Laboratory Supervisor I

About the Company

Raba Kistner, Inc. is a premier engineering consulting and program management firm. Our purpose is to build a better and more sustainable world for our employees, their families, our clients, and the communities we serve. Our core values are:

• Community – “We care for our communities”
• Integrity – “We act with integrity”
• Passion – “We infuse passion into everything we do”
• Quality – “We believe quality comes from a culture of innovation and continuous improvement”
• Growth – “We dedicate ourselves to personal and business growth”

Responsibilities

• Supervise, coordinate, and train laboratory and field construction materials testing technician staff.
• Direct crews in the field and provide accurate logging of samples and tests, and documentation of other pertinent data.
• Assist with site coordination of testing services on the construction site.
• Conduct and supervise plant inspections and laboratory testing, as required.
• Display samples for viewing, organize samples, check and verify all calculations, evaluate test data, perform statistical analysis on data sets, and prepare run charts.
• Report data under the Direct Report’s supervision in accordance with established procedures.
• Coordinate individual assignments for laboratory and field technicians; may serve as dispatcher for daily assignments.
• Assist with preparation and processing of reports as well as other administrative duties.
• Perform Operational Walk Through and Competency Testing.
• Check time records of technicians daily for accuracy and approve.
• Perform or oversee routine maintenance of laboratory inspection equipment, including calibration and proper documentation of all applicable equipment.
• Recommend equipment for procurement.
• Conduct performance reviews of assigned technicians.
• Provide training and instructional guidance to field and laboratory technicians.
• Review project plans and specifications to prepare testing scope.
• Support management to settle disputes or defend against litigation as requested.
• Ensure safe utilization, storage, and maintenance of all documents and tools.
• Safe usage and maintenance of company vehicle and laboratory/testing equipment within company policy.
• Carry out assigned duties in accordance with established procedures, meeting directed priorities and deadlines.
• Monitor professional practice updates, including Quality Standards and American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) protocols.
• Track project budgets for assigned area.
• Record number of billable tests, prepare Alpha Sheets where required, and track direct expenses.
• Carry out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws, including interviewing, hiring, training employees, planning, assigning, and directing work, appraising performance, rewarding and disciplining employees, and addressing complaints and resolving problems.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High School Diploma, G.E.D., or High School Equivalency certificate required.
• Minimum of 8 years of related experience with designated area of laboratory testing.
• Minimum of 7-11 months of related management experience.
• Completion of Troxler Manufacturing or equivalent radiation safety course to utilize nuclear gauges, ACI Field Testing Technician Grade 1, ACI Concrete Strength Testing, and ACI Aggregate Testing are preferred. Otherwise, successful applicants may be required to attain these certifications/trainings after employment.
• Possess a valid driver’s license within the applicable jurisdiction and meet company’s auto insurability requirements.
• Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and policy/procedure manuals.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.
• Good oral and written communication skills; ability to read and understand procedures, specifications, instructions, labels, reports, etc.
• Considerable knowledge of techniques used to lead others and analyze test results.
• Knowledge of basic math and science to analyze lab results.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The following physical activities are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions and expectations.

• Regularly required to sit, stand, walk, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, stop, and talk.
• Frequently required to lift up to 70 pounds, including sample containers and equipment.
• Daily required to use hands and reach with hands and arms.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, far vision, color vision, peripheral vision, focus vision, and depth vision.

The work environment for this position includes:

• Potential exposure to movement of heavy equipment on construction or roadway sites.
• Potential exposure to hazardous/dangerous chemicals and solvents, noise, dust, fumes, grease and oils, radiant and electrical energy, and vibration.
• Regular use of non-complex machines, tools, and equipment; must also possess the dexterity to utilize delicate and small laboratory equipment.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.
• May require protracted or irregular hours; flexibility to work irregular hours is necessary due to client needs.
• Work may require out-of-town/overnight travel to Raba Kistner offices, client offices, and project locations.