Environmental Laboratory Group Leader

Onterris; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Onterris is seeking a Group Leader for our Environmental Lab in Richmond, VA. You will oversee a skilled team, ensuring accurate and timely analysis of client samples. Responsibilities include supervising staff, maintaining instrumentation, and ensuring quality control.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biology, or Environmental Science, alongside at least 3-4 years of relevant lab experience. A commitment to safety and operational excellence is essential.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3-4 years laboratory experience required in a commercial production laboratory.
• Ability to communicate and facilitate priorities effectively.
• Experience with EPA Methods 200.7, 200.8, 6020B, and 6010D preferred.

Responsibilities

• Supervise personnel and manage operational efficiency.
• Perform instrument maintenance and troubleshooting.
• Ensure compliance with Onterris Quality Assurance Program.

Skills

Laboratory experience

Communication skills

Conflict resolution skills

Organization skills

Experience with ICP-MS and ICP-OES

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biology, or Environmental Science

Tools

ICP-MS

ICP-OES

Mercury analysis instruments

Job description

A Day in the Life

As a Group Leader in our Environmental Lab in Richmond, VA, you’ll be responsible for equipping and maintain a well‑trained and informed staff to meet the expectations of our clients by efficiently and profitably generating defensible date on time. Our Group Leaders will be an analyst who is responsible for most aspects of an operating team within the lab.

The compensation range for this role is $55,000.00 to $70,000.00, commensurate with experience, skills, and geographic location.

Schedule: Monday - Friday

• Analyze various client‑provided sample matrices for elemental metals using ICPMS, ICP‑OES and CVAA
• Personnel supervision, time management, and operational efficiency
• Conflict resolution and personnel skills development, team building and conflict resolution
• Accurate and timely communication with internal personnel and external clients
• In‑depth data review and approval
• Project scheduling, with a focus on rush sample digestion and analysis
• Perform instrument maintenance and repair
• Troubleshooting and problem solving
• Prepare calibration standards & calibrate instruments
• Maintain inventory of standards & supplies; order replacements as needed
• Development of analytical methods
• Write and assist with updating related SOPs
• Overhead projects designed to improve efficiency of, or accuracy of analyses
• Peer review other analysts’ data packages, data entry, sequences, bench books, etc.
• Comply with Onterris Quality Assurance Program and other policies
• Ensure staff comply with Onterris Health and Safety Plan, in particular a willingness to work with concentrated acids as well as instructing staff on proper handling and safety procedures for those acids.
• Overseeing our smaller off‑site laboratory that occasionally requires 24/7 coverage
• Other duties as assigned

Your Expertise And Skills

• Bachelor degree or higher in Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Science, or equivalent
• Minimum of 3-4 years laboratory experience required, commercial production laboratory
• Group Leaders must be well versed in most of the methods run within their department
• They must have shown the ability to organize, communicate, and facilitate priorities to staff in an effective manner
• They must be able to handle non‑routine samples and be capable of managing an effective workflow in their department (this includes managing man‑hours, machine time and logistics for numerous assays)
• Effectiveness. Positive outcomes & results of communication skills
• Conflict resolution skills: Removes/Breakdown organizational communication barriers
• Assertion Skills-Problem diagnosis, assess corrective action, not blame
• Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously and maintain composure during
• Experience with ICP‑MS, ICP‑OES and mercury analysis instruments and knowledge of EPA Methods 200.7, 200.8, 6020B, and 6010D preferred

Work Environment And Physical Requirements

• Sitting, standing, and walking
• Lifting 50 pounds several times a day
• Overhead lifting of over 20 pounds
• Works in an office environment
• May be exposed to hot and cold environments
• May occasionally work shifts up to 12 hours in duration

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its employment for individuals with disabilities.

We are an equal opportunity employer and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We acknowledge that these experiences and perspectives help to enrich our teams and contribute to our ongoing success. We are committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in our employment for all applicants. For US residents, click here to learn more.