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Water Testing Lab Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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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Water Testing Lab information

See California salary details

$9

$24

$44

How much do water testing lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 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 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 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.

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 does a water testing lab technician do?

A water testing lab technician collects water samples and conducts tests to analyze water quality, including checking for contaminants, pH levels, and chemical composition. They use laboratory equipment and follow safety protocols, often requiring knowledge of testing procedures and certifications in water analysis.

What cities in California are hiring for Water Testing Lab jobs?

Cities in California with the most Water Testing Lab job openings:

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.

Lab Tech II (Environmental Monitoring & Water Testing Analyst)

Orion Group

Orange, CA • On-site

$23 - $26/hr

Contractor

Posted 21 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.