Assistant Lab Manager

ECS Group of Companies; Charlottesville (VA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

ECS Limited in Charlottesville seeks an Assistant Lab Manager to oversee daily laboratory operations, supervise junior staff, and ensure QA/QC compliance. The role includes safety leadership, testing, data interpretation, and coordination with project teams in construction materials testing.

The position emphasizes development through certifications and professional training, with opportunities to participate in business development and client engagement activities.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED is required.
• 3 years of related experience in a laboratory setting.
• Basic certifications per ECS Technician Certification Policy and any advanced certifications needed.

Responsibilities

• Assist Lab Manager in supervising daily lab operations.
• Mentor and train laboratory staff.
• Promote safety practices and PPE usage.
• Coordinate laboratory schedules and workflow.
• Perform laboratory and field testing as needed.
• Interpret test data and prepare reports.
• Support calibration, maintenance, and documentation of equipment.
• Assist with recruiting and staffing efforts with leadership.

Skills

Strong communication

Math skills

Data interpretation

Computer proficiency

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Keylab

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Job description

ECS Limited is offering a unique opportunity for a talented and certified Assistant Lab Manager to join our Charlottesvilleteam. We offer opportunities for professional development with additional incentives as you advance your skills and gain experience. In this role, you will primarily be responsible for the quality control and supervision of junior staff within the construction materials testing (CMT) laboratory to ensure the department’s goals are met.

Responsibilities

• Assists the Lab Manager in supervising daily laboratory operations
• Provides mentorship, training, and guidance to laboratory staff
• Promotes and reinforces safety practices and ensures proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Assists in coordinating laboratory schedules and workflow
• Performs laboratory and field testing as needed
• Interprets test data and prepares reports or summaries
• Supports calibration, maintenance, and documentation of laboratory equipment
• Assists with recruiting and staffing efforts in coordination with leadership
• Maintains inventory of laboratory supplies and equipment
• Ensures laboratory organization and compliance with QA/QC and accreditation requirements
• Supports implementation and compliance with QMS policies and procedures
• Assists in maintaining laboratory certifications and supports staff certification efforts
• Provides support to Project Managers and assists with administrative tasks
• Participates in business development, marketing, and client engagement activities
• Performs other duties as assigned

Career Development

As Your Experience Grows, ECS Will

• Support you in further enhancing your professional skills as a leader.
• Encourage continued participation in internal and external training programs and certification opportunities provided by organizations such as ACI, ASNT, AWS, ICC, NICET, NRCA, RCI, various State DOTs, WACEL, and others, as appropriate.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required
• Basic certifications as per the ECS Technician Certification Policy and any advanced certifications necessary for the work performed
• If managing both the soils and concrete labs, certifications are required for both laboratories.
• 3 years of related experience
• Strong communication and math skills
• Solid understanding of laboratory testing methods and ASTM standards
• Ability to evaluate test results for specification compliance
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in data interpretation and reporting
• Dependable, self-motivated, and responsible work ethic
• Ability to work effectively with clients, peers, and supervisors, as well as independently
• Proficiency with computers, including Microsoft Word and Excel
• Working knowledge of laboratory systems (e.g., Keylab) preferred
• Basic understanding of quality management systems (QMS)
• Ability to lift 75 pounds frequently
• Knowledge of ECS systems and procedures is preferred
• Basic knowledge of Quality Management Systems

Military Qualifications

• The following US Military ranks will qualify for this position IF they also meet the education and certification requirements from the above section titled "Required Qualifications":
• E-5

The expected pay range for this role and location is $20-$25/hour. The final agreed-upon compensation will be determined based on specific location and other individual qualifications.

ECS Group of Companies (ECS) was founded in 1988 with the goal to raise the standards of professional engineering consulting. Today, we are a leader in geotechnical, construction materials, environmental and facilities consulting services. We are employee-owned with more than 3,000 employees in 100+ offices and testing facilities coast to coast. ECS is currently ranked #60 in Engineering News-Record’s Top 500 Design Firms (April 2026), #148 in Engineering News-Record’s Top 200 Environmental Firms (October 2025) and #50 in Zweig Group’s Hot Firm List (May 2025). For additional information about ECS, visit: www.ecslimited.com.

ECS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.