Environmental Project Manager - Laboratories

LE002 Onterris Payroll, LLC; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Onterris is seeking a Project Manager for our Durham, NC laboratory to oversee environmental projects from initiation to reporting. You will coordinate sample workflows, ensure regulatory alignment, and maintain communication with clients and cross-functional teams.

The role requires 3–5+ years in environmental labs or project coordination, a relevant bachelor’s degree, and strong organizational and communication skills. Schedule: Monday–Friday, on-site in Durham.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Chemistry, Biology, or related field preferred.
• 3–5+ years of environmental laboratory or project coordination experience.
• Demonstrated experience managing client projects or accounts preferred.

Responsibilities

• Project Management & Coordination: Manage assigned laboratory projects from sample receipt through final reporting
• Review project scope, schedules, and analytical requirements
• Coordinate workflow between sample receiving, laboratory sections, QA, and reporting teams
• Monitor project progress and turnaround times to ensure deadlines are met
• Identify and resolve project issues or delays proactively
• Maintain accurate project records and documentation in LIMS or related systems
• Client Management: Serve as primary point of contact for assigned clients
• Interpret client requirements and ensure accurate project setup
• Communicate project status, technical questions, and updates
• Address discrepancies, non-conformances, or scope changes
• Support development of strong client relationships and retention
• Technical & Data Oversight: Review chains of custody and sample documentation for accuracy
• Ensure proper analytical test selection and compliance with regulatory requirements
• Coordinate resolution of technical or documentation discrepancies
• Review reports and data packages for completeness prior to release
• Work with QA staff to ensure adherence to accreditation standards
• Operational & Business Support: Assist with quotations, project pricing, or scope clarification as needed
• Track project metrics including timelines and deliverables
• Contribute to process improvement initiatives
• Support training or mentoring of Project Manager Assistants or junior staff
• Quality & Compliance: Ensure adherence to laboratory QA/QC procedures and regulatory standards
• Participate in audits, corrective actions, and continuous improvement efforts
• Maintain awareness of industry standards and regulatory changes

Skills

Org & time management

Multitasking

Communication skills

Problem solving

MS Office & LIMS

Regulatory understanding

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Chemistry, Biology, or related field

Job description

About Us

At Onterris, we build careers grounded in purpose, responsibility and real-world impact. "For Planet and Progress" is our north star that guides everything we do. We believe environmental responsibility and human progress are interconnected, interwoven and international. Our scientists, engineers, field teams, consultants and professionals collaborate across disciplines and geographies, guiding industries and governments, ensuring that communities and environments thrive. When you join us, you’re not just forging a career, you’re joining a movement. A movement for better thinking, smarter solutions and lasting impact. Together, we will advance our way of life and protect the integrity of our environment every step of the way.

A Day in the Life

As a Project Manager in our Durham, NC lab, you’ll be responsible managing environmental laboratory projects from initiation through completion, ensuring client requirements, regulatory standards, and internal quality expectations are met. This role serves as the primary point of contact for clients, overseeing sample workflow, technical coordination, scheduling, and reporting while maintaining strong communication across laboratory departments. The Project Manager drives project efficiency, accuracy, and customer satisfaction while supporting business objectives.

The compensation range for this role is $52,000.00 to $67,500.00, commensurate with experience, skills, and geographic location. Schedule: Monday - Friday

To thrive in this role, you’ll be comfortable taking ownership of the following responsibilities:

• Project Management & Coordination: Manage assigned laboratory projects from sample receipt through final reporting
• Review project scope, schedules, and analytical requirements
• Coordinate workflow between sample receiving, laboratory sections, QA, and reporting teams
• Monitor project progress and turnaround times to ensure deadlines are met
• Identify and resolve project issues or delays proactively
• Maintain accurate project records and documentation in LIMS or related systems
• Client Management: Serve as primary point of contact for assigned clients
• Interpret client requirements and ensure accurate project setup
• Communicate project status, technical questions, and updates
• Address discrepancies, non-conformances, or scope changes
• Support development of strong client relationships and retention
• Technical & Data Oversight: Review chains of custody and sample documentation for accuracy
• Ensure proper analytical test selection and compliance with regulatory requirements
• Coordinate resolution of technical or documentation discrepancies
• Review reports and data packages for completeness prior to release
• Work with QA staff to ensure adherence to accreditation standards
• Operational & Business Support: Assist with quotations, project pricing, or scope clarification as needed
• Track project metrics including timelines and deliverables
• Contribute to process improvement initiatives
• Support training or mentoring of Project Manager Assistants or junior staff
• Quality & Compliance: Ensure adherence to laboratory QA/QC procedures and regulatory standards
• Participate in audits, corrective actions, and continuous improvement efforts
• Maintain awareness of industry standards and regulatory changes

Your Expertise and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Chemistry, Biology, or related field preferred
• 3–5+ years of environmental laboratory or project coordination experience
• Demonstrated experience managing client projects or accounts preferred

Skills & Competencies

• Strong organizational and time-management skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously
• Excellent communication and client relationship skills
• Analytical problem-solving and decision‑making ability
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and LIMS systems
• Understanding of environmental laboratory processes and regulatory frameworks

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

The physical and environmental requirements below reflect what’s typically needed to perform the essential functions of this role safely and effectively. We may provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities, consistent with applicable law, to support performance of the essential functions.

Office and laboratory setting

May involve interaction with environmental samples while following safety protocols

Standard business hours with occasional schedule flexibility based on project demands

Physical Requirements

Ability to sit or stand for extended periods while working at a workstation or sample intake area

Frequent use of hands and fingers for data entry and documentation review

Ability to lift, move, or carry sample coolers or materials up to 30 lbs

Ability to bend, stoop, reach, or twist when accessing files or storage areas

Ability to visually review detailed data and documentation for extended periods

Ability to work in a laboratory environment that may include exposure to odors, noise, or varying temperatures while using required PPE

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 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 more information, visit www.onterris.com.

At Onterris, we take on complex challenges with purpose and momentum, alongside teams that lead with integrity, deliver together, and invest in your growth.

“Working with inspiring coworkers and clients across the globe over the past five years has been incredibly rewarding. Their passion motivates me to improve our client experience and work that I deliver.” - Erin Peck, Emissions Services

“There are not many places where a toxicologist can be boots‑on‑the‑ground at an environmental emergency one day and deep in a human health risk assessment or litigation the next, but this company is one of them, and honestly, that breadth is what makes me love the work. We are a team of scientists with a broad range of talents and experiences who genuinely take the mission to heart, because protecting people and communities from chemical hazards is not abstract here; it is exactly why we show up every day. The culture reflects that shared commitment in the best way: collaborative, rigorous, and truly motivated by the impact we make together.” - Andre Richardson, Consulting

“I knew my position here would be more than just a job. Every day is a new, exciting challenge to solve, and I get to go home knowing that the work I am doing is having a positive impact on the world.” - J Esteves, R&D