemistry
Biology, Ecology, or Water Resources
Hydrology, Geology, or Natural Resources

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

0–5 years of relevant field and laboratory experience; many employers seek 1–3 years for full entry-level competency.

Preferred:

2–4 years of water quality monitoring and laboratory experience, including documented experience with EPA or state methods, QA/QC procedures, and routine data management for regulatory reporting. Experience with boats, confined space entry, and automated monitoring networks is a plus.

Certifications and licenses commonly requested: Valid driver’s license, OSHA HAZWOPER 24/40-hour preferred, CPR/First Aid, boat operator certification (if fieldwork involves vessels), and state-specific laboratory or operator certifications where applicable.