Water Technician

Water Quality Technician

Sunnyside Valley Irrigation District (SVID) is seeking a full-time Water Quality Technician. This non‑union position requires routine water quality sampling and field data collection at district waterway facilities, as well as analytical testing of those samples on the same day or within a week. Analytical testing will be performed on‑site in a state‑of‑the‑art accredited laboratory. The samples collected and processed involve untreated surface and/or subsurface water for irrigation beneficial uses and agricultural return flow.

The Water Quality Technician will also operate and maintain the accredited laboratory and ensure compliance with quality assurance (QA) and quality control (QC) requirements. The role reports directly to the Water Quality Supervisor and collaborates with other district departments and external agencies. The position involves 60% fieldwork and 40% laboratory/office work.

Primary duties include:

• Conducting water quality sampling and data collection in the field.
• Operating and maintaining laboratory equipment for analytical testing.
• Updating and maintaining QA and QC documentation.
• Processing and analyzing data, with assistance from the Water Quality Supervisor.
• Coordinating the provision of water quality data to district departments, landowners, and external agencies.
• Collecting samples from RSBOJC conveyance and drainage project waterways (e.g., Sunnyside Canal, Roza Canal, joint drains and wasteways, and SVID drains).
• Contributing to monitoring plans to meet state and federal regulatory compliance, source water tracing, and investigative needs.
• Performing field and laboratory equipment calibration, maintenance, inventory management, data entry, validation, reporting, and coordinating orders with vendors.
• Generating and updating SOPs to maintain a rigorous QA/QC program for the accredited laboratory.

Desired attributes:

• Motivation to conduct field sampling and perform routine laboratory O&M.
• Ability to adhere to sampling schedules and analytical testing procedures.
• Independence and effective collaboration in a professional laboratory/office environment.
• Time management, multitasking, willingness to learn, and adaptability.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office applications (Access, Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Strong observational, communication, and detail‑oriented skills.

• Minimum of an AA degree in chemistry, biology, environmental science, geology, natural resources, or related field is desired but not required, along with two years of relevant field or laboratory experience.
• Alternatively, a high school diploma or GED with equivalent education and experience sufficient to perform the essential duties.

• Valid Washington State Department of Licensing (WSDOL) issued Driver's License.
• Valid Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) issued Public Operator Pesticide License, or the ability to obtain one upon employment.

• Starting wage $28.00 to $29.50 per hour (annual equivalent $58,240 to $61,360).
• Medical and prescription drug coverage begins the first day of the second month after eligibility.
• Dental and vision coverage begins the first day of the second month after six consecutive months of eligibility.
• Retirement through the Washington State Department of Retirement Services (DRS) under the PERS Plan 2 or 3.
• Paid holidays:
  New Year’s, MLK, Presidents, Memorial, Independence, Labor, Veterans, Thanksgiving, following day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas.
• Paid time off (Sick Leave and Annual Leave) accrues from the employment start date.

Interested candidates should submit an application, resume, and letter of interest via the Sunnyside Valley Irrigation District’s website or by email to chapinf, attention:
Forrest Chapin, Water Quality Supervisor. The position remains open until filled. For more information, visit (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..