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Water Lab Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Lab Assistant I

Calabasas Hills, CA · On-site

$14 - $19/hr

Monitors daily temperatures of freezers, refrigerators, water baths and incubators. * Reports out ... Previous medical/lab or production experience is preferred. * Comfort level with handling ...

Under the authority of the project manager, the laboratory technician analyzes used water samples, routine for the control of operations and clean water to ensure quality. The Lab Technician performs ...

Laboratory Technician I

Rialto, CA · On-site

$34.38 - $35.59/hr

Under the authority of the project manager, the laboratory technician analyzes used water samples, routine for the control of operations and clean water to ensure quality. The Lab Technician performs ...

Perform daily, weekly and monthly maintenance on all analyzers, DI water system and general lab equipment. Responsible for downloading data from various analyzers and exporting data to the server ...

Senior Lab Technician, RUO Lab

Vista, CA · On-site

$33.83 - $50.75/hr

Perform daily, weekly and monthly maintenance on all analyzers, DI water system and general lab equipment. Responsible for downloading data from various analyzers and exporting data to the server ...

QC Lead

Hacienda Heights, CA · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

We offer full home water solutions designed to elevate the way people hydrate, combining ... Demonstrated ability to personally operate lab instruments and execute test protocols * Basic ...

... of water, waste, and energy management services, including water and wastewater treatment ... Lead/coordinate field service/lab pack jobs requiring multiple personnel/days. * Assist in other ...

Senior Lab Pack Chemist

San Jose, CA · On-site

$37 - $38/hr

... of water, waste, and energy management services, including water and wastewater treatment ... Lead/coordinate field service/lab pack jobs requiring multiple personnel/days. * Assist in other ...

Senior Lab Pack Chemist

San Jose, CA · On-site

$37 - $38/hr

... of water, waste, and energy management services, including water and wastewater treatment ... Lead/coordinate field service/lab pack jobs requiring multiple personnel/days. * Assist in other ...

Showing results 41-60

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.

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.

Regional Training & Operations Technician

Water Technologies

West Sacramento, CA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description

Company Description

Veolia Group is a global leader in environmental services, operating across all five continents with nearly 218,000 employees. Specializing in water, energy, and waste management, Veolia Group designs and implements innovative solutions for decarbonization, depollution, and resource regeneration, supporting communities and industries in their ecological transformation. Within this framework, Veolia's Water Technology Business brings together a dedicated team of experienced professionals committed to tackling the world’s most complex challenges related to water scarcity, quality, productivity, and energy. Together, we pursue a shared mission to create a more sustainable future.

Job Description

Position Summary: 

This position is responsible for operating multiple Veolia contracted client water and wastewater facilities. The primary purpose of this position is to cover vacations & absences at existing facilities, assist in the training and development of local operations teams, and to serve in a support role at new account start-ups. This position will be responsible for assisting with the overall operation and maintenance of accounts in their area. This includes process changes to meet compliance, troubleshooting processes & equipment, maintenance (routine, reactive, and preventive), process & compliance sampling, laboratory testing, and writing and distributing a daily shift report. In between time at designated accounts, this position will be responsible for the development of training resources for general water and wastewater industry knowledge, as well as site specific treatment training for all technicians in their region. This position requires significant travel, sometimes for extended periods of time - This can range from 1-2 weeks away from home at a time, all the way up to a month for extenuating circumstances. 

Essential Operational Duties and Responsibilities 

  • Maintain complete operational coverage of the Veolia operated facilities in your designated region as vacations and unplanned absences arise. Coverage will be required on both day shifts and night shifts as absences arise, requiring significant schedule flexibility. 
  • Assist in the operational development of all local technicians within your designated region. This includes in-person hands on training visits to multiple sites, assisting in the development of electronic training materials & resources, and directing training efforts of individual technicians. Additional training time will also be required with all new technicians as they are hired. 
  • Ensure that industry standards and best practices are in use at all Veolia operated facilities in your designated region. This includes but is not limited to: recordkeeping methods, lab testing procedures, operational practices, preventative maintenance practices, etc.. 
  • Support new account start-up projects as they arise. This will involve working closely with the Senior Wastewater Operational Technician (SWOT) team to develop operational tasks, procedures, and goals, in addition to training newly hired technicians. 
  • Provide knowledgeable support to local technicians within your designated region to assist in troubleshooting process issues as they arise. Ensure that proactive decisions are being made by local technicians on a regular basis. 
  • Operate and control electric motors, pumps, and valves to regulate flow of water into the Wastewater treatment plant. 
  • Collect and test Wastewater samples to determine concentration levels and impurities at the designated testing frequency. 
  • Responsible for accurate record keeping of client data such as residual content of chemicals, water turbidity, and water pressure. 
  • Comply with all Veolia and multiple's safety parameters/programs. 
  • Analyze lab data to uncover potential treatment issues and then implement process changes to prevent non-compliance. 
  • May be responsible for compiling data for the Environmental Protection Agency or state regulatory body. 
  • Coordinate with other operators throughout the multiple's facility in order to maintain the plants Wastewater treatment equipment. 
  • Consult with multiples and Veolia management in the operations of their Wastewater plant to determine the best treatment for their Wastewater. 

Essential Maintenance Duties and Responsibilities 

  • Coordinate with multiple to schedule third-party maintenance support for all maintenance projects that are outside of Veolia's scope of work. 
  • Complete all preventative maintenance defined by Veolia and multiple management at the designated frequency. Completion of all preventive maintenance must be documented accordingly. PM tasks include, but are not limited to; changing filters, changing oil, greasing bearings, documenting operating temperatures, exercising valves, etc... 
  • Complete, or assist in the completion of, all minor maintenance projects that may arise to ensure the Wastewater treatment facility remains operating effectively and efficiently. These maintenance items include, but are not limited to: chemical pump repair & replacement, small PVC piping installation, valve replacement, AOD pump repairs, check-valve cleanouts and repairs, etc... 
  • Complete, or assist in the completion of, all intermediate maintenance projects that may arise to ensure the Wastewater treatment facility remains operating effectively and efficiently. These maintenance items include, but are not limited to: replacing mechanical pump seals, replacing packing seals, replacing impellers, full PVC line replacements, centrifugal pump replacements, displacement pump replacements, check-valve cleanouts and repairs, etc...

Supervisory Responsibilities 

  • Willingness and availability to work with fellow operators on off-shifts when problems arise or if the operator needs assistance 
  • 24/7 availability to the Wastewater operators and multiple management. 
  • Communicate frequently with the Veolia Account Manager regarding the operation of the Wastewater plant regarding the current status of the operation, including compliance, treatment issues, maintenance, and personnel issues. 
  • Provide supervision and leadership to the other team members by exemplifying hard work, attention to detail, fair treatment of each member of the team and taking responsibility for results. 
  • Provide direction to the team on the daily operation and maintenance of the Wastewater plant to ensure compliance. This includes but is not limited to: process changes, chemical feed rates, maintenance activities, and additional sampling to evaluate treatment and compliance. 
  • Provide training and/or facilitate training of operators for all facets of the operation / management of the multiple Wastewater facility 
  • Provide clear verbal and written instructions to the team on the proper operation and maintenance of the Wastewater treatment plant and the equipment. This includes being responsible for creating and maintaining facility specific SOPs. 
  • Continually optimize the operation of the wastewater treatment plant, chemistry, and equipment; to improve operating efficiency and reduce operating costs. 

Innovation / Planning / Budget 

  • Problems encountered by this job are usually well outlined by a standard set of instructions describing the procedures for handling specific problems. Requires the ability to develop creative and/or innovative ideas related to improvements to processes related to their own job or department. 
  • Independent scheduling of work load. 
  • Management of inventories including lab supplies, consumable items, and equipment parts. No responsibility for handling or administering a budget. 
  • The ability to develop creative and innovative ideas to improve the processes related to the operation / management of the WWTP 
  • Management of maintenance program inventories, consumable items, and equipment parts. 

Decision Making 

  • Assignments are received in the form of results expected, due dates, and general procedures to follow. 
  • Make process changes based on lab data and general process knowledge to correct compliance issues or improve the treatment process. 
  • Duties are varied in nature, requiring independent action and judgment involving commonly encountered problems. Unusual cases or questionable matters are referred to the supervisor. 
  • Issues and concerns of a significant matter should be discussed with the account manager to ensure actions taken are reasonable and in compliance with the contract. 
  • Evaluate the skills and abilities of the other operators in order to properly assign/delegate tasks such as lab analyses, maintenance, preventive maintenance, manage chemical inventories, and manage waste disposal. 
  • Evaluate maintenance projects and determine what outside support is needed and then coordinate and schedule with client maintenance teams or contractors.
  • Communication & Teamwork Expectations 
  • Participation in team meetings and discussions is required. Collaboration with team members on a regular basis is expected. 
  • All team members are responsible for covering each others absences to the best of their ability, to ensure that the contracted coverage of the facility is never broken. 
  • Continuous communication with client and Veolia management is expected. 
  • Communicate with Veolia management frequently on the training progress of technicians, and the overall status of site operations 
Qualifications

General Education And Experience Requirements 

  • High school diploma or equivalent required. 
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office or Google equivalent required. 
  • Strong mechanical aptitude preferred. 
  • Strong communication skills, both verbally and written, required. 
  • Willingness to learn and be able take instructions on Wastewater treatment processes 
  • Operational experience of site specific equipment preferred, including: 
  • 3+ years of experience in Wastewater treatment plant operations or related field required. Ability and desire to build and maintain a "team mentality" 
  • Prior experience in a traveling work role preferred

Working Conditions 

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

Typical working conditions for this position include a wastewater treatment plant and the outdoors. The job holder could be exposed to extreme weather conditions (extreme heat and cold), burns, chemicals, dangerous systems, dirt and dust, electrical hazardous, grease and oil, loud noises, vibrations, steam and high levels of moisture, and other hazardous conditions. This position requires the job holder to lift and/or carry up to 75 pounds, climb a vertical ladder up to 30 feet, stand for long period of time, walk on uneven surfaces, regular bending, climb onto and exit a forklift in a safe manner, use of extension ladders on a daily basis, ability to climb into and maneuver body in tight spaces. 

This position requires the job holder to be able to work both day and night shifts as needed. This position requires the job holder to be able to work 12 hour shifts if needed. 

This position requires the job holder to be available for emergency call-ins or phone support.


Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

At Veolia, we realize diverse teams make smarter decisions, deliver better results, and build stronger communities. We’re an organization that champions diversity and inclusion at every rung of the ladder and are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. Because our people are our greatest assets, we also offer competitive compensation and benefits that include:


● Medical, Dental, & Vision Insurance Starting Day 1!
● Life Insurance
● Paid Time Off
● Paid Holidays
● Parental Leave
● 401(k) Plan - 3% default contribution plus matching!
● Flexible Spending & Health Saving Accounts
● AD&D Insurance
● Disability Insurance
● Tuition Reimbursement
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.


****Applicants are required to be eligible to lawfully work in the U.S. immediately; employer will not sponsor applicants for U.S. work authorization (e.g. H-1B visa) for this opportunity****


Veolia does not accept unsolicited resumes from external recruiting firms. All vendors must have a current and fully executed MSA on file before submitting candidates. Any unsolicited resumes and candidate profiles will be deemed the property of Veolia, and no fee will be due.

As an inclusive company, Veolia is committed to diversity and gives equal consideration to all applications, without discrimination.