Soils Lab Technician

Soils Lab Technician

The Soils Lab Technician prepares and tests soil and geotechnical samples, analyzes and documents results, and supports the accurate and safe operation of a soils laboratory. This role plays a key part in ensuring reliable test data, maintaining laboratory equipment, and upholding safety and quality standards in all soil testing activities.

Responsibilities

• Prepare soil and geotechnical samples for a variety of laboratory tests, following established procedures and protocols.
• Perform soil and geotechnical tests, including soil sampling, soil compaction testing, and sieve analyses, with a strong focus on accuracy and repeatability.
• Record test data thoroughly and accurately, ensuring that all measurements and observations are properly documented.
• Analyze test results to identify trends, verify data quality, and support technical reporting and project needs.
• Prepare clear and concise laboratory reports that summarize methods, findings, and conclusions in a professional format.
• Ensure compliance with all laboratory safety procedures, quality standards, and regulatory guidelines throughout testing activities.
• Maintain laboratory equipment by cleaning, calibrating, and performing routine checks to ensure reliable performance.
• Document laboratory procedures and test methods to support consistency, quality assurance, and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with other laboratory staff to prioritize workloads, meet project deadlines, and support efficient lab operations.
• Keep the laboratory workspace organized and clean to promote safety, efficiency, and high-quality work.

Essential Skills

• Hands-on experience with soil sampling techniques and preparation of soil and geotechnical samples for testing.
• Proficiency in soil compaction testing and related geotechnical laboratory methods.
• Ability to perform sieve tests and sieving procedures accurately, including proper use of soils laboratory equipment.
• At least 1 year of experience in soil testing, working in a laboratory setting, or performing geotechnical work.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy when recording, analyzing, and reporting laboratory data.
• Ability to follow established laboratory procedures, safety protocols, and quality standards consistently.
• Effective written communication skills for preparing clear and professional laboratory reports.
• Basic understanding of laboratory operations and best practices in a soils laboratory environment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor's or associate degree in environmental science, soil science, geoscience, or a closely related field.
• Familiarity with geotechnical concepts and terminology used in soil testing and analysis.
• Organizational skills to manage multiple tests and documentation requirements efficiently.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a laboratory team in a fast-paced, project-driven environment.
• Commitment to continuous learning and improvement in laboratory techniques and geotechnical testing methods.

Work Environment

This position is based in a dedicated soils laboratory and follows a Monday through Friday schedule from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The role requires being on your feet for most of the day while performing tests, handling samples, and working with laboratory equipment. The environment is structured, process-driven, and safety-focused, with an emphasis on accurate data collection, proper use of lab instruments, and maintaining a clean and organized workspace.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Wausau, WI.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $23.00 - $23.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

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 Wausau, WI.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 11, 2026.

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 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

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 process due to a disability, please email View email address on click.appcast.io for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.