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Water Quality Monitoring Technician – Multiple Positions

Hiring Range: $21.24

Closing Date: February 20, 2026

 

Twelve Seasonal Positions Available – Various DEQ Offices throughout Virginia

  • PRO, Glen Allen (1 water monitoring, 2 fish tissue monitoring)
  • BRRO, Salem (2 water monitoring)
  • TRO, Virginia Beach (2 water monitoring)
  • NRO, Woodbridge (1 water monitoring)
  • SWRO, Abingdon (1 water monitoring)
  • VRO, Harrisonburg (2 water and algae monitoring)
  • CO, Richmond (1 GIS analyst)

This is an hourly/wage position and is not entitled to the Commonwealth of Virginia’s state benefits package. This position is limited to no more than 1500 hours in a 12-month period and averages no more than 29 hours a week.

The Agency:

Do you desire a career that provides you with opportunities to improve the world around you? The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is seeking diverse individuals from all backgrounds to apply for a career position that will make a direct impact on improving the lives of Virginia citizens. At DEQ, our Mission is to protect and enhance Virginia’s environment and promote the health and well-being of all citizens in the Commonwealth. Our Vision is that all Virginians enjoy cleaner water, better air quality, and the productive reuse of land that was once contaminated.

Why DEQ?

DEQ employs a wide range of professionals in varying fields – from engineers and scientists to information technology, communications specialists, finance and Human Resources. All positions work collectively toward one goal: safeguarding Virginia’s diverse and abundant natural resources, which benefit agriculture, industry, and commerce, and provide a rich environment for people, plants, and wildlife. If you seek to be a part of this Mission, Vision, and culture we encourage you to join today. To learn more about our agency, please visit our website at: https://www.deq.virginia.gov.

Job Duties

The Department of Environmental Quality seeks multiple seasonal wage staff to provide field, lab, and office assistance in various office locations. These seasonal wage positions are focused on technical tasks related to environmental science and the monitoring and evaluation of Virginia’s waters.

This Seasonal Wage Program provides an opportunity to gain experience working in a challenging and rewarding position that provides real work experience in a variety of scientific and technical disciplines and in a variety of geographic areas. Staff in these positions work directly with other scientific professionals and environmental managers to create a work experience that contributes to their scientific studies, potential career goals, and developmental needs, and provides an opportunity to network with DEQ professionals.

Duties may include one or a combination of the following duties:

• Collecting ambient water and biological samples.
• Using water monitoring sampling equipment and analytical instrumentation (field and lab).
• Processing water and biological samples.
• Reviewing and summarizing scientific data.
• Analysis and display of geospatial data using GIS
• Assisting with scientific field visits and inspections.
• Assisting in the generation of scientific reports.
• Handling and identifying live aquatic organisms• Assisting with air pollution sources.
• Assisting with air quality monitoring devices.
• Managing databases and digital mapping.
• Collecting and identifying fish.
• Assisting with general office, laboratory, and field tasks. 

Lifting and carrying 50 pounds while working outdoors in summer heat or other adverse weather conditions may be required. Occasional overnight travel could also be necessary.

Minimum Qualifications

• Knowledge of environmental field sampling, field safety, and general laboratory safety procedures.
• Knowledge of general laboratory analytical procedures/protocols.
• Ability to work independently and work collaboratively within a team environment.
• Computer skills to include word processing, spreadsheets, database management, and GIS.
• Completion of coursework in biology, chemistry, ecology, engineering, environmental science, geology, hydrology, or related science or field.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills and the ability to follow oral and written directions with precision and accuracy.
• Ability to walk over difficult terrain (e.g. mountainous areas, uneven flowing stream bottoms). Working on boats may be required for some positions.
• Ability to work in the field collecting fish samples and identifying fish.
• A valid driver’s license to operate state vehicles is required; a valid boater operator certification may be required for some positions.
• GIS analyst (Richmond office only): Formal education or experience with geospatial tools and applications, experience with ArcGIS Pro, and included Geoprocessing tools.

* The position located in the Richmond office is prioritized for a staff member with the GIS specific KSA’s as indicated.
 

Additional Considerations

GIS Analyst: Formal education or experience with geospatial tools and applications, experience with ArcGIS Pro, including Geoprocessing tools, and Python experience.

One of two positions in the Abingdon office is prioritized for a staff member with GIS specific KSA's as indicated.