Assistant Lab Supervisor

UES; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

UES in Phoenix, AZ, is seeking an Assistant Laboratory Supervisor to support daily operations of the construction materials testing laboratory, focusing on soils or asphalt testing. Under the Laboratory Supervisor, you will help coordinate lab activities, train technicians, ensure testing follows ASTM, AASHTO, ACI, and ADOT standards, and support quality control.

This role emphasizes lab readiness, safety, and efficiency, with opportunities to contribute to process improvements, data entry,

Qualifications

• Must have strong attention to detail and ability to follow procedures precisely.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills are required.
• Familiarity with lab data systems and basic Microsoft Office is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Assist daily lab operations, including testing, sample handling, and equipment setup.
• Coordinate supervision of lab technicians and assign workflow.
• Train new technicians on procedures and safety practices.

Skills

Detail oriented

Communication

Teamwork

Independent worker

Education

High school diploma

Associate degree in civil engineering or construction materials

Tools

Excel

Word

Lab data systems

Job description

Overview

At UES, we’re a team of more than 4,000 engineers, scientists, geologists, inspectors, technicians, and drillers united by a shared purpose—to make a meaningful impact in the communities we serve. As a national leader in geotechnical engineering, environmental consulting, and materials testing and inspection, we collaborate on transformative projects across transportation, energy, water, healthcare, and more. Learn more about the benefits of joining Team UES and our core values at careers.teamues.com.

Position Overview

The Assistant Laboratory Supervisor supports the daily operations of the construction materials testing laboratory, with a focus on either soils or asphalt testing. Working under the direction of the Laboratory Supervisor, this role helps coordinate lab activities, assists with technician training, ensures testing is performed in accordance with applicable standards (ASTM, AASHTO, ACI, ADOT), and supports documentation and quality control procedures. The Assistant Supervisor plays a key role in maintaining lab readiness, safety, and efficiency.

Responsibilities

• Assist with daily lab operations, including testing, sample handling, and equipment setup.
• Support the supervision and coordination of lab technicians and workflow assignments.
• Help train new technicians on standard procedures, safety practices, and equipment use.
• Monitor testing accuracy and compliance with applicable testing standards (ASTM, AASHTO, ACI, ADOT).
• Perform laboratory testing of construction materials such as soil, asphalt, and concrete.
• Ensure timely completion of required documentation, logs, and data entry.
• Assist in maintaining lab equipment through routine checks, basic troubleshooting, and reporting maintenance needs.
• Support internal quality control measures and contribute to process improvements.
• Act as a liaison between technicians and the Laboratory Supervisor, reporting issues or delays.
• Reinforce safe work practices and proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
• May provide input on scheduling, inventory tracking, or supply requests as needed.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; associate degree in civil engineering, construction materials, or related field preferred.
• 2–4 years of experience in construction materials testing laboratory.
• ACI Certification in Concrete Strength Testing required; Field Grade I a plus.
• ATTI Certification in either Soils/Aggregate or Asphalt Testing preferred.
• Familiarity with ASTM, AASHTO, and other industry testing standards.
• Basic proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel) and familiarity with lab data systems a plus.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow procedures accurately.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently or as part of a team in a fast‑paced environment.
• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record (if required for occasional sample delivery or pickup).
• Must be physically able to perform sampling and testing duties, including lifting and equipment handling.

Travel Requirements

• This position does not require regular travel as part of its primary responsibilities. However, occasional travel may be required, up to 10%, primarily for off‑site meetings, training sessions, or company events. Travel, when necessary, will be communicated in advance and aligned with business needs.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• Work is primarily conducted in a laboratory environment, with occasional exposure to adjacent operational or industrial areas. Conditions may include:
  • Prolonged exposure to moderate to loud noise levels from lab equipment, ventilation systems, and instrumentation.
  • Routine handling of chemicals, biological samples, and other lab materials, requiring strict adherence to safety protocols.
  • Regular use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as lab coats, gloves, safety goggles, and respiratory protection as needed.
  • Potential exposure to fumes, chemical odors, dust, and temperature fluctuations depending on lab ventilation and activities.
• Physical requirements include:
  • Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs. of lab equipment, containers, or samples as needed.
  • Ability to stand or walk for extended periods while performing experiments or lab procedures.
  • Frequent use of hands and arms for pipetting, instrument calibration, typing, labeling, and material handling.
  • Ability to bend, twist, reach, stoop, kneel, or crouch to access equipment, supplies, or perform tasks at various heights.
  • Ability to communicate clearly in verbal and written form while working in a laboratory team environment.
  • Visual acuity to perform detailed work, including close vision, color differentiation, and the ability to detect fine measurements or anomalies.

EEO Statement

UES is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is proud to recruit the most qualified candidates. Please see our full EEO Statement at the bottom of the page.