Laboratory Supervisor

Terracon Consultants, Inc.; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Terracon Consultants, Inc. in Pittsburgh, PA, is seeking a Laboratory Supervisor for construction and geotechnical materials testing. You will coordinate testing activities, ensure work safety, and uphold Terracon quality protocols while meeting project deadlines.

The role requires a minimum of 3 years’ lab testing experience, a high school diploma, and relevant certifications. You will train staff, supervise equipment maintenance, and support business development efforts within the lab.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum 3 years' experience performing lab tests on construction and geotechnical materials.
• Valid driver's license with acceptable violation history.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate or manage the activities of the laboratory to ensure testing services are safe and timely.
• Oversee training and utilization of laboratory staff.
• Maintain cleanliness and proper operation of laboratory equipment and facilities.
• Oversee calibration and maintenance of laboratory equipment.
• Lead safety initiatives and promote a safe work environment.
• Support department management with proposals, cost estimates and staffing plans.

Skills

Lab testing coordination

Team supervision

Safety compliance

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

ACI certification

NICET certification

DOT certification

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.
• Assists Department Management during preparation of proposals and cost estimates for laboratory testing services to ensure a 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.
• With oversight from Department Management, 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 his or her area and makes requests for additional equipment and facilities as needed to meet the client's demands.
• Oversees calibration and maintenance of the laboratory equipment.
• Ensures the proper organization and appearance of the laboratory area for which he/she is responsible, including keeping the area and equipment clean and uncluttered.
• Provides assistance to the 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 Department Manager, plans, recruits, selects and provides training for personnel in the department.
• Performs construction and geotechnical related laboratory testing.
• 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

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum 3 years' experience performing laboratory tests on construction and geotechnical materials.
• 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.
• Valid driver's license with acceptable violation history.