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Soil Testing Lab Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Geotechnical Engineer, Staff

Portland, OR ยท On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

Collect soil, rock, and groundwater samples & data; evaluate & interpret data. * Perform lab testing including Atterbergs, Consols, Direct Shear, Proctor, Triaxial, etc. * Perform engineering ...

Geotechnical Engineer, Staff

Portland, OR ยท On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

Collect soil, rock, and groundwater samples & data; evaluate & interpret data. Perform lab testing including Atterbergs, Consols, Direct Shear, Proctor, Triaxial, etc.Perform engineering analyses.

Quality Control Technician

Tangent, OR ยท On-site

$23 - $24/hr

Maintain all lab testing equipment. * Data entry using multiple input tools. * Train new/temporary ... Pull/Store samples and mix soil as needed (using a forklift). * Ensure Company handbook, Rules ...

Quality Control Technician

Tangent, OR ยท On-site

$23 - $24/hr

Maintain all lab testing equipment. * Data entry using multiple input tools. * Train new/temporary ... Pull/Store samples and mix soil as needed (using a forklift). * Ensure Company handbook, Rules ...

... and soil. Identify, evaluate and recommend risk and remediation strategies/designs to ensure ... Working together in the field, office, or lab, we help guide clients through the steps and ...

... and soil. Identify, evaluate and recommend risk and remediation strategies/designs to ensure ... Proficient scientific professional responsible for conducting site testing and making ...

Soil Testing Lab information

See Oregon salary details

$13

$23

$36

How much do soil testing lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for soil testing lab in Oregon is $23.82, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.33 and $25.67 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a soil testing lab?

A soil testing lab is a specialized facility where soil samples are analyzed to determine their composition, fertility, and suitability for various uses such as agriculture, construction, and environmental assessment. These labs conduct tests for nutrients, pH levels, contaminants, and other soil characteristics to provide recommendations for soil management. The results help farmers, landscapers, engineers, and environmentalists make informed decisions about soil treatment and land use.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a soil testing lab technician?

To thrive as a Soil Testing Lab Technician, you need a background in soil science or chemistry, attention to detail, and typically an associate or bachelor's degree in a related field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, soil sampling procedures, and data analysis software such as LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System) is important. Strong problem-solving skills, organizational abilities, and effective communication help you excel in reporting results and collaborating with team members. These skills ensure accurate soil analysis, reliable data, and valuable support for agricultural or environmental decision-making.

What are some typical challenges faced by technicians working in a soil testing lab?

Technicians in a soil testing lab often encounter challenges such as handling a high volume of samples during peak agricultural seasons, ensuring the accuracy and consistency of test results, and maintaining calibration of sensitive laboratory equipment. Staying organized and following strict protocols can help mitigate errors and ensure timely processing. Additionally, proactive communication with team members and ongoing training on new testing methodologies are important for staying current and maintaining quality standards in the lab environment.

What is the difference between Soil Testing Lab vs Soil Technician?

AspectSoil Testing LabSoil Technician
CredentialsLaboratory certifications, technical degreesHigh school diploma, on-the-job training
Work EnvironmentLaboratory setting, controlled environmentFieldwork, outdoor sites
Industry UsageConducts detailed soil analysis for clientsCollects soil samples and assists in testing
Common Search IntentLaboratory soil testing servicesSoil sample collection and testing

The Soil Testing Lab primarily focuses on analyzing soil samples in a laboratory setting, requiring specialized certifications and technical expertise. In contrast, the Soil Technician typically works in the field, collecting samples and assisting with testing procedures. Both roles are essential in soil analysis but differ in work environment and responsibilities.

How to become a certified soil testing lab technician?

To become a certified soil testing lab technician, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by specialized training or an associate degree in soil science, environmental science, or a related field. Certification programs or licenses may be required depending on the region, and proficiency with laboratory equipment and testing procedures is essential.

What does a soil testing lab technician do?

A soil testing lab technician collects soil samples and conducts tests to analyze soil properties such as pH, nutrient levels, and contamination. They use laboratory equipment and follow safety protocols to ensure accurate results, which help inform agricultural, environmental, or construction decisions.

What are popular job titles related to Soil Testing Lab jobs in Oregon?

For Soil Testing Lab jobs in Oregon, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Soil Testing Lab jobs in Oregon look for?

The top searched job categories for Soil Testing Lab jobs in Oregon are:

Infographic showing various Soil Testing Lab job openings in Oregon 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 $49,548 per year, or $23.8 per hour.

Seed Analyst 2 (Short-Term): OSU Seed Lab

Oregonstate

Corvallis, OR โ€ข On-site

$18.05 - $26.20/hr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

Department:Department of Crop & Soil Science - Seed LabSpecial Instructions to Applicants:

When applying you will be required to attach the following electronic documents:

1) A resume/CV; and

2) A cover letter indicating how your qualifications and experience have prepared you for this position.


3) Transcripts: Transcripts must be submitted for all required and/or related courses. All courses must be from accredited colleges, universities, or private vocational schools.


For additional information please contact:

Lorinda Hughes

lorinda.huges@oregonstate.edu

541-737-4464

Job Summary:

This recruitment will be used to fill one full-time, short-term, Seed Analyst 2 position for the Department of Crop and Soil Science's Seed Lab at Oregon State University (OSU). This position is expected to last approximately 6-months.

Join the OSU Seed Lab as a Seed Purity Analyst 2. As the Official Seed Laboratory for the State of Oregon, the OSU Seed Lab provides testing services that support Oregon's seed industry, seed certification, regulatory programs, and customers throughout the United States and internationally.

In this position, you will independently perform complex purity testing, identify seeds and contaminants, evaluate seed quality, following domestic and international seed testing rules to produce accurate and reliable seed quality results.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Perform complex purity testing on a wide variety of seed species using microscopes, magnification, precision tools, seed blowers, dividers, balances, and other specialized laboratory equipment.

  • Identify and separate seed sample components, including pure seed, other crop seed, weed seed, inert matter, noxious and prohibited weeds, and other contaminants.

  • Determine, document, and review test results in accordance with domestic and international seed testing rules, certification standards, regulatory requirements, laboratory procedures, and customer requests.

  • Train and provide technical guidance to junior analysts, temporary employees, and student workers in seed identification, purity testing techniques, laboratory procedures, and applicable testing standards.

  • Support laboratory quality and customer service by reviewing testing work for accuracy, maintaining clean and contamination-free work areas and equipment, and responding to technical questions regarding testing and reported results.

Qualifications:

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Three years of full-time experience performing purity, germination, or special tests on seeds such as Bluegrass or Bentgrass seeds and training providing the knowledge of AOSA and SCST rules for testing seeds; OR Two years of the above full-time experience and 12 quarter hours of college courses in the plant sciences such as botany, crop science, seed technology, agronomy, etc., and training providing knowledge of AOSA or SCST rules for testing seeds; OR a certificate of competency in seed testing from either AOSA or SCST and either 12 quarter hours of college courses in the plant sciences as described above or one year of the above full-time experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Previous OSU Seed Lab Experience.

  • AOSA Certification in purity testing, or certification as a Registered Seed Technologist (RST). Working knowledge of AOSA and ISTA Seed Testing Rules and special requirements for Oregon Certified Seed.

Working Conditions/Schedule:Analysts will spend the majority of their time in a sitting position looking at seeds using magnification and forceps to manipulate seeds. Some work will be performed operating equipment to separate seeds and will require some sitting, standing and lifting (<20lbs). Occasionally, special projects may require some outdoor work.
This position occasionally involves working around fumes, odors, dust, noise, and pesticide chemicals.Salary Range:Min $18.05 - Max $26.20Anticipated Start Date:2026-09-14Anticipated End Date:2027-03-13

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability, protected veteran, and other protected status.

OSU will conduct a review of the National Sex Offender Public website prior to hire.
OSU is a fair chance employer committed to inclusive hiring. We encourage applications from candidates who bring a wide range of lived experience including involvement with the justice system. If this position has "critical or security-sensitive" responsibilities and/or driving duties and you are selected as a finalist, your initial job offer will be contingent upon the results of a job-related pre-employment check (such as a background check, motor vehicle history check, sexual misconduct reference check, etc.). Background check results do not automatically disqualify a candidate. Take a look at our Background Checks website including the for candidates section for more details. If you have questions or concerns about the pre-employment check, please contact OSU's Employee and Labor Relations team at employee.relations@oregonstate.edu.