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Entry Level Soil Testing Lab Jobs in Madison, WI

Position Overview The Automation Integration Engineer I is an entry-level escalation engineer who ... Document service learnings and share updates with Lab Service Engineers to support knowledge ...

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Entry Level Soil Testing Lab information

See Madison, WI salary details

$13

$24

$50

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 Madison, WI is $24.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.97 and $26.15 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 Madison, WI?

The most popular types of Soil Testing Lab jobs in Madison, WI are:

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

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

Infographic showing various Entry Level Soil Testing Lab job openings in Madison, WI as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $50,431 per year, or $24.2 per hour.

Automation Integration Engineer I

Abbott

Madison, WI

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago


Abbott rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 138 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

178th of 540 rated manufacturers


Job description

Abbott is a global healthcare leader that helps people live more fully at all stages of life. Our portfolio of life-changing technologies spans the spectrum of healthcare, with leading businesses and products in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and branded generic medicines. Our 115,000 colleagues serve people in more than 160 countries.JOB DESCRIPTION:

Position Overview
The Automation Integration Engineer I is an entry-level escalation engineer who supports recurring issue resolution across laboratory automation platforms. While this role is not primarily responsible for routine installations or preventive maintenance, it may assist when required. Core responsibilities include responding to escalated technical support cases from Laboratory Service Engineers, executing well-defined troubleshooting protocols, and contributing to uptime restoration through mechanical repair, basic system diagnostics, and root cause documentation. The Automation Integration Engineer I collaborates with cross-functional teams to support system reliability, contributes to service workflow enhancements, and actively builds proficiency in regulated environments involving PLCs, vison platforms, robotics.

Schedule- Tuesday - Friday 2 pm - 1 am

Essential Duties
Include, but are not limited to, the following:
Develop processes and procedures for automation installations, qualifications, preventative maintenance and troubleshooting.
Exercise independent judgment in decision-making when troubleshooting and prioritizing tasks.
Exercise discretion in selecting tools, frameworks, and methodologies to obtain diagnostic information and reporting results to the customer.
Authority to prioritize work and adapt strategies to meet organization and team goals.
Perform investigations on recurring equipment issues using historical diagnostic protocols and gathering relevant service data.
Participate in corrective action reviews to understand how recurring problems are resolved and prevented.
Document service learnings and share updates with Lab Service Engineers to support knowledge continuity and reduce future escalations.
Triage incoming requests to provide front-line support for stand-alone, custom laboratory automation
Troubleshoot standard equipment issues; escalate unfamiliar or complex issues appropriately.
Receive and document incoming customer communications and manage service escalations to resolution within established timelines.
Provide exceptional, customer-centric technical support by investigating issues, reproducing failures, and identifying root causes.
Analyze log files and data to identify patterns, troubleshoot errors, and support continuous improvement of service workflows.
Create and interpret data queries to support investigations and document findings, resolutions, and improvement opportunities.
Serve as the primary liaison for assigned equipment and coordinate vendor escalations as needed.
Actively identify and initiate improvements to simplify and automate service processes.
Support the transfer of new hardware and products to/between laboratories, participating in planning, testing, and technical validation.
Represent the service function in cross-functional meetings and development initiatives; fulfill technical transfer tasks and action items.
Build strong customer relationships and collaborate effectively with internal stakeholders across technical support, development, quality, and IT.
Contribute to a positive and inclusive team environment through active listening, open communication, curiosity, and a commitment to shared goals.
Maintain technical knowledge of instrumentation and regulatory expectations (e.g., CAP/CLIA); support audit readiness and equipment compliance.
Demonstrate strong mechanical and analytical aptitude to resolve equipment issues and support lab operations.
Prioritize and plan work independently, managing competing tasks with a sense of urgency and accountability.
Uphold the company's mission and values through integrity, innovation, and commitment to quality.
Support and comply with the company's Quality Management System (QMS) and relevant safety and regulatory requirements (e.g., OSHA, CLIA).

Work Environment & Physical Requirements
Ability to work seated and standing for approximately 50% of the working day each.
Ability to work designated schedule, including travel up to 30% of working time (may include overnight/weekend travel).
Ability to lift up to 25 pounds (~5% of the time).
Ability to work on a mobile device, tablet, or computer for up to 90% of the working day.
Ability to use fine and gross motor skills for equipment troubleshooting and maintenance.
Ability to comply with personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements.
Ability and means to travel between local Madison locations.
Occasional evening or weekend work may be required.

Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's Degree in a field related to essential duties; or Associates Degree and 2 years of relevant experience; or High School Diploma or General Education Degree (GED) and 4 years of relevant experience.
3 years of experience in an engineering or technical support role.
1 year of experience in industrial automation maintenance.
Demonstrated understanding of clinical lab regulations.
Possesses advanced knowledge of engineering theories, practices and procedures and applies this knowledge and skills to complete assignments.
Proficient in Microsoft Office including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
Demonstrated ability to perform the Essential Duties of the position with or without accommodation.
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in country where work will be performed on a full or part-time basis. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of employment visas at this time.

Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor's Degree in Engineering.
2+ years of experience in engineering, technical support, or related fields.
Experience with custom automation controls, including but not limited to, ladder logic programming with Rockwell Studio 5000 Allen Bradley PLCs.
Working knowledge of vision system programming, adjustment, and troubleshooting on Cognex and Keyence systems.
Experience with training, maintaining, and troubleshooting Fanuc robots using a teach pendant.
Experience reading electrical diagrams and viewing Solidworks/CAD models in troubleshooting applications.
Service experience in automated manufacturing or laboratory automation systems.
Fanuc and/or Epson robot programming, tuning, and maintenance.
Working knowledge of HMI programming software including FactoryTalk View Studio.
Custom automation network integration.
Process and workflow mindset.
Technical proficiency and experience in automation system development and integration in a laboratory environment.
Experience working in a CAP/CLIA and/or other regulated production environment.
Working knowledge of databases, laboratory information management systems, SCADA/MES system, and other file management applications.

The base pay for this position is

$50,700.00 - $101,300.00

In specific locations, the pay range may vary from the range posted.

JOB FAMILY:EngineeringDIVISION:ONCO Cancer DiagnosticsLOCATION:United States > Madison : 1 Exact LaneADDITIONAL LOCATIONS:WORK SHIFT:StandardTRAVEL:Yes, 5 % of the TimeMEDICAL SURVEILLANCE:NoSIGNIFICANT WORK ACTIVITIES:Continuous sitting for prolonged periods (more than 2 consecutive hours in an 8 hour day), Continuous standing for prolonged periods (more than 2 consecutive hours in an 8 hour day), Continuous walking for prolonged periods (more than 2 hours at a time in an 8 hour day), Lift, carry, push or pull weights of more than 20 pounds/9 kilos on a regular/daily basis, Work requiring repeated bending, stooping, squatting or kneelingAbbott is an Equal Opportunity Employer of Minorities/Women/Individuals with Disabilities/Protected Veterans.EEO is the Law link - English: http://webstorage.abbott.com/common/External/EEO_English.pdfEEO is the Law link - Espanol: http://webstorage.abbott.com/common/External/EEO_Spanish.pdf

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