ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Water Lab Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Enviri Corporation

Lab Pack Chemist I

San Jose, CA · On-site

$33/hr

... of water, waste, and energy management services, including water and wastewater treatment ... An associate's degree in general science (BS preferred) is required for the Lab Pack Chemist.

Enviri Corporation

Lab Pack Chemist I

San Jose, CA · On-site

$33/hr

... of water, waste, and energy management services, including water and wastewater treatment ... An associate's degree in general science (BS preferred) is required for the Lab Pack Chemist.

Veolia

Lab Pack Chemist I

San Jose, CA

... of water, waste, and energy management services, including water and wastewater treatment ... An associate's degree in general science (BS preferred) is required for the Lab Pack Chemist.

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsWater Lab JobsWater Lab Jobs in California

Water Lab information

See California salary details

$9

$24

$44

How much do water lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for water lab in California is $24.92, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.99 and $27.50 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a water lab technician?

Water lab technicians are professionals who perform tests and analyses on water samples to ensure that water quality meets safety and regulatory standards. They use specialized equipment to detect contaminants, measure chemical and biological properties, and report their findings to ensure public health and environmental safety. These technicians often work for government agencies, water treatment facilities, or environmental organizations, and play a critical role in monitoring and maintaining water quality.

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

To thrive as a Water Lab Technician, you need a background in chemistry, biology, or environmental science, often supported by a relevant degree or certification. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, analytical instruments (like spectrophotometers), and data management software is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and strong organizational skills help ensure accurate testing and reporting. These skills are vital for maintaining water quality standards, ensuring regulatory compliance, and protecting public health.

What are some common challenges encountered in a water lab position, and how can they be managed effectively?

In a Water Lab role, professionals often face challenges such as maintaining strict sample integrity, adhering to rigorous testing protocols, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Managing high sample volumes under tight deadlines can also be demanding. Effective time management, attention to detail, and regular training on updated procedures help address these challenges. Collaboration with team members and clear communication with field staff are also essential for troubleshooting and maintaining quality control.

What is the difference between Water Lab vs Water Quality Technician?

AspectWater LabWater Quality Technician
CertificationsLaboratory certifications, e.g., CLIA, ISOWater testing certifications, e.g., EPA, state-specific
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, controlled environmentsField sites, treatment plants, outdoor locations
Job FocusAnalyzing samples, lab testing, data reportingCollecting samples, on-site testing, monitoring water quality
Industry UsageUsed in water testing labs, research facilitiesUsed in water treatment plants, environmental agencies

Water Lab professionals primarily work in laboratories analyzing water samples, while Water Quality Technicians often perform field sampling and on-site testing. Both roles require knowledge of water testing procedures, but their work environments and daily tasks differ significantly.

Water Lab jobs near you
Infographic showing various Water 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, with an average salary of $51,829 per year, or $24.9 per hour.

Lab Tech II (Environmental Monitoring & Water Testing Analyst)

Orion Group

Orange, CA • On-site

$23 - $26/hr

Contractor

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

Lab Tech II (Environmental Monitoring & Water Testing Analyst)
100% Onsite - Irvine, CA
Contract until end of year (extension will depend on performance & business need)
Hourly Rate: $23-26/hr (medical benefits available at a cost)
We're seeking a detail-oriented Lab Technician/Analyst to support environmental monitoring and microbiological water testing within a cGMP-regulated laboratory in Irvine, CA. The ideal candidate will have a bachelor's degree in a scientific discipline, at least two years of QC/GMP laboratory experience, and hands-on knowledge of water collection, bioburden, endotoxin testing, and general microbiology. This 100% onsite role requires strong documentation and data-integrity practices, the ability to work independently, and flexibility to work overtime, weekends, or nonstandard hours as business needs arise.
Furthermore, the position requires the individual to work with and in areas requiring select agents and Toxins access (i.e. Biosafety level 2 and biosafety level 3 laboratories). Access to and use of select agents is regulated by federal policies. Therefore, the candidate must conduct all work activities in compliance with internal and applicable regulatory requirements.
What are the top 3-5 skills, experience or education required for this position:
  1. Environmental monitoring
  2. water bioburden
  3. water endotoxin
  4. water collection
  5. Able to work overtime, weekends, odd hours as needed

Job Description:
  • Understand Regulations and business processes required to maintain Laboratory Data Integrity.
  • Maintain and comply with Laboratory Documentation and Computerized Systems Data Integrity requirements
  • Responsible for the timely completion of laboratory testing.
  • Adhere to cGMP requirements.
  • Adhere to and supports all EHS & E standards, procedures and policies
  • Prefer knowledge in environmental monitoring or water collection
  • Prefer knowledge in water testing, general microbiology
  • Prefer knowledge working in a GMP lab setting
  • Responsible for daily activities such as waste disposal, glasswasher, autoclave runs
  • Able to work overtime, weekends and odd hours as needed

Qualification:
  • Bachelor's Degree in Sciences, with a minimum of 2 year of lab experience in a QC GMP environment
  • Experience working in a GMP regulated environment
  • Ability to articulate clearly when dealing with colleagues, peer groups and managers.
  • Proven ability to work independently and autonomously when required.
  • High attention to detail.
  • Ability to work well under pressure and consistently deliver results while demonstrating an action- orientated approach to overcome obstacles.
  • Relevant industry experience preferred.

People are our business worldwide
Orion Group was founded in 1987 and is now one of the largest, independent, international recruitment companies. We have a network of 200 employees working from 24 offices, delivering a range of services - Talent Acquisition, Recruitment Outsourcing Services, Retained Search, Global Workforce Solutions, Completions & Commissioning and Materials Management - across 68 countries. As a global leader in workforce solutions, we recruit personnel across the Engineering & Technical, Office & Commercial, Scientific and Skilled Trades disciplines, for sectors including Oil & Gas, Life Science, Power & Utilities, Constructions & Infrastructure, Manufacturing and Renewables.

Apply