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Wastewater Lab Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Wastewater Operator

Hanford, CA ยท On-site

$21.50 - $29.50/hr

Collect wastewater process samples for analysis by outside laboratory ... Fill out Chain of Custody forms for all outside lab work. * Assist in the repair of minor system ...

CTE Intern-Wastewater

Nevada City, CA ยท On-site

$18.25 - $23/hr

Wastewater (Sanitation District) Opening Date: 08/21/2026 Closing Date: 9/6/2026 11:59 PM Pacific ... Lab Analysis and Environmental Sampling * Advanced Treatment Technologies * Capstone Project ...

CTE Intern-Wastewater

Nevada City, CA ยท On-site

$18.25 - $23/hr

The Nevada County Wastewater Division of the Public Works Department administers and maintains ... lab work and data collection Assist with special projects and plant equipment maintenance.

Lab Pack Chemist I

San Jose, CA ยท On-site

$33/hr

... water and wastewater treatment, commercial and hazardous waste collection and disposal, energy ... An associate's degree in general science (BS preferred) is required for the Lab Pack Chemist.

... water and wastewater treatment, commercial and hazardous waste collection and disposal, energy ... An associate's degree in general science (BS preferred) is required for the Lab Pack Chemist.

Lab Pack Chemist I

San Jose, CA ยท On-site

$33/hr

... water and wastewater treatment, commercial and hazardous waste collection and disposal, energy ... An associate's degree in general science (BS preferred) is required for the Lab Pack Chemist.

... water and wastewater treatment, commercial and hazardous waste collection and disposal, energy ... An associate's degree in general science (BS preferred) is required for the Lab Pack Chemist.

Lab Pack Chemist I

Pomona, CA ยท On-site

$30/hr

... water and wastewater treatment, commercial and hazardous waste collection and disposal, energy ... An associate's degree in general science (BS preferred) is required for the Lab Pack Chemist.

Lab Pack Chemist I

Pomona, CA ยท On-site

$30/hr

... water and wastewater treatment, commercial and hazardous waste collection and disposal, energy ... An associate's degree in general science (BS preferred) is required for the Lab Pack Chemist.

Calibrate, maintain, and set up equipment for the Water and Wastewater Plant mini laboratories. Clean laboratory equipment and facilities. Perform chemical and mathematical calculations. Prepare and ...

Calibrate, maintain, and set up equipment for the Water and Wastewater Plant mini laboratories. Clean laboratory equipment and facilities. Perform chemical and mathematical calculations. Prepare and ...

Color Lab Technician

Santa Fe Springs, CA ยท On-site

$19 - $25.25/hr

We are seeking a skilled Color Lab Technician to join our Santa Fe Springs Team. The successful ... Maintain and operate laboratory equipment, including the wastewater drainage system, dust collector ...

Lab Pack Manager

San Jose, CA ยท On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

... water and wastewater treatment, commercial and hazardous waste collection and disposal, energy ... Responsible for supervising the lab pack field team and the facility retail/lab pack depacking team ...

... water and wastewater treatment, commercial and hazardous waste collection and disposal, energy ... Manages all aspects of the lab pack field team including hiring, training, development, and ...

... water and wastewater treatment, commercial and hazardous waste collection and disposal, energy ... Manages all aspects of the lab pack field team including hiring, training, development, and ...

Senior Lab Pack Chemist

San Jose, CA ยท On-site

$37 - $38/hr

... water and wastewater treatment, commercial and hazardous waste collection and disposal, energy ... Lead/coordinate field service/lab pack jobs requiring multiple personnel/days. * Assist in other ...

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Wastewater Lab information

What is a wastewater lab?

A Wastewater Lab is a specialized laboratory where scientists and technicians analyze water samples from wastewater treatment plants to monitor and ensure water quality and regulatory compliance. The lab performs tests to detect contaminants, bacteria, and chemical levels in wastewater before and after treatment. These analyses help protect public health and the environment by ensuring that treated water meets safety standards before being released or reused.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a wastewater laboratory technician?

To thrive as a Wastewater Laboratory Technician, you need a solid background in chemistry, biology, and environmental science, typically supported by an associate's or bachelor's degree in a related field. Familiarity with laboratory instruments (such as spectrophotometers and pH meters), standard methods for water analysis, and sometimes state certification are essential. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and strong organizational skills distinguish top performers in this role. These skills ensure accurate testing, compliance with environmental regulations, and protection of public health.

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

Professionals in a wastewater lab often face challenges such as handling hazardous samples, maintaining stringent quality control standards, and managing time-sensitive analyses. Ensuring accurate results requires meticulous attention to detail and adherence to safety protocols. Collaboration with plant operators and engineers is crucial for interpreting data and troubleshooting process issues. Regular training on new testing methods and regulatory standards also helps lab staff stay up-to-date and maintain compliance.

What is the difference between Wastewater Lab vs Wastewater Treatment Operator?

AspectWastewater LabWastewater Treatment Operator
CertificationsLab certifications, such as EPA or state-specific lab certificationsOperator licenses or certifications, such as state wastewater operator licenses
Work EnvironmentLaboratory setting, analyzing samples and conducting testsField and plant environment, managing treatment processes
Job FocusTesting water quality, analyzing data, ensuring complianceOperating and maintaining treatment equipment, process control

While both roles are essential in wastewater management, Wastewater Lab specialists focus on analyzing samples and ensuring water quality through testing, whereas Wastewater Treatment Operators manage the treatment processes on-site. Both require relevant certifications and work in related environments, but their daily tasks differ significantly.

What cities in California are hiring for Wastewater Lab jobs?

Cities in California with the most Wastewater Lab job openings:

Infographic showing various Wastewater Lab job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution.

Wastewater Operator

Hanford, CA โ€ข On-site

$21.50 - $29.50/hr

Other

Re-posted 26 days ago


Job description

Summary 

Join the Provost & Pritchard OMS team as a Wastewater Operator, proudly continuing the trusted Granger Water Specialties operations throughout the region. This hands-on position includes monitoring treatment systems, collecting samples, conducting field testing, maintaining equipment, preparing regulatory reports, and responding to operational needs. We’re looking for someone with strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and a willingness to work both independently and collaboratively in the field. Prior wastewater operations experience is preferred, along with a commitment to safety, reliability, and quality service.


Responsibilities 

  • Take daily meter readings and log those reading on record sheets. 
  • Visually observe the operations of various treatment facilities and record those observations in log books. 
  • Conduct field analysis of wastewater for dissolved oxygen content, pH, and temperature.  Record those values on log sheets. 
  • Collect samples from groundwater monitoring wells for analysis by outside laboratories. 
  • Measure and record depths to groundwater for shallow monitoring wells. 
  • Maintain written records of all groundwater monitoring activities. 
  • Perform washdown of equipment and processes. 
  • Collect wastewater process samples for analysis by outside laboratory. 
  • Fill out Chain of Custody forms for all outside lab work. 
  • Assist in the repair of minor system leaks and sewer stoppages. 
  • Assist in the maintenance and minor repair of pumps, motors, monitoring instruments, and other water and wastewater system components. 
  • Prepare regulatory reports for submission to agencies and clients
  • Prepare monthly self-monitoring reports for water and wastewater system operations, as well as scheduled Drought Reports to the SAFER Program, SSO reports, Electronic Annual Reports, and other reports as may be assigned from time to time.
  • Develop/review sample schedules for water/wastewater sampling.
  • Perform construction observation for various public works improvement projects.
  • Willingness and ability to be on-call and able to respond to emergency calls for service on evenings, weekends, and holidays. Also expected to perform routine operational services for select water and wastewater facilities on weekends and holidays.

Qualifications 

  • High school diploma or equivalent required.
  • Additional college or technical school emphasizing water treatment, highly desirable.
  • Wastewater Treatment Operator certification (Grade 2) desired
  • One or more years work experience with wastewater treatment facility operations.
  • Thorough understanding of the operation of wastewater treatment facilities. 
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills. 
  • Ability to address problems and/or concerns in a diplomatic and tactful, yet persuasive, manner. 
  • Ability to read and interpret contract language. 
  • One or more years work experience with wastewater treatment facility operations.
  • Excellent skills in analysis and problem solving. 


Physical Demand

  • Frequently stand, walk, climb stairs and ladders, kneel, crouch, bend, and reach while performing field work and equipment maintenance.
  • Lift, carry, push, and pull equipment, tools, and materials weighing up to 50 pounds on a regular basis, and occasionally more with assistance.
  • Work in and around water and wastewater treatment facilities, pump stations, monitoring wells, and confined or restricted spaces while following all applicable safety procedures.