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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Water Environmental Technician

💰 $40,000 - $70,000

EnvironmentalWater QualityField TechnicianLaboratoryCompliance

🎯 Role Definition

The Water Environmental Technician is a field- and lab-focused role responsible for collecting, preserving, and analyzing water, wastewater, and stormwater samples; maintaining monitoring equipment; ensuring chain-of-custody and data integrity; and supporting regulatory compliance and environmental projects. The ideal candidate combines hands-on sampling and instrumentation skills with strong data entry, QA/QC, and safety practices to support municipal, industrial, or consulting water programs.

Keywords: water environmental technician, water quality monitoring, field sampling, lab analysis, NPDES compliance, stormwater, wastewater, HAZWOPER, chain of custody, instrument calibration, environmental monitoring, sample preservation.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Environmental Field Intern or Seasonal Sampling Technician
  • Laboratory Assistant (water/wastewater)
  • Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Trainee

Advancement To:

  • Senior Water/Wastewater Technician
  • Water Quality Analyst / Environmental Specialist
  • Environmental Compliance Coordinator
  • Field Supervisor / Project Manager (Environmental Services)

Lateral Moves:

  • Stormwater Technician
  • Industrial Pretreatment Technician
  • GIS/Mapping Technician (environmental focus)
  • Laboratory Chemist (water analysis)

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Conduct routine and non-routine field sampling of surface water, groundwater, drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater in accordance with project-specific sampling plans, SOPs, and regulatory protocols (e.g., NPDES, SDWA), ensuring proper preservation and temperature control of samples.
  • Perform grab and composite sampling techniques, operate automatic samplers and flow-proportional samplers, and collect discrete and time-weighted samples while documenting site conditions and chain-of-custody information.
  • Operate, calibrate, and maintain portable field instrumentation including multiparameter sondes (pH, DO, conductivity, temperature), turbidity meters, dissolved oxygen meters, and flow meters; perform routine field calibrations and log results.
  • Prepare, label, preserve, and package water samples per laboratory and regulatory requirements, ensuring accurate chain-of-custody paperwork and timely delivery to the laboratory or on-site analysis.
  • Conduct routine laboratory analyses such as total suspended solids (TSS), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), nutrients (nitrate, nitrite, ammonia, phosphate), chlorine, alkalinity, and conductivity following EPA or Standard Methods.
  • Complete field data sheets, electronic logs, and chain-of-custody forms accurately and submit sample documentation and metadata to the laboratory information management system (LIMS) or project database.
  • Implement and document QA/QC procedures in the field and lab, including collection of field blanks, field duplicates, calibration checks, and spike/recovery samples; identify and report deviations and corrective actions.
  • Perform routine maintenance, troubleshooting, and minor repairs on field and laboratory equipment, coordinate preventative maintenance schedules, and reorder consumables and calibration standards as needed.
  • Monitor and measure wastewater treatment process parameters and influent/effluent flows to support operational control, process optimization, and regulatory reporting.
  • Assist with groundwater monitoring well sampling, purging, low-flow sampling techniques, and installation/abandonment support for monitoring wells in accordance with well construction and sampling protocols.
  • Collect benthic macroinvertebrate, sediment, and biological samples for ecological assessments when required by project scope; assist with field biotic surveys and habitat assessments.
  • Execute flow and velocity measurements in open channels and pipe systems using area-velocity meters, current meters, dilution gauging, or acoustic Doppler equipment; calculate loadings and mass balances.
  • Maintain field safety, PPE, and confined-space entry procedures; complete pre-job hazard analyses and ensure compliance with HAZWOPER, confined space, and site-specific safety plans.
  • Drive company vehicles to and from sampling sites, perform vehicle and trailer inspections, and ensure secure and compliant transport of samples and equipment.
  • Input and verify field and laboratory data into databases and spreadsheets (Excel), perform preliminary data review and QA checks, and prepare summary tables and charts for internal use and regulatory submittals.
  • Support preparation of technical reports, monitoring summaries, and regulatory documentation by compiling data, drafting sections, and coordinating with project managers to meet submission deadlines.
  • Communicate with clients, subcontractors, and regulatory personnel in a professional manner on-site and over the phone; report findings, site issues, and corrective actions to supervisors.
  • Assist with stormwater pollution prevention plan (SWPPP) implementation, inspections, and BMP maintenance on construction and industrial sites; document findings and recommend corrective measures.
  • Participate in environmental field investigations, site assessments, and emergency response for spills, illicit discharges, and sanitary sewer overflows, providing on-site sampling, containment support, and documentation.
  • Support laboratory accreditation and compliance processes (e.g., CLIA, ISO/IEC standards) by maintaining documentation, performing proficiency tests, and participating in audits as directed.
  • Train and mentor seasonal staff and junior technicians in proper sampling techniques, safety procedures, equipment operation, and data handling to maintain consistent, quality fieldwork.

Secondary Functions

  • Support ad-hoc sampling requests, seasonal monitoring programs, and special studies, adapting field plans to scope changes while maintaining QA/QC and chain-of-custody integrity.
  • Contribute to continuous improvement of field SOPs, sampling forms, and safety checklists by documenting lessons learned and suggesting process updates.
  • Assist project managers with logistics planning, site permits, utility clearances, and stakeholder coordination to ensure efficient field mobilization.
  • Maintain inventory of field supplies, consumables, and spare parts; coordinate procurement and ensure stock levels for uninterrupted monitoring activities.
  • Participate in client meetings and technical discussions to convey sampling methodologies, schedule impacts, and preliminary data observations.
  • Provide basic GIS support by collecting accurate GPS coordinates, uploading field locations, and preparing simple maps for reports and site documentation.
  • Help compile and file regulatory reports, discharge monitoring reports (DMRs), and compliance documentation by assembling validated data and meeting submittal timelines.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Field sampling for water, wastewater, stormwater, and groundwater using grab, composite, and low-flow techniques; strong knowledge of sample preservation and holding times.
  • Laboratory analytical techniques including BOD, TSS, COD, nutrients (NO3, NH3, PO4), metals testing, total organic carbon (TOC), and colorimetric methods (Hach/HQ40d or similar).
  • Operation, calibration, and troubleshooting of multiparameter sondes, portable turbidity meters, dissolved oxygen meters, pH meters, conductivity meters, and auto-samplers.
  • Chain-of-custody procedures, sample handling, preservation, and documentation for regulatory and litigation-quality sampling.
  • Data management skills: LIMS usage, data entry, validation, Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUP), and basic statistical QA/QC checks.
  • Regulatory knowledge: NPDES, SDWA, Clean Water Act basics, stormwater regulations, and familiarity with permit monitoring requirements and DMR preparation.
  • Flow measurement and hydraulic sampling techniques, including use of acoustic Doppler devices, flow meters, and velocity-area calculations.
  • Confined space entry, HAZWOPER 40-hour (or 8-hour refresher), CPR/First Aid, and other site-safety certifications as required.
  • Experience with field GPS units, basic GIS mapping, and georeferencing sampling locations.
  • Instrument maintenance and calibration recordkeeping; ability to perform bench-level maintenance and coordinate repairs with vendors.
  • Laboratory QA/QC procedures: blanks, duplicates, spikes, calibration standards, method detection limit checks, and corrective action documentation.
  • Knowledge of sample chain preservation chemicals (e.g., acidification for metals) and safe handling/disposal of chemical reagents.
  • Basic troubleshooting and mechanical skills for field equipment (pumps, generators, autosamplers, trailers).
  • Experience with environmental report writing, data summaries, and producing tables/plots for technical deliverables.

Soft Skills

  • Strong attention to detail and commitment to data integrity, with the ability to follow SOPs and document deviations clearly.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills for field notes, client interactions, and report preparation.
  • Time management and planning skills to manage multiple sampling routes, tight turnaround times, and seasonal peaks.
  • Problem solving and adaptability to respond to site constraints, weather, and unexpected field conditions.
  • Team player who mentors junior technicians and collaborates with scientists, engineers, and clients.
  • Safety-focused mindset with the ability to conduct field work under hazardous or remote conditions while following protocols.
  • Customer service orientation and professionalism when representing the company on client sites.
  • Initiative to identify process improvements and contribute to procedural updates.
  • Physical stamina and dexterity to perform fieldwork, lift sampling equipment, and maneuver in rugged outdoor environments.
  • Ethical judgment and understanding of confidentiality for sensitive environmental and client data.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High school diploma or GED with relevant field/lab training, or an associate degree in environmental science, chemistry, biology, or related technical discipline.

Preferred Education:

  • Associate or bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering Technology, Chemistry, Biology, Water Resources, Geology, or related field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Environmental Science
  • Water Resources / Hydrology
  • Chemistry / Analytical Chemistry
  • Biology / Ecology
  • Environmental Technology / Laboratory Science

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 1–5 years of combined field sampling and laboratory experience for entry to mid-level roles; 5+ years for senior technician positions.

Preferred:

  • Previous experience in municipal wastewater, industrial pretreatment, stormwater monitoring, or environmental consulting.
  • Certifications and training: HAZWOPER (40-hr or 8-hr refresher), confined space entry, CPR/First Aid, DOT HazMat shipping (49 CFR), State drinking water operator training or wastewater operator licensing (beneficial).
  • Valid driver's license with clean driving record; CDL preferred for roles requiring heavy equipment or trailer towing.
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