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Trainee Soil Lab Technician Jobs in Riverside, CA

Lab Technician

Riverside, CA · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

The Soils and Materials Laboratory technician will perform the geotechnical/materials laboratory ... soil samples, and other lab related materials. * Must have a valid driver's license and an ...

The Soils and Materials Laboratory technician will perform the geotechnical/materials laboratory ... soil samples, and other lab related materials. Qualifications * Must have a valid driver's license ...

Lab Technician

Riverside, CA · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

The Soils and Materials Laboratory technician will perform the geotechnical/materials laboratory ... soil samples, and other lab related materials. Qualifications * Must have a valid driver's license ...

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Showing results 1-20

Trainee Soil Lab Technician information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$27.6K

$39.6K

$60K

How much do trainee soil lab technician jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for trainee soil lab technician in Riverside, CA is $39,611.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $31,300.00 and $43,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What types of tasks and responsibilities can I expect as a trainee soil lab technician on a typical day?

As a Trainee Soil Lab Technician, your day will often involve preparing soil samples, conducting basic soil tests under supervision, and recording test results accurately. You'll also assist senior technicians with equipment setup, calibration, and maintenance, ensuring all laboratory procedures follow safety and quality guidelines. Collaboration is common, as you'll work closely with agronomists, engineers, and other lab staff to ensure timely and accurate analysis. Over time, you'll gain hands-on experience with more complex testing procedures and data interpretation, laying a strong foundation for career advancement.

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

AspectTrainee Soil Lab TechnicianSoil Lab Technician
QualificationsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingAssociate's degree or relevant certification; some experience
Work EnvironmentTraining setting, supervised environmentLaboratory, field sampling, independent tasks
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting with sample collection and lab prepPerforming soil analysis, data recording, report writing

The main difference is that a Trainee Soil Lab Technician is in training and typically requires less experience, focusing on learning and assisting. A Soil Lab Technician is more experienced, performing independent analysis and detailed testing. Both roles are essential in soil testing labs, but the technician role demands more technical skills and certifications.

What does a trainee soil lab technician do?

A Trainee Soil Lab Technician assists in analyzing soil samples to assess their composition, fertility, and suitability for agriculture or construction. They prepare samples, operate laboratory equipment, and record data under the supervision of senior technicians or scientists. This role often involves learning laboratory safety protocols, understanding testing procedures, and maintaining accurate records. The position is typically entry-level, providing hands-on training and experience in soil science and laboratory work.

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

To thrive as a Trainee Soil Lab Technician, you need a basic understanding of laboratory procedures, soil science, and chemistry, often supported by a high school diploma or relevant science coursework. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, soil testing instruments, and data entry systems is typically required. Attention to detail, reliability, and effective teamwork are key soft skills that help ensure accuracy and efficiency in sample analysis. These skills and qualities are crucial for producing reliable test results that inform environmental, agricultural, or construction decisions.
What job categories do people searching Trainee Soil Lab Technician jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Trainee Soil Lab Technician jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Trainee Soil Lab Technician jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Trainee Soil Lab Technician job openings:
Infographic showing various Trainee Soil Lab Technician job openings in Riverside, CA 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 $39,611 per year, or $19 per hour.

Lab Technician

NV5

Riverside, CA • On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago


NV5 rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 20 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

141st of 447 rated engineering


Job description

NV5 is a provider of engineering and consulting services to public and private sector clients, delivering solutions through six business verticals: Testing, Inspection & Consulting; Infrastructure; Utility Services; Environmental Health Sciences; Buildings & Program Management; and Geospatial Technology. With offices nationwide and abroad, NV5 helps clients plan, design, build, test, certify, and operate projects that improve the communities where we live and work.

As engineers, architects, construction/program managers, environmental professionals and beyond, we play a significant role in shaping our communities through the services we provide. We are looking for passionate, driven individuals to join our team focused on Delivering Solutions and Improving Lives.

The Soils and Materials Laboratory technician will perform the geotechnical/materials laboratory testing in compliance with industry applicable standards such as ASTM, AASHTO and Caltrans Test Methods.

This role is part-time. 


  • Perform materials testing on soils, asphalt, concrete, reinforcing steel, high-strength bolts, and structural steel.
  • Ability to make good decisions using sound, professional judgment with minimal supervision.
  • Physical ability to perform labor-intensive work including but not limited the safe handling and
    transport of concrete samples, soil samples, and other lab related materials.

  • Must have a valid driver’s license and an insurable driving record.
  • Proficient with Microsoft Office (Word and Excel)

The pay range for this California position is $20.00-$25.00 per hour; however, base pay offered may be higher or lower depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience of the candidate. Restricted stock units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the position offered. This information is provided per California Senate Bill 1162. Base pay information is based on market location. Applicants should apply via the NV5 careers site. 

NV5 offers a competitive compensation and benefits package including medical, dental, life insurance, PTO, 401(k) and professional development/advancement opportunities.

NV5 provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. NV5 complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.


What NV5 employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


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About NV5

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

NV5 is a renowned company based in Los Angeles, CA, US, that operates in the architecture, engineering, and consulting industry. Officially established in 2009, this company provides technical engineering and consulting solutions that cater to public and private sectors globally. The firm is adept in a wide range of services, including infrastructure, energy, construction, program management, and environmental services. As part of its mission, NV5 seeks to deliver solutions that enhance communities and safeguard the environment meticulously.

Industry

Civil engineering construction

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Los Angeles, CA, US