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Environmental Science Lab Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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$15

$28

$47

How much do environmental science lab jobs pay per hour?

As of May 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for environmental science lab in Virginia is $28.33, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.85 and $31.68 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Environmental Science Lab Technician, and why are they important?

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 do environmental science lab technicians 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 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 are popular job titles related to Environmental Science Lab jobs in Virginia? For Environmental Science Lab jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Environmental Science Lab jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Environmental Science Lab jobs in Virginia are:
Environmental Science Lab jobs near you
Infographic showing various Environmental Science Lab job openings in Virginia as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 9% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,925 per year, or $28.3 per hour.
Wet Chem Group Leader - Laboratory

Wet Chem Group Leader - Laboratory

Montrose Environmental Group, Inc.

Richmond, VA • On-site

$18.75 - $25/hr

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago

Montrose Environmental Group rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

265th of 424 rated business services

Job description

About Us
At Onterris, we build careers grounded in purpose, responsibility and real-world impact.
"For Planet and Progress" is our north star that guides everything we do. We believe environmental responsibility and human progress are interconnected, interwoven and international. Our scientists, engineers, field teams, consultants and professionals collaborate across disciplines and geographies, guiding industries and governments, ensuring that communities and environments thrive.
When you join us, you're not just forging a career, you're joining a movement. A movement for better thinking, smarter solutions and lasting impact.
Together, we will advance our way of life and protect the integrity of our environment every step of the way.
A Day in the Life
As a Group Leader in our Richmond, VA lab, you'll be responsible for assisting multiple projects where you will have increasing interaction with our multi-disciplinary staff, regulatory agencies and clients. You will be part of a strong team of committed professionals.
The compensation range for this role is $55,000 to $65,000, in addition to an annual bonus, commensurate with experience, skills, and geographic location.
Schedule: Monday - Friday
To thrive in this role, you'll be comfortable taking ownership of the following responsibilities:
  • Preparation of various sample matrices using pH meters, titration techniques, analytical balances and other support equipment
  • Analyze various client-provided sample matrices using gravimetric analysis, flow analyzers, UV-VIS technologies, extraction processes, and IC.
  • Personnel supervision, time management, and operational efficiency
  • Conflict resolution and personnel skills development, team building and conflict resolution
  • Accurate and timely communication with internal staff and management.
  • Project scheduling, focus on rush and short hold sample preparation and analysis
  • Perform instrument maintenance and repair
  • Troubleshooting and problem solving
  • Prepare calibration standards & calibrate instruments
  • Maintain inventory of standards & supplies; order replacements as needed
  • Development of analytical methods
  • Write and assist with updating related SOPs
  • Overhead projects designed to improve efficiency of, or accuracy of analyses
  • Peer review other analysts' data packages, data entry, sequences, bench books, etc.
  • Comply with Quality Assurance Program and other policies
  • Ensure staff comply with Health and Safety Plan, in particular a willingness to work with concentrated acids as well as instructing staff on proper handling and safety procedures for those acids.

Your Expertise and Skills
These requirements reflect the knowledge, skills and abilities that help you do your best work here.
  • Bachelor degree or higher in Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Science, or equivalent
  • Minimum of 3-4 years laboratory experience required, commercial production laboratory
  • Group Leaders must be well versed in most of the methods run within their department, Bachelor's degree in a scientific field
  • They must have shown the ability to organize, communicate, and facilitate priorities to staff in an effective manner
  • They must be able to handle non-routine samples and be capable of managing an effective workflow in their department (this includes managing man-hours, machine time and logistics for numerous assays)

Work Environment and Physical Requirements
The physical and environmental requirements below reflect what's typically needed to perform the essential functions of this role safely and effectively. We may provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities, consistent with applicable law, to support performance of the essential functions.
  • Sitting, standing, and walking
  • Lifting 50 pounds several times a day
  • Overhead lifting of over 20 pounds
  • Works in an office environment when not deployed on an emergency response
  • May be exposed to hot and cold environments
  • May occasionally work shifts up to 12 hours in duration

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its employment for individuals with disabilities. Click here to learn more.
#LI-SG1 #INDONT
Onterris is a leading global environmental solutions company partnering with organizations to solve complex challenges where environmental pressures, regulatory expectations and operational risks intersect. Guided by our mission to advance the way of life without compromising the integrity of our environment, we believe environmental responsibility and human progress are fundamentally connected. Our scientists, engineers, field teams and consultants apply systems thinking that unites science, data and practical expertise to deliver solutions that strengthen our clients' resilience, mitigate risk and protect the air, water and soil that sustain communities, while uncovering responsible paths forward for planet and progress. For more information, visit www.onterris.com.
We are an equal opportunity employer and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We acknowledge that these experiences and perspectives help to enrich our teams and contribute to our ongoing success. We are committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in our employment for all applicants. For US residents, click here to learn more.

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