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Environmental Science Lab Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Periodic Labs

Environmental Health and Safety

Menlo Park, CA · On-site

$97K - $132K/yr

Central to that mission is a high-throughput experimental materials science lab that handles ... Comfort working on-site in a fast-paced, high-complexity lab environment where experiments run 24/7 ...

Bedrock

Lab Analyst

Brawley, CA · On-site

Lab Analyst The Lab Analyst is responsible for performing various chemical analyses for bench ... Bachelors of Science in Chemistry or related field (Biology, Physics, Environmental Science) * 1 ...

Chapman University

Research Lab Assistant

Orange, CA · On-site

$17/hr

... Name Environmental Science & Policy Position Headcount 1 Position Title Research Lab Assistant ... Academic Year Fall 2026 Term or Semester Fall Is this Role for an Undergrad or Grad Student?

New

Chapman University

Research Lab Assistant

Orange, CA · On-site

$17/hr

Student Title Classification Information Quick Link Job Number SE233624 Position Information Department or Unit Name Environmental Science & Policy Position Headcount 1 Position Title Research Lab ...

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PAVIR

Life Sciences Lab Assistant I

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$20/hr

Previous experience or exposure to wet lab academic research environment preferred;Previous ... At PAVIR we work with more than 160 uniquely talented medical scientists. We recruit and retain ...

Posted today

PAVIR

Life Sciences Lab Assistant I

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

Previous experience or exposure to wet lab academic research environment preferred; * Previous ... At PAVIR we work with more than 160 uniquely talented medical scientists. We recruit and retain ...

Posted today

PAVIR

Life Sciences Lab Assistant I

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$20/hr

Previous experience or exposure to wet lab academic research environment preferred; * Previous ... At PAVIR we work with more than 160 uniquely talented medical scientists. We recruit and retain ...

New

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsEnvironmental Science Lab JobsEnvironmental Science Lab Jobs in California

Environmental Science Lab information

See California salary details

$15

$28

$47

How much do environmental science lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for environmental science lab in California is $28.20, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.75 and $31.54 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an environmental science lab technician do?

Environmental science lab technicians assist scientists by collecting, preparing, and analyzing environmental samples such as water, air, and soil. They use specialized equipment to test for pollutants, contaminants, and other environmental factors. Their work helps monitor environmental health, ensure compliance with regulations, and support research on environmental issues. Technicians also record data, maintain laboratory equipment, and sometimes assist in fieldwork.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an environmental science lab technician?

To thrive as an Environmental Science Lab Technician, you need a solid background in biology, chemistry, and environmental science, often supported by a relevant degree or laboratory certification. Familiarity with analytical instruments such as spectrometers, chromatographs, and laboratory information management systems (LIMS) is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure accurate data collection and analysis, compliance with safety standards, and valuable contributions to environmental research and monitoring.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in an environmental science lab?

Professionals in an Environmental Science Lab often encounter challenges such as maintaining strict safety protocols, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of test results, and managing multiple projects with tight deadlines. They may also face difficulties adapting to rapidly evolving technologies and methodologies in environmental testing. Collaboration with interdisciplinary teams, such as field researchers and regulatory agencies, is essential to address complex environmental issues and ensure that findings are effectively communicated and implemented.

What is the difference between Environmental Science Lab vs Environmental Technician?

AspectEnvironmental Science LabEnvironmental Technician
CredentialsBachelor's degree in environmental science or related fieldAssociate's degree or relevant certification
Work EnvironmentLaboratory settings, research facilitiesField sites, environmental monitoring locations
Job FocusAnalyzing samples, conducting experiments, data interpretationCollecting samples, site assessments, data collection
Employer & IndustryResearch institutions, environmental agencies, labsEnvironmental consulting firms, government agencies

Environmental Science Lab roles primarily involve laboratory research and analysis, requiring a strong scientific background. In contrast, Environmental Technicians focus on fieldwork and sample collection. Both roles support environmental protection but differ in work environment and daily tasks.

What careers can I get with environmental science lab?

Environmental science lab experience can lead to careers such as environmental technician, laboratory analyst, environmental consultant, or research scientist. These roles often require skills in data analysis, laboratory techniques, and knowledge of environmental regulations, with certifications like OSHA or EPA sometimes beneficial.

What do you do in an environmental science lab?

In an environmental science lab, professionals conduct experiments and analyze samples to study environmental conditions, pollutants, and ecosystems. They use tools like microscopes, spectrometers, and data analysis software to collect and interpret data, often following safety protocols and quality standards. The work supports environmental monitoring, research, and policy development.

What are popular job titles related to Environmental Science Lab jobs in California?

For Environmental Science Lab jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Environmental Science Lab jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Environmental Science Lab jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Environmental Science Lab jobs?

Cities in California with the most Environmental Science Lab job openings:

Environmental Science Lab jobs near you
Infographic showing various Environmental Science Lab job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 73% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 23% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,656 per year, or $28.2 per hour.

Environmental Health and Safety

Periodic Labs

Menlo Park, CA • On-site

$97K - $132K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago

Job description

About Periodic Labs
We're an AI and physical sciences company building state-of-the-art models to accelerate breakthroughs across materials, energy, and beyond. Backed by world-class investors and growing rapidly, we operate at the pace the frontier requires. Our team brings deep expertise, genuine ownership, and an insatiable drive to push the boundaries of what's scientifically possible.
About the Role
Periodic Labs is building an AI that can simulate science and verify its own predictions - training on the full scientific method. Central to that mission is a high-throughput experimental materials science lab that handles hazardous chemistries, high-pressure and high-temperature processes, air-sensitive synthesis, toxic gas exposure risks, and an expanding suite of thin-film deposition tools including PVD, PLD and the complexity of what we run overnight and autonomously is increasing every month.
We believe EHS is integral to this ambition, not a compliance function bolted on after the fact, but a core design discipline that makes autonomous science possible. This EHS role and the person will build our safety architecture, defining permitting strategy, designing life safety systems, conducting process hazard analyses, and ultimately training our AI to reason about risk during experimental planning and execution.
What You'll Do
  • Own and manage all permitting processes with local, state, and federal agencies: Fire Department/CUPA via Accela, CERS submissions for hazardous materials, AQMD/BAAQMD air permits, and TSDF coordination for hazardous waste.
  • Maintain and update chemical inventory systems, SDS library, and hazard labeling in compliance with OSHA, CalEPA, and permitted MAQ thresholds including managing the expansion of our chemical inventory as new thin-film processes introduce HF-based wet chemistry, fluoride compounds, and specialty gases.
  • Lead Hazard Communication (HazCom) and SDS training programs for lab staff, including night shift and autonomous overnight operation protocols.
  • Coordinate EHS inspections and maintain required documentation and postings across both the existing powder lab and thin-film facility.
  • Design and review life safety systems, including fire suppression, e-stop networks, gas detection (including toxic gas alarms for HF, H2Se, and other process chemistries), interlocks, alarm interfaces, and emissions/waste abatement systems such as baghouses and scrubbers.
  • Conduct and document HAZOPs, PHA/FMEA, and risk assessments for new processes and lab systems, including high-pressure furnace operations, glovebox workflows, and thin-film deposition platforms.
  • Establish operational readiness and laboratory reliability systems for autonomous operations, including pre-startup safety reviews (PSSR), commissioning validation, alarm rationalization, startup/shutdown procedures, and critical equipment inspection programs.
  • Partner with automation and controls teams to implement machine safeguarding, fail-safes, interlocks, robotics safety controls, functional safety validation, safety PLC reviews, and automated motion hazard assessments for autonomous experimental systems.
  • Collaborate with ML/AI engineers on training an LLM to reason through process hazards, risk assessments, and safety constraints during experimental planning and autonomous execution - making EHS a first-class input to our AI's decision-making.
  • Lead the site EH&S team through a hands-on approach to problem solving and operational support while promoting a strong safety and environmental culture. Ensure compliance with applicable EH&S regulations and standards, develop and improve programs aligned with company goals, and actively partner with lab and operations teams on day-to-day safety challenges. Own the digital EHS infrastructure, integrating inspections, training records, incident reporting, compliance tracking, KPI dashboards, action-item tracking, and audit workflows into a unified operational safety platform.
You Will Thrive in This Role If You Have
  • 10+ years of experience in EHS, process safety, or chemical operations in labs, pilot plants, or manufacturing environments preferably in solid-state chemistry, materials science processing, or lab automation.
  • Strong knowledge of EH&S regulations, standards, and best practices.
  • Hands-on experience conducting HAZOPs or FMEAs and designing or reviewing functional safety systems.
  • Certification in EH&S (e.g., Certified Safety Professional, Certified Industrial Hygienist) is a plus.
  • Comfort working on-site in a fast-paced, high-complexity lab environment where experiments run 24/7 and the hazard profile evolves as new processes and equipment are introduced.
Especially Strong Candidates May Also Have
  • Experience designing EHS systems for autonomous or semi-autonomous lab environments where processes run without continuous human supervision.
  • Background supporting the build-out of a new laboratory facility, including coordinating permitting and safety system design in parallel with construction.
  • Familiarity with AI or ML tools as applied to risk assessment, safety documentation, or experimental planning or genuine curiosity about how to apply them.
  • Active participation in technical committees contributing to OSHA, NFPA, or IEC standard development.
  • Demonstrated accomplishments recognized in your field.
Mechanics
Minimum education: Bachelor's degree or similar experience
Location: Menlo Park, CA or Montreal, Canada. (Soon: San Francisco, too)
Compensation: $200,000-$250,000 + equity
Visa sponsorship: Yes, we sponsor visas.
We're building a team of the world's best: the scientists, engineers, and problem-solvers who don't just follow the frontier, they define it. If you're driven to bring AI to life in the physical world and make discoveries that have never been made before, you belong here.

Apply