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

WSS Master Technician

Arlington, VA · On-site

$64K - $98K/yr

... flow, testing water mains and fire hydrants, and monitoring water distribution utilizing ... Performing excavations, repairs/installations, and compaction of soil and restoration of site ...

This is an entry-level role offering meaningful hands-on experience designing for enterprise-scale ... testing by preparing prototype materials, documenting feedback, and recommending iterative ...

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Entry Level Soil Testing Lab information

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.

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.
What are the most commonly searched types of Soil Testing Lab jobs in Washington? The most popular types of Soil Testing Lab jobs in Washington are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Soil Testing Lab jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Soil Testing Lab jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Entry Level Soil Testing Lab jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Entry Level Soil Testing Lab job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Soil Testing Lab job openings in Washington as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

WSS Master Technician

Arlington County, VA

Arlington, VA • On-site

$64K - $98K/yr

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 21 days ago


Job description

Job Description
IMPORTANT NOTICE: Arlington County requires all applicants to thoroughly complete each section of the application, including prior job responsibilities, duties, and supplemental questions. While you may attach a resume, it will not replace a completed application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Arlington County's Department of Environmental Services (DES), Water, Sewer, and Streets (WSS) Bureau, has a vacancy for a WSS Master Technician in the Water Maintenance Section. The Water Maintenance section is responsible for providing an adequate supply of quality water for domestic services and fire protection by investigating and repairing leaks, installing new service connections, maintaining system pressure and flow, testing water mains and fire hydrants, and monitoring water distribution utilizing Supervising Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) System. The WSS Master Technician will provide onsite leadership to a team in their respective sections and provide additional support to the WSS Crew Leader and serves as a leader in the absence of the Crew Leader.
Responsibilities
Specific duties include:
  • Performing highly skilled manual tasks and coordinating daily crew functions with crew leader on daily work of the crew including performing Miss Utility tickets process, replacing, and repairing of water utilities, installing of water mains and appurtenances, investigating water main leaks, determining trenching requirements and overseeing the excavation and installation of large water vaults;
  • Performing excavations, repairs/installations, and compaction of soil and restoration of site (asphalt, concrete, seed, and straw);
  • Using investigative methods and specialized equipment to diagnose problems, make leak detection repairs, and other diagnostics necessary for repairs and system maintenance;
  • Coordinating with crew leader on daily work of the crew including adjusting for variable work sites and weather conditions, securing materials and equipment for use on projects, ensuring installations and repairs are completed, providing accurate site measurements, and ensuring safe traffic and equipment operations;
  • Assisting with implementing policies and procedures and using work order/asset management system (Cartegraph) and other computer systems such as Microsoft Office to create and prioritize workflows, complete logs, reports, and close-outs of work orders;
  • Driving and operating light and/or heavy equipment (utility trucks, 6-wheel and 10-wheel dump trucks, backhoes, etc.) to and from work sites, transporting materials and crew members and directing vehicle operators to and from the job site;
  • Providing technical and operational guidance and on-site training to crew members and assisting crew members with the use of specialized equipment and making minor repairs/adjustments to tools and equipment;
  • Consulting with the crew leader at the start of each day to receive specific team related work instructions and sharing work related feedback at the end of each day;
  • Assisting with creating and distributing customer notifications for service interruptions; and
  • Responding to routine questions from the public and citizens or directing questions to appropriate staff.

The ideal candidate will be dedicated with good organizational and communication skills and the ability to respond to emergencies as needed.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
  • High School Diploma/GED or the equivalent;
  • Three years of experience in public works, construction or another trade vocation that demonstrates the ability to perform skilled manual maintenance and/or construction; and
  • Possession of valid CDL (Class A or B) License.

Substitution: Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for up to two years of the education requirement on a year-for-year basis. Technical training may substitute for up to one year of the experience requirement on a year for year basis.
Desirables: Preference may be given to applicants with experience in one or more of the following:
  • Performing as a team leader, lead worker, or coordinating the work of others in construction operations;
  • Performing skilled manual maintenance, installation and/or repair in water utility operations or in two or more technical areas in water, sewer or street operations; and/or
  • Operating a backhoe or other specialized equipment;

Possession of the following certifications/licenses preferred:
  • Confined Space Entry Level 2 Certification;
  • Trenching Level 2 Certification; and
  • Waterworks Operator Class 5 License.

Special Requirements
Applicant must possess, and maintain, a valid commercial motor vehicle operator's license (Class A or B) from the applicant's place of residence. The applicant must authorize Arlington County to obtain, or the applicant must provide, a copy of the applicant's official state/district driving record. Any offer of employment may be contingent upon a favorable review of the applicant's driving record. The successful applicant will be subject to drug screening, at such times during employment, as required by federal, state and local standards and policies.
Working Conditions:
  • Performs activities outdoors.
  • Subject to hazards such as being near moving vehicles and mechanical parts, electrical currents, exposure to high heat, chemicals, and/or biohazardous waste.
  • Subject to one or more of the following conditions: fumes, odors, dusts, dirt, mists, drafts, loud noises, gases or poor ventilation, oils, and other cutting fluids.
  • Spends long periods of time standing, crouching, stooping, bending, lifting, pushing, pulling, carrying, and/or working in confined spaces and lighting light to heavy objects and equipment.
  • Required to wear common protective gear or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hearing protection, and/or hard hats.
  • Required to respond to after-hour calls and emergency situations and mandatory overtime may be required on short notice.
  • Requires on-call duty on a weekly rotating basis which includes assisting the Trades Manager with preparing the on-call stand-by list.
  • Requires learning and following all safety rules and regulations pertaining to job functions which includes attending all required safety classes and meetings in order to ensure a safe working environment and to ensure team members are practicing the required safety rules and regulations.

Personal Protective Equipment:
Due to the work environment and as a condition of employment, Arlington County employees may be required to wear various personal protective equipment in the performance of their duties.
Physical Requirements:
Medium Exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
Licenses/Certifications: Based on assignment, must have one or more of the following:
  • Confined Space and Excavation Certification*; and/or
  • Virginia Department of Transportation Intermediate Work Zone Certification*; and/or
  • Commercial Driver's License (CDL's typically required in Streets, Sewer and Water Maintenance Sections).
  • Other licensure/certifications specific to area of assignment.
    *Or the ability to obtain a Virginia State certification within one year of the date of hire.

Additional Information:
Work Hours: 6:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. This position may be required to work from 2:00 p.m., to 10:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, during Winter. Must be available for call back in emergency situations, and during snow removal season.
Arlington County offers a competitive salary and a great benefits package including a Defined Benefit (pension) plan. For more information on Arlington's family friendly benefits click here.
Arlington County is committed to advancing diversity, equity, access, and inclusion across all our services, activities, and programs. Learn more about our commitment.
Each section of the application must be completed. A resume may be attached; however, it will not substitute for the completed application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
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