Soil Laboratory Lead or Supervisor (Mid-Level)

Shannon & Wilson, Inc.; St. Louis (MO); On-site; USD 75,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee stock ownership

Health insurance

Paid time off

Tuition reimbursement

Profit sharing with 401(k)

Job summary

Shannon & Wilson, Inc. seeks an experienced soil laboratory lead/supervisor to join the St. Louis team. The role focuses on coordinating workflow, providing technical guidance, and overseeing testing operations. Candidates should have strong supervision skills and hands-on lab experience.

The position offers opportunity to advance into senior technical and supervisory roles with emphasis on safety, quality, and client service.

Qualifications

• 5+ years geotechnical soils, construction materials, or lab testing experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform and oversee geotechnical soils lab testing (gradations, Atterberg limits, compaction, swell, consolidation, triaxial strength, direct shear).
• Coordinate and prioritize incoming laboratory work based on project needs.
• Monitor testing progress and communicate scheduling, capacity, and issues to teams.
• Review lab work and documentation for accuracy and compliance.
• Troubleshoot testing procedures, results, and equipment.
• Provide technical guidance and training to staff.
• Support accreditation, QA/QC activities and calibration.
• Coordinate equipment maintenance and calibration needs.
• Communicate with engineers, geologists, PMs, clients, vendors and staff.
• Promote a safe, organized, and efficient lab environment.

Skills

Geotechnical soils testing

Laboratory supervision

Project prioritization

Technical training

Education

Bachelor’s or Associate in civil engineering, geology, engineering technology, physical science or related field

Tools

Soil testing equipment

Job description

Description

Shannon & Wilson is an employee-owned consulting firm headquartered in Seattle, Washington. Since 1954, we have provided geotechnical engineering, engineering geology, and environmental and natural resource services for challenging infrastructure projects.

We are committed to technical excellence, high-quality service, innovation, and work that improves our communities and protects the environment.

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced laboratory professional to join our St. Louis team. This position may be filled as a Soil Laboratory Lead or Soil Laboratory Supervisor depending on the selected candidate’s experience, technical expertise, and demonstrated supervisory capabilities.

At the Lead level, the position will serve as a senior technical resource, coordinate laboratory workflow and testing priorities, and provide technical guidance and training to laboratory staff.

At the Supervisor level, the position will have these responsibilities plus directly supervising laboratory staff; providing performance feedback and employee development; and supporting hiring, onboarding, and performance management.

Responsibilities

• Perform and oversee geotechnical soils laboratory testing, including gradations, Atterberg limits, compaction, swell, consolidation, triaxial strength, and direct shear testing, among others.
• Coordinate and prioritize incoming laboratory work based on project requirements, workload, and deadlines.
• Monitor testing progress and communicate scheduling, capacity, and technical issues to project teams.
• Review laboratory work and testing documentation for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with applicable standards and procedures.
• Troubleshoot testing procedures, results, and equipment issues.
• Provide technical guidance and training to laboratory staff.
• Support laboratory accreditation, quality assurance and quality control requirements.
• Coordinate equipment calibration, maintenance, and repair needs.
• Communicate effectively with engineers, geologists, project managers, clients, vendors, and laboratory staff.
• Promote a safe, organized, and efficient laboratory environment.
• Follow and promote Shannon & Wilson’s Quality Assurance, Health and Safety, and Loss Prevention policies.
• Other duties as assigned

Additional Responsibilities at the Supervisor Level

• Directly supervise laboratory staff and oversee day-to-day work assignments.
• Train, coach, and develop employees and provide ongoing performance feedback.
• Participate in hiring, onboarding, performance management, and other supervisory activities.
• May support Office Manager in meeting profitability goals by promoting direct laboratory sales to third party clients.
• Monitor staffing, workload, equipment, and other laboratory resources to meet project needs.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required; associate or bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, Geology, engineering technology, physical science, or a related technical field preferred.
• 5+ years of relevant geotechnical soils, construction materials, or laboratory testing experience preferred.
• Demonstrated experience performing geotechnical soils laboratory testing.
• Strong knowledge of applicable testing procedures, standards, equipment, and laboratory quality practices.
• Strong organizational, communication, technical troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple testing priorities and deadlines.
• Ability to train and provide technical guidance to others.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel and applicable laboratory software.
• Valid driver’s license and insurable driving record.
• Ability and willingness to travel as needed to support project and office needs.
• Applicable industry certifications are preferred.
• Ability to perform hands‑on laboratory work, including frequent sitting, standing, walking, bending, lifting, and carrying 30+ pounds.
• Ability to work in laboratory and, as needed, field environments.
• Ability to travel by vehicle or air to other offices and project locations as needed.

Additional Qualifications for Supervisor Placement

• Previous experience directly supervising laboratory or technical staff preferred.
• Experience providing employee training, coaching, performance feedback, and development.
• Demonstrated ability to oversee laboratory workload, staffing, resources, and priorities.

Level Placement

The selected candidate will be placed at the Soil Laboratory Lead or Soil Laboratory Supervisor level based on relevant experience, technical qualifications, demonstrated leadership or supervisory capabilities, and the responsibilities assigned to the position. Depending on position, the level would be placed at the Technical Services Level III, IV or Senior Technical Services.

Shannon & Wilson is committed to providing a comprehensive total rewards package that includes the following benefits:

• Employee stock ownership
• Medical, prescription, vision, dental, long‑term care and life insurance plans are offered to employees (and their families).
• Pre‑tax health and daycare FSA
• Profit sharing and 401(k) plans with annual safe‑harbor contributions
• 10 - 20 paid vacation days per year for full‑time employees (prorated for part‑time employment) based on years of experience
• Paid Sick and Safe Leave accrues based on your state requirements
• 9 paid holidays per year + 1 personal holiday
• Paid volunteer day
• Paid time off for bereavement and jury duty
• Two weeks of paid parental leave
• Lunch & Live wellness webinars and an Employee Assistance Program
• Mentorship Program
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Free parking

Shannon & Wilson is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Shannon & Wilson participates in the E-Verify program.

Please note that non-solicited resumes from external recruitment agencies will not be considered as introductions to our business, unless a preapproved agreement is in place and the external recruitment agency has been engaged to work on this specific vacancy.