Geotechnical Lab Manager

About the role

Geotechnical Lab Manager position based in Elko, NV. Sanbell is a multi-disciplinary engineering, community planning, and design firm serving clients throughout the Western United States. An ENR Top 500 firm with 300+ team members and 14 office locations in Montana, Colorado, Nevada, California, Texas, and Washington. Join a network of Cool + Smart + Talented + People (CSTP) and work alongside professionals with diverse technical expertise and extensive industry knowledge. Sanbell offers competitive compensation and excellent benefits for retirement, health care, dental, vacation, and holidays. The Geotechnical Lab Manager supports Sanbell's Nevada geotechnical services by coordinating laboratory operations and providing field inspection and materials testing coverage. Approximately half of the role focuses on laboratory management, with the remainder dedicated to field inspection and testing as project needs arise. Typical work environment includes a mix of laboratory, office, and active construction settings, involving moderate physical activity, outdoor work in varying conditions, and the ability to walk over uneven terrain, climb, bend, stoop, handle materials, and lift/carry up to 50 pounds (with or without reasonable accommodation).

Responsibilities

• Plan and prioritize laboratory workloads so soil, aggregate, concrete, and asphalt samples are logged, tested, reviewed, and completed within required turnaround times.
• Assign and monitor laboratory work, help train technicians, verify that test methods are followed, and review test data for completeness and accuracy.
• Support the maintenance of AASHTO and CCRL accreditations, including quality records, proficiency testing, equipment calibration and maintenance records, assessments, and corrective actions.
• Prepare laboratory reports and supporting documentation for internal review and distribution; maintain organized sample records, test results, and project files.
• Participate in subsurface explorations, including test pits and drilling, and document soil and site conditions using accepted classification and sampling practices.
• Support geotechnical and soils reports by compiling exploration and laboratory data, preparing tables and figures, documenting subsurface conditions, and organizing supporting information for review by the project engineer.
• Provide field coverage as needed for earthwork, utility backfill, roadway, foundation, concrete, asphalt, reinforcing steel, and other materials testing or special inspection assignments within the employee's qualifications and certifications.
• Review plans and specifications, communicate testing or inspection results promptly, maintain detailed daily reports and photographs, and coordinate with contractors, clients, and Sanbell project staff.
• Operate and care for laboratory and field equipment, follow applicable ASTM, AASHTO, ACI, NAQTC, ICC, and project-specific procedures, and support a clean and safe laboratory.
• Assist with project coordination, field and laboratory scheduling, billing backup, client service, and other department needs when requested.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Ability to organize workloads, direct and train laboratory personnel, track multiple samples and deadlines, and communicate priorities clearly.
• Working knowledge of common soil, aggregate, concrete, and asphalt test methods and the ability to interpret plans, specifications, and testing requirements.
• ACI, NAQTC, ICC Special Inspector, radiation safety or nuclear gauge, MSHA, OSHA, and HAZMAT certifications are preferred as applicable.
• The ability to obtain and maintain certifications required for assigned work is required.
• Strong organization, scheduling, technical writing, communication, and computer skills, with close attention to sample tracking, deadlines, and accurate records.
• Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of relevant geotechnical laboratory, construction materials testing, or inspection experience is preferred, including demonstrated proficiency with applicable test methods.
• College coursework, technical training, or a degree in engineering technology, construction technology, geology, or a related field is preferred.
• Previous laboratory coordination or supervisory experience is strongly preferred.

Benefits

• Employer-Paid Medical Insurance
• Employer-Paid Dental and Vision Insurance
• 401(k) with 4% Match
• Paid Holidays and Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Employer-Paid Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Paid Parental Leave Program