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Entry Level Soil Testing Lab Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

SEDAA

Lab Technician

Alameda, CA · On-site

$21.50 - $28.50/hr

POSITION IS SECOND SHIFT WITH HOURS FROM 1:30 PM TO 10 PM. Entry Level Lab Technician in the ... Perform routine maintenance on individual quality records and ensure equipment used for testing is ...

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Entry Level Soil Testing Lab information

How much money does a soil scientist make?

Entry-level soil testing lab technicians or soil scientists typically earn between $35,000 and $50,000 annually, depending on location, education, and experience. Advanced roles with certifications or specialized skills can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $60,000 per year.

What are entry level soil testing lab jobs?

Entry level soil testing lab jobs are positions designed for individuals who are new to the field of soil science and laboratory work. These roles typically involve assisting with the preparation and analysis of soil samples, recording data, and maintaining laboratory equipment. Employees in these positions may also help ensure quality control and follow safety protocols. No advanced experience is usually required, making these jobs ideal for recent graduates or those seeking to start a career in environmental science or agriculture.

What is the difference between Entry Level Soil Testing Lab vs Soil Technician?

AspectEntry Level Soil Testing LabSoil Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may prefer associate degreeHigh school diploma or equivalent; technical certifications optional
Work EnvironmentLaboratory setting, working with soil samples and testing equipmentField and laboratory, collecting samples and conducting tests
Employer & Industry UsageEnvironmental labs, construction, agricultureEnvironmental consulting firms, construction sites, research labs

While both roles involve soil analysis, the Entry Level Soil Testing Lab typically focuses on laboratory testing of soil samples, often requiring basic certifications and working primarily indoors. In contrast, a Soil Technician may perform both field sampling and lab testing, with more hands-on fieldwork involved. Both positions are essential in environmental and construction industries, but the Soil Technician role often involves more field responsibilities.

How much does a soil testing technician make?

A soil testing technician at an entry level typically earns between $15 and $20 per hour, with annual salaries ranging from approximately $30,000 to $40,000. Compensation can vary based on location, education, and experience, and the role often requires knowledge of laboratory equipment and soil analysis techniques.

How much do soil samplers make?

Entry-level soil testing lab technicians typically earn between $12 and $20 per hour, depending on location, experience, and certifications. Salaries can increase with specialized skills, such as proficiency with testing equipment or knowledge of soil analysis methods.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Soil Testing Lab Technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Soil Testing Lab Technician, you need a basic understanding of laboratory procedures, soil science, and safety protocols, usually supported by a high school diploma or associate degree in a related field. Familiarity with lab equipment, soil sampling techniques, and data entry software is typically required. Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and the ability to follow precise instructions help set you apart in this role. These skills ensure accurate test results, maintain lab safety, and support the quality and reliability of environmental or agricultural analyses.

What are some typical responsibilities and challenges for someone starting out in an entry-level soil testing lab position?

In an entry-level soil testing lab position, you'll typically be responsible for preparing soil samples, conducting standardized tests (such as pH, nutrient, and texture analysis), recording results, and maintaining lab equipment. One common challenge is learning to follow strict protocols and ensuring accuracy in sample handling and data recording, as small errors can impact test results. You'll often work as part of a team under the supervision of senior technicians or lab managers, and collaboration is essential to meet project deadlines. This role provides a great opportunity to build foundational laboratory skills and can lead to more advanced positions in environmental science, agronomy, or lab management over time.

How can I become a soil tester?

To become a soil tester, typically a high school diploma or equivalent is required, followed by training in soil sampling and testing procedures. Some positions may require knowledge of laboratory equipment and soil analysis techniques, and obtaining relevant certifications can improve job prospects.
What are the most commonly searched types of Soil Testing Lab jobs in California? The most popular types of Soil Testing Lab jobs in California are:
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Entry Level Soil Testing Lab jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Soil Testing Lab job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, and 12% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.
Clinical Laboratory Scientist

Clinical Laboratory Scientist

Lighthouse Lab Services

San Francisco, CA • Hybrid

$65 - $75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) – Whole Genome Sequencing

Location: San Francisco, CA
Pay: $65–$75/hour
Shift: M–F (8:30–4:00 or 10:30–7:00)

About the Role

Lighthouse Lab Services is working with a high-growth clinical genomics laboratory in San Francisco, CA who are launching a hybrid whole genome sequencing platform. We are seeking Clinical Laboratory Scientists to support clinical operations during scale-up. This is a hands-on bench role in a CLIA/CAP environment supporting high-complexity molecular testing and multi-platform sequencing workflows.

Responsibilities

  • Perform high-complexity molecular testing in a CLIA-regulated laboratory
  • Process, accession, and prepare clinical specimens
  • Execute NGS and hybrid whole genome sequencing workflows
  • Perform precise pipetting and sample preparation
  • Support multi-platform sequencing systems (Illumina, long-read technologies)
  • Maintain QC/QA compliance and regulatory standards
  • Support both clinical production and development workflows as needed

Requirements

  • Current CLS OR CGMBS license
  • Experience in a CLIA clinical laboratory setting
  • Strong molecular bench skills and pipetting accuracy
  • NGS or molecular diagnostics experience preferred
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced, startup-style laboratory environment
  • Strong attention to detail and quality systems compliance

Preferred Experience

  • Whole genome sequencing experience
  • Familiarity with Illumina, Oxford Nanopore, PacBio, or similar platforms
  • Exposure to hybrid clinical and R&D laboratory environments preferred but not required

Salary

  • $65–$75/hour (based on experience)

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401(k) retirement plan
  • Flexible PTO
  • Opportunity to work in a rapidly scaling clinical genomics environment
  • Exposure to cutting-edge hybrid whole genome sequencing technology

About us:

At Lighthouse Lab Services, we offer solutions to help start, grow, and run clinical laboratories. Our recruiting team has over 19 years of proven success placing job seekers in positions ranging from entry-level Medical Technologists to seasoned Laboratory Directors. We recruit nationwide, for permanent and travel positions with clients ranging from small hospitals to large reference laboratories.

It is the policy of Lighthouse Lab Services to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. Lighthouse Lab Services is committed to working and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including persons with disabilities.

If at any time during the application process, you need an accommodation, please contact recruiting@lighthouselabservices.com for assistance.

Lighthouse Lab Services | 844-974-1929 | lighthouselabservices.com

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