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

Portland Bottling Company

Lab Technician

Portland, OR · On-site

$21/hr

The Lab Tech is responsible for performing laboratory tests to determine chemical and physical ... Testing of treated water for sensory, including odor and appearance. Perform treated water tests ...

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All JobsWater Testing Lab JobsWater Testing Lab Jobs in Portland, OR

Water Testing Lab information

See Portland, OR salary details

$10

$26

$47

How much do water testing lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 11, 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 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.

What is the highest paid lab technician?

The highest paid lab technicians in water testing labs typically have advanced certifications, specialized skills, and extensive experience, earning salaries that can exceed $50,000 to $70,000 annually. Senior or supervisory roles, such as lab managers, often command higher salaries due to increased responsibilities and expertise.

How to become a water testing technician?

To become a water testing technician, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by training in water quality testing methods. Certification programs in water analysis or environmental science can enhance job prospects, and familiarity with laboratory equipment and safety protocols is essential.

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 people who test water called?

People who test water are commonly called water quality technicians, water analysts, or water chemists. They analyze samples for contaminants, pH levels, and other parameters using laboratory equipment and may require certifications such as a water testing license or environmental science degree.

What career tests water?

A water testing lab employs trained technicians and scientists to analyze water samples for contaminants, pollutants, and quality parameters. They use specialized tools like spectrophotometers and follow safety and certification standards to ensure 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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,694 per year, or $26.8 per hour.
WATER TREATMENT OPERATOR LEVELS 1-4

WATER TREATMENT OPERATOR LEVELS 1-4

Clackamas River Water

Clackamas, OR

$33.41 - $52.49/hr

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Are you ready to be a part of an exciting new chapter in water treatment technology? Clackamas River Water (CRW) is seeking dedicated operators to join our team as we are launching a new Ignition SCADA system and implementing major upgrades to our Water Treatment Plant. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to operational advancement, improve efficiencies and play a key role in shaping the future of our water treatment infrastructure. With an in-house water quality laboratory, there are a variety of ways to grow in this position. If you are passionate about treatment modernization and serving our communities, we encourage you to apply.

Clackamas River Water (CRW) has earned a reputation for providing high-quality drinking water. We are offering an excellent opportunity for you to be part of a sustainable organization by joining our water resources team - well known for providing exceptional service to the community we serve with our most precious resource: water.

Essential Duties

  • Operate and monitor the District’s 30 mgd drinking water treatment plant, its systems and equipment in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
  • Utilize SCADA system to oversee real-time water treatment processes and optimize plant performance.
  • Maintain plant equipment to service levels by performing a variety of technical and mechanical duties, following prescribed guidelines.
  • Follow all relevant safety standards and procedures.
  • Available to work rotating shifts, weekends, on-call and stand-by duty as needed and in emergencies.
  • Perform and troubleshoot preventative and corrective maintenance of the water treatment plant, pump stations, reservoirs, and related facilities.
  • Assist certified, in-house water quality laboratory by performing chemical and biological analysis and preparing and performing quality control of liquid and solid media and reagents.
  • Collect samples; and record operational data and report test results to regulatory agencies.
  • Perform lab testing and maintenance procedures, as needed.
  • Possess a valid driver’s license and have a satisfactory driving record.

Minimum Qualifications*:

Basic: HS diploma or GED required. Completion of at least 60 credit hours of college coursework in water technology, biology, environmental science, or related field; on the job training with a basic understanding of water treatment processes and the ability to follow operational procedures, safety protocols and regulatory standards. Comfortable using water-related software applications.

*Preferred Qualifications:

Strong preference for candidates with at least 3 years additional operational experience working with treatment plant equipment, instrumentation and maintenance; Higher level OHA Water Treatment Operator Certification; training or experience with SCADA systems, experience conducting microbiological lab testing for coliform bacteria, or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience that meets position requirements.

Special Requirements: Employment is contingent upon successfully passing a criminal/civil background check, pre-employment and physical exams that meet the position’s standards and requirements.

Wage Range: DOQ

Closing Date: Open until filled

Clackamas River Water is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is a drug-free workplace.


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