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Water Testing Lab Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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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 May 30, 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Water Testing Lab Technician, and why are they important?

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 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 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 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 May 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, and 9% Part Time. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,829 per year, or $24.9 per hour.
Water Treatment Foreperson

$26.78 - $43.39/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago


American Water rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 61 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

13th of 50 rated energy and utility


Job description

Requisition ID:  109785 

Share Our Purpose.  Be Yourself.  Feel Valued. 

People are the heart of our business. As an American Water employee, you will be offered a competitive salary and health benefits package, along with opportunities to develop, grow, and evolve your career.  Our benefits packages focus on key areas such as health & wellness, emotional & well-being, and savings for current & future goals.

We are Beautifully Different. We strongly believe having diversity across our company makes us more successful and helps us provide essential services to our customers. We are stronger because we embrace different ideas, viewpoints, experiences, and backgrounds. American Water is the best choice for your next role!  Click here for more information on our inclusion, diversity, and equity journey.

About American Water
American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States. With a history dating back to 1886 and celebrating 140 years in 2026, We Keep Life Flowing® by providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to approximately 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and on 18 military installations.  American Water’s approximately 7,000 talented professionals leverage their significant expertise and the company’s national size and scale to achieve excellent outcomes for the benefit of customers, employees, investors and other stakeholders.

For more information, visit amwater.com and join American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram.

Job Information:

Posted Range:  $26.78 to $43.39 hourly

This position may be eligible for annual incentive pay and contracted increases as determined by the collective bargaining agreement, and you will have the opportunity for continued salary growth. 

In addition to compensation, you will be offered a comprehensive benefits package including 401(k), Defined Contribution Plan, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, medical, prescription, dental and vision coverage, plus disability, paid time off, life insurance, voluntary benefits, health and wellness programs and much more! 

American Water is also proud to offer employees learning opportunities and work experiences to grow professionally! 

#LI-MR23

#LI-Onsite

Primary Role

Under the supervision of the Operations Supervisor, the Water Treatment Foreperson is responsible for the production and treatment of drinking water to customers.  To lead and participate in a variety of technical duties relative to assigned areas of responsibility.

Key Accountabilities
  • Check-in with crew/operators on status of assigned tasks.
  • Visit sites with critical operations to confirm tasks are on track and direct adjustments to tasks if needed.
  • Order, track, and coordinate with office staff delivery of chemical, parts, and other site inventory.
  • Ensures facility start-up and shut-down and continuous monitoring of water quality and treatment systems, including but not limited to wells, pumps, motors, analyzers/ instrumentation, filters, chemical feed systems, auxiliary equipment such as generators, measuring and control systems.
  • Inspects and maintains all grounds around pumping plants, tanks, and water treatment plants.  Performs corrective maintenance and basic troubleshooting of pumping and treatment systems. Maintains and repairs regulating stations valves and pilot controls.  Performs routine preventive maintenance, such as lubrication, operating adjustments, cleaning, and painting equipment at various water facility locations, including but not limited to wells, pumping plants, tank sites, regulating stations, and water treatment facilities
  • Monitor the status of plant operating guidelines, such as flows, pressures, chemical feeds, levels, and water quality indicators.  Load and unload chemicals either by hand or using chemical-handling equipment, i.e. hand trucks, hoists and/or chemical transfer pumps.
  • Maintains recordkeeping, including operating logs, daily diaries, chemical inventories, data logs, reports, and SCADA data/trends.  Make arithmetic calculations to determine chemical feed rates, flow quantities, detention and contact times, and hydraulic loadings as required for plant operations.
  • Performs routine water sampling for water quality, including but not limited to bacteriological, organic, and inorganic, point of entry, and process sampling (turbidity, chlorine residuals, pH, etc.) as needed and field lab testing as required.
  • Conducts safety inspections and participates in safety tailgate meetings.  Follows safety rules as they pertain to equipment, facility operations, employees, and calibration of equipment.
  • Leads and trains new employees on key accountabilities and communicates effectively with other operators and supervisors on the technical level expected for the position.
  • Performs other similar work which he/she may be called upon, and any other work as necessary to satisfactorily complete the job which he/she has been assigned. 
Knowledge/Skills
  • Knows how to plan and schedule, write reports, and has a strong customer service skills, presentation skills, and organizational skills.
  • Knowledge to lead and train other operators on key functions of responsibility
  • Order chemicals, parts, and tools.
  • Drives a company vehicle and operates equipment according to established safety procedures and policies.
  • Advanced functional, technical, and mechanical abilities and experience required.  
  • Knowledge of operating standard small hand tools. 
  • Knowledge to operate equipment, including but not limited to lifting winch, air compressor, grinder, power saw, chain saw, calibration, electronic recording equipment, chlorine testing equipment, and any other special tools necessary to complete duties assigned.
  • Requires ability to communicate verbally and in writing with internal and external customers as well as the ability to accurately read and record meter readings and other related information and perform basic mathematical calculations.
  • Must be adaptable and flexible
Experience/Education
  • High School Diploma or GED is required.
  • 1-3 years of water treatment experience is preferred
  • 1-3 years in construction, plumbing, or building trades is preferred
  • T2 Water license is required
  • Must have a valid driver's license
  • Basic computer skills required
  • Problem Solving and Critical Thinking skills is required
  • Effective communication skills is required
Work Environment:
  • Position is onsite Monday through Friday 7:30am to 4pm in our Oakhurst, CA location with local travel 
  • Weekends, holidays, and on-call assignments may be required depending on operational needs
  • Physical demands include, but are not limited to standing, climbing, walking, lifting, bending, pulling, pushing, grasping, reaching, stooping, crouching, sitting, etc.
  • Must be able to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move over 100 pounds.
  • Vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, etc.  May require working in trenches tanks and/or elevated areas.
  • Work performed in both indoor and outdoor environments, including exposure to chemicals, odors, noise, and varying weather conditions
  • The position works near moving mechanical parts and in high or precarious places and is exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, vibrations, fumes, or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, and the risk of electrical shock.
  • Has potential exposure to hazardous chemicals and requires use of appropriate safety equipment such as self-contained breathing apparatus.
Competencies
Champions safety
Collaborates
Cultivates innovation
Customer obsessed
Drives Results
Nimble learning

Join American Water...We Keep Life Flowing

American Water is firmly committed to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and prohibits employment discrimination for employees and applicants based on his or her age, race, color, pregnancy, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, marital status, citizenship, or because they are an individual with a disability, protected veteran or other status protected by federal, state, and local laws.


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About American Water

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

With a history dating back to 1886, American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest and most geographically diverse U.S. publicly traded water and wastewater utility company. The company employs more than 6,500 dedicated professionals who provide regulated and regulated-like drinking water and wastewater services to more than 14 million people in 24 states. American Water provides safe, clean, affordable and reliable water services to our customers to help keep their lives flowing.

Industry

Utilities

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Camden, NJ, US

Year founded

1886

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