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Entry Level Soil Testing Lab Jobs in Gaithersburg, MD

Lab Technician

Gaithersburg, MD · On-site

$20.50 - $27.25/hr

Summary The Lab Technician for OneLab, performs an entry level role in the testing of clinical DNA specimens for the purpose of diagnosing genetic disease, using manual and automated methods in a ...

Post-doctoral Associate

College Park, MD · On-site

$48K - $65K/yr

The Agroecology Lab at the University of Maryland and the Adaptive Crops and Systems Laboratory at ... The Post-Doctoral Associate will apply and extend existing soil-crop process models to agricultural ...

Post-doctoral Associate

College Park, MD

$48K - $65K/yr

The Agroecology Lab at the University of Maryland and the Adaptive Crops and Systems Laboratory at ... The Post-Doctoral Associate will apply and extend existing soil-crop process models to agricultural ...

Lab Technician

Gaithersburg, MD · On-site

$23 - $24/hr

Summary The Lab Technician for OneLab, performs an entry level role in the testing of clinical DNA specimens for the purpose of diagnosing genetic disease, using manual and automated methods in a ...

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Entry Level Soil Testing Lab information

See Gaithersburg, MD salary details

$14

$25

$54

How much do entry level soil testing lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level soil testing lab in Gaithersburg, MD is $26.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.17 and $28.03 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level soil testing lab?

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?

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 does an entry level soil testing lab do?

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 Gaithersburg, MD?

The most popular types of Soil Testing Lab jobs in Gaithersburg, MD are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Soil Testing Lab jobs in Gaithersburg, MD look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Soil Testing Lab jobs in Gaithersburg, MD are:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Soil Testing Lab job openings in Gaithersburg, MD as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, and 12% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $54,076 per year, or $26 per hour.

Lab Technician

GeneDx

Gaithersburg, MD • On-site

$20.50 - $27.25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago


GeneDx rating

9.3

Company rating: 9.3 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

4th of 120 rated laboratories


Job description

GeneDx (Nasdaq: WGS) delivers personalized and actionable health insights to inform diagnosis, direct treatment, and improve drug discovery. The company is uniquely positioned to accelerate the use of genomic and large-scale clinical information to enable precision medicine as the standard of care. GeneDx is at the forefront of transforming healthcare through its industry-leading exome and genome testing and interpretation services, fueled by the world's largest, rare disease data sets. For more information, please visit www.genedx.com.

Summary
The Lab Technician for OneLab, performs an entry level role in the testing of clinical DNA specimens for the purpose of diagnosing genetic disease, using manual and automated methods in a team environment, and following established policies and procedures, in a professional manner.
Important: Interested candidates should be open to working alternative shifts including Morning, Midday, or Evening hours, which may include weekends; shift differentials are provided for Midday, Evening, and all weekend shifts. This will be reviewed during the initial phone screen.

Job Responsibilities 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • Learns and follows the established standard operating procedures for specimen handling and processing, test analysis, record-keeping, and reporting of results to team leads, supervisors and test managers, where such tests require the exercise of limited independent judgment and responsibility.
  • Adheres to quality control policies; documents all quality control activities, instrument and procedural calibrations, reagent preparation and testing, and instrument maintenance performed.
  • Identifies problems that may adversely affect test performance, takes authorized corrective actions, and notifies key individuals.
  • Detects when test performance is not within acceptable levels. Documents all corrective action.
  • Always be able to document that proficiency testing is performed in the same manner as patient testing.
  • Meets or exceeds target workload with high accuracy and attention to detail.
    • Other duties may be assigned

Education, Experience, and Skills 

  • Bachelor's degree in medical technology, laboratory science, or in one of the chemistry, physical, or biological sciences and meets CLIA, CAP, and New York State CLEP personnel standards criteria.
  • Prior experience preferred but not required.
  • Mathematical, computer, reasoning, and language skills at the professional level.

Physical Demands

  • The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; sit and use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The employee is occasionally required to walk; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include color vision.

Work Environment

  • The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Possible contact with water (hand washing and cleaning), biohazardous body fluids, and hazardous chemicals.
  • Sufficient noise and interruptions to cause distraction and stress.
  • Extended periods of stationary computer work.
  • The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

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