Laboratory Technician working and a Water Resources Technician taking a sample in the river.

WATER QUALITY PROTECTION Careers

Explore a Career in Water Quality Protection (WQP)


Are you passionate about protecting our water? Water Quality Protection is a vital and rewarding field dedicated to keeping our rivers and Lake Michigan clean and safe. These careers have a median pay of $30.50 per hour, offer excellent benefits, and provide the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on preserving water for our community. 
 

What We Do 

The Water Quality Protection team at the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD) collects and tests water samples, analyzes data, enforces environmental regulations, and reports on water quality. With one of Wisconsin's most comprehensive water quality databases, MMSD plays a critical role in maintaining the health of Lake Michigan and its surrounding rivers. 

Why It Matters 

Working in WQP means directly contributing to: 

  • Protecting public health by testing and monitoring water quality, ensuring contaminants are identified and removed before they reach our communities. 

  • Safeguarding the environment by tracking water conditions and preventing pollution from entering our ecosystems, helping preserve habitats for wildlife. 

  • Supporting sustainable water use by analyzing data to guide efficient water management and protect this vital resource for future generations. 


Career Pathways in Water Quality Protection

 

Laboratory Technician

Monitoring/Sampling Technician

Water Resources Technician

Laboratory Technician

The Laboratory Technician conducts chemical, physical, and bacteriological analyses on diverse samples, adhering to standard procedures and maintaining quality control.

They operate analytical instruments, document results, uphold lab facility conditions, provide training, and manage special projects.

Essential responsibilities include performing routine quantitative and qualitative tests, documenting procedures, verifying quality assurance, troubleshooting analyses, maintaining instrumentation, ordering supplies, and complying with regulatory requirements.

View MMSD Job Openings

Lab technician at MMSD

Key Foundational Competencies

  • Technical writing
  • Knowledge analytical chemistry and use of chemical analysis equipment (e.g. gravimetric, titrator, spectrophotometer)
  • Environmental sampling ad analysis
  • Maintaining accurate records
  • Operation of computer and standard business machines
  • Regard for regulations and established analytical procedures
  • Quality control analysis use of MS office suite
     

Common Skills

  • Attention to detail
  • Integrity
  • Organization
  • Active listening
  • Critical thinking
  • Reading comprehension
  • Complex problem solving
     

Education and Training

Required
Associate degree in chemistry or related field, with one semester of quantitative analysis.

Preferred
Bachelor’s degree with a major in biology or chemistry.
 

Work Experience

  • Associate degree + 2 yrs related experience
    —or—
  • Bachelor’s degree + 0 yrs related experience

Required Technologies

  • Word processing software
  • Spreadsheet software.
     

Special Skills, Competencies, and Licenses

  • Knowledge and understanding of NR149 and NR219 and other regulatory requirements.
  • WDNR Wastewater Operators License preferred.
     

LABORATORY TECHNICIAN PATHWAY

The pathway below represents a typical career pathway in the ever-changing water sector industry. The highlighted circle represents the occupation in the pathway.
 

LABORATORY TECHNICIAN CAREER PATHWAY

Monitoring/Sampling Technician

The Monitoring Technician position is responsible for collecting samples, field data, and other information to support MMSD programs and initiatives.

The position also installs, calibrates, and maintains permanent and portable sampling, flow monitoring, and water quality monitoring equipment.

Additionally, the position responds to citizen inquiries and complaints concerning water quality and other items of environmental concern.

View MMSD Job Openings
 

Monitoring and Sampling Technicians at work

Key Foundational Competencies

  • Proficient use of hand and power tools and other field monitoring equipment
  • Sample and measurement collection
  • Maintenance and troubleshooting of facilities and equipment
  • Use of permits Plans and schematics
  • Confined space entry
  • Quality control analysis
  • Operations monitoring
  • Systems analysis
  • Use of GIS software
  • Use of MIS and ISS systems
     

Common Skills

  • Teamwork
  • Flexibility
  • Communication
  • Critical thinking
  • Complex problem solving
  • Time management
  • Reading comprehension
  • Written communication
     

Education and Training

Required
Associate degree in Water Quality Technology or related program.

Preferred
Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science or related program.
 

Work Experience

  • 2 years job-related experience in environmental monitoring.
     

Required Technologies

  • Geographic Information Systems software
  • Microsoft Suite
     

Special Skills, Competencies, and Licenses

  • Ability to apply knowledge of OSHA confined entry procedures to safe completion of job duties.
  • Valid driver’s license.
  • DNR License preferred.
     

MONITORING TECHNICIAN PATHWAY

The pathway below represents a typical career pathway in the ever-changing water sector industry. The highlighted circle represents the occupation in the pathway.
 

Monitoring/Sampling Technician Career Pathway

Water Resources Technician

The Freshwater Resources Technician position is responsible for collecting samples, performing field measurements, and maintaining instrumentation to ensure compliance with Wisconsin Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (WPDES) requirements.

The position also collects data from area surface waters, conducts instrument maintenance and troubleshooting, and organizes and reports data in accordance with MMSD policies and procedures.

View MMSD Job Openings
 

Water Resources Technician taking a sample in Lake Michigan

Key Foundational Competencies

  • Knowledge of and ability to apply survey skills
  • Apply OSHA confined entry procedures
  • Operate survey equipment
     

Common Skills

  • Communication; written and oral
  • Read and interpret
  • Establish and maintain effective public and working relations
  • Record drawings, specifications, and plans
     

Median Salary

  • $30-$34 per hour

  • $61,838.40-$71,115.20 per year
     

Work Environment

  • Stand and walk for long periods of time
  • Use hands and fingers to handle or feel objects
  • Required to sit and climb or balance
  • Ability to reach with hands and arms
  • Ability to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl
  • Ability to travel to construction sites as assigned
  • Lift and/or move up to 30 pounds regularly and lift and/or move up to 45 pounds frequently
  • Walk across uneven terrain
  • Specific Vision Abilities - close, distance, color, peripheral, depth, and ability to adjust focus
  • Outside weather exposure
  • Subject to USDOT Drug and Alcohol Tests
     

Education and Training

Required
Associate degree in civil engineering or related program
 

Work Experience

  • Minimum of 3 months of related experience
     

Required Technologies

  • Computers and related software
  • Calculator
  • Telephone
  • Photocopier
  • Scanner
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Email
  • Word Processing
     

Special Skills, Competencies, and Licenses

  • Valid Drivers License
  • Ability to apply knowledge of OSHA confined entry procedures to safe completion of job duties.
     

WATER RESOURCES TECHNICIAN PATHWAY

The pathway below represents a typical career pathway in the ever-changing water sector industry. The highlighted circle represents the occupation in the pathway.
 

Water Resources Technician Career Pathway graphic

Local Training & Education Opportunities
 

Interested in a Water Career, but not sure where to start?


Get connected to the Water Career Navigator with Employ Milwaukee to find opportunities and next steps for YOU –
whether you’re starting in the workforce or looking for a career change!
 

Contact a Navigator

The career navigator will reach out to discuss career opportunities and programs.

Explore Career Opportunities & Make an Impact at MMSD


There are many jobs in Water Quality Protection that not only offer a rewarding career but also let you make a real difference in the environment.
Find open positions at MMSD and fill out the job interest card.
 

MMSD Jobs Openings