Laboratory Manager

UES; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 103,000 - 162,000; Full time

Job summary

A geotechnical engineering firm located in Tucson, AZ is seeking a Laboratory Manager. This role involves managing daily laboratory operations and staff, ensuring compliance with AASHTO accreditation, and coordinating testing processes across various materials. Ideal candidates will have a bachelor's degree in a relevant field and a minimum of 5 years of experience, including supervisory roles. Strong leadership and communication skills are essential. The position involves moderate travel. Competitive salary offered.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience in laboratory geotechnical and construction materials testing.
• At least 2 years in a supervisory or management role.
• Familiarity with geotechnical and construction materials test methods required.

Responsibilities

• Manage daily operations and staff in the testing laboratory.
• Coordinate and schedule laboratory testing assignments.
• Maintain equipment for compliance with AASHTO Accreditation Program requirements.

Skills

Leadership

Communication Skills

Calibrations

ASTM and AASHTO Test Methods

Field and Laboratory Information Management Systems

Education

High school diploma/GED

Bachelor’s degree in relevant field

Tools

Microsoft Office (Word and Excel)

gINT

Geosystems

Job description

Laboratory Manager – UES

Location: Tucson, AZ

Salaried: $103,000.00 - $162,000.00

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.

Position Overview

The Laboratory Manager manages the daily operation and staff in the geotechnical and construction materials testing laboratory (concrete, aggregate, soil, rock, masonry, and asphalt) and is responsible for the coordination and organization of project samples for testing at assigned locations. Additional responsibilities include management of an AASHTO Quality System; maintaining AASHTO and CCRL, and active participation in our internal QA/QC program.

Responsibilities

• Performance or coordination of geotechnical laboratory testing, including classification, compaction, shear, consolidation, swell, hydraulic conductivity, and compressive strength of rock cores
• Performance or coordination of construction materials testing on materials such as flowable fill, aggregate, reinforcing bars, masonry, and asphalt
• Coordination and scheduling of laboratory testing assignments
• Performing and/or coordinating others in timely calibrations and maintenance of field and laboratory equipment to industry codes and standards
• Maintaining documentation of equipment maintenance and calibrations for compliance with AASHTO Accreditation Program requirements, including internal and external audits
• Frequent use of gINT or Geosystems and field and laboratory information management systems for recording and reporting testing results
• Assisting Project Management staff with the review of laboratory testing results and preparation of formal reports
• Business planning related to staffing, salaries, and capital expenditures

Qualifications

• High school diploma/GED required
• Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, geology, natural sciences, construction related field, or other appropriate technical fields highly preferred (in lieu of a degree, work experience and applicable certifications from nationally recognized certification agencies such as NICET, ACI, ICC, etc. will be considered)
• Minimum 5 years combined experience in laboratory geotechnical and construction materials testing; at least 2 years’ experience in a supervisory, management, or leadership role, required
• Familiarity with ASTM and AASHTO test methods specific to geotechnical and construction materials, AASHTO R18 Quality Management System (or comparable quality management system), Experience with Microsoft Office (Word and Excel), geotechnical and material testing equipment, and calibration procedures required
• Demonstrated positive leadership with a good understanding of business metrics, safety policies/procedures
• Good written and oral communication skills required

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• This position primarily operates in a professional office environment, requiring the ability to work at a desk for extended periods while using a computer, phone, and standard office equipment.
• The position involves sitting for extended periods, performing data entry, and engaging in frequent communication via email, phone, and in-person interactions.
• The role involves regular communication with team members, clients, and stakeholders, both in person and through virtual platforms.
• The physical demands of the job may include occasional standing, walking, bending, and lifting of office materials up to 15 pounds.

Travel Requirements

• This position requires moderate travel, approximately up to 40% of the time, in support of business objectives and client engagements.
• Destinations typically include job sites, field locations, or regional offices, where work may be conducted in outdoor or operational environments. Adherence to all company safety protocols and use of PPE is required during travel and on site work.

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.