Lab Technician (Entry-Level)

Shannon & Wilson; Boise (ID); On-site; USD 37,000 - 58,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee stock ownership

Medical and dental insurance

Paid time off

Job summary

Shannon & Wilson is seeking a Lab Technician to support soil and materials testing, data collection, and reporting in a professional consulting environment. The role offers mentorship from engineers and technicians and serves as a stepping stone to staff engineering positions.

The position accommodates seasonal, part‑time, or full‑time scheduling based on experience and availability, with potential growth into an Assistant Lab Manager role for high‑performers.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• 0–4 years of field and/or lab technician experience.
• Proficiency in algebra and mathematics.
• Ability to earn certifications in soils, concrete, and asphalt testing (WAQTC, ACI, NICET).
• Excellent writing, organizational, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Perform laboratory testing on soil and rock.
• Use and maintain testing equipment.
• Process test data using computer software.
• Communicate test progress and present test results.
• Interact with clients, vendors, and staff at all levels.
• Follow QA, health and safety policies.

Skills

Lab testing

Data recording

Mathematics

Communication

Travel readiness

Education

High School Diploma

Tools

MS Word

MS Excel

MS Access

Job description

Description

Shannon & Wilson is an employee‑owned consulting firm headquartered in Seattle, Washington. Committed to technical excellence and high‑quality service, we provide integrated geotechnical engineering, engineering geology, environmental and natural resource services for clients worldwide. Since 1954, we have delivered comprehensive engineering and environmental solutions for the most challenging infrastructure planning, design, permitting and construction conditions.

We are dedicated to improving our communities, preserving the environment and utilizing the most innovative science practices in all our work.

Job Type

Full‑time, Part‑time, Internship

Job Summary

This Lab Technician position offers an exceptional opportunity for a Geotechnical Engineering student to gain hands‑on experience in a professional consulting environment. As part of Shannon & Wilson’s team, the technician will support soil and materials testing, data collection, and reporting—critical components of engineering analysis and design.

The role is designed to provide foundational exposure to field and laboratory practices, with mentorship from experienced engineers and technicians. It serves as a stepping stone for individuals aiming to transition into engineering roles, offering clear pathways for growth into staff engineering and project support positions. Ideal candidates are curious, detail‑oriented, and eager to apply classroom knowledge to real‑world geotechnical challenges.

This role also potentially offers career growth opportunities into a future Assistant Lab Manager role for full‑time candidates if they provide exceptional work with Shannon & Wilson.

This opportunity is a seasonal, part‑time, or full‑time position, based on the candidate’s experience and availability.

Responsibilities

• Perform laboratory testing on soil and rock.
• Use and maintain scientific testing equipment.
• Process test data using computer software.
• Communicate test progress and present test results.
• Interact and communicate with clients, vendors, and staff at all levels.
• Follow Shannon & Wilson’s Quality Assurance policy.
• Follow and promote Shannon & Wilson’s Health and Safety and Loss Prevention policies.
• Perform other duties as assigned by your supervisor, potentially including field testing and operating a nuclear densometer.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• 0 to 4 years of experience as a field and/or lab technician.
• Proficient in mathematics, including Algebra.
• Ability to earn certifications in soils, concrete, and asphalt testing (WAQTC, ACI, and NICET)*.
• Ability to accurately record lab readings, field notes, and sketches to document work.
• Excellent writing, organizational, and communication skills.
• Personable, flexible, and professional demeanor.
• The ability to work independently with the appropriate level of supervision or minimal supervision.
• The willingness and ability to travel to support the needs of other Shannon & Wilson offices.
• A valid driver license and insurable driving record.
• Basic computer skills: MS Word, Excel (required); MS Access (desirable).
• Critical thinking and analysis.
• Frequent sitting, standing, walking, bending, lifting, and carrying 30+ pounds.
• Working in all weather conditions, on uneven terrain.
• The ability to travel (drive or fly) to field sites per project needs and job sites locally and out of state.
• Arrangements and payment for training will be made for the successful applicant after their hire date.

Level Placement

Typically, depending on an applicant’s education, experience, other qualifications they possess, if they are a fit for the company and local office culture, and the current business needs, an Entry‑Level Lab Technician typically would be placed at a Shannon & Wilson Technical Services I or II level.

Benefits

Shannon & Wilson is committed to providing a comprehensive total rewards package that includes the following benefits:

• Employee stock ownership
• Medical, prescription, vision, dental, long‑term care and life insurance plans are offered to employees (and their families).
• Pre‑tax health and daycare FSA
• Profit sharing and 401(k) plans with annual safe‑harbor contributions
• 10–20 paid vacation days per year for full‑time employees, based on years of experience (prorated for part‑time employment)
• Sick leave accrues based on state requirements
• 9 paid holidays per year + 1 personal holiday
• Paid volunteer day
• Paid time off for bereavement and jury duty
• Two weeks of paid parental leave
• Lunch & Live wellness webinars and an Employee Assistance Program
• Mentorship Program
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Free parking

Equal Opportunity Employer

Shannon & Wilson is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

E‑Verify

Shannon & Wilson participates in the E‑Verify program.

Application Notice

Please note that non‑solicited resumes from external recruitment agencies will not be considered as introductions to our business, unless a pre‑approved agreement is in place and the external recruitment agency has been engaged to work on this specific vacancy.