In 1904, Skinner studied botany and physical chemistry at the University of California. That summer, he worked as a chemist at the University of Arizona School of Mines. Following that, he took a job as a food inspection chemist with the Bureau of Chemistry of the United States Department of Agriculture, where he worked until 1908. Skinner then became the chief of the bureau's Water Laboratory. In 1911, the Maryland Agriculture College awarded him an honorary M.S. degree. As of 1914, Skinner was living in Kensington, Maryland and continuing his work as the chief of the Water Laboratory.