Lab Technician

Job Title: Temporary Laboratory TechnicianJob Description

The Temporary Laboratory Technician supports daily laboratory and field sampling operations within a wastewater treatment environment. This role focuses on performing Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) analyses, preparing and handling wastewater samples, maintaining sampling equipment, and ensuring accurate data entry and documentation. The technician works both in the laboratory and outdoors across the treatment facility, contributing to reliable testing, regulatory compliance, and safe, efficient lab operations.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) analyses in accordance with established laboratory procedures.
• Prepare wastewater and related samples for testing, including labeling, preservation, and proper handling.
• Conduct routine laboratory testing following standardized methods and quality control requirements.
• Measure and document analytical results, temperatures, weights, and other relevant parameters accurately.
• Enter testing results into electronic laboratory databases and data management systems in a timely and precise manner.
• Dispose of laboratory samples in accordance with established procedures and safety guidelines.
• Maintain laboratory cleanliness, organization, and housekeeping standards to support safe and efficient operations.
• Support routine laboratory operations and testing activities as assigned by laboratory leadership.
• Collect wastewater samples from designated locations throughout the treatment facility.
• Travel to onsite sampling locations and perform routine manual sample collection activities.
• Conduct sampler maintenance and operational checks to ensure reliable sample collection.
• Transport collected samples back to the laboratory while maintaining sample integrity.
• Work both indoors and outdoors, including in areas with strong odors and varying weather conditions such as rain.
• Handle raw influent and wastewater samples safely and in compliance with laboratory safety procedures.
• Collaborate with laboratory staff and other team members to meet testing schedules and operational needs.
• Follow detailed technical instructions and standard operating procedures to ensure consistency and accuracy in all tasks.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, or a related science discipline.
• Basic chemistry knowledge and understanding of fundamental chemical principles.
• Understanding of standard laboratory practices and safety procedures.
• Ability to follow detailed technical instructions and standard operating procedures accurately.
• Experience obtained through academic coursework, internships, research, or employment in a laboratory or related setting.
• Ability to lift 15-20 pounds as part of routine laboratory and field sampling activities.
• Strong attention to detail when performing analyses, documenting data, and handling samples.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced laboratory environment with shifting priorities.
• Strong communication skills for interacting with team members and reporting results.
• Effective teamwork skills and the ability to collaborate with laboratory and field personnel.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with wastewater testing or sample analysis, including COD testing, is beneficial.
• Familiarity with wastewater treatment processes and environments is an advantage.
• Comfort working with electronic laboratory databases and data management systems.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team to meet daily testing and sampling schedules.
• Willingness to work in environments with strong odors and raw wastewater.
• Flexibility to perform both laboratory-based and field-based tasks throughout the day.

Work Environment

This position is fully onsite with a Monday-Friday schedule from 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The role is not exclusively laboratory-based; the technician spends part of each day outdoors within a wastewater treatment facility. The work environment includes both controlled laboratory spaces and field locations across the plant. The technician regularly handles raw influent and wastewater samples and works around strong odors. The role requires traveling throughout the facility to collect samples, working in varying weather conditions including rain, and performing tasks that may involve lifting 15-20 pounds. The laboratory uses standardized testing procedures, electronic data management systems, and sampling equipment that must be maintained and operated safely. The overall environment is fast-paced, safety-focused, and team-oriented, with an emphasis on maintaining cleanliness, following safety protocols, and supporting reliable, high-quality laboratory results.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Whittier, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $24.00 - $24.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Whittier,CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 30, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.