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Entry Level Soil Testing Lab Jobs in Gaithersburg, MD

Hillis-Carnes

Engineering Technician

Washington, DC · On-site

$500/wk

... Entry-level or Senior-level Engineering Technician in our office located in Washington, DC ... Perform field observations and testing of construction materials including soil, concrete, asphalt ...

Triad Engineering

Engineering Technician I

Sterling, VA · On-site

$40K - $45K/yr

May occasionally perform lab testing in our offices If you are looking to join a dynamic team ... Certifications in Concrete and Soil preferred * Must possess a valid driver's license, a clean ...

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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 Sep 8, 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 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 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 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 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 are popular job titles related to Entry Level Soil Testing Lab jobs in Gaithersburg, MD?

For Entry Level Soil Testing Lab jobs in Gaithersburg, MD, the most frequently searched job titles 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:

Entry Level Soil Testing Lab jobs near you
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.

Staff Professional II (Geotechnical) - Chantilly, VA

Hillis-Carnes

Chantilly, VA

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 25 days ago

Job description

WHO IS HILLIS-CARNES?

Hillis-Carnes Engineering Associates (HCEA) is a multi-disciplined ENR Top 500 engineering firm with 20 offices in the mid-Atlantic and Florida. We have demonstrated a history of success for the past 35 years. We are 100% employee-owned ESOP, and our history of success can be attributed to our motivational employee owners. We believe in fostering teamwork, rewarding ambition, and providing opportunities for professional advancement.

At HCEA, we can contribute our continuing success to multiple facets, but above all we are successful because of our knowledgeable, ambitious, and reliable employees who make every day count.

Position Overview

This position supports the Geotechnical Engineering and Construction Materials Testing/Inspection departments by contributing to a variety of public and private sector projects. This position performs field explorations, in-situ field testing, laboratory analysis, engineering evaluations and computations, technical reporting, and construction materials testing while working collaboratively with engineers, technicians, and project managers. This is a "near" entry level professional position, and the candidate will work under the supervision of Professional Engineers (in general). Prior professional internships while in college will count toward experience level. The candidate may serve as Project Manager for Geotechnical or CMT projects.

Key Responsibilities

  • Support geotechnical engineering and construction materials testing/inspection projects for public and private sector clients.
  • Conduct and document test boring and test pit observations during subsurface explorations.
  • Perform, collect, review, and analyze geotechnical field and laboratory data.
  • Classify soils and evaluate subsurface conditions in accordance with applicable standards.
  • Review daily construction materials testing (CMT) field reports for accuracy and completeness in a Project Manager role.
  • Prepare geotechnical calculations, analyses, and technical reports.
  • Assist in evaluating subsurface conditions and developing engineering recommendations.
  • Support project managers and senior engineers with project planning and execution.
  • Perform occasional on-site construction materials testing and inspection services, including soil, concrete, and related materials.
  • Ensure testing and inspection activities comply with applicable standards, project specifications, and quality requirements.

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering or a closely related engineering discipline.
  • 1-2 years of relevant experience; prior professional internships while in college will be considered.
  • Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification required.
  • Ability to interpret engineering and construction plans and specifications.
  • Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
  • Ability to work effectively in both office and field environments.
  • Ability to occasionally work evenings, weekends, and overnight travel assignments.
  • Ability to lift and carry 60–80 pounds, including soil and concrete samples and testing equipment.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience supporting geotechnical investigations, testing, and monitoring programs.
  • Working knowledge of AutoCAD and related engineering software.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and priorities while maintaining quality and client service standards.
  • Experience developing client relationships and supporting business development initiatives.
  • Self-motivated professional with a strong commitment to technical excellence and customer service.

Position Offering

This position may progress to Project Engineer I role based on demonstrated proficiency, management capabilities, business development contributions and leadership performance.

We are proudly an Equal Opportunity Employer and offer an appealing benefits package. A few of these perks include: 100% Employer-Paid Benefits (Long-Term Disability, Basic Life & Employee Assistance Program), Health (W/ Health Savings Account Option), Disability, 401k w/ Company Match, Generous Compensation for Employee-Referrals, Tuition Reimbursement and many more!

For the past several years, Engineering News-Record named Hillis-Carnes to its ranking of Top 500 Design Firms in the nation for its continued rapid growth.

Need another reason to join in on the success? We offer an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) in which employees are given shares in the company, held in an outside trust. The more successful the company is, the more valuable the shares become.

Want to grow with us? Apply now!

Equal Opportunity Employer

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