Laboratory Manager

About the Role

Responsible for coordinating or managing the activities of a Construction or Geotechnical materials laboratory. Testing includes materials such as soils, aggregates, concrete, and asphalt. This includes ensuring that laboratory testing services are conducted safely, consistently with company quality protocols, project requirements, and in a timely manner.

Responsibilities

• Provides supplemental operating policies and procedures unique to the laboratory to ensure testing services align with Terracon’s quality protocol in an orderly and efficient manner.
• Works with Office Management during preparation of proposals and quotations for laboratory testing services to ensure proper scoping of services, availability of manpower, and appropriate pricing to render a profit.
• Ensures laboratory personnel are properly trained, supervised, and equipped with necessary tools and equipment to ensure their personal safety in the office and laboratory.
• Directly supervises or monitors laboratory activities to ensure work is executed on time and in accordance with client and project requirements, as well as company policies, procedures, and standards.
• Ensures laboratory processes and personnel adhere to the company Quality program and the Construction Materials Quality Management System (QMS).
• Evaluates the performance of all employees within the laboratory and assists them in their professional development and growth, consistent with company policies and procedures.
• Supervises the efficient utilization of facilities and equipment assigned to the laboratory and requests additional resources as needed to meet client demands.
• Oversees calibration and maintenance of laboratory equipment.
• Oversees the proper organization and appearance of the laboratory area, including keeping the area and equipment clean and uncluttered.
• Provides assistance to the Materials and/or Geotechnical Department Manager and directs short-range business development activities of laboratory personnel to ensure adequate fees support staffing levels.
• Directly supervises the administrative systems of the laboratory to ensure reports, proposals, and client-required information are properly prepared and reported. Ensures laboratory personnel follow company administrative policies, such as time sheets, expense reports, and purchase order requirements.
• With assistance from the Materials and/or Geotechnical Department Manager, plans, recruits, selects, and provides training for personnel in the department.
• Assists the Materials and/or Geotechnical Department Manager with the preparation of each annual department business plan.
• May perform construction and geotechnical-related laboratory testing based on workload and staffing.
• Develops understanding of project-related risk, including familiarity with potential project issues and company risk policies. Leads safety efforts for the team and ensures adherence to safety rules and guidelines.
• Responsible for creating and modeling a safe work environment and promoting pre-task planning for all projects.
• Promotes continuous quality monitoring and improvement on projects, monitors quality standards and practices, and engages APRs on projects at their onset.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering technology or related field and 5 years’ experience performing laboratory tests on construction and geotechnical materials. Alternatively, a minimum of 9 years’ related experience in lieu of a degree.
• Valid driver’s license with acceptable violation history may be required.

Qualifications

• Certification by qualified national, regional, or state authorities (ACI, NICET, DOT) or in-house certification is required in areas such as concrete, aggregates, soil and rock, or road and paving materials.