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Entry Level Chemist Jobs in Santa Rosa, CA (NOW HIRING)

Operator Technician I

Middletown, CA · On-site

$51.62 - $52.59/hr

... and maintains chemistry logs. Incumbents assist in the development of standard operational ... Job Responsibilities * Entry-level; practical operating knowledge to perform job. * Performs ...

Entry Level Chemist information

See Santa Rosa, CA salary details

$17

$27

$38

How much do entry level chemist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level chemist in Santa Rosa, CA is $27.37, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.12 and $31.01 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an entry level chemist do?

An entry level chemist typically assists with laboratory experiments, analyzes chemical compounds, prepares chemical solutions, and maintains lab equipment. They often work under the supervision of more experienced chemists and follow established procedures to test materials or products. Entry level chemists are responsible for recording data, interpreting results, and ensuring that safety protocols are followed in the laboratory. Their work supports product development, quality control, or research projects in industries such as pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, or environmental science.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level chemist?

To thrive as an Entry Level Chemist, you need a bachelor's degree in chemistry or a related field, with a solid grasp of chemical principles, laboratory techniques, and data analysis. Familiarity with lab instrumentation such as HPLC, GC, spectrophotometers, and safety protocols is typically expected. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication help you stand out in team settings and when presenting findings. These skills and qualities are essential for producing accurate results, maintaining safe and efficient lab operations, and contributing to scientific goals.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level chemists during their first year on the job?

Entry level chemists often encounter challenges such as adapting to strict laboratory safety protocols, mastering new instrumentation, and learning to accurately document experimental data. Balancing multiple projects and deadlines can also be demanding, especially when transitioning from an academic to an industrial or research environment. However, most teams offer mentorship and training to help new chemists develop these skills, and regular collaboration with colleagues provides valuable support and learning opportunities.

What is the difference between Entry Level Chemist vs Laboratory Technician?

AspectEntry Level ChemistLaboratory Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in Chemistry or related fieldAssociate's degree or relevant certification
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, manufacturing, quality controlAnalytical labs, industrial settings, quality assurance
Employer & Industry UsagePharmaceutical, chemical, biotech companiesManufacturing plants, research facilities
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

While both roles work in laboratory settings and support scientific testing, Entry Level Chemists typically hold a bachelor's degree and focus on experimental design and analysis, whereas Laboratory Technicians often have an associate's degree and handle routine testing and sample preparation. Understanding these differences helps job seekers identify the right position for their skills and career goals.

What are the most commonly searched types of Chemist jobs in Santa Rosa, CA?

The most popular types of Chemist jobs in Santa Rosa, CA are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Chemist jobs in Santa Rosa, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Chemist jobs in Santa Rosa, CA are:

What cities near Santa Rosa, CA are hiring for Entry Level Chemist jobs?

Cities near Santa Rosa, CA with the most Entry Level Chemist job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Chemist job openings in Santa Rosa, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $56,939 per year, or $27.4 per hour.

Operator Technician I

Calpine

Middletown, CA • On-site

$51.62 - $52.59/hr

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago


Calpine rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Calpine, a business unit of Constellation Energy Corporation (Nasdaq: CEG), is America's largest generator of electricity from natural gas and geothermal resources with operations in competitive power markets. With 79 energy facilities in operation, Calpine’s fleet has the capacity to generate approximately 27,000 MW of electricity – enough to power approximately 27 million homes. Through wholesale power operations and its retail businesses, Calpine serves customers in 22 states and Canada. Its clean, efficient, modern and flexible fleet uses advanced technologies to generate power in a low-carbon and environmentally responsible manner.

The company was established on the premise that a strong commitment to the environment is inextricably linked to excellence in power generation and corporate responsibility. Since its founding in 1984, Calpine has led the power industry in its unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship. In addition, its renewable geothermal plants use steam generated deep below the earth's surface to produce clean, renewable electricity.

Job Summary (includes but is not limited to the following, other duties may be assigned)

Responsible for start, stop and monitoring of equipment including reading gauges and meters and recording activities in operating logs and records. Uses computers and monitoring equipment to measure, record and make adjustments within operating parameters.  Performs a variety of plant maintenance tasks including diagnosis, maintenance and repair of mechanical and electrical equipment in a safe, efficient and economical manner. Performs overhaul maintenance and system improvement tasks. Performs chemical analysis and chemical control on steam, cooling and condensate systems, and maintains chemistry logs. Incumbents assist in the development of standard operational procedures and provide input to plant betterment items to improve plant efficiency, reliability and safety. Ensures compliance with all local, State and Federal regulations and plant procedures. Regularly required to maintain plan security, operate heavy equipment such as manlifts and forklifts, and handle and transfer bulk chemicals.

Job Responsibilities

  • Entry-level; practical operating knowledge to perform job.
  • Performs standardized, ongoing duties and tasks.
  • Routine decisions.
  • With guidance, ensures timely and accurate performance of responsibilities for a single trade, group of closely related tasks or functional area.
  • Work typically reviewed by others; work reflects developing competency and basic skills.
  • Errors may cause simple rework or correction to single task.
  • Duties and tasks are standardized.
  • Resolves routine questions and problems, and refers more complex issues to higher levels.
  • Works under direct supervision and/or defined parameters.
  • Prioritizes basic tasks; priorities typically guided by standard practices or by others.
  • Receives training but uses some specialized skills where technical experience can be applied to assigned tasks. Assists more experienced Operator Technicians.

Job Requirements

  • High School Diploma and attendance in trade school, military service or equivalent.
  • Entry level; minimum 2 years directly related experience including understanding of health and safety regulations, and previous experience working with and around hazardous energy, chemicals and waste materials including knowledge of safe handling, storage, and transport.
  • Requires previous experience using test equipment and calibration appliances. Additional experience with machinery repair and control systems preferred.
  • Strong mechanical aptitude and basic understanding of chemistry, physics, electricity and mathematics.
  • Begins to achieve primary certifications/licensures. Valid state driver’s license. 

Salary Information

  • Hourly Rate Range - $51.62 to $52.59 /hour

Additional Calpine Information:

  • Equal Opportunity Employer of Minorities, Females, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities.
  • Calpine is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity and providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with physical and/or mental disabilities. If you are interested in applying for employment and need special assistance or an accommodation to use our website or to apply for a position, please send an e-mail with your request to hrrecruitment@calpine.com. Determination on requests for reasonable accommodation are made on case-by-case basis.

Please view Equal Employment Opportunity Posters provided by OFCCP here


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