Water Quality Scientist I - Wastewater (Temp) Job Category
The Water Quality Scientist I performs chemical, physical, and microbiological analyses on wastewater and related samples to ensure compliance with regulatory standards. Responsibilities include field sampling, laboratory testing using advanced instrumentation, data analysis, report generation, and collaboration with operations to optimize treatment processes. This role supports public health and environmental safety through rigorous quality control and regulatory adherence, with opportunities for hybrid remote work.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Municipal Water & Wastewater Utilities.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
What You’ll Do
The Confidential Client is hiring a temporary Water Quality Scientist I to perform laboratory and field analyses supporting wastewater, source water, and treatment process monitoring. This role combines hands-on sampling and lab testing with data review, reporting, and collaboration with operations and QA/QC teams.
- Collect regulatory and process samples across treatment facilities, collection systems, distribution systems, and watershed locations
- Perform microbiological and chemical analyses (e.g., TSS, BOD, COD, total nitrogen, phosphorus, E. coli)
- Operate and maintain advanced instrumentation (GC‑MS, ICP‑MS, IC and similar)
- Prepare standards, solutions, media, and QA/QC materials; maintain chemical and SDS inventories
- Enter, review, statistically evaluate, and summarize laboratory data using lab database tools and analytic software (R, MATLAB, Python, etc.)
- Generate internal and external lab reports and weekly management summaries
- Troubleshoot, calibrate, and maintain lab and field instruments; notify appropriate staff of out‑of‑range results
- Lead and support field monitoring programs, in‑stream measurements, reservoir and watershed surveys
- Provide technical training and oversight to entry‑level laboratory staff; write and review SOPs annually
- Collaborate with operations staff to apply analytical results to process optimization
- Support emergency response as needed (water quality incidents, spills, treatment upsets) and occasionally work evenings/weekends/holidays
Who You Are / Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree (4‑year) in Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Science, or related field (or equivalent combination of education and experience)
- Minimum 3 years’ experience in a water, wastewater, or commercial laboratory
- Experience performing standard NPDES and wastewater analyses
- Familiarity with advanced instrumentation (GC‑MS, ICP‑MS, IC) and microscopy/FlowCam for algal assessments
- Proficient with Microsoft Office and laboratory data management software
- Valid driver’s license
- Strong attention to data integrity, QC practices, and regulatory compliance
- Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and communicate technical results to operations and customers
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in municipal water or wastewater laboratories
- Experience conducting aquatic field and laboratory studies and surveys
- Experience using statistical or scientific computing tools (R, MATLAB, Python)
- Prior exposure to QA/QC corrective actions and regulatory reporting
Compensation & Schedule
- This is a temporary, full‑time (40 hours/week) position for up to 10 months.
- Hourly salary range: $32.32 – $45.25 per hour.
- Hiring range: $32.32 – $38.78 per hour (depending on qualifications and experience).
- Medical coverage option available.
- This position may be eligible for up to two days per week of remote work once eligible (not available during initial probationary period).
Location & Work Environment
- Job location: Loveland, CO (on‑site field sampling and laboratory work required)
- Work includes both indoor laboratory duties and frequent outdoor field work with exposure to varying weather and temperatures
- Must follow all safety protocols and PPE requirements
Other Important Information
- A current resume is required; a cover letter is preferred.
- Employment offers will be conditional on successful completion of a driving record check and criminal background check.
- The Confidential Client participates in E‑Verify where required and complies with applicable federal and state employment laws.
- This posting will remain open until filled.
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
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