Laboratory Technician
Laboratory Technician - Student Worker
SG-430-25E
Full-Time (Summer 2026)
The Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts (LACSD) is offering internship opportunities for motivated and detail-oriented students interested in gaining hands-on experience in an environmental laboratory setting. Internship placements may be available at the South River Treatment Plant Laboratories, the Organics Group at the Warren Laboratory (Carson, CA), and the Quality Assurance Group at the San Jose Creek Laboratory (Whittier, CA).
Interns will support laboratory staff in the analysis and monitoring of environmental samples, including wastewater, and other hand-on-experience related to laboratory operations, while learning laboratory safety, quality control procedures, and regulatory compliance requirements. These internships provide valuable exposure to real-world laboratory operations within a public agency setting.
These opportunities are ideal for students pursuing coursework or degrees in chemistry, environmental science, or related fields who are interested in applying their academic knowledge in a professional laboratory environment.
Internship Responsibilities
Responsibilities in this role may include, but are not limited to:
Assisting laboratory staff in performing routine chemical analyses on a variety of samples, including wastewater, air, sediments, and other environmental matrices
Preparing standard solutions and reagents in support of analytical methods
Preparing samples for analysis in accordance with established protocols and laboratory safety procedures
Operating and maintaining laboratory equipment and instrumentation under the guidance of experienced staff
Documenting and maintaining accurate records of laboratory procedures, observations, and analytical data
Participating in quality control (QC) and quality assurance (QA) activities to ensure the accuracy, reliability, and defensibility of analytical results
Collaborating with laboratory team members to troubleshoot technical issues and support efficient laboratory workflows
Gaining exposure to analytical chemistry techniques and instrumentation, such as gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS), high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and spectrophotometry
Adhering to all laboratory safety guidelines and practices to maintain a safe working environment
Laboratory-Specific Assignments
Internship duties will vary by laboratory assignment and may include the following:
South River Treatment Plant Laboratories
- Learn and perform wet chemistry testing, sample extraction, and sample collection activities
- Gain hands-on experience with laboratory operations related to permit requirements, The NELAC Institute (TNI) standards, and reference analytical methods
Organics Group – Warren Laboratory
- Learn and perform air chemistry field analysis
- Conduct laboratory instrumental analyses using various gas chromatographs
- Assist with volatile organic compound (VOC) analysis utilizing GC-MS with purge-and-trap technology
Quality Assurance Group – San Jose Creek Laboratory
- Learn and perform laboratory quality assurance–related tasks
- Assist with reviewing and updating performance testing and quality control standards inventory
- Assess laboratory practices and procedures for compliance and efficiency
- Support optimization of the standards lot testing program
- Review and verify quality control result entries for accuracy and completeness
Laboratory-Specific Assignments
Internship duties will vary by laboratory assignment and may include the following:
South River Treatment Plant Laboratory
Perform wet chemistry testing, sample extraction, and sample collection activities
Gain hands-on experience with laboratory operations related to permit requirements, The NELAC Institute (TNI) standards, and reference analytical methods
Organics Section – Warren Laboratory
Perform air chemistry field analysis
Conduct laboratory instrumental analyses using various gas chromatographs
Assist with volatile organic compound (VOC) analysis utilizing GC-MS with purge-and-trap technology
Quality Assurance Laboratory
Learn and perform laboratory quality assurance–related tasks
Assist with reviewing and updating performance testing and quality control standards inventory
Assess laboratory practices and procedures for compliance and efficiency
Support optimization of the standards lot testing program
Review and verify quality control result entries for accuracy and completeness
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Eligibility:
- Maintain student status through summer or fall enrollment at an accredited college or university in a program with a focus on chemistry, environmental science, or a related field;
- Strong interest in analytical chemistry and analytical instrumentation;
- Basic understanding of laboratory techniques and procedures;
- Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks with attention to detail; and
- Possess a valid California Class C driver license (or an equivalent license issued by another U.S. state or territory)
Prior laboratory experience or coursework in organic and analytical chemistry is preferred, but not required.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Application Process:
Only online applications will be accepted. A resume may be submitted but will not be accepted in place of a completed application. Most positions are based in Whittier, with some positions in Carson and Compton. Applications may be accepted until all positions are filled.
The selection process will begin with a review of applications to ensure candidates meet the minimum qualifications. The most qualified candidates will be invited to participate in the selection process.
Interviews are expected to begin in January/February 2026 and will continue periodically until all positions are filled. Notifications of placement are anticipated in March/April.
All recommended candidates must successfully complete a background process, which includes submitting official transcripts, completing a conviction questionnaire, review of DMV records, and a pre-employment drug screening.
If you have questions regarding this position, please contact Shelley Glasman at shelleyglasman@lacsd.org or at 562-908-4288 Ext. 1340.
Class Level- Hourly Rate
Freshman - $21.00
Sophomore - $22.00
Junior - $23.00
Senior - $24.00
Bachelor's Degree Conferred - $25.00
Master's Degree Conferred - $26.00
As an equal opportunity employer, the Districts strongly encourage people with disabilities and people from historically marginalized communities to apply.