2

Entry Level Soil Testing Lab Jobs in Richmond, VA

Showing results 21-23

Entry Level Soil Testing Lab information

See Richmond, VA salary details

$13

$23

$49

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

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level soil testing lab in Richmond, VA is $23.81, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.63 and $25.67 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 popular job titles related to Entry Level Soil Testing Lab jobs in Richmond, VA?

For Entry Level Soil Testing Lab jobs in Richmond, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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

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

What cities near Richmond, VA are hiring for Entry Level Soil Testing Lab jobs?

Cities near Richmond, VA with the most Entry Level Soil Testing Lab job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Soil Testing Lab job openings in Richmond, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $49,530 per year, or $23.8 per hour.

Assistant Scientist - Entry Level - Chromatography

Thermo Fisher Scientific

Richmond, VA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 days ago


Thermo Fisher Scientific rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 429 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

170th of 545 rated manufacturers


Job description

Work Schedule

Other

Environmental Conditions

Adherence to all Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) Safety Standards, Laboratory Setting

Job Description

This is a fully onsite role based at our BioAnalytical in Richmond, VA. We welcome applicants from all locations within the US. Please note that relocation assistance is not provided for this position, and any relocation costs will be the responsibility of the candidate.  

  • Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship. 
  • Must be able to pass a comprehensive background check, which includes a drug screening. 

At Thermo Fisher Scientific, you’ll discover meaningful work that makes a positive impact on a global scale. Join our colleagues in bringing our Mission to life - enabling our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer. We provide our teams with the resources needed to achieve individual career goals while taking science a step beyond through research, development and delivery of life-changing therapies. With clinical trials conducted in 100+ countries and ongoing development of novel frameworks for clinical research through our PPD clinical research portfolio, our work spans laboratory, digital and decentralized clinical trial services. Your determination to deliver quality and accuracy will improve health outcomes that people and communities depend on – now and in the future.

Location/Division Specific Information

Our PPD® Laboratory Services team has a direct impact on improving patient health through the expertise of scientists, industry thought-leaders and therapeutic authorities. As the world leader in serving science, our laboratory professionals bring their commitment to accuracy and quality to deliver groundbreaking innovations.

Richmond BioAnalytical Labs Overview:

https://www.ppd.com/our-solutions/ppd-laboratories/bioanalytical-lab/

PPD Laboratory Services LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/ppd-laboratories/?feedView=videos

Discover Impactful Work:

Possesses an understanding of laboratory procedures and under general supervision can conduct complex analysis. Responsible for review and compilation of results and data comparison against SOP acceptance criteria, methodology, protocol and product specifications.

A day in the Life:

• Performs a variety of routine sample preparation and analysis procedures to quantitatively measure pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical compounds in a variety of formulations and/or biological matrices for stability and analytical testing.

• Trains on routine operation, maintenance and theory of analytical instrumentation, SOPs and regulatory guidelines.

• Communicates project status to project leader.

• Maintains a laboratory notebook and completes all laboratory documentation in clear and accurate language and according to SOP and GLPs.

• Performs daily work assignments accurately, and in a timely and safe manner. • Reviews, interprets, and analyzes data for technical, quality and compliance to protocols, methods, SOPs, client criteria and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) or Good Laboratory Practices (GLP). Performs self and peer review of the data for accuracy and compliance with reporting requirements prior to submission to QA and issuance to customers.

Keys to Success:

Education

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent and relevant formal academic / vocational qualification

Experience

• Preferred experience with Chromatography and Liquid Chromatography &Mass Spectrometry (LCMS)
• Previous experience that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the job (comparable to 0 to 1 years).

• In some cases an equivalency, consisting of a combination of appropriate education, training and/or directly related experience, will be considered sufficient for an individual to meet the requirements of the role.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Knowledge of routine operation, maintenance and theory of analytical instrumentation, SOPs and regulatory guidelines

• Knowledge of applicable regulatory authority, compendia and ICH guidelines

• Excellent manual dexterity skills

• Good written and oral communication skills

• Time management and project management skills

• Proven problem solving and troubleshooting abilities

• Ability to cross-train on sample preparation techniques with another laboratory group

• Ability to work in a collaborative work environment with a team

Benefits Overview:

At PPD, a part of Thermo Fisher Scientific, we offer comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, pharmacy, employee assistance program, wellness program options and more!

Other benefits include:

• 401k with matching contributions, life insurance, long term and short term disability insurance, flexible medical and dependent care spending accounts.

• Work life balance programs including paid time off for vacation/sick time, paid holidays, floating holiday.

• Wellness benefits including health and wellness programs, fitness facility access or discount, health coaching and more.

• Education reimbursement and tuition assistance programs, professional development training, skills training, education loan repayment plan, dependent scholarship program and more.

• Employee appreciation events, service recognition awards, annual reviews, merit plans and bonus plans

• Community connections and activities including philanthropic engagement, volunteer service projects and more

Work Environment

Thermo Fisher Scientific values the health and wellbeing of our employees. We support and encourage individuals to create a healthy and balanced environment where they can thrive. Below is listed the working environment/requirements for this role:

• Able to communicate, receive, and understand information and ideas with diverse groups of people in a comprehensible and reasonable manner.

• Able to work upright and stationary and/or standing for typical working hours.

• Able to lift and move objects up to 25 pounds.

• Able to work in non-traditional work environments.

• Able to use and learn standard office equipment and technology with proficiency.

• May have exposure to potentially hazardous elements, including infectious agents, typically found in healthcare or laboratory environments.

• Able to perform successfully under pressure while prioritizing and handling multiple projects or activities.

Our Mission is to enable our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer. Watch as our colleagues explain 5 reasons to work with us. As one team of 100,000+ colleagues, we share a common set of values - Integrity, Intensity, Innovation and Involvement - working together to accelerate research, solve complex scientific challenges, drive technological innovation and support patients in need. #StartYourStory with PPD, part of Thermo Fisher Scientific, where diverse experiences, backgrounds and perspectives are valued.

Apply today! http://jobs.thermofisher.com

Thermo Fisher Scientific is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status.

Accessibility/Disability Access

Job Seekers with a Disability: Thermo Fisher Scientific offers accessibility service for job seekers requiring accommodations in the job application process. For example, this may include individuals requiring assistance because of hearing, vision, mobility, or cognitive impairments. If you are a job seeker with a disability, or assisting a person with a disability, and require accessibility assistance or an accommodation to apply for one of our jobs, please submit a request by telephone at 1-855-471-2255*. Please include your contact information and specific details about your required accommodation to support you during the job application process.

*This telephone line is reserved solely for job seekers with disabilities requiring accessibility assistance or an accommodation in the job application process. Messages left for other purposes, such as not being able to get into the career website, following up on an application, or other non-disability related technical issues will not receive a response.

Compensation and Benefits

The hourly pay range estimated for this position Specialist, Clinical Lab Scientist based in Virginia is $20.00–$28.00.

This position may also be eligible to receive a variable annual bonus based on company, team, and/or individual performance results in accordance with company policy. We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards package that our U.S. colleagues and their families can count on, which includes:

  • A choice of national medical and dental plans, and a national vision plan, including health incentive programs

  • Employee assistance and family support programs, including commuter benefits and tuition reimbursement

  • At least 120 hours paid time off (PTO), 10 paid holidays annually, paid parental leave (3 weeks for bonding and 8 weeks for caregiver leave), accident and life insurance, and short- and long-term disability in accordance with company policy

  • Retirement and savings programs, such as our competitive 401(k) U.S. retirement savings plan

  • Employees’ Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) offers eligible colleagues the opportunity to purchase company stock at a discount

For more information on our benefits, please visit: https://jobs.thermofisher.com/global/en/total-rewards


What Thermo Fisher Scientific employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom