Laboratory Manager

Terracon; Fort Worth (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Terracon in Fort Worth, TX seeks a Lab Manager to coordinate and supervise geotechnical materials testing, including soils, aggregates, concrete and asphalt. You will ensure safety, training, and adherence to Terracon quality protocols while guiding staff and equipment maintenance.

The role involves strategic planning with department leadership, overseeing project timelines, and supporting business development through proper scoping and pricing of laboratory services.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering technology or related field (or 9 years’ related experience in lieu of degree).
• Minimum 5 years’ experience performing lab tests on construction/geotechnical materials.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate or manage the activities of a construction/geotechnical materials laboratory.
• Train, supervise and evaluate laboratory staff.
• Ensure safety, quality and timely testing in accordance with Terracon protocols.
• Oversee maintenance, cleanliness and calibration of lab equipment.
• Assist in proposals, pricing, and proper scoping of laboratory services.
• Ensure adherence to company QMS and Quality program requirements.

Skills

Laboratory management

Safety leadership

Staff training

Proposal scoping

Quality systems

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering technology or related field

Tools

ACI/NICET/DOT certifications

Job description

General Responsibilities:

Responsible for coordinating or managing the activities of a Construction or Geotechnical materials laboratory (testing includes materials such as soils, aggregates, concrete, and asphalt). This includes ensuring that the laboratory testing services are conducted in a safe manner and consistent with company quality protocols, project requirements, and in a timely manner. Oversee or coordinate the training and utilization of laboratory staff. Oversee or coordinate the maintenance and cleanliness of the laboratory and testing equipment.

Essential Roles and Responsibilities:

• Provides supplemental operating policies and procedures unique to the laboratory to ensure that the testing services are accomplished consistent with Terracon’s quality protocol and in an orderly and efficient manner.
• Works with Office Management during preparation of proposals and quotations for laboratory testing services to ensure proper scoping of services, availability of manpower, and appropriate pricing to render a profit.
• Ensures that laboratory personnel are properly trained, supervised and equipped with the necessary tools and equipment to ensure their personal safety in the office and laboratory.
• Directly supervises or monitors laboratory activities to ensure that the work is executed on time and in accordance with the client and project requirements and within company policies, procedures and standards.
• Ensures that laboratory processes and personnel adhere to the requirements of the company Quality program and the Construction Materials Quality Management System (QMS).
• Evaluates the performance of all employees within the laboratory and assists them in their professional development and growth, consistent with company policies and procedures.
• Supervises the efficient utilization of facilities and equipment assigned to the laboratory and makes requests for additional equipment and facilities as needed to meet the client’s demands.
• Oversees calibration and maintenance of the laboratory equipment.
• Oversees the proper organization and appearance of the laboratory area, including keeping the area and equipment clean and uncluttered.
• Provides assistance to the Materials and/or Geotechnical Department Manager, directs the short-range business development activities of laboratory personnel to ensure that adequate fees are available to support the manpower staffing levels.
• Directly supervises the administrative systems of the laboratory to ensure that reports, proposals, and information required to serve the client are properly prepared and reported.
• Ensures that laboratory personnel follow company administrative policies. Examples of such policies include, but are not limited to, time sheets, expense reports and purchase order requirements.
• With the assistance from the Materials and/or Geotechnical Department Manager, plans, recruits, selects and provides training for personnel in the department.
• Assists the Materials and/or Geotechnical Department Manager with the preparation of each annual department business plan.
• May be required to perform construction and geotechnical related laboratory testing based on workload and staffing.
• Develop understanding and be aware of project-related risk. Be familiar with what could go wrong on a project and how to protect the Company. Be familiar with company risk policies.
• Lead safety efforts for team and ensure team follows safety rules and guidelines. Responsible for creating and modeling a safe work environment; demonstrates safety practices. Promote pre-task planning for all projects.
• Promote continuous quality monitoring and improvement on projects. Monitor quality standards and practices. Engage APRs on projects at their onset.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering technology or related field and 5 years’ experience performing laboratory tests on construction and geotechnical materials. Or, in lieu of a degree, a minimum of 9 years’ related experience.
• A valid driver’s license with acceptable violation history may be required.

Required Qualifications:

• Certification by qualified national, regional or state authorities (ACI, NICET, DOT) or in-house certification is required in areas such as concrete, aggregates, soil and rock, or road and paving materials.