AWP Laboratory Assistant - Temporary 12-18 Months

Padre Dam; California (MO); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Padre Dam Municipal Water District’s East County Advanced Water Purification Program is seeking a Laboratory Assistant for a full-time, limited-term role at the AWP Laboratory. The assignment is expected to last 12 to 18 months from the start date, with on-site duties supporting daily laboratory operations.

You will prepare and clean sample containers and analytical glassware, receive and process potable, recycled, solids-handling, and advanced water samples, assist with testing, and enter

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED with at least one college level Chemistry or Biology Class with Laboratory.
• Experience with a LIMS preferred but not required.
• Valid California Driver's License and within one year of hire a CA Laboratory Analyst Grade I Certification.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and clean sample containers and analytical glassware.
• Receive and process potable, recycled, solids handling, and advanced water samples.
• Assist with analytical testing and enter results into LIMS.
• Maintain laboratory logs and records and ensure proper disposal of hazardous waste.
• Follow SOPs and accreditation requirements to maintain a safe, accurate laboratory environment.

Skills

Sample processing

QA/QC

Laboratory safety

Education

High School Diploma or GED with one college chemistry/biology lab

Tools

LIMS

Job description

Padre Dam Municipal Water District and the East County Advanced Water Purification Program is seeking a Laboratory Assistant to fill a Full-Time, Limited-Term position assigned to work at our Advanced Water Purification (AWP) Laboratory.

The expected duration for this temporary assignment is between 12 - 18 months from the start date.

As a Laboratory Assistant assigned at the AWP Laboratory, not only will you be supporting accurate sample processing, proper QA/QC, and safe laboratory operations, you will also play a vital role in protecting overall facility performance and ensuring the delivery of safe, high-quality water to the community. If you are seeking a laboratory position where your daily work directly impacts the delivery of critical resources to the community, do not hesitate -

To learn more about the East County Advanced Water Purification Program,

Employees in this assignment support daily laboratory operations by preparing and cleaning sample containers, analytical glassware, and other essential equipment. They receive and process potable, recycled, solids handling, and advanced water samples, assist with analytical testing, and enter results into the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS). Staff also prepare microbiological media and chemical reagents, perform routine QA/QC checks, maintain laboratory logs and records, and ensure proper disposal of contaminated materials and hazardous chemical waste. They follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and accreditation requirements to maintain a safe, accurate, and compliant laboratory environment.

Interviews will be scheduled during the week of October 26, 2026

Training/Experience Required: (position requirements at entry)

• 1. High School Diploma or General Equivalency Diploma and completion of at least one college level Chemistry or Biology Class with Laboratory
• 2. Experience with a LIMS preferred but not required

Licensing Requirements:

• 1. Valid California Driver's License
• 2. Laboratory Analyst Grade I Certification from the CA Water Environment Association (within one year of hire)