Post job

How to hire a water quality technician

Water quality technician hiring summary. Here are some key points about hiring water quality technicians in the United States:

  • In the United States, the median cost per hire a water quality technician is $1,633.
  • It takes between 36 and 42 days to fill the average role in the US.
  • Human Resources use 15% of their expenses on recruitment on average.
  • On average, it takes around 12 weeks for a new water quality technician to become settled and show total productivity levels at work.

How to hire a water quality technician, step by step

To hire a water quality technician, you need to identify the specific skills and experience you want in a candidate, allocate a budget for the position, and advertise the job opening to attract potential candidates. To hire a water quality technician, you should follow these steps:

Here's a step-by-step water quality technician hiring guide:

  • Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
  • Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
  • Step 3: Make a budget
  • Step 4: Write a water quality technician job description
  • Step 5: Post your job
  • Step 6: Interview candidates
  • Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new water quality technician
  • Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist
jobs
Post a water quality technician job for free, promote it for a fee
  1. Identify your hiring needs

    First, determine the employments status of the water quality technician you need to hire. Certain water quality technician roles might require a full-time employee, whereas others can be done by part-time workers or contractors.

    Determine employee vs contractor status
    Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

    Hiring the perfect water quality technician also involves considering the ideal background you'd like them to have. Depending on what industry or field they have experience in, they'll bring different skills to the job. It's also important to consider what levels of seniority and education the job requires and what kind of salary such a candidate would likely demand.

    Here's a comparison of water quality technician salaries for various roles:

    Type of Water Quality TechnicianDescriptionHourly rate
    Water Quality TechnicianEnvironmental science and protection technicians monitor the environment and investigate sources of pollution and contamination, including those affecting public health. In addition, they work to ensure that environmental violations are prevented.$12-29
    Environmental Services SupervisorEnvironmental services supervisors direct and administer a healthcare facility's housekeeping program to maintain sanitation and occupational health. They help departments in charge of the cleanup, sanitation, pest control, housekeeping, and laundry... Show more$14-25
    Laboratory AnalystA Laboratory Analyst helps conduct experiments, run laboratory tests, and analyze results. They compile and record data for the documentation needed for testing and report preparation.$14-29
  2. Create an ideal candidate profile

    Common skills:
    • Laboratory Equipment
    • Data Collection
    • EPA
    • GPS
    • Water Treatment
    • Water Quality Data
    • Water Systems
    • Plumbing
    • Waterpark
    • Field Testing
    • Water Chemistry
    • Surface Water
    • Water Quality Complaints
    • Water ACT
    Check all skills
    Responsibilities:
    • Manage daily RCRA inspections and mechanical, electrical, and electronic equipment preventive/corrective maintenance procedures.
    • Collect and migrate GIS data using field instrumentation such as computers, ArcPad, and GPS units.
    • Operate GPS to assure coordinates and accuracy of reporting.
    • Check network connectivity to HVAC units physically and through the end user workstation.
    • Conduct internal ISO audits of shipping/receiving, inventory, returns management and repair operations.
    • Verify part conformance to specification of injection mold components according to requirements detail on inspection cards or SPC files.
  3. Make a budget

    Including a salary range in your water quality technician job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. A water quality technician salary can vary based on several factors:
    • Location. For example, water quality technicians' average salary in nebraska is 44% less than in maryland.
    • Seniority. Entry-level water quality technicians earn 59% less than senior-level water quality technicians.
    • Certifications. A water quality technician with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
    • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in a water quality technician's salary.

    Average water quality technician salary

    $39,725yearly

    $19.10 hourly rate

    Entry-level water quality technician salary
    $25,000 yearly salary
    Updated December 26, 2025
  4. Writing a water quality technician job description

    A water quality technician job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. To help get you started, here's an example of a water quality technician job description:

    Water quality technician job description example

    Middlesex Water Company (NASDAQ:MSEX) has been an industry leader since 1897. We promote professional and personal development in a work environment that is supportive and responsive. We understand the importance of our services and the individuals who uphold our reputation.

    Joining our team means that you have a multitude of benefits that support you in and out of the workplace such as- full medical, dental, and vision benefits, 401k, paid time off, tuition assistance, learning and development opportunities, employee assistance program, and more. To learn more, please visit www.middlesexwater.com

    Job Summary:

    Learn and perform the following under the guidance of the Chemist and Water Quality Technician I or II: Routine tests (chemical, physical and microbiological), sampling, on-call duties (including weekend work), handle water quality complaints and investigations, preparation of laboratory reagents, compilation of laboratory report forms, computer data entry, chain of custody documents and knowledge of cross connections. Overtime required. The successful candidate will be passionate about supporting and driving the Company’s Values, RIGHT: Respect, Integrity, Growth, Honesty and Teamwork.

    Work Performed:

    • Learn routine tests and quality control associated with such tests in the area of water quality.
    • Learn proper sampling procedures for all types of samples required.
    • Learn the different water quality parameters for the different types of water treated and supplied by Middlesex Water Company.
    • Learn how to handle water quality complaints in a pleasant way including but not limited to field investigations, if necessary, to try to determine the cause of the complaint and to recommend corrective action.
    • Learn and perform on-call duties including weekend work, proper communication and other requirements as specified.
    • Learn and practice the maintenance of laboratory equipment and procedures.
    • Learn and practice laboratory and field safety procedures and practices as provided.
    • Learn to prepare laboratory reagents as needed.
    • Monitor laboratory supplies and report to supervisor when replenishment is required.
    • Learn and maintain chain of custody documents and MWC report forms.
    • Learn procedures for recognizing potential cross connection problems for both residential and industrial settings.
    • Learn location of distribution system sites, interconnections, watershed sampling sites, well fields and other field sampling locations.
    • Attend training sessions as needed.
    • Learn the procedure for and maintain neat and accurate laboratory records.
    • Perform other related duties as required by supervisor.
    • Adhere to and promote the Company safety and security policy and practices.
    • Complete computer data entry as needed.

    Qualifications:

    • A.A. degree in biology, chemistry or related science. Equivalent job related experience can be substituted.
    • Valid Motor Vehicle License.
    • Ability to keep neat and accurate records.
    • The ability to communicate well both verbally and in writing.
    • Ability to obtain T-1 license within three years of date of hire.
    • Willingness to learn basic Control Room operations and to provide emergency coverage for shift Operators.
    • Availability for on-call and after-hours, weekend and holiday emergency and scheduled overtime.
    • Willingness to work outdoors for sampling purposes during inclement weather, as needed
    • Must satisfactorily complete a background check and drug screen.
    • Knowledge of computer and Microsoft Office desired.

    Americans With Disabilities Act:

    Must be able to drive.

    Light lifting (40 lbs.)

    Visual acuity.

    Manual dexterity.

    Normal hearing.

    Climbing ability.

    Must be able to smell.

    Must be able to differentiate colors.

    Candidates must possess authorization to work in the United States.

    Candidates must be able to pass a drug screen, pre-employment physical, background check, and have a valid driver’s license.

    No phone calls please. We thank all applicants in advance for their interest; however, only those applicants who are being considered for the position, or are currently employed by Middlesex Water Company will be contacted.

    Middlesex Water Company and its' subsidiaries are an Equal Opportunity Employer.

  5. Post your job

    There are various strategies that you can use to find the right water quality technician for your business:

    • Consider promoting from within or recruiting from your existing workforce.
    • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
    • Attend job fairs at local colleges to find candidates who meet your education requirements.
    • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to reach potential job candidates.
    Post your job online:
    • Post your water quality technician job on Zippia to find and recruit water quality technician candidates who meet your exact specifications.
    • Use field-specific websites.
    • Post a job on free websites.
  6. Interview candidates

    During your first interview to recruit water quality technicians, engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. During the following interview, you'll be able to go into more detail about the company, the position, and the responsibilities.

    It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match your ideal candidate profile. If you think a candidate is good enough for the next step, you can move on to the technical interview.

    The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

  7. Send a job offer and onboard your new water quality technician

    Once you've found the water quality technician candidate you'd like to hire, it's time to write an offer letter. This should include an explicit job offer that includes the salary and the details of any other perks. Qualified candidates might be looking at multiple positions, so your offer must be competitive if you like the candidate. Also, be prepared for a negotiation stage, as candidates may way want to tweak the details of your initial offer. Once you've settled on these details, you can draft a contract to formalize your agreement.

    It's also good etiquette to follow up with applicants who don't get the job by sending them an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

    After that, you can create an onboarding schedule for a new water quality technician. Human Resources and the hiring manager should complete Employee Action Forms. Human Resources should also ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc., and that new employee files are created.

  8. Go through the hiring process checklist

    • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
    • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
    • Define job responsibilities and requirements
    • Establish budget and timeline
    • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
    • Write job description
    • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
    • Promote the job internally
    • Process applications through applicant tracking system
    • Review resumes and cover letters
    • Shortlist candidates for screening
    • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
    • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
    • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
    • Conduct background checks on top candidates
    • Check references of top candidates
    • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
    • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
    • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
    • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
    • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
    • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)
    Sign up to download full list

How much does it cost to hire a water quality technician?

There are different types of costs for hiring water quality technicians. One-time cost per hire for the recruitment process. Ongoing costs include employee salary, training, onboarding, benefits, insurance, and equipment. It is essential to consider all of these costs when evaluating hiring a new water quality technician employee.

You can expect to pay around $39,725 per year for a water quality technician, as this is the median yearly salary nationally. This can vary depending on what state or city you're hiring in. If you're hiring for contract work or on a per-project basis, hourly rates for water quality technicians in the US typically range between $12 and $29 an hour.

Find better water quality technicians in less time
Post a job on Zippia and hire the best from over 7 million monthly job seekers.

Hiring water quality technicians FAQs

Search for water quality technician jobs

Ready to start hiring?

Browse life, physical, and social science jobs