Water Sampling Field Technician

Protect public health! Work hands-on in the water industry. Be part of something that matters!

Metropolitan is looking for an experienced water professional to join our team as a Water Sampling Field Technician. This role is ideal for someone with a strong background in water sampling, laboratory work, water treatment, and/or distribution who takes pride in accurate fieldwork and regulatory compliance.

In this role, you’ll be on the front lines of drinking water quality—collecting, handling, and delivering samples that ensure safe and reliable water for millions of Southern Californians.

What You’ll Do

As a Water Sampling Field Technician, you will:

• Collect compliance and operational water samples throughout Metropolitan’s service area in accordance with drinking water regulations
• Perform field water quality testing using approved sampling techniques and instruments
• Accurately document and enter data into the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS)
• Transport water samples, equipment, and laboratory supplies across Metropolitan’s system

Additional Responsibilities

• Drive assigned routes to MWD and member agency facilities throughout Southern California
• Properly collect, preserve, store, and deliver water samples following established procedures
• Prepare, maintain, and troubleshoot compliance sample taps, delivery lines, and sampling equipment
• Enter water quality data using handheld data loggers and upload results to LIMS
• Maintain calibration records and documentation for field instruments and equipment
• Prepare reports and maintain clear, accurate records
• Safely operate Metropolitan vehicles and interact professionally with the public
• Communicate effectively and work collaboratively with coworkers and other MWD staff

What We’re Looking For

• High school diploma or high school equivalency certificate
• A combination of Six (6) years of experience in one or more of the following:
• Water sampling or sample handling or collection
• Water laboratory operations
• Water treatment or distribution systems
• Knowledge of proper sampling techniques, chain-of-custody requirements, and safety practices
• Ability to work independently in the field and follow detailed procedures
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy and compliance

Why You’ll Like This Job

• You’re doing real, hands-on work – This is a field-based role for people who prefer being outdoors, not sitting behind a desk all day.
• Your work protects public health – The samples you collect directly support drinking water compliance and safety for millions of people.
• Your experience is valued – We’re looking for seasoned water professionals who understand sampling, treatment, distribution, and/or lab operations and can work independently.
• Clear procedures, clear expectations – You’ll follow established regulatory and safety protocols, with the tools and training needed to do the job right.
• Variety in your day – Each shift involves different routes, facilities, and sampling locations throughout Southern California.
• Stable, long-term career – Work for a respected public water agency with a strong commitment to safety, teamwork, and professionalism.
• Team-oriented environment – You’ll work alongside knowledgeable coworkers who take pride in the water industry and support one another.

Why Metropolitan

This is a career opportunity for water professionals who want stable work, meaningful responsibility, and the chance to contribute directly to public health and environmental stewardship.

Schedule:  4/10, Monday through Thursday, 5:00 am – 3:30 pm

Travel: This position will require travel to various District facilities throughout the service area, sometimes requiring overnight stay in the project area.

This job announcement has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work being performed by employees in this classification / job.

To view the full job description, click here: Water Sampling Field Technician

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience: High school diploma or certificate of high school equivalency and six years of relevant experience.

Relevant Experience is defined as:  a combination of experience performing water sample handling/collection, working in a laboratory setting, and/or experience in water treatment or distribution.

CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES, AND REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS

Employees in this position may be required to obtain and maintain the following certifications, licensing, and registrations:

Certificates:

• State of California Water Treatment Certification Grade II OR
• State of California Water Distribution Certification Grade II

License(s):

Valid California Class C Driver’s License or equivalent (required at time of application) that allows you to drive during your employment.

CLOSING
Benefits:
• Competitive compensation
• Excellent medical, dental, life, vision plans.
• Deferred compensation in the form of a 401(k) plan (with matching contribution) and a 457 plan.
• Retirement benefits under the California Public Employees' Retirement System
• Tuition reimbursement
• Training and advancement opportunities
• Excellent working environment
• Public transportation reimbursements and van pools

For more information on MWD benefits, please use the following link: Benefits Regular Full Time Employee

ABOUT MWD

The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California is a state-established cooperative that, along with its 26 cities and retail suppliers, provides water for 19 million people in six counties. The district imports water from the Colorado River and Northern California to supplement local supplies, and helps its members to develop increased water conservation, recycling, storage and other resource-management programs.

The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Qualified individuals with disabilities, who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process, please call (213) 217-7738 or email: jobs@mwdh2o.com.

Metropolitan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected characteristic(s).

Application Filing Period: Closes at 4:30 pm PT on the date stated in the job announcement. However it may close prior to the filing end date if sufficient applications have been received. If sufficient applications have not been received, then the filing period end date may be extended.

Qualifying Experience: Your resume must at a minimum include the month and year you began and ended employment, name of the organization, your title, and a brief description of your experience. If your employment was part-time, make sure you identify it on your resume next to the month/year. 

Sponsorship: Applicants for employment with The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California must have work authorization that does not now or in the future require sponsorship of a visa for employment authorization in the United States (i.e., H1-B or other employment-based immigration case).