• Entry Level Lab Assistant

    Actalent (Chico, CA)


    Job Title: Lab Assistant

    • Job Description

     

    Join our dynamic team as a Lab Assistant, where your role will involve sampling and collecting environmental samples of drinking water, wastewater, and surface water, as well as agricultural samples of soil, plant tissue, and irrigation waters. In this position, you will receive side-by-side route training in a company vehicle to fully understand daily responsibilities and customer service interactions. Flexibility in scheduling is required to meet customer needs and adapt to environmental factors and market changes.

    Responsibilities

    + Collect environmental samples of drinking water, wastewater, and surface water.

    + Sample agricultural materials including soil, plant tissue, and irrigation waters.

    + Engage with customers ranging from private citizens to government agencies, ensuring a positive and professional service experience.

    + Accurately fill out forms and collect necessary data, obtaining customer signatures as required.

    + Assist in sample receiving, shipping, and customer service.

    + Work independently and as part of a team, adapting to a flexible schedule.

    Essential Skills

    + At least 2 years of customer service experience.

    + Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

    + Punctuality and eagerness to learn.

    + Friendly personality with strong attention to detail.

    + Ability to multi-task and think critically.

    + Must have a clean driving record and be self-motivated.

    + Ability to perform physical activities and lift at least 50 lbs.

     

    Additional Skills & Qualifications

     

    + High School Degree.

    + Experience in material handling, sampling, and working with soil, plant tissue, and irrigation waters.

    + Opportunity to gain lab training without a science degree.

    + Previous experience in a laboratory or similar environment is a plus.

    Work Environment

    Work in a small, in-house team consisting of 3-4 other lab members. Collaborate with field technicians when they bring in samples. Enjoy a family-type atmosphere at a financially stable company that has been serving California's agricultural and environmental sectors since 1925. This is a full-time position with flexible scheduling to accommodate weekly sample pickups and changing market demands. The company has a proud history of longevity, offering a great name to have on a resume. Dress code is casual, and the role involves working both indoors and outdoors.

     

    Job Type & Location

     

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

    Pay and Benefits

    The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $20.00/hr.

     

    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 Chico,CA.

     

    Application Deadline

     

    This position is anticipated to close on Nov 20, 2025.

    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 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

     

    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 due to a disability, please email [email protected] (%[email protected]) for other accommodation options.