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Water Lab Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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.

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.

Apple

Engineering Lab Technician

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$39.22 - $67.32/hr

... fixtures, water/air cooling components, and cable harnesses -Neatly route and dress power and ... all lab spaces -Coordinate access for lab services and third-party personnel per manager ...

Merge Labs

Lab Operations Associate

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$95K - $120K/yr

... water, cold storage) to minimize downtime for the scientific team. * Tackle a wide range of ... a wet lab; from the nuance of cold chain logistics to the strict regulatory requirements of ...

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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 Jun 29, 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 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.

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 are water lab technicians?

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 popular job titles related to Water Lab jobs in California? For Water Lab jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Water Lab jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Water Lab jobs in California are:
Water Lab jobs near you
Infographic showing various Water Lab job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 5% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $51,829 per year, or $24.9 per hour.

Lab Pack Chemist I

Veolia

San Jose, CA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Handle hazardous materials by inventorying, identifying, segregating, and packaging waste material in accordance with Lab Pack policies and regulations.

  • Perform onsite services such as waste collection, consolidation, sampling, safety and compliance inspections, and other related activities required by the customer or contract.

  • Prepare shipment of packaged waste by inspecting, labeling, marking, and loading into the transport vehicle and properly complete required documentation.

Job description

Company Description

Veolia has acquired Clean Earth. As Clean Earth completes its integration into Veolia, recruiting and hiring for this role is being managed in partnership with the Clean Earth talent acquisition team. Veolia in North America is the top-ranked environmental company in the United States for three consecutive years, and the country’s largest private water operator and technology provider as well as hazardous waste and pollution treatment leader. It offers a full spectrum of water, waste, and energy management services, including water and wastewater treatment, commercial and hazardous waste collection and disposal, energy consulting and resource recovery. Veolia helps commercial, industrial, healthcare, higher education and municipality customers throughout North America. Headquartered in Boston, Veolia has more than 10,000 employees working at more than 350 locations across North America.

Job Description

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Handles hazardous materials including inventorying, identifying, segregating, and packaging waste material in accordance with Lab Pack policies, procedures and practices and all applicable regulations.
  • Perform onsite services which may include waste collection, consolidation (i.e., bulking, repackaging), sampling, safety/compliance inspections, and other related activities required by the customer/contract.
  • Assists other business groups, i.e., Depack, Retail and HHW, for both internally and onsite as needed. • Preparing shipment of packaged waste by inspecting, labeling, marking, and loading into the transport vehicle
  •  Properly completes documentation including shipping papers, Land Disposal Restrictions (LDR’s), evaluations/certifications and other required documentation in accordance with appropriate regulations and procedures.
  • May require obtaining and maintaining a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with Hazmat Endorsement to legally operate Clean Earth vehicles necessary for transporting personnel and waste to and from customers’ job locations.
  • Follows, understands, and promotes by example, all Health & Safety /Job Safety Analysis (JSA’s) procedures including development of on-site Health &Safety plans/JSA’s as outlined in the procedures and policies.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Starting pay $33.00 hourly. 

Qualifications

Basic Requirements:

  • An associate’s degree in general science  (BS preferred) is required for the Lab Pack Chemist.
  • Driver’s License with clear record
  • Moderate to extensive travel with 20% overnight travel
  • Physical ability to lift and move material of various weights frequently exceeding 55 lbs.
  • Basic understanding of chemistry through general chemistry or biology 

This position requires a CDL B to be obtained within a 6-month period from your start date. Failure to obtain a CDL B within the 6-month period will mean you are no longer eligible for the Lab Pack Chemist position.

This position is also contingent upon successful completion of a DOT physical, DOT Drug Screen and any other DOL or company requirements.


Additional Information

Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package includes paid time off policies, as well as health, dental, vision, life insurance, tuition reimbursement, paid volunteering and more. In addition, commencing no later than January 1, 2027, benefits package will include participation in an employer sponsored 401(k) plan, to save for retirement. Pay and benefits for employees represented by a union are outlined in their collective bargaining agreement. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer! All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. Disclaimer: The salary, other compensation, and benefits information is accurate as of the date of this posting. The Company reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.