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Water Testing Lab Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Vital Lyfe

Water Lab Technician

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$20.50 - $27.25/hr

Mission The Water Laboratory & Membrane Testing Technician will be a hands-on partner to our ... Follow lab safety procedures, including PPE use, chemical handling, and waste disposal. * Help keep ...

Brio Water Technology

QC Lead

Hacienda Heights, CA · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

We offer full home water solutions designed to elevate the way people hydrate, combining ... testing lab and the rest of the Quality Department. What you'll do * Receive and Inspect Sample ...

Ascend Clinical

Medical Lab Assistant

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$22 - $25/hr

Medical Lab Assistant Ascend Clinical, LLC is one of the highest-volume clinical laboratories in ... What sets Ascend apart is our unique combination of clinical and healthcare water testing as we ...

Ascend Clinical

Medical Lab Assistant

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

Medical Lab Assistant Locations: Sunnyvale, CA Why Ascend? Come work for a company that is ... What sets Ascend apart is our unique combination of clinical and healthcare water testing as we ...

Ascend Clinical

Medical Lab Assistant

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$22 - $25/hr

Medical Lab Assistant Locations: Sunnyvale, CAWhy Ascend? Come work for a company that is ... What sets Ascend apart is our unique combination of clinical and healthcare water testing as we ...

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All JobsWater Testing Lab JobsWater Testing Lab Jobs in California

Water Testing Lab information

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How much do water testing lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for water testing 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 testing lab?

A water testing lab is a specialized facility that analyzes water samples to assess their quality, safety, and composition. These labs test for contaminants such as bacteria, heavy metals, chemicals, and other pollutants to ensure water meets health and regulatory standards. The results help individuals, businesses, and municipalities ensure their water is safe for drinking, industrial use, or environmental compliance. Water testing labs use advanced scientific equipment and follow standardized testing methods for accurate results.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in a water testing lab, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in a water testing lab often encounter challenges such as maintaining strict adherence to quality control protocols, managing high sample volumes, and staying updated with evolving regulations. Ensuring accuracy and preventing cross-contamination require strong attention to detail and rigorous documentation. Collaborating effectively with colleagues and other departments is essential for timely reporting and resolving unexpected results. Continuous training and adopting new technologies can also help address these challenges and enhance both efficiency and data reliability.

How to become a water testing lab technician?

To become a water testing lab technician, typically a high school diploma or equivalent is required, followed by post-secondary training or an associate degree in environmental science, chemistry, or a related field. Certification or training in laboratory procedures and safety, along with proficiency in using testing equipment and understanding water quality standards, can improve job prospects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a water testing lab technician?

To thrive as a Water Testing Lab Technician, you need a background in chemistry, biology, or environmental science, often with an associate or bachelor's degree in a related field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, analytical instruments (such as spectrophotometers and chromatography systems), and knowledge of safety protocols are essential, and certifications like NELAC or state-specific credentials may be required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and strong organizational skills distinguish top performers in this role. These competencies ensure accurate water quality analysis, regulatory compliance, and the protection of public health and the environment.

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

AspectWater Testing LabWater Quality Technician
CertificationsLab certifications, e.g., CLT, NELAP accreditationWater treatment certifications, e.g., TCEQ, EPA certifications
Work EnvironmentLaboratory setting, controlled environmentFieldwork, on-site water testing and treatment facilities
Industry UsageTesting water samples for contaminants and complianceMonitoring and maintaining water quality in treatment plants or systems

While both roles focus on water quality, Water Testing Labs primarily analyze water samples in a lab setting, whereas Water Quality Technicians perform on-site testing and maintenance. Both roles require relevant certifications and are essential in ensuring safe, clean water.

What are popular job titles related to Water Testing Lab jobs in California? For Water Testing Lab jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Water Testing Lab jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Water Testing Lab jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Water Testing Lab jobs? Cities in California with the most Water Testing Lab job openings:
Water Testing Lab jobs near you
Infographic showing various Water Testing Lab job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 10% Temporary, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $51,829 per year, or $24.9 per hour.

Water Lab Technician

Vital Lyfe

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$20.50 - $27.25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago

Job description

Mission
The Water Laboratory & Membrane Testing Technician will be a hands-on partner to our engineering and R&D teams, transforming ideas and designs into validated, real-world performance. You will play a central role in characterizing water quality and testing membrane performance to ensure our portable water treatment devices are safe, reliable, and high performing. This includes running and improving test methods, operating and maintaining analytical instruments, and executing membrane test protocols that directly influence product design decisions and quality standards.
The ideal candidate is practical, precise, and curious, with a strong aptitude for laboratory work, basic mechanical systems, and data-driven problem solving. You are hands-on, flexible, quick to learn new methods and instruments, comfortable in a fast-paced development environment, and bring a proactive, can-do attitude to supporting our mission of delivering clean water through innovative portable solutions.
What You Will Do
  • Perform routine water quality tests (pH, EC/TDS, turbidity, hardness, alkalinity, major ions, etc.).
  • Operate water characterization instruments (e.g., ICP, UV-Vis, turbidity meter, titrator).
  • Prepare samples, reagents, standards, and calibration solutions.
  • Operate membrane test rigs for RO/NF/UF/MF to measure flux, rejection, and performance.
  • Set up and monitor membrane tests, including feed preparation and operating conditions.
  • Conduct fouling and cleaning studies and support root-cause analysis.
  • Record test conditions and results accurately in lab records and digital systems.
  • Prepare concise test summaries and basic technical reports.
  • Maintain and perform basic troubleshooting on lab and test equipment.
  • Follow lab safety procedures, including PPE use, chemical handling, and waste disposal.
  • Help keep the lab organized, clean, and well stocked with chemicals and consumables.

What We Are Looking For
  • Someone hands-on, practical, and detail-oriented, who enjoys working in the lab with instruments, water samples, and membrane systems.
  • Someone who is eager to learn, can follow procedures, and can work closely with engineers and the team to improve tests and support product development.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience in a water analysis or environmental testing laboratory.
  • Experience operating ICP and other water characterization instruments.
  • Experience with membrane filtration systems (RO/NF/UF/MF).
  • Knowledge of standard water testing methods (e.g., ISO/ASTM or similar).
  • Basic understanding of water chemistry and membrane performance concepts.
  • Ability to work with pumps, valves, and pressurized systems (or willingness to learn).
  • Proficiency with basic data analysis and report preparation.

• Proficient with Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
  • High attention to detail, good communication, and ability to work in a team.

Physical Job Requirements - Essential Functions
  • Hands on work on development hardware.
  • Must be able to lift 50 lbs. unassisted.
  • Hands on work on development hardware.
  • Long periods of standing, crouching, walking.
  • Must be able to climb ladders and be comfortable working in tight spaces.
  • Must be able to move repetitively, bend or twist, and use hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls.

Location Requirement: Ability to work 100% onsite in Torrance, CA (remote or hybrid work will not be considered)
Vital Lyfe is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Vital Lyfe is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

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