Spotlights

Tiêu đề tương tự

Water Resources Planner, Water Quality Technician, Water Quality Analyst, Water Quality Engineer, Water Quality Scientist, Water Quality Consultant, Water Quality Inspector, Environmental Analyst (with a focus on water quality)

Mô tả công việc

The human body is made of 50-60% water. That’s why we need to drink ~12-15 cups of the stuff every day, on average. But due to natural and manmade circumstances, water has a tendency to become polluted. 

In fact, drinking water is commonly tainted with hundreds of contaminants ranging from nitrates and herbicides to mercury and lead. There are even chemicals that are intentionally added such as chlorine and fluoride, which we’re told are safe up to certain levels. But how do we know when our water is up to standards?

Water Quality Specialists study and inspect various bodies of water and water sites, such as rivers and lakes as well as groundwater and wastewater treatment centers. They test and analyze the chemical, physical, and biological properties of water and compare findings against regulatory standards to determine if it’s safe for whatever it’s being used for. 

Overall, their job is to protect the environment and the life forms—including us—who rely on safe, clean, unpolluted water to survive! 

Các khía cạnh bổ ích của sự nghiệp
  • Protecting ecosystems that rely on clean water
  • Ensuring human populations have enough safe, clear water
  • Tác động đến sức khỏe thể chất và hạnh phúc của cộng đồng 
Việc làm năm 2021
80,000
2031 Việc làm dự kiến
83,800
Muỗng bên trong
Trách nhiệm công việc

Lịch làm việc

  • Water Quality Specialists work full-time jobs with nights, weekends, and holidays off. However, overtime or odd hours may be needed during emergencies. Travel for fieldwork and site visits is often needed and exposure to inclement weather or conditions may be necessary. 

Nhiệm vụ tiêu biểu

  • Conduct fieldwork and site visits to take soil/water extract samples, monitor situations, look for hazards, and conduct inspections to ensure compliance 
  • Analyze wetland, floodplain, and shoreland maps; use GPS, maps, and photos to determine locations during fieldwork
  • Collect data from water site sensors; compile data using software and analyze results
  • Prep samples for cation and anion testing, as needed
  • Understand water and pollutant properties and effects on ecosystems
  • Look for signs of pollutants and environmental changes that impact bodies of water (such as how floods affect lakes, fish, and wildlife)
  • Manage Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination programs
  • Collaborate with appropriate governmental agencies when discovering and reporting pollution activities
  • Assess construction projects for environmental impacts on water and wildlife habitats
  • Monitor, inspect, and help with water delivery controls, water system connections, meters, potable water distribution systems, production wells, mains, lines, etc. 
  • Maintain pond filtration systems

Trách nhiệm bổ sung

  • Stay up-to-date on water-related regulations, standards, and challenges 
  • Submit logs, records, and technical reports to local, state, or federal agencies 
  • Oversee contractors working on water-related projects
  • Help with public education and awareness programs
  • Calibrate equipment, track samples, enter data, and coordinate with labs
  • Keep track of invoices
  • Respond to public queries and complaints. Investigate complaints, as directed
Các kỹ năng cần thiết trong công việc

Kỹ năng mềm

  • Điều phối hoạt động 
  • Phân tích 
  • Chú ý đến chi tiết
  • Tư duy phản biện
  • Dứt khoát
  • Định hướng chi tiết
  • Độc lập
  • Kỹ năng giao tiếp giữa các cá nhân
  • Giám sát 
  • Mục tiêu
  • Tổ chức
  • Perceptive 
  • Giải quyết vấn đề
  • Định hướng an toàn
  • Stamina
  • Kỹ năng giao tiếp mạnh mẽ

Kỹ năng kỹ thuật

  • Data entry, analysis, and interpretation skills 
  • Environmental monitoring
  • Familiarity with local, state, and federal water quality regulations
  • Geographic Information System (GIS) programs
  • Hydrology principles and concepts
  • Knowledge of water quality monitoring instruments (pH meters, dissolved oxygen meters, turbidity sensors, spectrophotometers, etc.)
  • Knowledge of water sampling and analysis equipment/software
  • Vi sinh vật học
  • Personal protective equipment use
  • Quản lý dự án
  • Quality Assurance/Quality Control
  • Safety protocols working around pollutants, bacteria, and chemicals 
  • Water quality modeling
  • Water treatment technologies
Các loại hình tổ chức khác nhau
  • Các cơ quan chính quyền địa phương, tiểu bang và liên bang
  • Cơ sở giáo dục
  • Private consulting service providers
Kỳ vọng và hy sinh

Water Quality Specialists get out in the field to conduct assessments and gather samples, so expect regular travel and exposure to the elements. Communities rely heavily on the accuracy and diligence of these workers to ensure water is safe for consumption by residents or for various other purposes. Of course, fish and wildlife creatures depend on clean water to survive, too!

Facing major challenges such as corporate pollution and climate change, Water Quality Specialists must stay devoted to identifying and overcoming problems before they become too serious to handle. It’s a lot of responsibility to manage at times! 

In addition, workers in this field may be exposed to various contaminants, including pollutants, bacteria, and chemicals. While personal protective equipment mitigates most exposure, the hazards are still present so specialists have to work carefully and follow strict procedures.

Xu hướng hiện tại

Water Quality Specialists have their hands full because of the issues impacting water quality. For instance, numerous emerging contaminants such as chemicals and other substances are being detected in water, but there aren’t sufficient studies to regulate them or determine if they’re harmful to human health or the environment. 

Scientists are working to advance wastewater treatment technologies to boost available water supplies, while the Internet of Things is helping with the development of smart water quality monitoring systems. Excess nitrogen and phosphorus from agricultural runoff and wastewater discharge are contributing to oxygen depletion in water bodies, harming fragile aquatic ecosystems. Meanwhile, climate issues such as rising temperatures, changing precipitation patterns, and extreme weather events are driving concerns because of their effects on water bodies.

Những điều gì mọi người trong sự nghiệp này thích làm khi họ còn trẻ ...

Water Quality Specialists probably enjoyed being outdoors, going fishing, or swimming in natural bodies of water. They care about the environment and public health and could have seen their own communities affected by pollution. They’re also analytical and may have been good in STEM subjects from an early age! 

Giáo dục và đào tạo cần thiết
  • Water Quality Specialists generally need a bachelor’s with a major in chemistry, environmental science, biology, hydrology, ecology, or a related field. Helpful minors include geography or geography
  • A master’s may not be needed but can make you more competitive and may qualify you for a higher starting salary or position
  • Some students opt to pursue a dual bachelor’s/master’s which can save time and money
  • A common master’s degree in this field is a Master of Science in Environmental Toxicology
  • An internship with a governmental agency can develop practical skills 
  • Common college courses topics include:
  1. Aquatic microbiology
  2. Backflow assembly 
  3. Cross-connection control 
  4. Environmental chemistry
  5. Geographic Information Systems
  6. High-purity water production 
  7. Household water treatment 
  8. Vi sinh vật học
  9. Wastewater operations 
  10. Water and environmental projects 
  11. Water law
  12. Water resources management and policy
  • Các chứng nhận tùy chọn bao gồm:  

     1. Academy of Board Certified Environmental Professionals - Certified Environmental Professional 
     2. International Erosion Control Association - Certified Professional in Erosion and Sediment Control
     3. National Stormwater Center - Stormwater Inspector
     4. North American Lake Management Society - Certified Lake Manager 
     5. Society of Wetland Scientists - Professional Wetland Scientist
     6. State-level Certified Water Operator

Những điều cần tìm kiếm ở một trường đại học
  • Students should seek colleges offering majors in chemistry, environmental science, biology, hydrology, or ecology, with minors in geography or geology
  • Look for programs that have internships or other opportunities where you can gain practical experience 
  • So sánh chi phí học phí và lệ phí, lưu ý chi phí trong tiểu bang so với ngoài tiểu bang
  • Xem xét các lựa chọn học bổng và hỗ trợ tài chính
  • See if the program has any partnerships with companies that hire grads! 
  • Lưu ý thống kê tốt nghiệp và giới thiệu việc làm cho cựu sinh viên 
Hoạt động giải trí ở trường trung học và đại học
  • Sign up for high school classes in biology, chemistry, math, environmental studies, Earth science, physics, geography, ecology, statistics, and writing
  • You’ll need some experience working with computer programs and laboratory work, too!
  • Ask a teacher or counselor about school-related water or environmental programs you can participate in
  • Tình nguyện viên cho các hoạt động của trường, nơi bạn có thể học cách làm việc hiệu quả như một nhóm và quản lý các dự án 
  • Look for internships, cooperative experiences, or part-time jobs while in college
  • Keep track of the names and contact info of people who can serve as job references later!
  • Study books, articles, and videos about working in this field
  • Take ad hoc courses via Coursera, OpenLearn, Volunteer Village, and other sites
  • Request an informational interview with a working Water Quality Specialist in your community
  • Join professional organizations to learn, share, make friends, and grow your network (see our list of Resources > Websites)
Lộ trình điển hình
Water Quality Specialist Roadmap
Làm thế nào để đạt được công việc đầu tiên của bạn
  • Kiểm tra các cổng thông tin việc làm như Indeed.com, LinkedIn, Glassdoor, Monster, CareerBuilder, SimplyHired, ZipRecruiterUSAJOBS
  • Search for job titles such as “Water Quality Specialist,” “Water Quality Analyst,” and “Environmental Specialist”
  • Be ready to accept entry-level positions to get experience so you can work your way up
  • Take note of important keywords in job postings, and work those into your resume and cover letter
  • Check out Water Quality Specialist resume examples and sample interview questions such as “Are you familiar with the current water quality criteria for aquatic life and human health?” or “How would you explain water quality analysis and treatment to the average person in another industry?”
  • Nói với mọi người trong mạng lưới chuyên nghiệp của bạn rằng bạn đang tìm kiếm việc làm
  • Hỏi các giáo sư đại học, cựu giám sát viên và / hoặc đồng nghiệp của bạn nếu họ sẵn sàng phục vụ như là tài liệu tham khảo cá nhân. Không cung cấp thông tin liên hệ cá nhân của họ mà không có sự cho phép trước
  • Practice doing mock interviews with your school’s career center (if they have one)
  • Ăn mặc phù hợp cho các cuộc phỏng vấn và thể hiện sự nhiệt tình và kiến thức của bạn về lĩnh vực này 
Làm thế nào để leo lên thang
  • Do your current job to the best of your ability, delivering high-quality work on time
  • Hãy cho người giám sát của bạn biết bạn muốn đảm nhận thêm trách nhiệm và sẵn sàng trải qua đào tạo bổ sung, khi cần thiết
  • Keep up with environmental trends and challenges that impact water quality
  • Learn about emerging technologies through continuing education courses, workshops, or conferences
  • Thể hiện sự độc lập, liêm chính và lãnh đạo 
  • Speak with colleagues at other sites to exchange information and tips 
  • Participate in professional organizations like the American Water Resources Association. Keep learning and expanding your knowledge base and skills
  • Collaborate effectively with team members and develop strong relationships with local environmental agencies
  • Knock out a specialty certification such as the Academy of Board Certified Environmental Professionals’ Certified Environmental Professional 
  • Complete a graduate degree such as a Master of Science in Environmental Toxicology
  • Keep an eye out for internal job postings! Apply to jobs that match your career goals
Kế hoạch B

Working as a Water Quality Specialist can be rewarding work, but not everyone enjoys the fieldwork element of it. Outdoor conditions can be hot, cold, wet, dirty, or smelly, with the potential for exposure to chemicals, bacteria, and pollutants! If you’re curious about related career options, consider the below similar occupations: 

 

  • Kỹ sư nông nghiệp    
  • Atmospheric Scientist    
  • Kỹ sư xây dựng    
  • Conservation Scientist
  • Kỹ sư môi trường    
  • Kỹ thuật viên bảo vệ và khoa học môi trường    
  • Food Scientist    
  • Geological and Hydrologic Technician    
  • Geoscientist    
  • Nhà thủy văn học    
  • Mining and Geological Engineer
  • Soil and Plant Scientist
  • Water/Wastewater Engineer

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