Laboratory Technician - Geotechnical & Materials Testing

Texas Research Institute Austin, Inc.; Anaheim (CA); Hybrid; USD 30,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

TRI Environmental California, a division of Texas Research International, is seeking an entry-level Laboratory Technician to assist with soil and geosynthetic testing under supervision. You will receive, prepare samples, and perform basic tests to support ongoing projects in a quality-driven lab.

You will calibrate equipment, record data in Excel, and help ensure QA and safety compliance in a fast-paced lab environment.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum of 1 year of work-related lab experience or in construction materials testing.
• Experience with environmental projects or geosynthetic materials is a plus.
• Ability to lift up to 60 pounds and handle small, delicate samples.

Responsibilities

• Assist in logging, labeling, and organizing incoming samples.
• Prepare soil and geosynthetic specimens for testing and calibration.
• Set up and conduct tests following procedures and document results in Excel.

Skills

Mechanical Aptitude

Microsoft Excel

Technical Reading

Communication & Focus

Education

High School Diploma / GED

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Description

TRI Environmental-California (Precision Geosynthetic Laboratories, a division of Texas Research International) is an independent, third-party laboratory providing specialized testing, research, and certification services across five continents. With over 88 years of collective experience, the company serves the geosynthetic, geotechnical, plastic pipe, protective glove, and technical textile industries.

Key responsibilities

Testing & Specimen Preparation

• Sample Receipt: Assist in the logging, labeling, and organization of incoming samples.
• Sample Preparation: Prepare incoming soil and geosynthetic material specimens for conformance or direct shear testing, including manual specimen cutting specimens and manual soil compaction.
• Test Execution: Set up and conduct physical and mechanical tests according to exact technical procedures, adjusting parameters like normal stress, shearing rates, and environmental conditions.
• Material Analysis: Perform routine quality control tests on incoming material samples, comparing live data against industry norms and standards to assist in interpreting results.

Equipment Operations & Maintenance

• Machinery Calibration: Set up, verify, and assist in calibrating universal testing and direct shear testing machines as well as other instrumentation, and control equipment.
• Routine Maintenance: Clean, service, and maintain laboratory equipment to ensure high reliability and minimal operational downtime.
• Troubleshooting: Rapidly identify, diagnose, and resolve basic equipment malfunctions or software discrepancies that arise during testing.

Data Tracking, Compliance & Administration

• Data Recording: Maintain accurate and organized test records, lab reports, and data entries. Monitor and accurately log shear force, vertical displacement, and horizontal displacement at specified intervals throughout the testing process.
• Documentation & Reporting: Compile clear, concise records of test methods, observations, and final data outputs in Microsoft Excel.
• Quality & Safety Compliance: Maintain a highly organized workspace and strictly adhere to all company QA policies, safety guidelines, and standard operating procedures.
• Team Collaboration: Assist the Laboratory or R&D Supervisor and project manager with shifting testing requirements, escalate data discrepancies immediately, and provide administrative support for lab supply procurement.

Salary Description

$22-$26 per hour (DOE)

NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE

Requirements

Education & Experience

• Minimum Education: High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent secondary education.
• Professional Experience: Minimum of 1 year of work-related experience in a laboratory, construction materials testing (CMT), geotechnical engineering, or a similar mechanical field.
• Industry Advantage: Prior experience with environmental projects or physical/mechanical testing of Geosynthetic materials and in-plant sampling as well as familiarity with ASTM, ISO , and other relevant industry standards.is a strong plus.

Technical Skills & Abilities

• Mechanical Aptitude: Strong ability to confidently use hand tools, troubleshoot machinery, and understand basic machine mechanics.
• Software & Computation: Proficiency with standard computer applications, specifically Microsoft Excel, and the ability to perform basic mathematical calculations.
• Technical Reading: Ability to read, comprehend, and strictly follow packaged instructions, safety guidelines, and complex technical testing specifications.
• Communication & Focus: High level of commitment to quality control and attention to detail for exact measurements and record-keeping, alongside effective verbal and written communication skills for team collaboration and reporting.

Physical Requirements

• Heavy Lifting: Ability to repeatedly lift, carry, and manipulate material and soil samples weighing up to 60 pounds.
• Manual Dexterity: Fine motor skills and hand dexterity required to carefully handle small, delicate samples and precise lab instrumentation.
• Stamina & Endurance: Physical stamina to stand for long shifts, work on your feet, or remain at a dedicated testing workstation for extended periods.

Culture & Professional Alignment

• Commitment to personal and professional development within a collaborative, values-driven team.
• Deep responsibility for accuracy, data integrity, and strict alignment with company safety and QA policies.

Salary Description

$22-$26 per hour (DOE)

TRI Environmental California is an Equal Opportunity Employer and devoted to diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or veteran status.