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Water Testing Lab Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

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$10

$26

$47

How much do water testing lab jobs pay per hour?

As of May 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for water testing lab in Portland, OR is $26.78, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.38 and $29.57 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 Portland, OR? For Water Testing Lab jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Water Testing Lab jobs in Portland, OR look for? The top searched job categories for Water Testing Lab jobs in Portland, OR are:
Water Testing Lab jobs near you
Infographic showing various Water Testing Lab job openings in Portland, OR as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, and 15% Part Time. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,694 per year, or $26.8 per hour.
Sr Lab Technician - Hillsboro, OR

Sr Lab Technician - Hillsboro, OR

Univar Solutions

Hillsboro, OR • On-site

$20.25 - $26.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 12 days ago

Univar Solutions rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 35 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

84th of 336 rated logistics

Job description

A Place Where People Matter.
Start your career journey with Univar Solutions! Here you can make an impact on the world around you and accelerate your career in areas that energize and excite you.
Primary Purpose
Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot analytical instruments, including daily readiness checks and basic corrective maintenance.
What You'll Do:
  • Know and understand all rules and regulations specific to the customer site. Align with all company policies, rules and guidelines.
  • In this role, the Analytical Lab Technicians will utilize gas chromatography, high-performance liquid chromatography, and other techniques to analyze chemical compounds.
  • Analytical Lab Technicians will also test samples for quality control purposes. In addition to performing these tests, responsibilities include monitoring inventory of consumables and reagents to ensure there are sufficient supplies to keep up with testing schedules.
  • Responsible for running different analytical equipment and work with the team in developing different test methods.
  • Assists other engineers in the assessment of process health and defect identification through data lab data mining and correlation.
  • Owns hands-on physical analysis, including sample preparation and distribution.
  • Assignments are semi-routine but may include a wide array of laboratory techniques and skills, equipment maintenance, and process/controls troubleshooting.
  • Use GC, HPLC, ICP-OES and ICP-MS, and other techniques to analyze chemical samples.
  • Wastewater sample analysis for different analytes such as COD, TN, Ammonia, metals, etc.
  • PCR analysis for different wastewater streams.
  • Perform routine sample preparation and analysis in accordance with SOPs/BKMs; log, organize, and verify samples; and update lab databases with routine monitoring results.
  • Review laboratory QC and results for accuracy/precision; communicate findings and data trends to system engineers, technicians, and internal stakeholders.
  • Support method development and optimization
  • Prepare reagents/solutions and maintain analytical supplies; coordinate ordering from warehouse and external vendors to sustain uninterrupted lab operations.
  • Maintain a clean, safe lab environment (glassware washing, contamination control), adhere to PPE requirements, and continuously identify/report safety hazards.
  • Work in a safe manner while constantly aiming for no incidents or accidents.
  • Perform instrument maintenance.
  • Comply with all company policies, rules and guidelines.
  • Perform all other duties as required.

What You'll Need:
  • High School Diploma or equivalent.
  • Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry, Bio-Chem, Biology, Chemical Engineering or related Science/Engineering discipline with a minimum of 5 years of Laboratory experience.
  • Experience operating, maintaining, and/or troubleshooting specific analytical instrumentation such as: LC-MS, IC, ICP-MS, ICP-OES, TOC, LCMS-QQQ, CIC
  • Analytical or wastewater laboratory experience performing analysis to measure water quality analytes such as; Turbidity, pH, Total Organic Carbon, Total Nitrogen, Nitrate, Nitrite, Nitrogen Inhibition, Ammonium, TDS, TSS Total Hardness, Hydrogen Peroxide, Carbon Oxygen Demand, Dissolved Oxygen, ORP, Anions, Cations, Metals, Phosphorous, MLSS, MLVSS, and/or bacteriological testing.
  • Experience with biological treatment system health monitoring
  • Customer service skills.
  • Experience developing new analytical methods on the above instrumentation.
  • Experience with statistical evaluation of precision, accuracy and method development.
  • Familiarity with water treatment equipment and processes such as biological treatment systems reverse osmosis and thermal evaporation systems.

Where You'll Work:
  • 2501 NE Century Boulevard, Hillsboro, OR 97124

Pay and benefits:
  • The specific salary offered to a candidate may be influenced by a variety of factors including the candidate's relevant experience, education, training, certifications, qualifications, and work location
  • Available employee benefits include health, vision, dental coverage, along with industry-leading retirement and time off programs

What you can expect:
  • Strong work/life flexibility
  • To be surrounded by an inclusive team who is collaborative and committed to the achievement of the company
  • To be rewarded for your contributions with a targeted annual company bonus (if applicable to your role) and annual salary reviews.
  • Competitive pay and benefits

Univar Solutions is a leading, global distributor of chemicals and ingredients essential to the safety, health, and wellbeing of our daily lives from life-saving medicines and vitamins to hand sanitizers and industrial materials used for cleaning, construction, and more. Our global team of more than 9,500 employees support our vision to redefine distribution and be the most valued chemical and ingredient distributor on the planet!
We offer a Total Rewards package that includes market aligned pay and incentives as well as a diverse benefits offering to support our employees' physical, emotional, and financial wellbeing.
Univar Solutions supports sustainable solutions for the world around us so that we can do our part to help keep our communities healthy, fed, clean, and safe!
We are committed to a diverse workforce and a culture of inclusion. Together, we are building a culture that acknowledges the unique experiences, perspectives and expertise of individuals and provides the development and growth opportunities to empower us to redefine our industry.
Univar Solutions is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against based on their race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or other protected classification. We are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the hiring process, please contact us at careers@univarsolutions.com.
Univar Solutions does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or staffing firms (collectively Recruiting Firms). Recruiting Firms must enter into a Master Services Agreement (MSA) with Univar Solutions prior to submitting any information relating to a potential candidate. All searches must be initiated by Univar Solutions' Talent Acquisition team and candidates must be submitted via Applicant Tracking System (ATS) by approved vendors who have been expressly requested to make a submission for a specific job opening. No placement fees will be paid to any firm unless the aforementioned conditions have been met. Contacting our hiring managers directly is prohibited.

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