Senior Lab Manager

Tetra Tech; Yellowknife; On-site; CAD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits on day one

Hybrid work culture

Overtime 1.5x

Learning and development opportunities

Job summary

Tetra Tech in Yellowknife, NT is seeking a Senior Lab Manager to lead the Yellowknife materials laboratory, oversee QA/QC, and mentor staff across the Northwest Territories and Nunavut.

You will plan testing programs for soils and aggregates, ensure standards are met, and travel to remote project sites as needed. This role requires a Diploma in Civil Engineering Technology and 10+ years in materials testing with CCIL experience preferred.

Qualifications

• Experience leading a materials testing laboratory and staff.
• Strong knowledge of testing procedures for soils, aggregates, concrete.
• Experience with QA/QC programs and laboratory documentation.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day laboratory operations and staffing.
• Plan and coordinate lab and field testing programs for various construction materials.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to staff.
• Review field QA documentation and test results for accuracy.

Skills

Lab supervision

Leadership

Communication

Field testing

Quality assurance

Project coordination

Safety awareness

Education

Diploma in Civil Engineering Technology or related discipline

Job description

Tetra Tech is adding a Senior Lab Manager to our Arctic Engineering team based in Yellowknife, NT. The successful candidate must be located in Yellowknife or willing to relocate.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced materials-testing professional to lead laboratory operations, support field programs, oversee quality‑control activities, and provide technical guidance to laboratory and field staff throughout the Northwest Territories and Nunavut.

Why Tetra Tech:

At Tetra Tech, we are Leading with Science™ to solve the world’s most complex challenges. Our industry‑leading experts in engineering and consulting are committed to driving positive change in communities around the world. For over 50 years, we have been at the forefront of innovation and sustainability. Today we stand as a market leader, offering cutting‑edge solutions in water, environment, energy, and international development. Our work has improved more than 500 million lives around the world.

Your Impact:

Join Tetra Tech to make a real difference. Our work leverages cutting‑edge technologies, advanced analytics, and the expertise of world‑class scientists and engineers to create meaningful change around the world. Discover your full potential – join us to advance your career while leaving a lasting legacy.

The salary range for this position is $110,000 - $140,000 per year. Please note that Tetra Tech considers various factors in determining pay, including but not limited to: education, relevant and demonstrated work experience in the role, skills, geographic location, qualifications, certifications, and other competencies relevant to the needs of the business.

As Senior Lab Manager, you will play a key role in overseeing laboratory operations, maintaining high standards of testing and documentation, supporting project delivery, and mentoring technical staff. Your work will contribute to the successful delivery of infrastructure, transportation, mining, and community‑development projects across the North.

Your Role:

• Manage the day-to-day operations of the Yellowknife materials laboratory, including scheduling, staffing, equipment, supplies, and workflow.
• Plan, coordinate, and oversee laboratory and field-testing programs for soils, aggregates, asphalt concrete, and other construction materials.
• Provide technical leadership, training, and mentorship to laboratory and field technologists.
• Review and approve field quality-control documentation, laboratory test results, and technical reports for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with applicable standards.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records, including equipment calibrations, maintenance records, testing documentation, sample tracking, and shipping records.
• Ensure nuclear density gauges and other laboratory equipment are properly maintained, calibrated, stored, transported, and documented.
• Perform and oversee field and laboratory testing of soils, aggregates, and asphalt concrete, including sieve analysis, density testing, and moisture-content testing.
• Oversee the preparation and testing of soil index testing including Proctors, Atterberg limits, grain size analysis, hydrometers, and other index laboratory testing.
• Evaluate and report on the properties and characteristics of tested materials and provide technical input to project teams and clients.
• Coordinate laboratory activities with project managers, engineers, technologists, contractors, and clients.
• Support quality-control and quality‑assurance programs and ensure testing is completed in accordance with project requirements, applicable standards, and regulatory expectations.
• Assist with estimating, scheduling, resourcing, and planning for laboratory and field-testing programs.
• Participate in drilling and geotechnical investigation projects throughout the Northwest Territories and Nunavut.
• Travel to remote project locations and work in field environments away from headquarters, potentially for extended periods.
• Conduct activities in line with internal procedures, legislation, and industry standards.
• Pursue continuous professional development and maintain a high degree of discipline knowledge and awareness.
• Work in a safe manner at all times and report all health and safety incidents and concerns.
• Additional duties as required.

Qualifications:

• Diploma in Civil Engineering Technology, Civil Engineering, Materials Testing, or a related discipline.
• A minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in materials testing, laboratory operations, and field quality control.
• Previous experience managing or supervising a materials laboratory is required.
• Strong knowledge of laboratory and field-testing procedures for soils, aggregates, concrete, and related construction materials.
• Experience with quality-control and quality‑assurance programs, technical documentation, equipment calibration, and laboratory recordkeeping.
• Keeping the laboratory in compliance with CCIL accreditation requirements.
• Experience interpreting test results and reviewing technical reports, testing records, and quality-control documentation.
• Previous experience in an engineering consulting environment is considered an asset.
• Experience working in northern, remote, or challenging field environments is considered an asset.
• Experience coordinating staff, laboratory schedules, project resources, and testing programs.
• Strong leadership, mentoring, and team‑management skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to accurately document sampling, testing, and quality-control information.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, organizational, and decision‑making skills.
• Excellent time‑management skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities with minimal supervision.
• Ability to work collaboratively with engineers, technologists, contractors, clients, and multidisciplinary project teams.
• Valid Class 5 driver’s licence and a current driver’s abstract. Preference will be given to candidates with a clean driving record.
• Willingness and ability to travel and work in remote field settings away from headquarters.
• Ability to work outdoors and perform the physical duties associated with laboratory, field-testing, and drilling activities.
• CSA-approved steel‑toed safety boots are required.

The perks of working at Tetra Tech include (if applicable):

• Comprehensive and market‑competitive benefits, available on day one of employment.
• Overtime is calculated at 1.5 times.
• We have embraced a hybrid culture. We will provide you the tools to work almost anywhere.
• Flexibility and company-wide commitment to work/life balance.
• Collaborative team atmosphere that values the contributions of all employees.
• Learning and development opportunities for ongoing professional growth. Mentorship with world leading experts in your field.

Explore our open positions at https://www.tetratech.com/careers. Follow us on social media to learn more about our people, culture, and opportunities:

LinkedIn: @TetraTechCareersX (Twitter): @TetraTechJobs