Laboratory Assistant Project Manager- Geotechnical

Colliers Engineering & Design; Totowa (NJ); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Colliers Engineering & Design in Totowa, NJ is seeking a Laboratory Assistant Project Manager to lead day-to-day geotechnical and Construction Materials testing operations. You will supervise staff, manage testing programs, ensure safety and quality, and coordinate multiple projects with clients and internal teams.

You will partner with the Laboratory Manager to optimize workflows, mentor junior staff, and maintain accurate reporting while supporting a growing, collaborative lab environment.

Qualifications

• BA/BS in Civil Engineering or equivalent experience.
• Geotechnical field experience preferred.
• Master’s degree preferred but not required.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred but not required.
• 5+ years geotechnical lab/engineering experience.
• ACI Aggregate Base Testing Technician and NICET certifications preferred; acquire within 1 year if not possessed.
• MS Excel and Word.
• Geosystems experience.
• Ability to read, write and understand English.

Responsibilities

• Assist with efficient daily and long-term management of Geotechnical and Construction Materials testing operations.
• Supervise lab staff, training, equipment maintenance, QA, safety and productivity.
• Manage multiple projects including budget control, staffing, testing and lookahead coordination.
• Generate, calculate and compile laboratory testing reports and issue to clients.
• Assist in workload planning and identify bottlenecks to ensure efficient operations.
• Help with lab safety, SOPs, and proper handling of specimens and chemicals.

Skills

MS Excel

Project coordination

Team leadership

Communication

Education

BA/BS in Civil Engineering

Master’s degree

Tools

Geosystems

Job description

Overview

Colliers Engineering & Design is seeking a Laboratory Assistant Project Manager to support the day-to-day operations of our high-volume Geotechnical and Construction Materials Testing Laboratory in Totowa, NJ. This role is ideal for a laboratory professional with strong geotechnical testing experience or a geotechnical engineer with experience in using testing data who is ready to take on greater leadership and project management responsibilities. Working alongside the Laboratory Manager, you'll assist with overseeing laboratory operations, manage testing programs, support staff development, coordinate multiple projects, and ensure quality, safety, and efficiency across the lab. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys a mix of technical work, team leadership, problem-solving, and client interaction, while growing their career within a collaborative and expanding team. We are open to considering qualified candidates who are willing to relocate for this opportunity, and relocation assistance may be available for the right candidate.

Responsibilities

• Under the guidance of the Laboratory Manager, assists with efficient daily and long-term management of the Geotechnical and Construction Material.
• Laboratory operations including but not limited to supervising staff working in the lab, training, maintenance of laboratory equipment, quality assurance, safety and productivity of the laboratory.
• Project management of multiple projects including budget control, control costs, staffing, testing and lookahead coordination.
• Manage, oversee, perform testing and submit testing results for rock, advanced, specialized and research testing which consists of the following testing but not limited to triaxial (UC, UU, CU, CD), direct shear, direct simple shear (DSS), cyclic DSS and triaxial, permeability, special mix testing (soil, cement, bentonite, etc.) and rock (slake, uniaxial, triaxial, shear).
• Generate, calculate and compile laboratory testing reports and issue to clients.
• Assist in maintaining and organizing the laboratory workload to meet given deadlines and proactive in assessing bottlenecks in workflows and processes to ensure efficient laboratory operations.
• Experience with MS Excel to generate lab testing reports is essential.
• Assist with entering lab units and billing information.
• Assist with overseeing and providing training for existing and entry-level staff and maintains training documentation to ensure that all testing methods are performed in a safe and reliable manner.
• Assist with internal and external communication with outside clients and CED staff.
• Mechanically inclined to help with equipment trouble shooting and repairs is prefered.
• Assist with ensuring that lab is clean, organized and adequately stocked including but not limited to supply inventory, labeling and record keeping procedures.
• Assist with overseeing lab safety and lab SOP (standard operating procedures) including but not limited to proper specimen and chemical handling, disposal and storage processes and procedures.
• Communicating effectively and efficiently with contractors, clients and team members.
• Work Environment may include moderate to loud noise, dusty conditions, and require standing for extensive periods of time. Occasionally lifting and carrying objects weighing up to 40 lbs. Requires corrected vision, color perception and hearing to normal range.
• Weekend and overtime work is required as needed based on laboratory workload; some limited overnight and interstate travel may be required with this position.
• Performs other work-related duties as assigned. The omission of specific responsibilities does not preclude the laboratory manager from assigning duties that are logically related to the position.

Qualifications

• BA/BS in a related discipline (BS in civil engineering preferred) or equivalent experience.
• Experience in the Geotechnical Engineering field is preferred.
• Master’s degree or higher in a relevant area is preferred but not required.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license is preferred but not required.
• 5+ years’ experience in geotechnical laboratory experience or geotechnical engineering.
• ACI Aggregate Base Testing Technician and NICET certifications are preferred. If you do not have the required certifications you will need to acquire them within 1 year of your start date.
• Experience in soil and rock laboratory work is preferred.
• MS Excel and Word.
• Geosystems experience.
• Ability to read, write and understand English for purposes of comprehending written job-related communications and verbal instructions and interactions.

Compensation: $65,000 to $90,000 annually (depending on qualifications)

What We Offer

At Colliers Engineering & Design, our people are our most important resource. That’s why we are committed to providing all our employees with a safe, comfortable work environment, potential for career advancement, and the ability to impact society through their projects as well as Company sponsored activities.

This dedication begins with supporting a work life balance through a generous compensation package that includes: company paid medical, dental, and vision coverage; paid pregnancy disability leave; short- and long-term disability insurance; life insurance; a company-matched 401(k)/Roth; paid time off that includes parental and military leave; employee referral and professional license bonuses and a straight time policy that compensates exempt employees for billable hours worked in excess of 40 billable hours within a work week.

We have also created an internal culture that provides the resources and technology needed to encourage personal and professional growth opportunities through reimbursement for education; a free in-house resource for hundreds of educational and self-enrichment courses; mentorship program; wellness program; Women’s Organization and ongoing philanthropic opportunities.