Water Quality Specialist

Water Quality Specialist Jobs in Petauke – Join Living Water International

Living Water International (LWI), a global non-governmental organization committed to providing safe drinking water and Christian witness worldwide, is seeking a dedicated Water Quality Specialist to join its team in Petauke, Eastern Zambia. This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to improving water quality across 78 solar-powered piped water systems spanning multiple districts while advancing public health and environmental safety.

Position Overview: Water Quality Specialist Jobs in Petauke

Reporting directly to the Civil Engineer, the Water Quality Specialist will lead water quality testing, Water Safety Planning (WSP), regulatory compliance, and capacity building related to water treatment. This full-time, fixed-term contract position (12 months) involves designing and managing a comprehensive monitoring and treatment program that integrates field sampling, laboratory analysis, and chlorination oversight. The role collaborates closely with WaSH Technicians, Circuit Riders/Area Pump Minders (APMs), and Water User Committees to ensure 100% compliance with water quality standards across the portfolio.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a water quality monitoring and treatment program for 78 water systems across Chipangali, Kasenengwa, Petauke, Sinda, Katete, and Kazungula districts.
• Conduct field sampling, laboratory analysis, and interpret water quality data to assess compliance with NWASCO standards and national regulations.
• Operate and maintain analytical and field laboratory equipment; manage supplies and troubleshoot issues.
• Lead the creation and execution of Water Safety Plans, residual chlorine monitoring, and incident response protocols.
• Coordinate with WaSH Technicians and APMs to maintain chlorination systems and respond rapidly to water quality incidents.
• Investigate potential pollution sources and respond to water quality complaints at concerned sites.
• Train Water User Committees, operators, and APMs on household water treatment, safe storage, and chlorination operations.
• Research and support implementation of off-grid water treatment solutions tailored to the systems.
• Maintain and update the water quality dataset within the RMU-enabled monitoring platform and contribute to MEAL reporting frameworks.
• Support induction training and technical mentoring for APMs on water quality fault detection.
• Prepare regular and quarterly water quality performance reports for management and sustainability reviews.
• Complete administrative tasks to ensure timely execution of water quality workplans.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Health, Chemistry, Water Quality Management, Hydrology, Biology, Microbiology, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of five years’ experience in water quality testing, Water Safety Planning, or regulatory compliance, preferably within rural WASH or solar-powered piped water systems.

Additional Skills and Competencies

• Committed Christian with a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
• Advanced knowledge of water quality control, quality assurance, and environmental and health & safety regulations including NWASCO standards.
• Familiarity with water treatment and distribution principles and procedures.
• Hands-on experience with water testing laboratories, field laboratory equipment, and sampling techniques.
• Proficiency in data management and Microsoft Excel for tracking water quality status across multiple systems.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Valid driver’s license with off-road driving experience.
• Strong command of English (written and spoken); knowledge of local project district languages is advantageous.

How to Apply for Water Quality Specialist Jobs in Petauke

Interested candidates are invited to submit an application letter along with an updated Curriculum Vitae (maximum four pages) to the Human Resources Manager at Living Water International. Please ensure the position title is clearly indicated in the email subject line.

Applications should be sent exclusively to Zambia.Jobs@water.cc or hand-delivered to the following address in Lusaka:

Living Water International
No. 19 Warthog Street
Kabulonga, Lusaka

Please note:

• Do not submit copies of qualifications at this stage.
• Only applications sent to the specified email or physical address will be considered.
• Candidates must have their own accommodation in Petauke.
• Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply as LWI Zambia is an equal opportunity employer.
• All submitted documents are subject to verification and background checks; they will not be returned.
• A recommendation from a local pastor or church leader is advantageous.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

For more information about Living Water International and its global initiatives, please visit www.water.cc.