Laboratory Manager

Bundaberg Regional Council; Queensland; On-site; AUD 116,000 - 124,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary sacrifice

Leave loading

9-day fortnight

Fitness Passport

Wellbeing program

Professional development

Inclusive culture

Work-life balance

Job summary

Bundaberg Regional Council is seeking a Laboratory Manager to lead the NATA-accredited water laboratory, ensuring accurate, timely testing and regulatory compliance for community water and environmental outcomes. You will manage a team of laboratory technicians and samplers, oversee sampling and analysis programs, and drive continuous improvement in quality and safety.

This hands-on leadership role offers a stable career in a regional Queensland community with attractive remuneration,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Science or similar qualification.
• Experience leading laboratory teams.
• Experience in a NATA-accredited laboratory or similar.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management.
• Commitment to safety and quality standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of laboratory technicians and samplers.
• Oversee sampling and analysis programs for drinking water and environmental testing.
• Ensure high standards of QA and regulatory compliance.
• Support investigations and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Foster a positive, high-performing team culture.

Skills

Leadership

Team coaching

Stakeholder relations

Communication skills

Regulatory compliance

Data integrity

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Science

Job description

$116,316 - $123,556 per annum + super + benefits
Permanent Full-Time
Water Services, Infrastructure Operations and DeliveryBundaberg Region

About Us

At Bundaberg Regional Council, we are dedicated to building a vibrant and sustainable future for our community. We pride ourselves on fostering a supportive and inclusive workplace where individuals from diverse backgrounds and skill sets can thrive. Whether delivering essential services or driving innovative projects, our team is united by a shared commitment to making a meaningful impact. By joining us, you'll become part of an organisation that values your contributions, supports your growth, and empowers you to help shape a better future for everyone.

Uniquely positioned north of Brisbane in Queensland, Australia, the Bundaberg Region is one of Australia's fastest-growing regional cities and the gateway to the Southern Great Barrier Reef. The Bundaberg Region boasts the most equitable climate in Australia and rates fifth in the world alongside Hawaii. Noted for its environmental excellence, pristine waterways, and proximity to the Great Barrier Reef, the Bundaberg Region showcases everything that nature's palette can create.

What We Offer

• An attractive remuneration package with options for salary sacrifice and 17.5% leave loading
• 9-day fortnight roster
• Access to Fitness Passport
• Wellbeing and mental health support programs, including access to our Employee Assistance Program
• Opportunities for professional development training and study assistance to support your career growth
• Thrive in a workplace that prioritises a healthy work-life balance within a supportive and friendly team
• Be part of an inclusive and diverse culture where every team member is valued

Discover more about working at Bundaberg Regional Council and the benefits we offer our employees by clicking here.

About The Opportunity

As Laboratory Manager, you will lead Council's NATA-accredited water laboratory, ensuring accurate, timely and compliant testing that supports safe water and environmental outcomes for the community. You'll lead a skilled team of laboratory technicians and samplers, oversee sampling and analysis programs, and maintain high standards in quality assurance and regulatory compliance. This is a hands‑on leadership role where you will provide technical expertise, support investigations, drive continuous improvement initiatives, and foster a positive, high‑performing team culture. Your work will directly support essential water services across the Bundaberg Region.

This is an excellent opportunity for a laboratory professional seeking a stable leadership role and the benefits of living and working in one of Queensland's premier regional communities.

About You

• Strong leadership experience, with the ability to lead, coach, and develop a team of laboratory technicians and field samplers while fostering a positive and collaborative workplace culture.
• Demonstrated experience working in a NATA-accredited laboratory, ideally within water services or a similar field.
• Highly organised, with the ability to manage laboratory programs, data integrity and reporting to regulatory standards.
• Excellent communication skills and can build strong relationships with stakeholders.
• Hold a Bachelor's Degree of Science, or similar relevant qualification and are committed to maintaining high safety and quality standards

To view the Position Description for this role, please click here.

The Selection Process

We encourage candidates to advise us of any accommodations they may need to ensure a smooth and inclusive experience throughout our recruitment process and work environment. We are passionate about providing equal employment opportunities and encourage people of all backgrounds to apply.

We celebrate our community's rich diversity and are committed