Water Sampling Technician
Purpose and scope of the role
This part-time (25 hours/week) 3month Fixed Term contract, with potential for this to be extended. The role sits within Tetra Tech’s waste-water network team based in Belfast. You will collect chemical and bacteriological samples from service reservoirs, treatment works and consumer taps, and occasionally from wastewater treatment sites. Daily tasks include on-site chlorine testing, temperature checks in transit, completing quality-assurance paperwork and returning samples to NI Water laboratories within agreed timescales. You will deliver excellent customer service while executing routine operational tasks that support utility clients across the region.
Your impact in this position
In the short term you will ensure timely, accurate sample collection and chain-of-custody compliance. Over the medium term you will develop technical sampling skills, confidence with laboratory interfaces and contribute to operational efficiency improvements. Longer term there is scope for progression within field operations or technical roles across Tetra Tech’s water services, with training and career development aligned to performance and site requirements.
Core capabilities required for success
Operational sampling competence
- Proven ability to follow sampling protocols reliably, perform on-site tests (chlorine, temperature) and maintain quality-assurance paperwork to meet laboratory timeframes.
Safety and risk awareness
- Commitment to safe working practices, correct use of PPE, manual handling when lifting inspection chamber covers and adherence to site-specific health and safety procedures.
Customer and team focus
- Flexible, customer-focused approach with strong timekeeping, the ability to work alone or as part of a team and to support colleagues with sample transfers between NI Water locations.
Basic technical literacy
- Adequate written, numerical and IT skills to complete documentation, record results and communicate with lab and operations teams.
Driving and mobility
- Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel between sites in the Belfast area as required.
Qualifications and training
Expected: basic written and numerical skills, full UK driving licence, commitment to safety, and willingness to undertake mandatory drugs and alcohol testing.
Desirable: previous sampling experience, formal training in water sampling, or vocational health and safety qualifications.
Work patterns & location
Based in Belfast with regular travel to NI Water sites. Contract is 25 hours per week; working pattern may include early starts or occasional night work to meet sampling schedules. Hybrid office attendance is minimal — field work is the primary requirement. Flexible working arrangements may be considered where operationally feasible.
Please note you may encounter wastewater and sewage (PPE provided), manual lifting and the requirement to pass pre-employment screening, including drug and alcohol testing.
Why join Tetra Tech?
Tetra Tech is a leading provider of consulting and engineering services working across the full project lifecycle worldwide. We have a wide range of expertise across our teams, providing a global support network with a personalised approach to client relationships to better understand where we can add value. We provide a collaborative environment that supports individual performance, innovation, and creativity.
We support public and private sector clients on local, national, and international projects to deliver sustainable and resilient solutions. Our operations in the UK, Ireland, and the Netherlands include more than 6,000 employees who are Leading with Science® to solve our clients’ most complex problems.
In alignment with the Equality Act 2010, we will make reasonable adjustments to support candidates and employees requiring additional arrangements. This could include adaptations to work schedules, training approaches, or the physical workspace. Please inform us if you need any accommodations during the recruitment process or in your day-to-day role.
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