Laboratory Technician

California Water Service Group; Commerce (CA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

California Water Service Group in Commerce, CA seeks a Laboratory Technician to support microbiology and chemistry analyses, manage sample kits, and log results in LIMS using Excel.

The role includes QA/QC, data entry, shipping/receiving, and collaboration with chemists and microbiologists. A relevant degree or lab experience is required, with CI participation encouraged.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in microbiology, biology, chemistry or related field with 1 year lab experience, or AA with 2 years lab experience.
• Experience supporting microbiological or chemical analyses is preferred.
• One year in a Laboratory Assistant role is acceptable.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and ship sample kits and labels.
• Log samples in LIMS and manage QA/QC documentation.
• Assist chemists or microbiologists with routine analyses.
• Maintain clean, safe lab areas and stock inventory.

Skills

LIMS

Microsoft Excel

Data entry

QA/QC

Sample shipping

Lab safety

Education

Bachelor's degree in microbiology/biology/chemistry

AA in Chemistry or Biology with lab experience

Tools

LIMS

PeopleSoft

Microsoft Excel

Job description

California Water Service Job Description: California Water Service Group (Cal Water) invites you to build a meaningful career with the third largest publicly traded water utility in the United States. Guided by our mission to be the leading provider of water and wastewater services, we are dedicated to improving the quality of life for the customers, communities, and employees we serve. Our culture is grounded in core values—integrity, quality, service, value, health and safety, respect and collaboration, and corporate citizenship—and is reflected in our recognition as a Top Workplace®, a Great Place to Work®, and a J.D. Power leader in customer satisfaction for multiple years. Join Cal Water and be part of a purpose driven organization where your work makes a lasting impact. Laboratory Technician is the intermediate level in this classification series. Under general guidance from the chemist or microbiologist, Laboratory Technicians in this class perform a variety of tasks. Laboratory Technicians at this level may be required to train/cross-train other laboratory technicians, as required. Laboratory Technicians assist the laboratory with shipping, receiving, data entry, routine analysis, glassware, sample kits, sample preparation, and clean-up. These tasks are conducted under general guidance from the laboratory personnel responsible for the specific laboratory section. Performs other duties of a similar nature and level.

Location: Commerce, CA.

Essential Functions

• Print sample labels, COCs, and sampling instruction sheets
• Review scheduled sample lists, prepare and ship sample kits accordingly
• Ship and receive sample coolers; log samples into LIMS
• Work regularly with computer based applications such as Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), People Soft, Microsoft Excel
• Perform standard QA/QC measures as required; i.e. sign and date forms, fill out log books, etc.
• Prepare standard chemical solutions, reagents, and/or bacteriological media
• May assist microbiologists/chemists in basic analysis
• Receive laboratory shipments from the mailroom and deliver to the intended recipient
• Keep laboratory facilities in a clean and orderly condition
• Clean and prepare glassware for sample collection
• May preserve metal samples per the approved SOP
• May digest metals samples per the approved SOP
• Enter reviewed data and results of analyses into the Laboratory Information Management System
• Neutralize spent samples
• Cross-train other technicians for coverage
• Assists chemists or microbiologists in sample prep
• Participate in Continuous Improvement (CI) activities
• May participate in the Safety Committee
• Maintain lab, hazardous materials and hazardous waste inventory
• Participate in the weekly safety walk
• Receive and store lab shipments
• Perform other related duties as required

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in microbiology, biology, chemistry, or similar field with one year of experience working in a laboratory environment, supporting microbiological or chemical analysis, or AA in Chemistry or Biology related field with two years of experience working in a laboratory environment, supporting microbiological or chemical analysis, or One year of experience as a Laboratory Assistant

Salary Range

• Step 1: $47.41
• Step 2: $49.00 (6 months)
• Step 3: $50.87 (12 months)
• Step 4: $54.81 (24 months)

Deadline to submit resume is Thursday, November 5, 2026.

The Equal Opportunity Policy of the Company is based upon the philosophy that all people should be treated fairly and with dignity. California Water Service, Hawaii Water Service, New Mexico Water Service and Washington Water Service do not discriminate against any applicant or employee because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or any other protected class. The Company makes all employment decisions in a non-discriminatory manner. EOE, VET, DISABILITIES.

California Water Service Group invites you to pursue a career in the water industry with the third largest publicly traded water utility in the United States. Our mission is to be the leading provider of water and wastewater services. We’re committed to improving the quality of life for our customers, communities, stockholders, and employees. To achieve that, we align our hiring strategies with the company’s core values of integrity, service, value, health and safety, respect and collaboration, and corporate citizenship so that we can provide quality, service, and value to all of these groups. Our commitment to our employees is evident, as we have been named a Top Workplace in the Bay Area and designated as a Great Place to Work®, and Cal Water was ranked “Highest in Customer Satisfaction Among Water Utilities in the West” by J.D. Power in its inaugural water utility satisfaction study.