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Entry Level Chemistry 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 Chemistry information

See Santa Rosa, CA salary details

$17

$27

$38

How much do entry level chemistry jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level chemistry 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 is an entry level chemist?

Entry level chemistry jobs are positions designed for individuals who have recently graduated with a degree in chemistry or a related field and have little to no professional experience. These roles typically involve assisting with laboratory work, conducting experiments, analyzing samples, and supporting senior chemists or scientists. Common job titles include laboratory technician, quality control analyst, and research assistant. Entry level positions provide valuable hands-on experience and foundational skills needed for career advancement in chemistry and related industries.

What does an entry level chemist do?

As an entry-level chemist, you'll commonly be involved in tasks such as preparing and analyzing samples, conducting routine laboratory tests, maintaining lab equipment, and accurately recording experimental results. You may also assist senior chemists with research projects, method development, and quality control processes. Collaboration with other team members, including lab technicians and researchers, is frequent to ensure experiments run smoothly and data is reliable. Over time, you'll gain exposure to more complex projects and have opportunities to take on increased responsibility within the laboratory.

What skills and qualifications are 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, a solid grasp of laboratory techniques, and foundational knowledge of chemical principles. Familiarity with laboratory instruments, safety protocols, and data analysis software such as ChemDraw or LIMS is typically required. Attention to detail, strong problem-solving skills, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills in this role. These capabilities are essential for ensuring accurate experimental results, maintaining safety, and contributing to successful research and development projects.

What is the difference between Entry Level Chemistry vs Entry Level Chemical Technician?

AspectEntry Level ChemistryEntry Level Chemical Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in Chemistry or related fieldAssociate's degree or Bachelor's in Chemistry or Chemical Technology
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, research facilities, academic settingsManufacturing plants, laboratories, industrial settings
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research institutions, pharmaceutical companiesChemical manufacturing, quality control, process support

Entry Level Chemistry roles typically require a bachelor's degree and focus on research, analysis, and development in labs or academic settings. Entry Level Chemical Technicians often have similar educational backgrounds but work more directly in industrial environments, supporting manufacturing and quality processes. Both roles serve different industry needs but share foundational chemistry knowledge.

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

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

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Chemistry jobs in Santa Rosa, CA?

For Entry Level Chemistry jobs in Santa Rosa, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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

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

Infographic showing various Entry Level Chemistry job openings in Santa Rosa, CA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Locum Tenens, 2% Internship, 64% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote 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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