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Geotechnical Lab Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

TERRACON

Assistant Scientist

Lodi, CA

... geotechnical, and materials services. Terracon's growth is due to our talented employee-owners ... Working together in the field, office, or lab, we help guide clients through the steps and ...

TERRACON

Assistant Scientist

Lodi, CA · On-site

$24.50 - $34.40/hr

... geotechnical, and materials services. Terracon's growth is due to our talented employee-owners ... Working together in the field, office, or lab, we help guide clients through the steps and ...

TERRACON

Materials Project Manager

Gardena, CA · On-site

$92K - $143K/yr

Since 1965, Terracon has evolved into a successful multi-discipline firm specializing in environmental, facilities, geotechnical, and materials services. Terracon's growth is due to our talented ...

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All JobsGeotechnical Lab JobsGeotechnical Lab Jobs in California

Geotechnical Lab information

See California salary details

$34K

$106.2K

$169.7K

How much do geotechnical lab jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for geotechnical lab in California is $106,186.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,900.00 and $128,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a geotechnical lab?

A geotechnical lab is a specialized facility where soil, rock, and other earth materials are tested to determine their physical and mechanical properties. These labs play a crucial role in civil engineering projects by analyzing samples to assess stability, strength, permeability, and other characteristics important for construction and foundation design. Geotechnical labs use various standardized procedures and equipment to ensure accurate and reliable results that inform safe and effective engineering decisions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a geotechnical lab technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Geotechnical Lab Technician, you need a strong understanding of soil mechanics, laboratory testing methods, and typically an associate degree or relevant certification in civil engineering or geology. Familiarity with specialized lab equipment (such as triaxial and consolidation apparatus), data analysis software, and adherence to ASTM testing standards is commonly required. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and strong organizational abilities help ensure accuracy and reliability in test results. These skills are crucial for delivering precise data that supports safe and effective engineering and construction projects.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals working in a geotechnical laboratory, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in a geotechnical laboratory often encounter challenges such as handling complex soil and rock samples, maintaining precise testing procedures, and ensuring data accuracy under tight deadlines. These challenges can be addressed by following strict laboratory protocols, regularly calibrating equipment, and collaborating closely with engineers and field teams to clarify project requirements. Continuous training and open communication within the lab team also help in troubleshooting unexpected issues and maintaining high-quality results.

What is the difference between Geotechnical Lab vs Geotechnical Engineer?

AspectGeotechnical LabGeotechnical Engineer
CredentialsLaboratory certifications, technical trainingEngineering degree, PE license often required
Work EnvironmentLaboratory setting, testing soil and rock samplesField and office, designing and analyzing geotechnical projects
Industry UsageSupports geotechnical projects through testingDesigns and manages geotechnical investigations

While both roles are essential in geotechnical engineering, the Geotechnical Lab focuses on testing soil and rock samples in a lab environment, supporting project analysis. The Geotechnical Engineer designs and oversees these investigations, applying engineering principles to ensure safe and effective construction projects.

What are the most commonly searched types of Geotechnical Lab jobs in California? The most popular types of Geotechnical Lab jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Geotechnical Lab jobs in California? For Geotechnical Lab jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Geotechnical Lab jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Geotechnical Lab jobs in California are:
Geotechnical Lab jobs near you
Infographic showing various Geotechnical Lab job openings in California 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 $106,186 per year, or $51.1 per hour.

Regulatory Compliance Staff Scientist

TERRACON

Concord, CA • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 28 days ago

Terracon rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 119 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

49th of 72 rated business consultants

Job description

Terracon is seeking an Environmental Regulatory Compliance Staff Scientist to join our team in East Bay, California!
This is an excellent opportunity for a highly-motivated individual join a rapidly growing practice and work on local, regional, and national compliance projects across the country. Our senior engineers and scientists are looking for junior level staff to help guide the vision for our Regulatory Compliance Program into the future.
The individual will work on projects in one or more of the service areas below and ideally be familiar with some or all of the general requirements:

  • Stormwater / Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP)
  • Oil Storage / Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) Plans 
  • SARA Title III (Tier II/TRI) reporting
  • Compliance auditing
  • RCRA/Hazardous waste
  • Air permitting (Title V and minor source)
  • Industrial wastewater
  • Hazardous Materials Business Plans (HMBPs)
Terracon is a 100 percent employee-owned multidiscipline consulting firm comprised of more than 8,000 curious minds focused on solving engineering and technical challenges from more than 200 locations nationwide. Since 1965, Terracon has evolved into a successful multi-discipline firm specializing in environmental, facilities, geotechnical, and materials services. Terracon's growth is due to our talented employee-owners exceeding expectations in client service and growing their careers with new and exciting opportunities in the marketplace. Terracon was recognized as the #1 firm in Asbestos and Lead Abatement.

Terracon's vision of "Together, we are best at people" is demonstrated through our excellent compensation and benefits package. Based on eligibility, role and job status, we offer many programs including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k) plan, paid time off and holidays, education reimbursement, and various bonus programs.
Our national environmental team helps our clients do the right thing for their projects, and for our planet. Our professionals include environmental architects, archaeologists, biologists, engineers, geologists, historians, industrial hygienists, planners, and scientists. Working together in the field, office, or lab, we help guide clients through the steps and processes to address environmental challenges and move their projects forward as quickly, safely, and sustainably as possible. With services including site assessment, planning and permitting including cultural and natural resources, sustainability and resiliency, regulatory compliance, and industrial hygiene and safety, we're at the forefront of helping clients succeed and communities thrive.
  • Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science or related science field and a minimum of 3 years' related experience. Or, in lieu of a degree, a minimum of 7 years' related experience.
  • Master's degree preferred.
  • A valid driver's license with acceptable violation history may be required.
  • Demonstrated high level of technical writing ability
  • Excellent analytical and communication skills
  • Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Excel and Word

Required Certification:

  • Certification in field of expertise required.
  • Follow safety rules, guidelines and standards for all projects. Participate in pre-task planning. Report any safety issues or concerns to management.
  • Be responsible for maintaining quality standards on all projects.
  • Entry level scientific professional responsible for gathering data and information to be evaluated by other team members.
  • Prepare calculations, applications, plans, reports, proposals, and other deliverables.
  • Complete on-site audits and assessments for regulatory compliance for the aforementioned programs.
  • Tabulate and prepare data for written reports.
  • Manage projects and work with current staff to ensure quality and timeliness.
  • Reporting through State and County databases (i.e. SMARTS and CERS).
  • Comfortable working at industrial sites and high traffic or remote areas.
  • Ability to travel (drive or fly) up to 25%.
  • Manage workload to meet deadlines for multiple projects.

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