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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 ...

American Nutrition

QA Technician

Woodland, WA · On-site

Objective of the position: QA lab technicians are responsible for monitoring raw ingredients and ... Accurately perform testing as compared to reference values. * Aseptically sample equipment ...

Alphia

QA Technician

Woodland, WA · On-site

Objective of the position: QA lab technicians are responsible for monitoring raw ingredients and ... Accurately perform testing as compared to reference values. * Aseptically sample equipment ...

Panthalassa

Test Engineering Technician

Portland, OR · On-site

... testing priorities require. Required Qualifications * Hands-on technical background such as an engineering R&D lab, academic research lab, aerospace test facility, aircraft mechanic, capital ...

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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 Aug 1, 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 2% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 13% 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.

Quality & Reliability Test Engineer

Teledyne FLIR LLC

Wilsonville, OR • On-site

$74K - $96K/yr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Be visionary
Teledyne Technologies Incorporated provides enabling technologies for industrial growth markets that require advanced technology and high reliability. These markets include aerospace and defense, factory automation, air and water quality environmental monitoring, electronics design and development, oceanographic research, deepwater oil and gas exploration and production, medical imaging and pharmaceutical research.
We are looking for individuals who thrive on making an impact and want the excitement of being on a team that wins.
Job Description
Job Summary:
We are seeking a Quality & Reliability Test Engineer who will be responsible for qualification and ongoing verification testing of advanced electro-optical and infrared assemblies.
Job Duties & Responsibilities:
  • Mentor and train Test Technicians
  • Direct work at the in-house testing lab for Design & Validation Testing (DVT), Environmental Qualifications and ongoing verification testing
  • Arrange and supervise testing at external suppliers including managing Purchase Orders (PO's), travel, etc.
  • Develop test methods/plans and write detailed test reports
  • Review contractual requirements and ensure compliance
  • Interface with customers, Product Management and Sales organizations
  • Other duties as assigned, including Quality Management System (QMS) tasks to maintain certifications

Job Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering
  • 5-7+ years of experience in Quality
  • Good working knowledge of temperature, shock and vibration testing equipment including programming
  • Experience interpreting vibration profiles or optical assembly test data
  • Detailed record keeping ability and planning skills including MS Project familiarity
  • Excellent verbal and written skills
  • Experience testing EO/IR equipment preferred
  • MIL-STD-810 testing preferred
  • Experience directing and managing Test Technicians preferred

Applicants must be either a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, legal permanent resident, asylee, refugee or must be eligible to apply for and obtain the appropriate export control license from the U.S. Departments of State or Commerce.
About Teledyne FLIR Defense
Join Teledyne FLIR Defense, where we're dedicated to supporting critical missions with an exciting range of cutting-edge technologies. Our products include advanced surveillance sensors, unmanned air and ground vehicles, sensing devices used to detect chemicals, biological agents, radiation and explosives, and a host of other solutions that help warfighters, first responders, and search-and-rescue teams do their jobs better.
We're looking for passionate innovators eager to shape the future of the Defense and Public Safety industries. If you're mission-driven to globally collaborate on solutions that can change the battlefield and save lives, we invite you to explore our current opportunities.
#AnyThreatAnywhere
Teledyne and all of our employees are committed to conducting business with the highest ethical standards. We require all employees to comply with all applicable laws, regulations, rules and regulatory orders. Our reputation for honesty, integrity and high ethics is as important to us as our reputation for making innovative sensing solutions.
Teledyne is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status, age, or any other characteristic or non-merit based factor made unlawful by federal, state, or local laws.

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